Reflection Of A Black Man

June 22, 2020 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

As we reflect on the many trials and tribulations at the time. Especially when strong black men in the prime of their lives are being gunned down by racist police … we must reflect on the strong back men who stood up, sacrificed much, so today we can stand proud.

We reflect on Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, Michael Manley, Sir Alexander Bustamante, Hugh Shearer, Booker T. Washington, Usain Bolt, Malcolm X, Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe, Andrew Michael Holness, Dr. Peter Phillips, Rev. Alfred Reid, and so many others for the roles they have played and continue to play in our lives as black men of class, quality and integrity … being good examples despite the many odds and, those alive who are still trying to shape the future.

The road has been paved with many obstacles. As we enjoy their legacy let us never forget the blood sweat and tears they shed for us. The

discrimination and racism they endured, yet they pressed on nonetheless. The blood stained cells and the indignities of their journey. The middle passage experience, being wrongly accused and the lynchings. Yet today we stand firm knowing that “Black Lives Matter” and will always matter.

George Floyd et al

You can murder our black brothers, but not our spirit. We just celebrated Juneteenth, and they are other great milestones to celebrate. The tide is turning in our favour. The racists will one day fall on their swords.

Black Wall Street will rise some day from the ashes.

The BLM movement is growing in strength. We shall overcome!

Let us hold our heads high. There is no super race … as we know “Racism is an affront to decency”.

Amen!

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior National & International Correspondent for Vision Newspaper