381 Days

381 Days…

The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted for a total of 381 days….

Initially, the movement started slowly.  Not everyone was willing to forsake their livelihood to join, yet, another movement that may yield no result.  As time marched on, more and more joined the effort and – through organization of resources – the marchers were able to orchestrate carpools and taxi services.  This, too, was attacked but the movement was uninterrupted.  Finally, the movement began to impact the income potential of the city as a whole.  Bus drivers were getting laid off, stores were closing, and revenue was lost. 

 

You see, for 381 days, Americans of color sacrificed a convenience to show their disdain for the level of disrespect shown them. The boycott was a visible demonstration that held an economic impact that took a year to be felt in the pockets of the entire community.  As long as we walked in the rain and snow, they were unmoved.  As long as it took hours to walk to and from work, they were unmoved.  As long as it took hours to walk to feed our families, they were unmoved.  The boycott was only effective when it began to cause other Americans to lose jobs, lose income, and face the probability of having to, finally, “go without”. 


Our inconvenience meant nothing; however, their slight discomfort was cause for alarm.

So using this template, we must learn that demonstrations, holding signs, marching, and yelling catch phrases are only visible irritations.  And irritations (like a mosquito) can be quickly squashed with brute force.  And, when doing so, we blame the irritant as the cause for such violent reactions.  However; the true essence of a demonstrative and effective boycott is formed around an end goal and it has repercussions on society that demand a response – not a reaction.

Group think:  In the months to come, you will be invited to participate in marches and demonstrations.  I challenge you to think about what you are doing and what results you are looking to accomplish.  I am in support of protests; however, they must be productive.  Rather than asking me to hold a sign, chant, and risk getting tear-gassed, ask me if I can sign a petition, contact my local politician, schedule a town hall, register to vote, or write a bill that will be passed into law.  

If we are marching, do we have a permit?  Are we successfully stemming our resources?  Have we asked the entire community to stop shopping in certain locations, with certain businesses, or even in certain CITIES because of the disrespect for our lives?  Rather than march, let's just stop shopping at select businesses until they speak out on our behalf.  Let's move our black dollars into black banks and spend with black businesses.

You see, people already KNOW that this is a black and white issue, but making it a GREEN issue actually gets results.   But again, this is just ONE Man's Opinion... What do you think?