Did We Really Win?

I chose this title and photo to hijack because it is a topic that is near and dear to my heart.  As a black man who was born in 1972.  I never experience the in-your-face racism, but I have had my share of subtle racist jabs.  I have gleaned a deeper understanding of what my ancestors went through from the stories they tell.

The one incident that hits hard when I ask about it, is the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in 1968.  My family members talk about a feeling of great loss and sorrow.  As I have grown throughout the years, I realize to a small extent what a loss that was.

In October of 1968, XIX Olympics or the Games of the XIX Olympiad, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, won the gold and bronze medal in the men’s 200-meter race.  While on the podium, they made a statement that will live on.

So I ask the question: “Did We Really Win?”

On April 29, 1992 the Los Angeles Police were acquitted of the beating of Rodney King.  On February 26, 2012 George Zimmerman shoots and kills a black high school student, Trayvon Martin and was acquitted.  On July 17, 2014 Eric Garner dies after being put in a chokehold by a NYC police officer, where a grand jury chose not to indict the officer.

In 2016 Colin Kaepernick, took a knee in protest against police brutality and the difference of treatment that African Americans are forced to endure on a day-to-day basis.  As a result of his protest, he has been “black balled” from the NFL and unable to do the thing that he loves to do.

So I ask again: Did We Really Win!

I think social media, via Facebook would be the best place to post this because that would be the fastest way to get the most views as possible.