#Baltimore Uprising

A new year, a new struggle.  Last year it was #Ferguson and the year prior it was Trayvon Martin. In between these there have been others Aiyana Davis, Rekia Boyd, Akia Gurley, Eric Garner, 
Walter Scott and the names continue from there.  The name that  has been added recently is Freddie Gray. He was killed while in police custody where he suffered a broken spine.  The most recent report from a prisoner who was in the van with him, is he was unstable , was hurting himself knocking around in the van and basically killed himself. Of course, if people are on substances anything is possible but this recount it is further complicated by the fact that he was handcuffed. The day after his death, the black people of Baltimore took to the streets. After several days of protest without incident, there was a clash of power and then the streets began to erupt. There are reports of arson, looting, destruction of property and one young man is facing life in prison for participating in the vandalizing of police car.  None of these incidents has resulted in the loss of life. I hope that very clear separation is noted. 
Activists here in New York have taken to the streets to let people in Baltimore know we stand with them. I support the people of Baltimore a 110% and am beyond proud when I saw the number of people marching in the street demanding justice. I  have to admit that I have never thought of Baltimore as a city of activism. I spent a month in the B'more as part of a tour, the area near the marina so I enjoyed a comfortable stay. The people were friendly but definitely didn't make  me think of the political prowess  elements of the South but still part of the Mid-Atlantic. 
Riots are not easy, pretty or comfortable BUT they are necessary. Peaceful protest is a misnomer, when  you resist,  you are no longer peaceful . You are disrupting the status quo and that by definition is aggression. Riots are just taking that to the next level and saying loud and clear, I am pissed and you betta recognize! I personally hate looting,  you are benefiting from someone's loss and that is just not kewl with me.  Everyone has to come to their own conclusion but taking what is not yours is just a never a move in the right direction to me. The anger that gives rise to destruction of property permeates throughout this country. People are angry, confused and tired. There is a a big greedy monster that keeps growing and is being fed by locals governments and jaded citizens. The almighty need for the dollar has eviscerated humanity in a lot of ways. It is easy to see the person destroying but the developer who is perpetuating destruction is hidden behind politiicans and tinted car windows. This is more than the ramblings of a liberal but a person who lives in the midst of greed everyday and see how its illogical reasoning gives birth to blind rage. 
The arson or looting in Baltimore may seem self-destructive but the looting that is happening in historic black communities is epic and there are no curfews, no regulations, no police monitoring. Its is given a blank check to pillage like the white rhino that was killed on the continent. Communities are being torn apart for housing developments, highways and business. It is happening in almost every black community in the the United States. That is no coincidental and its violent. 
The DA of Baltimore, Mosbey has just indicted the 6 officers allegedly involved in the attack and the Attorney General of the US is calling for an investigation.  You cant overlook the fact that both of these women are black in powerful positions and potentially risky for both of them.  Also, its not lost that in that least 3 instances where the Dept of Justice was called in it was for the murder of men. I have yet to see the same passion for the killing of a women and specifically a black woman. 
The city of Baltimore made this action happen, it would have never happened if the people had not caused an uproar that made the whole world stand up and watch.  Even in the midst of random non sense the organizers should be proud of their work and commitment that created a change. Unlike the other players..these people do not get paid. It is just sheer will and faith that fuels that engine and it deserves the highest regard. 
Please share your thoughts!
 #baltimorerebellion #baltimoreriots  #baltimoreuprising #blacklivesmatter 

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