OFCI Report Editorial: No Justice, Just Peace (Silence)

Prior to the Zimmerman verdict I posted on Facebook that after it was read, and if found not guilty, that nation wide there would be protest and people on Facebook would voice their opinions of outrage. Then, after a few short weeks, 2 at the most, the outcry and outrage would drop to silence. An just as I predicted, it happened. No longer do you see the blogs, the post, the articles, news reports, protest, etc. about how the Stand Your Ground Law needs to be challenged and changed in America itself. No Longer do you hear the cry for Justice for Treyvon. An that amazes me because with all the social injustices going on everyday in our country, you would think that the fight for Justice, not just for one young man, but for all that has felt its cold touch, would fight on until a solution is reached. Rome wasn't built in a day, and just as long as it took to build Rome, it may take just as long for change, but we have to push harder and harder until it happens. But what I have noticed is that it seems that mainstream has pacified us into submission of leaving this story alone by giving us football, and Scandal, and the new Fall Season of television so that we can focus our attention on things less productive instead of thing that will bring about productivity and change. No need to ask what happened to the Warriors of yesteryear that would fight for change even if it meant losing blood and spending time in jail. In these days and time it makes you wonder if all the marches and speeches were for show given the fact that it seems like everyone that did them wanted to capitalize on the situation for their own self indulgences and get their 15 minutes in the spotlight as if they were doing something spectacular by photo opting with The "Rev" Al Sharpton and Jay Z at a Justice for Treyvon rally. Long gone are the days when protest meant fighting until the fight is finished and the victory is won. Now it is all about turning your news interview into a book deal or a reality show. Listen, we were taught that the only way to get respect is to earn it. But how are we supposed to gain it if the ones we are trying to get it from sees our arguments as full of fluff and inconsistence. We need to step up our game and show the world that in our outrage and outcry that we mean business by Standing Our Own Ground when it comes to Civil Equality and Justice. Not backing down because they threaten us with Words. When has it gotten to the point that we have become more afraid of words than we are of weapons? I am pretty sure that anyone from the 60's can tell you that in their time and struggle, that words meant far less to them when they would be fighting, because they knew the words could not harm them. Now it seems that everyone has become more delicate and fragile, worried more about their Social Image than their Social Rights. What have we become and when did we become it.....No Justice Just Peace (SILENCE), Justice For Treyvon and Many, Many, More!!!!

OFCI Report: Editorial....The Aftermath

I have to admit that I am a little conflicted in writing this article. Because although I do not agree with the jury verdict and think that there was and is some things that should be investigated with this jury based on statements made by the Juror known as B37, I am also asking myself if all the protesting that is going on to little to late. Yes I believe we should be marching for justice, but not just justice for Treyvon Martin, because the Jury has made its decision. But I believe we should be marching for justice for everyone and the constant injustices that are happening all around the country towards not just our black males, but black females and all those that are violated as they try to live their lives but are hindered. Hindered by those that are denying them a decent education. Hindered by those denying them a chance to earn a decent living. Hindered by those denying them the chance to express themselves freely through their gifts and talents. Hindered by those denying the chance to really get to know their God. Hindered by any and everyone denying them their God given rights as a citizen and a human being. It happens far to often that around the world people are being violated in some form or fashion, and as it seems the government is sitting by doing nothing. An as we protest in the streets for a slain young teenager, when are we gonna stand up for all those slain by intolerance and injustice long before Treyvon was murdered and long afterwards. Yes I do agree that the Stand Your Ground Laws should be abolished, just as well as all the laws that work against those that cause one not to be treated equally and fairly in this we call our justice system. And to be honest I think we should have been marching long before this young man was killed...to bad it took this to awaken our sense of intolerance. But the question I have in all of this is...Is all the marching and protesting just a fad (Jena Louisiana, Jena 6), and for how long will we protest against the injustice everywhere. Because after the dust has settled and the smoke has cleared there will be if not already another Trevon Martin, be him or her white or black. So our Fight for unity and non violence should not be one just because it s the hot topic and flavor of the month, but a constant struggle and battle. One fought and won in the voting booths, with parents getting involved with their kid(s) at school. One fought holding our so called leaders accountable for their actions and if they cannot get the job we put them in office for done, then we replace them with someone who can. I am hoping with all my heart that this is not a fad protest just for those who can to prosper, but one that will invoke change. Change in our communities, in our government and the way they govern, and in our race relations. All the Injustices around the world should not go down in vain, even the injustice against Treyvon, but if we really want change....My Words....Be Real With It and not Just Use It for your Personal Gain.


                         Justice For Everyone!!!!  

OFCI Report: Editorial, Are We Still Treyvon Martin

Not to long ago the flames of justice were burning high for justice for the tragic killing of the young man Treyvon Martin gunned down by one George Zimmermen. People all over the world were crying loud for justice to be brought foward. They marched, did television and newspaper reports. People even went as far as taking photos in a hoodie in support of Mr. Martin and posting them on their various social network pages with the words in the caption "I Am Treyvon Martin". It was a fitting tribute at the time and it was wonderful to see people from different races, backgrounds, and social statuses get involved in support of this tragedy. Now, let's fast foward sometime later.as the case has yet to go to trial and murders of other young black men has taken place, what we don't see is the support and still out cry for justice and change for Treyvon or any of the other victims savagely gunned down in our streets. The I Am Treyvon Martin hoodie pics have come down, and the cry for justice has seem to become a whisper. Now I understand that people have their own lives and cares to worry about...and for many of them their own loads seem too hard to bear let alone the load of someone else. But the question I have is, do we only cry loud for justice when it is the story of the hour and when the story is over we just move on to the next big thing? How many remember Jena Louisiana, people from politicians to priest got involved in this story, but as soon as it seemed they could milk the story for all the free publicity they could get....Jena Louisiana and the Jena 6 became a distant memory like bell bottoms. People, injustices never stop, and fighting for justice so you can get on the bandwagon and feel a sense of importance will not help it go away...If you are gonna cry for Change and Justice for Victims dont just do it when the spotlight is on you and you can gain from it. Noooo, do it when the cameras are off, when no one is looking at you, because when the cameras are on you when you are fighting shows your charisma, but when the cameras are off and you can fight when know one is watching that shows your character. Treyvon is still dead, and his killer has not received justice yet. Continue to let your voice be heard about social injustices even when it seems no one is listening. Because believe me, it only takes one voice crying in the wilderness to attract the
attention of the many. Continue the fight....It's worth it....