Please read and comment if you have a minute...

In a large crowd there are many different actors: peaceful protestors, violent protestors, agitators, looters, vandals, etc.

I don't always know what makes one person bring a sign to show, while someone else brings rocks to throw.

So in this thread, I am speaking to everyone.

I understand how outrage over injustice, (especially for those who are consistently subjected to the worst injustices) can lead some to violent acts in the midst of peaceful protests. I truly do understand. I feel that anger too. Anyone with a shred of humanity should feel it...

What I fear though, is two things:

1) Those who choose to incite violence, theft, vandalism, etc are only helping to perpetuate the MYTH that BLM and allied movements are just lawless thugs who want anarchy.

Encouraging that false narrative weakens our purpose.

2) Allowing such disruptive behaviour in the midst of this important movement serves as a major distraction.

THIS IS IMPORTANT!
If more focus is placed on the disruptive behaviour, less focus is placed on the message and the cause.

MORE importantly though, I think if people are focused on "burning and looting", they are not focused on the actions that can bring about real change.

That same energy used to roam the streets at night, burning shops down, could all be channeled towards one thing: VOTING.

It seems simple, I know, but hear me out.

The fact is if we want to see change in this country, one of the most powerful things we can do is VOTE!

I think now is the time to try to shift the focus of the movement towards encouraging voting.

I know some people are already doing this, and I applaud you.

What I'm trying to say is that we need a vigorous, nationwide effort.

The energy, momentum and will are all there right now.

Let us seize the opportunity. There may never be another opportunity like this...

Both local and general elections are important.

In many black communities, the voting process is DELIBERATELY made difficult, in order to discourage voting.

Fewer polling stations, no transportation to polling stations, no time off work to vote, etc.

These are very real hinderances to the voting process. The powers that be know this, and they do very little to fix it.

It allows them to give a false narrative that suggests everyone has the right and opportunity to vote.

This is NOT true.

Here's my wish:

I wish that someone, anyone, with a voice loud enough to be heard and heeded, would say "Stop".

"Stop and listen to me. If you are truly angry, and sick and tired of this shit, if you truly want things to change, put down that bat and those rocks, and focus"

Let us focus that anger. That energy is powerful. It can move mountains, but only if we harness and use it to our advantage.

The hours spent rampaging in the streets could be spent organising a voting day strategy that will allow us, despite the obstacles, to cast our ballots.

At EVERY demonstration, set up booths that register people to vote and tell them where their polling stations are.

Organise a system to provide voting day transportation for those who need it

Lobby employers to allow time off for workers to go vote.

Educate those who gather at protests!

Forget "No justice, No peace!".

Instead scream "No vote, No justice!".

Because believe me, if our voices are not heard at the ballot boxes, we will never achieve the equality and justice we so desperately seek.

If we continue doing what we are doing now, if we continue to be distracted by the noise, if we remain disorganised and unfocused, then WE are the ones who will lose come November 3rd.

...and we'll spend the next 4 years wondering why nothing changed, even though we marched.

P.S.

If I get any comments at all, even one, I would appreciate it.

I just ask that comments be constructive and the conversation remain civil.

Blessings

#NoVoteNoJustice