This is the introduction excerpt from the book: We Are Still Supposed To Be Slaves -The Chronicles of Being Black in America

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I know what you’re thinking. Hear me out before you crucify me.

There have been and are a lot of things happening around the United States and around the world, for that matter, that are bathed in racism. Hate is not something new. It is not the latest game released nor is it the hottest new toy this year. It has been a vile staple of cultures since the beginning of time.

From slavery discussed in Greek Mythology times to the enslavement of the Irish. From the enslavement of Native Americans and others to slavery within Africa. Then onward to the first recorded African slave trade in America in the year 1619 the vulgarity has a long history. As it’s been written, the first Dutch slave ship left Central or either West Africa. They were headed to Jamestown, Virginia’s British colony with 20 Africans for use as indentured servants and slaves. Although, in actuality, the African slave trade started way before 1619.

Ever heard of the Sub-Saharan Slave Trade? No worries, they didn’t teach that in school…at least not in any of my schools. The Sub-Saharan Slave Trade was the Arab Slave Trade between A.D. 650 and 1900. Yup, the Arabs. They were in on the trading and enslavement of Africans way before anyone else. One could probably say they were the founding fathers of this mess. This is another one of those tidbits that’s not talked about or shared within history.

The number of people enslaved by Arab Muslims is a controversial topic. Why? Well, because the majority of the Africans that they took were boys and men that were already castrated or that they themselves castrated. All of their male parts were cut off…scrotum and penis.

They were called eunuchs and were used as guards for their harems and whatnot. Think about it. A castrated man is of no competition when around beautiful women. That’s why they utilized them as guards for their women. Many of those boys and men died after castration due to bleeding to death. Turning males, young and adult into eunuchs was a sick yet profitable practice.

African women were also taken. They were sold or kept for sex and domestic work. The truth is that over 20 million Africans were taken against their will from their homelands and transported across the desert to be sold or taken into bondage by Arab slave traders. At least 80 million more African people died covering the Trans-Saharan route.

This nauseating act of human trafficking in the Trans-Atlantic began in the year 1500…all the way to 1866. Yes, your math is correct- 366 years. Almost 400 years of slave ships traveling back and forth from Africa to North America and South America. Portugal led the slave trade during the initial period. During its pinnacle in the 1700s, the British and Americans took over the lead as all interested parties saw more demand for their human product.

For me, it’s hard to visualize that roughly 12.5 million African human beings were taken from their homeland to be sold into slavery. Each step of the way, being taken from their family, making new friends on the slave ship, being sold as chattel and then being separated from them, as well. The Portuguese and Europeans traded goods with Africans for a full cargo of their own people as part of this twisted business transaction. Many of us are unaware of that part of our history. Think about that.

Not all Africans were kidnapped for purposes of enslavement; many were sold by other Africans in exchange for wanted goods. That truth stings. Sadly, there were at least 1.8 million that were enslaved that died of illness, suicide or were murdered during the Middle Passage. The crew literally just tossed their bodies into the shark infested Atlantic Ocean...some while still alive. Still alive.

Once the slave ship was loaded for the Middle Passage, as it was known, sailing across the Atlantic Ocean heading for the Americas, usually took 2 or more months to complete. Ponder that for a moment- a couple of months of being bound and shackled to someone living or dead, being brutally abused, basically starving, fearing either death or life as a slave in a new land that you know nothing about. The voyage took the slaves to 1 or more ports where they were put up for sale. Slave ships equated to an inhumane blend of human terror and misery. Surviving all of that meant the introduction to a lifetime of bondage. This was life until December 6, 1865’s 13th Amendment to the Constitution- technically.

The perceived right to own people was so strong that over 51,000 Confederate and Union soldiers lost their lives in one battle alone- 1863’s Battle of Gettysburg- during this country’s Civil War. Even today’s human trafficking is nothing more than a modern adaptation of slavery. There are even cases of people being hired as nannies or Au pairs having their passports taken from them. This prevents them from returning to their home country and holds them captive in America. People are being kidnapped daily and sold for various reasons. It is apparent that owning humans in one aspect or another has been and still is attractive to some humans.

Most likely there isn’t an industry that hasn’t been financially supported by the slave trade. In the United States alone, people associate slavery with crops such as cotton. That’s just a minimal piece of the puzzle. Slavery was a cash cow for those directly involved and those indirectly involved. African slaves were forced to give their freedom, blood, sweat, tears, dignity, and even literally the skin off their back while enslaved.

Back then, insurance companies insured slaves as you would a car. Banks loaned money accepting slaves as collateral- as you would land. Homes built by slave hands sold and profited the master. In addition, let’s not forget that those various crops that the slaves worked produced product that was sold to companies that, in turn, sold it again or created product that was sold for profit. Profit for all involved in this circle…except the slaves.

The former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, educated Americans in 2016 that the White House was built by slaves. In addition to that morsel of history, America’s United States Capital building was constructed by slaves. Slave owners were paid for each laborer that they rented out and had shipped to D.C.. So again, everyone in this situation profited from the blood, sweat, tears, and oppression of Black people. Except Black people.

Since we’re having a cleansing moment, even 8 United States presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Tyler, Polk, and Taylor) were slave masters during their time as President. So, I’m sure this doesn’t need to be said but…slaves actually lived (were enslaved) at the White House after their free labor finished building it. Jefferson was the first President to take his enslaved house servants with him to the White House. Madison also followed suit. Yup.

Many African-Americans or Blacks seem to be shocked at the multitude of incidents from police beatings and deaths via their hands, tasers and guns- but unfortunately, this is nothing new. Thanks to the various outlets of social media, racially charged situations are instantly accessible to the world. Incidents such as the Starbucks April 2018 incident, the many 2018 Waffle House incidents, and even the varying years of restaurant issues such as the Bahama Breeze incidents are instantly available to the world. In the past, that technology didn’t exist and these racial incidents were made to appear localized. Now at the touch of a finger, anywhere that discrimination rears its head, an audience waits.

Yes, the audience. The world posts what they deem to be “caught you red handed” moments with the belief and anticipation that justice will be served. No police officer could possibly skate by without serving justice that is due with this video- right? The exact same video that was just shown on the evening news to the world has to mean justice is coming- right? That dude that they filed charges against will be convicted- right? They choose to look at it the way they want to. We see a Black man getting the crap kicked out of him while cuffed...they see resisting arrest. In other words, what we see isn’t always what others want to see.

There are many stories in recent years that showcase the day to day treatment of the Black community. Being Black in America is a unique experience. I was recently reminded by my husband’s friend that, for many of us Black people in our 40’s and 50’s, our grandparents were not able to read or write. They were illiterate. Think about that. It’s not the great-grandparents that we’re talking about here, but the grandparents. That’s just the generation before your parents! Some of our parents weren’t even able to graduate from high school. They needed to work to help the family. That’s a clear picture of the short range that freedom has for our people.

So, as we were visiting, our friend told a beautiful story of how he used to take his grandmother to the bank. He used to watch her write an ‘X’ on the signature line of official documents because she did not know how to sign her name. Incredibly, before her passing, she learned to write her name. On another trip to the bank he witnessed something. At that same bank, our friend was able to watch his grandmother sign her name for the first time. I could feel the pride in his voice as he told her story. Her accomplishment something special. Amazing.

Many of us are blind to our history- other than what is taught in schools. Honestly, much of that is wrong, anyway. There is so much to learn because so much has been hidden. Honestly, much has been buried by White people but surprisingly, much has been kept locked away by Black people, also. Many Black people are still afraid of the offspring where they live because those White families still carry power in their town. They don’t want to speak about how they were treated and tell the atrocities that were committed against them and their families for fear of retaliation. How can you live in fear in captivity and live in fear in freedom?

In writing this, it is not my intent to allude to a place where the pity party resides. Some people believe that’s all that Black people want. In my opinion, that serves no purpose and accomplishes little. We don’t want pity. We want justice. We want equality. We want respect.

It is my aspiration to enlighten the reader to points in Black history that will hopefully allow you to draw your own conclusion. I seek to answer the often asked question- why do Black people get treated the way we do?

For some, the question is- why don’t we just go back to Africa? Our ancestors built this country along with other people of color. We are American as apple pie. Our ancestors fought for this country in wars on American soil and in wars abroad. The land in this country is fertilized from the drenched blood of our ancestors. That American flag is our birthright. We have every right to be here if we choose to be here.

But let’s ponder that question for a moment. Why do many Blacks in America not feel endeared towards the continent of our ancestors…the motherland…the place where it all began? Why do many of us plan vacations that include travel to other countries but don’t include countries in Africa? For many it’s never even a thought. Why is there a disconnect between Blacks in America and Blacks in Africa? It is my belief that it has to do with the American media.

If you think about it, what do you see the majority of the time when they show any footage about Africa on TV? They show safari lands, war torn areas, ocean pirates, and tribal video and images. Documentaries are generally based upon the native tribes, in their traditional attire, performing their day to day. Quite often they make the indigenous people appear to be savages. They have instilled this imagery in our mental data banks which makes it look as if the entire continent is uncivilized. Most Black Americans are not trying to be connected to anything deemed uncivilized…we have enough problems as it is.

Let’s talk about the diversity that the continent of Africa has to offer. Do some research on places like the country Cape Verde. It is recognized for its Creole Portuguese-African customs, cultural morna music and numerous beautiful beaches.

If you like resorts, Sun City in the country South Africa is it. There is world-class golfing, luxurious hotels, one of the best water parks in the world, and a casino all encased within surroundings that are truly breath taking.

Looking for business ventures? Lagos in the West African country Nigeria is a metropolitan beast. Cairo in the country Egypt, with its vast historical relevance, makes for amazing adventures. Yes, Egypt is part of the African continent. Despite how it’s portrayed or how it’s considered Middle Eastern- it’s North Africa. Morocco is in North Africa, too. Yes, I know Moroccans don’t consider themselves African, either. Whatever. Interesting how people of North African countries are considered to be White. Wonder who just up and decided that?

Ponder this. If you grew up in the United States, what is the first thing you remember learning as a class when you started school? Yup, it was the Pledge of Allegiance. Most Americans that are 90 years old can still recite the Pledge of Allegiance. You spend so many years saying it that it becomes part of you. Even if you have forgotten the name of your first born child you can probably still bang out the words to the Pledge of Allegiance.

Now, I want you to think about the words. Really break down and think about what you have been saying all of these years while your right hand is placed over your heart. You are swearing your loyalty to the flag of the United States of America, your loyalty to the country itself, as a united nation under God, that can’t be divided, and swearing liberty and justice for ALL. Well, I’m sure you can see what I’m getting at here. It is my opinion that Black people in this country have been saying this pledge and are still saying this pledge when none of this sh$% applies to us. None of it.

For those of you that have an opinion that differs, bear with me for a moment. Ask yourself this. Would the men below be on this list if they were given liberty and justice for all?

· George W. Lee...1955

· Lamar Smith...1955

· Dr. Thomas Brewer...1956

· Herbert Lee...1961

· Medgar Evers...1963

· Louis Allen...1964

· James Chaney...1964

· Malcolm X...1965

· Sammy Younge Jr…1966

· Vernon Dahmer...1966

· Martin Luther King Jr…1968

· Fred Hampton...1969

I’m sure at this point you’ve guessed what these men have in common. They were murdered. Some names may not look familiar while others do. These were Civil Rights activists. The year represents when they were murdered. Trying to stand for what’s right and against what’s wrong shouldn’t cost you your life. It’s supposed to be covered under the Constitution’s 1st Amendment. For these men, the Constitution didn’t protect them. This list is just a speck of dust when it comes to the amount of Black people that have been murdered in America just for trying to fight for equality. Would that not fall under liberty and justice for all? Just sayin’.

It doesn’t matter where in the world that you land; a Black person is a Black person. The shade of Black isn’t necessary to define that. Your skin color often defines who you are in others view. It is a jacket that is always worn no matter the season. It is what causes the stares when you are the only Black person in a room. It is what causes a White woman to grab her purse when walking by a Black man. It is also the immediate eye contact and acknowledgment that happens when Black people see each other in a predominantly White area.

So, all of that brings me back to this. The often asked question- why do Black people get treated the way we do? For some, the abolishment of slavery should have never happened. It is my opinion that the chronicles of Black life and history in America throughout are defined by the fact that according to some, we are still supposed to be slaves.

By G B Lynch

From: United States

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