I have been slow to comment on the Ferguson uprising, mainly because I am a turtle, yet also because of a plethora of competent commentary extant. However, Mike Brown and Ferguson have peopled many, if not most, of my conversations. A startling development disclosed by a source launches my dialogue at present.
Apparently, a movement within a movement is afloat. It seeks to corral African Americans into voting against Democratic candidates, specifically, to spurn the incumbent county prosecutor, senator and governor in the upcoming Missouri elections. None of these officials have pushed publicly for a stringent application of the legal process with regard to the murder of a surrendering young African American by police officer Darren Wilson.
Asked to assist with prepared statements before a rally, I witnessed the bold courage and clarity of youth leaders from Ferguson. One young man stated: “We are financing our own extinction.”
Another, a working father equally articulate, stated: “I have 18 bullet holes, but I have a 12-year-old brother, who is my heart. I don’t want that to happen to him. He can be empowered through this struggle.”
They get it. They’re on it. They understand what is at stake.
This minimal direct contact took me a long way in my own understanding. It was clear to me also that my presence was technically unnecessary; however, I will do whatever it takes to make clear my concurrence with their aims, as stated.
On the other hand, at times, one should avoid contact with a quite specific set of acquaintances. I for one would like to know who’s got these motor scooters holding political office by the short hairs? If politics is the game in achieving justice for Mike Brown, then indeed, let’s rock and roll.
Young Ferguson residents have found the cure for the self-hatred we bequeathed to them. We should do likewise and send a strong message with our vote. We can, without contempt for the historicity of survival mechanisms that had us bowing our heads, at worst repressing rage, at best transcending it, lose the self-loathing.
Democrats drove black men from home (Moynihan). Democrats imprisoned a million black men (Clinton). The new round of lynching is aimed directly at our children. Make no mistake, they are not collateral damage; they are the target. We must protect them. Anyone who does not prioritize this cannot represent us.
Like my young friends, I wish to be bold; I wish to be brave; I wish to be clear. Let me know if you are down.
Ruth-Miriam Garnett is author of “Laelia,” a novel, and two collections of poetry, “Concerning Violence” and “A Move Further South.” A second novel,” Chloe’s Grief,” will appear in fall 2014.
