This much I know about racism:
I was a teenager during the apartheid uprisings. I’ve witnessed my people being pushed to the edge. Now, I don’t pretend to be perfect, or say everything perfectly. However, if seeing people looting shops and burning buildings upset you more than a white cop killing a black man, then you’re not part of the solution; you're part of the problem. Protesting doesn’t damage the cause because I was part of the school boycotts in the 1980s, and we beat the monster called apartheid. Listen, institutional racism is very much alive in the workplace, sport, entertainment and politics. I do however agree with Barack Obama that “if we want to bring about real change, then the choice isn’t between protest and politics. We have to do both.” First, let’s raise awareness, then vote with our conscience. Like Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living”.
knee to the neck – Bevan Boggenpoel
(in memory of George Floyd)
he used his knee to his neck
holding George down
while his lacklustre colleagues
stood dutifully by
watching a black man
pleading to be released
but they couldn't care less
he’s now deceased
they killed a man
as if he’s a slave
sending him
to an early grave
he begged and pleaded
“I can’t breathe”
but the racist persisted
while he only saw their feet
when they're supposed to
serve and protect
they'd rather kill
with utter neglect
black lives matter
that's a fact
but police brutality
is the violent act
justice for George
must be served
a life behind bars
is what they deserve
cities in unity
gather around
as another black man
goes underground
for too long
this has been going on
no longer must black civilians
be trampled upon
by careless officers
and just get away
thinking they can just
shoot and slay
thunder roars
as voices demand
justice for George
a man unarmed!
©️ 05/06/2020 Bevan Boggenpoel
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