All Lives Matter Don't They ?

This is so tough. To watch it makes me just want to cry.

The other night I watched the movie The Great Debaters, starring and directed by Denzel Washington. It shook me up. What moved me in indescribably ways was how far we have come and how far we have not come.

As a continent, as a society and as a culture.

Recently I was sitting speaking to a man who sits on a First Nations Council, in Carmacks, Yukon Territory. The conversation was great. Informative and friendly; yet at the end of it I was disturbed. It frightened me to hear the hatred, and the desire to exclude all white men from redevelopment of Canadian Community and Culture, just under the surface of that very civil conversation. Why can we not all be Canadians?

I understand, the hurt, the shame, for the injustices of the past, and yes some that still occur regarding the indigenous people of the world, black, red and white. They are not alone in the hurt and shame. I feel it as well. What I do not understand is the inability for the victims that have been wronged to not understand that there are people that wish it had never happened and that really want to help.

Are we seeking attention or are we seeking change?

I know that many of us have only ever received negative attention. It is time that we ask for something more for all of us, for all of our communities. Positive change brought about by truly positive means. Seeking help for the children, for all cultures and colors. First nations, African Canadians, Muslim Canadians, and yes for the European Settlers children as well.

Was the Canada I grew up in a lie? I hope not. I was raised by a Metis that told me he loved me, and would always be my father and a White Anglo Saxon mother. That was the Canada I grew up in, in the 70' s and 80's.

Over the last 100 years we have made great changes, amazing and very necessary changes regarding how the African American and First Nations people are treated in North America. We as a Nation, as a people, I believe we are trying. Should not all lives matter?

I would like to say that I am sorry that poor white men, that are donning police uniforms are scared for their lives in the United States and shooting black men. The truth is they are terrified. I believe part of this to be due to the Second Amendment of the American Constitution. In my opinion the general public should not be aloud to carry firearms in public. How can a police officer in this day and age tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys?

How did we get here? Here; this social and moral position we are in.

More importantly how do we get out of here?

The facts speak for themselves in the States. Yes, there are more black people in prison today then at the time of emancipation. The three strike rule was a farce, yes. Yes, the facts speak for themselves here in Canada regarding the number of First Nations currently incarcerated. I do not argue these facts.

We can blame it on alcohol and drugs, and systemic generational issues, or we as a nation can say, "We made this mess, our ancestors, yours and mine. By being bullies, by being naïve. Now what are we going to do together as a unified nation to fix the wrongs of the past and plan solutions for a brighter future."

There has to be solutions. Solutions we can find together.

As I stated at the beginning of this post I watched this video and it made me want to cry. It is created to make a point.

What exactly is that point?

How can all lives not matter?

Are you telling me that everything I have tried to do for civil and human rights throughout my life does not matter. That I do not matter. I know this to not be true.

That young black man that ripped the ALL LIVES MATTER sign out of the white man's hands and was chasing him down the street, I want to tell him something. I want him to know that for as long as I can remember if I was given the opportunity and even in moments when I was not given the opportunity, I stood up for him. I also want him to know that I will still stand up for him, and help him to stand for himself.

What scares me is who will stand for me?

Here is to all lives mattering. Black, Brown, Red, and White.

Thank you for your time.