The time is now to rise above the stigmas and stereotypes

King, Jr. that sadly continues to ring true today.

As I reflect on the harsh conditions many inmates have faced while being incarcerated in Mississippi prisons, I can only wonder how long. I can only imagine the cries for help but soon silenced by death. However, I just can’t seem to imagine the countless fatalities within walls supposedly created to groom and challenge the lives of men for better—not for worse.

Cianna Hope Reeves Former Editor-in-Chief

The following commentary was written in 2020. Please enjoy!

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It is a famed saying by Dr. Martin Luther

When I think about the mass incarceration rates nationwide, yes, it’s mindboggling. America is the only country with the highest imprison rates than any other county, and guess who makes up that population? Black folk.

Black men, to be exact. Black women aren’t leading too far behind.

Where did we go wrong?

What did we ever do? Why us? All of these questions, I ask myself, I ask others and there’s no specific answer.

Statistics say, it’s our economic and social status. I can agree that it is about our environment, but how much of our environment is actually controlled by us black folk?

See, I am a strong believer that a man is a product of his own upbringing. People behave how they were raised—it is all learned behavior. However, we were born powerful. We had everything. Our own land. We were the rulers. We were the handcrafters; we were the hard workers, yet because of our strength in numbers and the power in our minds and hands, it became clear to others how to destroy black mankind— make us suffer.

That suffering was slavery, to lynching and now mass incarceration. Whips to water hoses to chains and prison bars. Each of these practices continued to eat away at our minds, our character, causing us to forget the strength we once had and still have within.

The black communities and businesses that once thrived are only imaginations of what it used to be. The black stories shared today about our gifted lineage, are stories of hope to inspire, and the ill-treatment of prisoners nationwide, specifically in Mississippi, is a constant reminder of the story waiting to be written.

What will we do? How will we ignite change? Well, we have already begun.

They may take away our dignity, they may work hard to take away our pride, but one thing they will not do is silence the voice of the people—the voice of black folk.

To organizing marches at the state capitol, to headlining national news, to rallying with people from across the country, it’s all working. We are working.

The cries of no more have reached the necessary people, as Unit 29 at the state penitentiary in Parchman has been instructed to close down after the death of more than a dozen inmates in January 2020, alone. This is what reclaiming our power looks like. This is what not stepping down looks like. This is the result of consistency. If we continue to use our power, manifest our wants and make it happen, we will rise above.

If we continue to pour wisdom into black boys and girls, direct them on the right path and encourage them to embrace their creativity, we will rise above.

If we continue to fight for our rights, unite during trying times and successful moments, and believe that we were created to conquer, WE WILL RISE ABOVE.

The time is now. Mamba Mentality forever.

The views expressed in the commentary are those of the writer(s) and in no way represent the views of The Blue & White Flash.

“Do you think African-American Studies should be offered at all colleges and universities? Why or Why not?”

James

Ladarrius Brooks Junior Health Care Admin. Memphis, Tenn.

“I feel like it should be taught everywhere. There are a lot of things black people have done that’s not necessarily covered in books for us to understand.”

Tyra’

London, England

“It should be offered everywhere. A lot of our history has been erased so it’s only fair that we get to learn the history of our own culture from our perspective.”

Stephanie Marsh Freshman Accounting Buford, Ga.

“It should be offered everywhere. I want to know where I come from like what tribe and part of Africa I come from.

Kennedi Mason Freshman Sociology Memphis, Tenn.

“It’s imperative to know our history. Other races can at least try to understand or get an idea of the oppression that still goes on today.”

Kayla Stubbs Freshman Biology/Pre-Dental Terry, Miss.

“I feel a lot of blacks don’t know their history. We, especially those at HBCUs, need to have that in school.”

Atlanta, Ga.

“Since I know about African-American studies, I would say other cultures should know about slavery and every other event.”

Apollo Criglar Freshman

Journalism and Media Studies

Kansas City, Mo.

“I think it should because my schools were predominantly white for most of my childhood until my senior year of high school.”

Thamar Scipio Junior Biology/Physical Therapy Los Angeles, Calif.

“The class should be offered everywhere because the country was built by Africans who were then forced to be African-Americans.”

Houston, Texas

Studies

“Everyone should know the history behind black culture. It’s equally as important as other cultures. There are foreign language classes so there can be an AfricanAmerican studies classes.”

Allison King Freshman Biology/Pre-Medicine Memphis, Tenn.

“I believe that no matter what your race or background is, African-American studies can be a vital part of education. Learning our culture gives people a better understanding of who we are.”

Ontario Linson Freshman JournalismandMediaStudies

Silver Springs, Md.

“I feel like everyone should learn it to better their future. It’s inspiring for non-African-Americans to see and hear about people that came before them and also who made a change.”

McKensie Edwards Freshman Business Administration

Jackson, Miss.

“It’s offered here at Jackson State, but we’re not the only school with students, which is why the whole nation should acknowledge our influence.”