LEGACY Summer 2020

BLACK LIVES MATTER | Page 1

LEGACY www.CourageousLady.org

eMagazine

Equal Justice and Opportunity for All

SOLIDARITY

with Herbert H. Thomas, Jr. Ph.D. I Have Something to Say!

WE MUST...

Remembering the Lives of those Lost to Police Brutality

OUTREACH MATTERS Using Your Painful Past to Help Others Conquer

Summer 2020 Issue

Summer 2020 | Page 2

www.CourageousLady.org Dear Courageous Ladies around the World.

This issue of LEGACY took time, so pardon the delay. If you saw the pre-launch cover for this issue, the focus is drastically different. This summer issue reflects what we have witnessed and endured since the pandemic and current issues in our country.

Let me begin by saying, God’s word is absolute truth and provides believers with clear guidelines to teach us that all men are created equal and that we all can be a child of God and receive our full inheritance in heaven, if we believe in his Son. The Bible is our guiding light to help us to live right and serve others regardless of race, age, skin color, sex, ethnicity and nationality. Based on this premise, everyone should experience equal justice and opportunity.

The Word of God is not silent on the inequality that exists around the world and there is nothing that will change God’s mind regarding how we should treat each other. Thus, it is important that we embrace the love of God, respect each other and stand against discrimination and judgement based on the color of a person’s skin. We must believe and stand up and fight for change in our juvenile justice systems, the ongoing health and wealth disparities amongst African Americans, and transform systems to eliminate mass incarceration in this country.

By God’s grace, this issue is filled with articles that focus on the cry of African Americans from all socio-economic statuses in the United States who demand equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity. I challenge you to read each article through the lens of your family and consider what do you need to be prayerful about, what changes do you need to make in your family. How will you use your power to bring about the necessary change that is needed in this country?

Be blessed and enjoy, Dr. Christine

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TABLE OF CONTENTS I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY! EQUAL JUSTICE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL USING YOUR PAINFUL PAST TO HELP OTHERS CONQUER

4-6 9 15-17

REMEMBERING THE LIVES OF THOSE LOST TO POLICE BRUTALITY

18

RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

21

WE MUST...

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SCRIPTURES ON EQUAL JUSTICE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

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SOLIDARITY WITH HERBERT H. THOMAS, JR., PH.D.

24-27

Contributing Author(s) and Photo Usage: Dr. Herbert H. Thomas, Jr. Solidarity Talk and Photo by visuals, Clay Banks, Mike Von and Kari Sullivan on Unsplash and Images by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

LEGACY eMagazine is a quarterly publication created to share the great things the Lord is doing in the lives of women around the world and current issues in the United States. Each issue is designed to feature women and at times men who are in leadership, outreach and entrepreneurship roles that have a voice that should be heard by the masses. LEGACY eMagazine is resource of Courageous Lady used to empower, encourage, edify, embrace and equip women and girls in leadership, entrepreneurship and outreach/service to others.

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I Have Something to SAY! It is 2020, and in less than two months’ people around the world are preparing themselves to vote in person or go to the polls to select the next President of the United States of America. In the midst of former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris going against #45, we are witnessing in our country some of the most egregious and careless acts by our current administration. It is unfortunate that we have endured the ignorance of one person who consistently lies and fails to be transparent and forthright with anybody, yet alone himself. Every day we are alarmed by the news to find out here we go again, more lies and more deceit from #45.

ficers due to police brutality, the increased hate crimes from white supremacists, voter suppression, food shortages and the number of businesses closing, the declining economy and now global warming.

I’m beginning to wonder if you must be an idiot, imbecile, moron, or an infidel to become President of the United States but then, I must correct myself because I don’t believe any prior president has disgraced this nation the way we are witnessing today.

1. Encourage Family and Friends to Stay home.

There are so many people testing the system in place by health officials to stop the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the contradictions that are taking place with #45, the CDC, public officials are definitely sending mixed messages. COVID-19 is real and has taken the lives of over 197,000 individuals and over 6.59 million people have or had the disease.

I understand #45 is going around the U.S. on

As a Christian woman, I am heartbroken by all of the deaths that have occurred because of COVID-19 and the senseless killings by police of-

Yes, we need a new president and I’m prayerful to the good Lord that Mr. Joe Biden and Mrs. Kamala Harris will reign as our country’s new administration from 2021-2024. However, there is so much we can do as a people, regardless of race to make a difference before the end of the year.

As you go through out your day, I ask that you consider the following:

BLACK LIVES MATTER | Page 5 his Republican Campaign but it is shameful to see on the news, crowds of people in attendance at a rally refusing to wear a mask for ridiculous reasons. I say, it is simply pure ignorance, arrogance and pride. We need a leader who can be truthful about COVID-19 and will allow the CDC to be transparent and accountable to the people. I’m sure there are several individuals who thought COVID-19 was a joke and got the disease, and now wish they believed the truth of what the doctors and nurses have been saying and will continue to say about this terrible disease. Care enough about yourself and others by staying home and only going outside unless it is a must. Wear a mask and keep it on. It does not help to wear a mask and place it under your chin, keep it on your face. Wash your hands and keep hand sanitizer in your car or office, if you must go to work. A vaccine is underway but it may take a significant amount of time before everyone in the U.S. will be able to get the vaccination.

Not to mention, the number of people that are skeptical about the quick development of the vaccine. Read, stay current on who has the right vaccine and ask your doctor or healthcare provider a lot of questions before getting the vaccination.

2. Move from Silent Protest to Planning. Black Lives Matter movements are happening all around the country due to senseless deaths by cops. Let us continue in our silent protest with dignity and grace. Let us have a plan of what we want to happen to ensure the protest are not in vain. We need to let our incoming president (prayerfully, Joe Biden) know what we want. We don’t want a nice face, we want change, and we want it now. We should also think about what we can do in our communities to see change on the local level. It is not enough for us to protest but what are we doing in our churches, businesses, and community

groups. We must develop a plan and implement and continue to work the plan and watch the manifestation of change, if we don’t give up. It may take some time but change will be good.

3. VOTE. We must go to the polls and vote or mail in our ballots in a timely manner. Do not allow your city government to cause you to be afraid to show up at the polls. Do not wait to the last minute, make sure you are registered to vote and have the appropriate identification to vote. Make sure everyone in your home votes.

We can’t afford to let #45 back in office. Our lives depend on change and your vote does matter. I don’t care if it is raining cats and dogs, I’m going to the polls and I’m willing to stand in the rain to vote because it matters. Be sure to talk about voting with your family and

Summer 2020 | Page 6 friends. Share the facts about the candidates and vote for the candidate that is most suitable and that is former Vice President, Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris. We need someone in office that is a change-agent and not afraid to work with democrats and republicans to get our country in order and out of the embarrassment with other countries. When it comes to voting, there are some tips or keys that are simple to follow and can have a major impact on your family. They include the following: (1) when individuals in your family turn 18, go ahead and register them to vote; (2) make sure your family is voting in the right district or precinct. Often times people think they are in a certain precinct or district and they are not; (3) be sure your voter registration information matches your government issued id (i.e, driver’s license, state ID, military id); (4) make sure you have your voting dates lined up because each state puts out election dates, so get their early or you may vote absentee; (5) research the candidates to know who you are voting for and find out from the candidates where they stand on key issues that you figure are important or affect you, your family or community and research candidates records, watch debates, visit websites to understand their plan; and (6) be an informed voter, don’t just vote for a candidate just because, your vote does matter and you want to cast your ballot for the right person.

leaders who are transparent and not afraid of being held accountable and live by a standard (the Word of God). Let us pray daily for this nation and let us pray that Christian Leaders around the world who are silent, will open their mouths and pray for change and get out of the four walls of the church and build Partnerships and Alliances for change in the community. Pray that individuals in the church that God is calling to serve in politics will come forth. Pray that Christian Judges, Mayors, District Attorneys, Governors will win the race to serve to bring about change in our judicial system.

5. Use your power. We must use our power to vote to bring about change. Yes, your vote does matter and will be counted at every election. We must use our power to hold the politicians we place in office accountable.

We must engage our youth in the change we want to see. We must use our power to organize community groups to put pressure on the police department. We must flex our economic muscles and support Black businesses and pull our dollars out from businesses that do not support Black people. We must use our power to demonstrate to others that Black Lives Matter.

By Christine C. Thomas, Ph.D.

4. PRAY. We need believers, Bishops, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers around the world to pray for the United States. We need the blessings of the Lord over this country. We need change in our leadership. We need God-fearing individuals on the local, state and national level to represent Christ to others without fear.

We need leaders with a conscious. We need

Photos by Life Matters Sides Imagery, Alexas Fotos, from Pexels

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BLACK VOTES

MATTER

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BLACK DOLLARS

MATTER

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EQUAL JUSTICE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL If you took a Government or Civics class in high school, you may recall the chapter with “Lady Justice.” We were taught in school when you examine “Lady Justice” you will see that she has a blindfold on and you were taught that justice is supposed to be blind. It should not be administered based on your finances, race or social class. It should be impartial and should be fair. Also, you will see that she is holding a scale in her hand and they are balanced. Meaning, equal justice should be for all and not based on one’s economic status, race or political affiliation I’m a mother of two adult daughters, so I’ve never had to feel the pain and agony of having a son pulled over by cops and be interrogated for something they have not done; nor have I had to visit a county jail or prison to see a child. However, I have witnessed on the news and printed publications the countless deaths of African American men, women and children killed by the hands or knees of cops.

A

case that has captured the attention of people around the world is Mr. George Floyd. A man killed by a white police officer, Derek Chauvin.

The officer knelt in Floyd’s neck for over 8 minutes because of an alleged passing of a counterfeit $20 bill. What’s most disturbing is that there were three other cops involved and they did nothing to ensure he was not killed by the

hands of the other cop. George Floyd’s life was shortened by the vicious hands of a cop, a person who took an oath to protect and serve in his city. Not to abuse his authority and power and take the life of another person.

Today, we are witnessing a surge of advocacy for social justice and non-violent civil protest around the United States to remember the lives of people involved in police brutality. I would encourage each of us to make sure we, our husbands, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandmothers, grandfathers, god-children and close family friends, stay aware, safe and connected.

1. Stay Aware. It is imperative that we know our rights and what is required of us or people we know, if we are stopped by police officers. We understand that all cops are not seeking to kill African Americans, or seek to abuse their power and authority as officers of the law. However, we must be knowledgeable. As the young people we say, we must “stay woke.”

2. Stay Safe. The standard responses from court cases of police brutality are revealing that police officers- will do one of or all three things to justify their behavior. In order for you to stay safe, you must know and be aware of these things if you should be stopped or pulled over by the cops: (1) you fit the description of a suspect; (2) I thought they had a weapon; or (3) they feared for their life.

3. Stay Connected: Resources and tools are available on the internet to keep you abreast of your rights and the laws changing in your city and state. Please visit the following ACLU link and be sure to share with others. https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/ stopped-by-police By: Christine C. Thomas, Ph.D.

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Courageo

cou·ra·ge /kəˈrājəs

A Courageous Lady is fearless. She is no beautiful and brilliant. When you are in t will experience a woman who knows who passion and does it with confidence. Sh about her. She walks boldly in his promis setbacks, a Courageous Lady knows how

#courage

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ous Lady

eous la·dy s/ /ˈlādē/

ot deterred by danger or pain. She is bold, the presence of a Courageous Lady, you she is, and she pursues her purpose with he believes God’s word and what it says ses. When confronted with obstacles and w to “stay the course.”

eouslady

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Courageous Lady

Available Now...

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Book & Workbook

. $30.00 for Both

Dr. Christine C. Thomas, Minister Author, Entrepreneur, and Higher Education Administrator

www.CourageousLady.org

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Kuntrell O. Jackson National Speaker and Advocate for Prison ReformWebsite: Website: www.KuntrellJackson.com YouTube Video: “A Face to the Case” https://youtu.be/N7ERb5gOWa0 IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10883073/

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Using Your Painful Past to Help Others Conquer It was a hot summer day on Wednesday, August, 15, 2018 and the fall term was opening for all students at Alabama State University (ASU). An invite from the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management was soliciting the support of campus administrators to distribute cold bottles of water and breakfast juices to new and returning students. The purpose of this initiative was to assist students with getting to the right building and sharing a cool drink on a hot summer morning.

In our quest to continue our distribution of refreshing cold drinks, led to my meeting a vibrant, carefree and ambitious young man who was on a journey to completing his fall term as a theatre major at ASU. I met Mr. Kuntrell Jackson. He made me chuckle as I asked if he was interested in water or a juice. He said, “nah man. I don’t want no drink. I’m good.” There was something about Mr. Jackson that I could not pin point but I found myself saying, if you ever need anything, please feel free to stop by my office. To my surprise, he stopped by my office three times after meeting him and I was finally available to connect and learn more about this student.

I had some time to chat, so I started asking him questions. The first was, what’s your story? There is something about you that’s different. He initially said, I will tell you next time but he moved on to say, type

in your computer, Kuntrell Jackson. Before I was able to type Jackson, his name appeared. I hit entered and learned about Mr. Jackson and what happened to him over 17 years ago.

I was surprised and speechless to learn that this young man was given a sentence to die in prison and by the grace of God, his sentence was reduced because of God and the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) fighting for his freedom. He was released for a crime he did not commit. When I learned this, I was compelled to continue my pursuit in learning more about Mr. Jackson.

It was his life story to further confirm, that we should never judge a person by their outward appearance.

We don’t know the story of the person, nor the hand they were dealt in life and what they had to do to survive in a cruel world. I’m please to know Mr. Kuntrell Jackson who is the best-selling author of Through All the PAIN, I Still Evolved. He is a popular speaker who is using his voice and story to discuss the injustices in this country against young people and what EJI has done to make a difference in his life and thousands of others around this country. Kuntrell is sharing his story and strategies for educating, engaging and empowering young people and parents about mass incarceration.

I have traveled with Mr. Jackson and have witnessed him speak with college students, high school students,

Summer 2020 | Page 16 college administrators, community leaders, judges, mayors and the list goes on. I was pleased to be one of the first individuals to read his book. Through All the PAIN, I Still Evolved Description is a story of a young 14-year-old who was sentenced to die in prison and eventually served time in an adult prison system that forced him to survive the effects of prison violence, poor prison conditions, and acts of injustice. It is a message that illustrates his life-changing experiences with forgiveness, redemption, and hope after prison.

Each chapter of his book allows you to step into his 16 ½ years of prison life behind bars. This straight to the point book is a must read for parents and children, as his story serves as a constant reminder to all that “You must always think before you do something, because it will cost you if you don’t.” On June 25, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a historic ruling in Miller v.

Alabama and Jackson v. Hobbs, holding that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger convicted of homicide are unconstitutional.

His painful past is now being used to share with the young and hold the importance of keeping your faith, maintaining the right network and influences, and fulfilling one’s purpose.

I am pleased to share with you Mr. Kuntrell Jackson.

Visit his website at www.KuntrellJackson.com and order a copy of his book.

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Kuntrell Jackson Biography Kuntrell Jackson was born on November 1, 1985 in Blytheville, Arkansas, where he grew up in a public housing community devastated by the prevalence of drugs, guns, and violence. His life was filled with turbulent times, and by the age of 14, Kuntrell found himself involved in a tragic incident surrounding the attempted robbery of a video store. Kuntrell, who initially chose to stay outside of the store, decided to enter just as another boy shot and killed the clerk. His presence at the scene left him tried as an adult and convicted of capital murder, receiving a mandatory life sentence without the chance of parole.

With the involvement of Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), Kuntrell would become one of the plaintiffs in a 2012 case challenging his sentence (Jackson v. Hobbs and Miller v. Alabama). EJI took his case to the Supreme Court and in June 2012, in a divided opinion, the Court issued a historic ruling, holding that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for children are unconstitutional. He was eventually re-sentenced, released, and supported through his

societal re-entry process through EJI’s Post-Release Education & Preparation (PREP) program.

Today, Kuntrell Jackson is a national speaker who shares his experiences and provides awareness to prevent adolescent incarceration. He is on a pursuit of purpose as an advocate who is strategically involved in the fight for prison and sentencing reform. He is an actor and is seen in Just Mercy and Son of the South.

Written by: Christine C. Thomas, Ph.D

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Remembering the Lives of those Lost to Police Brutality Black people have been killed by the hands of police officers for years and the annual statistics are alarming. Thank God for technology. We now have cell phones and social media and courageous bystanders that are recording incidents through live streaming for the entire world to see what is happening to innocent people.

Many hearts are filled with disappointment and sorrow because of the people killed by cops and their family members and what they must be going through. I ask that we all pray and continue to pray until we see change. Let us ask God to expose every cop and every leader that choose to live and hide the truth about every case that we know of or are not aware of at this time.

Lord, we thank you for the lives of every person killed by the hands and knees of cops. Father, I pray that laws change to remove the systemic racism, prejudices and heinous crimes of cops against Black people. Lord, expose every penal system designed to incarcerate, kill and diminish the lives of African American men, women and children. Lord, I thank you for every organization that is birth to bring about change. Send forth protection and resources to sustain them for years and generations to come.

Lord, I thank you for the hearts of people who want to see change and refuse to be silent anymore. Lord, help us to seek your face, give us

wisdom and courage to keep moving forward in your strength and grace. Help us to remember the names of those listed below and those we have no names. Give us hearts to pray without ceasing because all lives matter to you and we know that by your power we shall see change because of the Blood of your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

2020: Daniel T. Prude, 41, George and Breonna Taylor, 26

Floyd,

46,

2019: Matiana Jefferson, 28 2018: Botham Jean, 26 2016: Alton Sterling, 37, Greg Gunn, 58, and Philando Castille, 32, 2015: Freddie Gray, 25, Michelle Cusseaux, 50 and Tanisha Fonville, 20 2014: Akai Gurley, 28, Aura Rosser, 40, Eric Garner, 43, Gabriella Nevarez, 22, Michael Brown, 18, Tamar Rice, 12 and Tanisha Anderson, 37 References: Some of the names listed were extracted from Wiki and the following link: https://interactive. aljazeera.com/aje/2020/know-their-names/index.html

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BLACK

PEOPLE MATTER

s

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BLACK

LEGACY MATTERS

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RESOURCES AND REFERENCES • 13 Organizations Leading the Fight Against Police Brutality: https://www.essence.com/beauty/celebrity-beauty-may-17-may-23/ • Campaign Zero is an initiative to end the power of police unions to stop violence in America: https:// www.joincampaignzero.org/ • ACLU, Fighting Police Abuse: A Community Action Manual: https://www.aclu.org/other/fighting-police-abuse-community-action-manual#gather • ACLU: Know Your Rights, Stopped by the Police://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/stopped-by-police/ • Which Cities Have the Biggest Problems With Police Brutality? https://www.security.org/resources/police-brutality-statistics • Mapping Police Violence: https://mappingpoliceviolence.org • Mapping Police Violence, State Comparison Tool: https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/states • The Counted: tracking people killed by police in the United States (US New | The Guardian): https:// www.theguardian.com/us-news/series/counted-us-police-killings • Here’s how you can support the fight against racial injustice without leaving your home (Petitions and Donation Links): https://www.ksat.com/features/2020/06/04/heres-how-you-can-support-the-fightagainst-racial-injustice-without-leaving-your-home • National Police Accountability (NPAP), Legislative Advocacy, Public Resources, Find an Attorney in Your City: https://www.nlg-npap.org/ • Article: Deaths Due to Use of Lethal Force by Law Enforcement: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC6080222 • Article: What the data say about police brutality and racial bias — and which reforms might work: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01846-z • Article: What the data say about police shootings: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02601-9 • Article: An Empirical Analysis of Racial Differences in Police Use of Force: https://law.yale.edu/sites/default/files/area/workshop/leo/leo16_fryer.pdf • Video: 10 Rules for Dealing with Police (Full-Length): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4nQ_ mFJV4I&feature=youtu.be • Video: The CORRECT Way to Handle a Traffic Stop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVx0NpYbtus&feature=youtu.be

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WE MUST...

We must fight for what is right and provoke our leaders to have laws and policies changed in this country. We must hold them accountable We must vote without excuse. We must see change in this country that benefits all people.

We must stop ignoring the civil unrest and police brutality that is taken place in this country we call America.

We must understand the history of this country’s past and its impact on future. We must educate our families with truth about our past history with truth, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or age. We must share and speak truth about the history of this country with truth and not be silent when we become aware of what happened.

We must deal with the systemic racism, injustices and inequalities African Americans have

and continue to endure. We can’t be silent. Something must be done and quickly.

We must stand for what is right.

We must be the change-agents we want to see.

We must serve our communities selflessly.

We must pray and keep God first, because he sent his Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. Let us pray for social justice reform and opportunity for all. Let us pray that Christian leaders are placed in leadership positions who are bold and not afraid to do what is right and who are courageous to fight for change.

We must start now, we need change and right now.

By: Christine C. Thomas

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Scriptures on Equal Justice and Opportunities for All He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Hebrews 12:14 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12: 31 Rich and poor have this in common.

The LORD is the Maker of them all.

Proverbs 22:2

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SOLIDARITY With

Herbert H. Thomas, Jr., Ph.D. “Truth without Compromise”

We are living in a time where the truth is sugar coated with compromise and an inability to stop the perpetuation of systemic racism that exists in the United States. Inequalities and injustices against a people should not be in a country that says a land of the free.

A country with a Preamble to the U.S. Constitution’s that states “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Every person, man, woman or child regardless of race, color of skin should experience fairness and justice in the United States.

Unfortunately, we live in a time that racism is prevalent and many are bold enough to not hide how they fill about African Americans. I welcome you to the first issue of LEGACY eMagazine’s infusion of Solidarity, which is a straight talk of truth from Dr. Herbert Thomas, Jr. It was birth out of his passion for sharing “truth without compromise” to African Americans and others willing to read, to create awareness, exposure and at times guidance on how to handle history from our past and future. This issue provides you with insight on the systemic racism and white supremacy that is profound in our country, we call the United States of America. It will shed light on eye-opening history that will push you to want to learn more. Before we get started, here are some definitions to distinguish the difference between racism, white supremacy and white privilege.

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What is racism? Racism is defined as prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership

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of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized. Simply put racism is social power combined with legal authority.

What is White supremacy? the belief that white people are superior to those of all other races, especially the black race, and should therefore dominate society.

What is White Privilege? A social and legal system designed to allow one to take advantage of and have the benefit of the doubt, due to their skin color.

Think about it, 40 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence owned slaves, 10 of the first 12 presidents owned slaves, the third stanza of the National Anthem talked about killing slaves and Francis Scott Key owned slaves, and the U.S. currency has pictures of men that were slave owners. When one reads the constitution, it only mentioned the word “slave” once, the 13th amendment. The constitution referred to slaves as “such persons” or “property”, and the constitution allowed for the slave ships to keep going until at least 1808. Slave ownership ended in 1865 but today oppression continued. We see it in magnified forms of white supremacy and political policies. Examine the following “schools of thought” on white supremacy. As you review each thought, critically think about the ways African Americans have been beleaguered in this country, the 400-years of silence and the continued systemic ways of oppression.

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White supremacy is killing a slave for reading or possessing anti-slavery material and still be considered three fifths of a person. The U.S. has military bases named after treasonous traitors from the Civil War. If you walked into the State Capitol of TN. They have (hopefully it has been removed

Summer 2020 | Page 26 by now) a bust of Nathan Bedford Forrest, a known general for the confederacy and many say he was not only a member, but started the KKK. They lie and say the Civil War was over states’ rights and taxation. The states wanted the right to own slaves, so they could continue to pick the cotton and tobacco. The cotton and tobacco was being taxed; therefore, they wanted the slaves to keep doing all the hard work for free. Think about this: They killed American soldiers so they would have the right to continue to enslave people. Lincoln paid slave owners in the D.C. area $300 reparations for each slave (this was considered lost property). After General William Sherman met with some Black pastors in Savannah, GA. in early 1865, he figured the Union was going to win the war. He asked these pastors what could the govt. do to assist them?

They responded by saying getting land and they would till and work with their very own hands and allowing their young men to serve in the military.

They understood the value of owning property and working that property to take care of their families.

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Here’s another example of White supremacy: Lincoln gave away 50 million of acres in the midwest and west to White peasant settlers and 100 million acres to the railroads. However, when Sherman, along with radical Republican Senators Thaddeus Stevens of PA. and Charles Sumner of MA. (who actually got beaten with a cane on the senate floor for given an anti-slavery speech by Preston Brooks, who was from South Carolina) made a recommendation to Lincoln that each Black family receives 40 acres and a mule, Lincoln rejected it. After the assassination of Lincoln, Andrew Johnson also rejected the 40 acres and a mule recommendation.

Conservative economists say if Blacks would have received their 40 acres and a mule, it would equate into today’s dollars of at least 3 trillion dollars in the African American Community.

Then she had the nerve to say if you took offense to her comments you are just too sensitive. White supremacy is when you have public lynching’s with police assistance. They use to send postcards in the mail of Blacks being lynched.

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White Supremacy allowed White soldiers to take advantage of the G.I. Bill, but not Black soldiers.

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White Supremacy allowed Blacks to be legally redlined out of certain neighborhoods.

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White Supremacy legally allowed banks not to loan money to Blacks, even if they met all criteria.

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White supremacy prevented most Blacks from paying into social security for 19 years. FDR had to cut a deal in his “New Deal” that would not allow agriculture and domestic workers the ability to pay into social security. Who do you think had these types of job?

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White Supremacy allowed for schools to remain segregated, even after the Brown v. Board of Education case of 1954.

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White Supremacy allows for the U.S. to have 25% of the world’s incarcerated population, but the U.S. is only 5% of the World’s population.

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White Supremacy allows for Michael Vick to get more time in prison versus all the cops who have killed unarmed Black men and women.

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White Supremacy allows for the unfair gerrymandering of voting districts.

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White Supremacy allows for an outdated voting structure called the electoral college to still remain in place.

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White supremacy is when a guy (Rutherford B. Haynes) loses the popular vote, but cuts a deal with the electoral college to appoint Supreme Court and federal judges, the atty. general, and a promise to remove the federal troops from the south. This allowed the Civil Rights Act of 1875 to be repealed and groups like the KKK to form and states to implement Black Codes.

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White Supremacy is when politicians stand idly by and watch a man deliberately destroy and run amuck of the U.S. Constitution, spew racial rhetoric, lie constantly, roll back laws that protect people from racial discrimination, environmental protection, abuse governmental power, and say absolutely nothing, but will harass and undermined the policies and efforts of a Black President.

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White supremacy is when a White woman named Cindy Hyde-Smith gets elected to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi after making comments of wanting to have a front row seat at a public hanging.

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White Supremacy is conducting intentional voter suppression, the U.S. Supreme Court (unanimous decision with Clarence Thomas) ruled that North Carolina acted in surgical precision to disenfran-

BLACK LIVES MATTER | Page 27 chise Black voters. After the Supreme Court made a ruling in 2013 (Shelby County v. Holder), it left Blacks with less voting protection than they had in 1965. Since 2010, at least 22 states have implemented voter suppression laws.

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White supremacy is when the state of Tennessee is trying to implement a law to prevent people from their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest. They want to arrest and strip you of the right to vote, if you protest. White Supremacy and White privilege is when White terrorist are arrested alive and given immediate medical attention and water. Dylan Roof was arrested for killing 9 Black church members, after sitting one hour with them at a Bible Study. The arresting cops took him to Burger King for a hamburger before taking him to jail. I’m sure this is not in the police protocol manual after you make an arrest of someone who just committed murder.

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White supremacy is how Black criminals and White criminals are described by the media. They use terms for Whites like: “mental issues”, “troubled childhood”, “nobody saw this coming”, and “coming from an unstable home.” These are terms they use to describe Blacks: “thug”, “had violent tendencies”, “prior police record” “gang related”, and “possible drugs involved.”

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White Supremacy is having laws that prevent people from getting certain jobs if they are convicted of a felony. Many states will not allow a person to get a license to be a barber, cosmetologist, plumber, electrician, or even sell insurance if they have been convicted of a felony. They will not let them vote, even after they have paid their debt to society.

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White Supremacy is making the citizens of Washington, D.C. pay taxes without representation in congress or the Senate. That’s why they have on their license plates “Taxation Without Representation.”

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White supremacy is when they intentionally under fund HBCUs.

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White supremacy is when states try to make it illegal to film police while they are on duty, but then not make it mandatory for police officers to wear body cameras or turn them on.

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White supremacy is allowing police to use “Noknock Warrants” to enter people’s houses. They

used this tactic and this is how Breonna Taylor got shot and killed.

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White supremacy is allowing police to hide under “qualified immunity” when they shoot or brutalized someone. The police system was born from the old slave patrols of 1704. The slave patrols were implemented to capture escaped slaves, quell any revolt or uprising, and terrorize and intimidate the slaves by any means necessary. So, when people say the system is stacked against them, please listen to them. There are mountains of evidence to support their claim. The U.S. was never set up for Blacks to thrive and be equal citizens with equal rights.

As you can see, white supremacy is not just a belief that white people are superior to those of all other races, it is systemic racism that is wrapped in ways to keep African Americans from progressing and thriving to live the American dream according to the precepts outlined in the Constitution.

References: • https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution-transcript • h t t p s : / / w w w . g o o g l e . c o m / s e a r c h ? q = d e fine+racism&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS891US891&oq=define+racism&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l7.2926j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 • h t t p s : / / w w w . g o o g l e . c o m / s e a r c h ? q = d e fine+white+supremacy&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS891US891&oq=define+white+supremacy&aqs=chrome..69i57.5045j1j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Biography: Dr. Thomas is an advocate for social justice and equality. He is an avid reader and prolific writer of Black History and Church History. He is a motivational speaker with a storyteller style that captivates audiences through his engaging method of delivery.

His research interest includes: studying African American economics and the role of television and film in the psychological development of the African American community. In addition, Dr. Thomas challenges the conscious of others in regards to racism and voter suppression, through a variety of platforms. He earned his B.S. and M.S. from Alabama State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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Christine C. Thomas, Ph.D. Minister Author, Entrepreneur, and Higher Education Administrator

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Connect with me on LinkedIn for your weekly dose of Christine’s Courageous Quotes at linkedin.com/in/ christine-c-thomas-phd-60365239

Fall Issue of LEGACY eMagazine Available October 25, 2020 Featuring: Leadership Matters with Dr. Tanjula Petty

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Be on your guard; faith; be courageou everything

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stand firm in the us; be strong. Do g in love.

1 Corinthian 16:13-14

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