juswhoim

"GUILTY OR NOT GUILT'

The biggest case in history since O.J. <<TRAYVON MARTIN>> what really happened, was it racial or was it justified? Trayvon is not here to tell his story because it is always three sides to a story.  Yours, mines & the truth.  Many opinions & other issues occurring around this case. Black on black crime & Racism vs. Justice.

It is a lot to be said and being a victim of a discrimination & harassment because of the color of my skin has changed my life.  Losing a brother and a cousin from gun violence, has also placed a big impact on my life.  People speculate, comment & jump to conclusions.  I tell them, if you have not been a victim and hear stories, DO NOT say you understand.  In my line of work & studies now as a Human Service Professional; we learned to say "I can relate", but as I counsel, I  am there to listen to my clients stories, I am not suppose to not be bias or judge, but I am there to LISTEN.
Everything that has happened in my life, took a toll on me mentally and physically.  It is a reoccurring situation.  As the state calls it, "I had a traumatic experience".  An experience I may NEVER get over! But I stood up for not just for myself, but for people who have been taking the abuse & ones that will come after me. 
Do I consider myself an Activist? Yes, I do.  My previous lawyer that helped me get my case in State & Federal courts; we partied ways, but before I left, he also complimented me by telling  me that I am a Great person, strong-minded, & Activist.  This is a man who was part of one the Greatest law firm; Johnny Cochran (may he continue to RIP).
I stood up because my rights were violated, I help others who did not know their rights & were violated, I helped the ones who were being abused become aware & stronger, I stood up because it was the right thing to do.  It affected my personal life as a mother & wife.  I became so determines, that I basically abandoned my duties as an Food Director and overnight became an Attorney. 
 I did the research, I wrote letters, I met with high profile officials, I took my fight all the way to Washington, D.C. to the Civil rights Organization.  People at my workplace told me I was wasting my time and wouldn't get anywhere.
I received a Right to Sue notice from the Civil rights Organization and Department of Labor in my state and they were found guilty for discrimination &  hostile work environment.  Then my co-workers asked how did I do it, no one ever got that far.  They weren't worth a response.
Who was found "GUILTY", they tried to make every attempt to break my faith so I would just walk away, questioned other employees about my life, make it look like they were the victims, but I refused to leave until I decided.  I decided it was time when I left a mark on the place, saw some of  the changes me & others that fought place more American-Africans in higher Executive ranks, until my voice & not until my motives were  clear & precise. 
 Will the verdict always be GUILTY or is just the color of my skin? As others approached me, I realize the bigger picture.  This workplace was hostile to anyone who did not fit into the world of elites.  I laugh because half of them were living like rubbish as they watched me.  The cars I drove each day, how the COO (Chief of Operations) who was making approximately 200,000 a yr ; guess who lived right next door? Moi~~
I pat myself on the back, I have no regrets, but before I left I had to express to them how it was ashamed that I had to be the one to walk away with high blood pressure, anxiety & depression.  If they only could invent a drug for "hatred". 
I  thank them for setting me free & turning my life around, my eyes & ears more aware, & sharing my stories of encouragement and pain.  My trust, my beliefs, my pain, has made me more spiritual.  I never saw color, until now.  I refuse to check off that box that is on every application whether I am Black or African-American.  I am neither; I do not look like the color of a black crayon & last time I traced my roots, Africa did not come into play. So I will continue to check off "Others". 
We all have biases &prejudice, but I never acted like I was better than the homeless we pass daily on the streets.  I hold my head high & will continue on my journey of _______
(you fill in the blank).

**(By no means do I encourage or discourage, influence or manipulate my readers. But I will Endorse for you to know your RIGHTS)** RIP TRAYVON...RaShawn & My brother.  I dedicate this to ALL the VICTIMS of SENSELESS BS!!