From Riots to Rebellion: Race Relations in 2020
BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY Nyat Mulugeta
Growing up, I had the feeling that black people were always suffering. I didn’t understand why, it was something I just couldn’t shake. Whether it was poverty in Africa, or systemic racism in America, it was a feeling that grew over the years. On one specific occasion, I recall watching a biographical film about Malcom X with my dad. I’m not even sure how old I was, but I remember feeling astounded with the way in which Malcom X urged black Americans to protect themselves “by any means necessary.” I didn’t understand the whole “by any means necessary,” thing. Why the violence? Two years ago, I had a sort of identity crisis. I went through a period of introspection and questioning. Who am I? What is my purpose? It was during this probing of my identity I began to understand the concept “by any means necessary.” For generations, people have suffered at the hand of white supremacy and institutionalised racism. Civil rights leaders like Malcom X were ready to incite change. The world just wasn’t on the same page yet. This year’s Black Lives Matter movement couldn’t have come at a better time. As a global community, we have had enough. Whilst the African, Black American and Aboriginal experiences are all different, we all needed this movement to finally be heard and bring about positive change. A lot of opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement is based on the idea that the looting and vandalism are criminal acts. However, not all protesters are looting, a lot of counter-protesters and uninvolved parties are equally responsible for it. The fact that the narrative swiftly moved from civil rights and police brutality to looting and vandalism speaks volumes of the reform that needs to occur. There are a couple of questions I ask myself before engaging in anything; 1. Which side of history do I want to be part of? 2. Do I want to be complicit? I don’t want any more of my brothers and sisters to suffer. I’ve had enough. And now, I’m ready to demand change. By any means necessary.
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