“Letting Go”

To “Surrender” or to “Let Go” of something is not giving in or conforming to the status quo nor does it mean we need to forgive and forget. The concept of “letting go” is one of releasing ourselves from the toxicity and attachment of those things, behaviors and relationships that shackle and prevent us from moving forward. The reckless emotions that control us and prevent from meeting our full potential – simply said those things that no longer serve us and our over all well being. I wanted to be clear and state this definition before I move to comment on comments that tend to be always directed towards “African of America” in our battle for liberation. We who were brutally enslaved, strip from our mothers tonges and our ancient history. We who are slowly yet continually rising from the ashes of shadows of an American nightmare like a phoenix as we illuminate the world through our tenacious struggle for liberation. Yes, we who live in the belly of beast who have travel in the darkness only to come forth by day. We who lead the call for reparations for ourselves while awakening our brothers and sister in the diaspora as well as on the continent to do the same. So, I find it particularly interesting that when we speak of our journey that outsider and those who profited from our labor are quick to suggest we “LET GO” of the narrative surrounding our enslavement and the social, historical, and generational trauma it has and is causing our communities. As if these experiences were old clothes. When in fact we are still being impacted by this continue assault. In some way, I understand the fear that those whom have gain so much from our subjugation resist. They have a lot a stake to loss but can not see that our liberation will in liberate them from this cycle of pain and suffering. Ther is no escape from the debt that is due. The bill must be paid. I understand the infectious disease that has poisoned communities of Black and Brown folks who currently believe in systems that have continually failed them as our brothers, sisters and children are collateral damage. I even understand misguided comments of individuals like Acon who suggest “that African Americans will benefit more by simply “letting go’ of slavery” and think its okay to say “I think it’s the art of just letting the past go and moving towards the future…” Not seeing a healthy way that temporarily drives our movements and not understanding the future is fueled and built upon the memories of the past. Something, I would think someone who is as high profiled and who says he has struggled in the ghettos, he who has traveled and lived in the belly of the beast should understand. Yet, even in my understanding of actions such as these it is still offensive to also know that in some way Senegal is still enslaved by a false debt requiring the people to pay with it resources and currency the French for their illusion of liberation. When Acon says “we’ve kind of overcome the thought of slavery, we don’t even think about it… “ this could imply a choice to be and remain complacent to an artificial narrative and not take responsibility to the role one still plays as a pawn in the global game of chess. After all it is rude for one to throw stones, when ones own house is not sorted and needs to be clean as well. To be fair, I am not fully sure what definition that Acon is using when he suggest the African Americans should simply let go of slavery – the tone seems to echo of the sounds colonialism and colonization. If he is was referring to “Letting go” as I have define above then and only then does his comment “they have this stigma of just not letting go of the past and blaming the past on every mishap or, you know, disappointment. I think as long as you hold onto that past, there’s a lot of weight that you carry with you everywhere you go. It’s hard to move forward and move fast when you got a weight on your back. You just gotta let it go.” Then it is possible there is some synergy and possibly we are in agreement. Letting Go of the emotional baggage is a good thing as long as we let go with intention and strategy. In this case, we are letting go of the toxic atttachement to energy of our struggle while moving forward with our vision for liberation and reparations. Just a thought. I welcome yours.