I am disappointed with the grand jury decision but not surprised. The anger that is being destructively released in some cases is not a surprise either. I suppose there are a couple of questions we need to ask and answer. How do we respond to this situation in a way that is constructive? What can we do that will bring change to these types of injustices? It seems that the only language people in power understand is money. Pressure is what brings social change. Civil rights laws were passed due to unified pressure. A great deal of that pressure came through economic boycotts. Even the recent emphasis of domestic violence and child abuse issues via the NFL is driven by money. If we really want to see these situations begin to turn we have to use our collective economic influence. Stevie Wonder and others had it right when they talked about boycotting Florida after the horrible verdict in the Trayvon Martin case. We just didn't have the collective will to follow through. We have a trememndous opportunity to make a national statement this Friday. We need to hold every "Black Dollar" on this "Black Friday." One day of discipline refusing to spend money anywhere for any reason will have an impact. This has been suggested by others and in my view it is the best place to start. We can only do something about this together. How long are we going to be willing to go backwards before we use our collective strength?
#BLACKFRIDAYBOYCOTT
