Y’all gotta forgive me because because I’m super hyped right now for reasons I’ll explain later. I just came home from protesting and declaring “Black Lives Matter” in the streets of Downtown Atlanta, GA. I’m tired, feet sore and hungry but I have got to fill you in on some things that only an insider will know.
Don’t Believe The Hype
I have never protested before. Though i’m slightly not convinced that last night’s activity will bring about massive change for tomorrow, it is truly an experience I will never forget and will cherish for the rest of my life. It is not fueled by rage, anger or hostility. It was honestly a beautiful expression of self worth, togetherness and purpose shared by people of various races, social status and gender.
Charge Your Phone
Mine died not too long after my arrival. No Bueno, no good pics, no videos, only great memories.
It’s Organized
One would think that a crowd of thousands would be unruly and disorganized, but that is hardly the case. People came prepared. One guy had a loud speaker, he moved amongst the crowd to relay messages, give direction, request that those of us in the front wait for the hundreds behind us to catch up because, “you don’t leave family behind” – his words . There are water runners, like legit people who will go into convenience stores and buy water to pass out in the crowd, no money needed. Hell, I can’t even go to church to get a good word without providing an offering but that’s neither here nor there and I do believe in paying tithes. Others, just instinctively passed information along like, “CNN is watching us”, “Don’t let them box us in”, in reference to the Police who were adamant about keeping the protests limited to a particular area.. We were not moved, we shut it down.
There Were No “Bad Actors”
CNN has become annoyingly notorious for the nonstop repetition of that phrase. What the hell does that even mean? Whatever it is, there weren’t any present during my time out there. Sure, you have your people who are a little more expressive than others, a little more direct with their comments and actions, but no one was violent as the media loves to project. Not a single one.
You Will Be Met With Aggression
Funny, because the perception that as a protester you have misplaced anger, however this huge red semi truck tried to violently drive through the protest. We stood still and refused to move.. He later backed down, we cheered. A Policeman tasered a man and drew his gun on the crowd, it was recorded and I pray the young woman who caught it on camera will display it on social media. The aggression I witnessed tonight did NOT come from the protesters, AT ALL.
No One Wants You To Be There
Not because people don’t feel like you should be “fighting the good fight” but, they’re scared and concerned about your safety. They don’t get it and it’s ok. Text them, do live feeds, SnapChat and let them know you are OK.
Wear Something Comfy
Cause you will be walking, non-stop for hours. This ain’t no fashion show by any means. You will sweat, stink and smell like outside.
You Will Not Be The Same
People swear up and down that marching does nothing, maybe they’re right on a large scale. As a whole though, there’s no way anyone who was outside tonight isn’t inspired to do more. To care a little more about their lives and protecting the lives of others. To be more active in fighting the cause instead of just vocal or ignoring it as a whole. I’m proud of us. I’m proud to be Black, this was probably the closest I’ve ever been to feeling 100% “Free” in a world that despises my melanin.
-Chantia
Follow me on IG and Twitter @TheWiseGem
Email: [email protected]
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