Symbols have a way of uniting a people. We look at them and feel a commonality with all who share in the message which a symbol represents. Take for example the American Flag. No matter where you go in this world if you see someone flying the American Flag you can have a safe bet that they will be friendly towards you as an American. You don't even have to know them. Just the fact that they fly the American Flag is enough for you to feel more connected to them than the other person walking down the street of a foreign country you are visiting. You may even feel an element of trust. That is what symbols do. Create an element of trust. An element of a brotherhood and sisterhood.
Most organizations or groups have some sort of symbol or crest to unite under. The people of the organization have an affection for that symbol. They will put that symbol on their clothes, cars, homes and anything else that matters to them. Displaying a symbol shows a sense of pride of belonging to the group that the symbol represents. Another example of a symbol that unites people and has a DIFFINATE meaning is the confederate flag. I have no love for the flag but it has a major way of uniting it's followers. That flag has a meaning like no other flag I've ever seen. No one has to say a word but we all know what that flag represents.
On that note, what's the Black symbol? What one image do we rally behind? What is that one image that speaks volumes of who we are and what we stand for? We have had many. The Red, Black, and Green flag. The Black Power Fist. The Black National Anthem. The Black Panther. But how well do we as Black people, as decedents of Africans, stand firm behind our symbols today? I can ride down the streets of Georgia and see that confederate flag flying from one house to the next and KNOW I'm not welcomed. But why don't I see our flag, the flag for the Black Nation, the Red, Black, and Green flag, flying from house to house on the other side of town? And KNOW that I am welcomed.
I think as Black people living all over the world, we should have a symbol to stand behind. I for one would like to see the Red, Black, and Green flag set up in our homes, on our cars and clothes. At least this would be a start. I would like to see us go back to greeting each other as "My Brother" and "My Sister". Because we are our brothers and sisters keepers in the community.
So I started doing my own part. I bought my Red, Black, and Green flag and I say the pledge every day. " We pledge allegiance to the Red, Black and Green. Our Flag. The symbol of our eternal struggle and to the land we must obtain. One Nation of Black people with one God of us all. Totally united in the struggle for Black Love, Black Freedom, and Black Self-determination."
And oh yea, I started greeting my Black brothers and sisters as "My Brother" and "My Sister". We are united in our history we should all then be united in our future.
Harambe!
