"Nothing compares to the strength gained through exercise, and the development of the mind and spirit goes hand in hand. During our routine Saturday walk, we had a powerful reflection on the profound effects of external control and manipulation on individuals and our communities, particularly in the Black community.
Brothers Hawk and Jamie provided insight into the idea that one's power lies within themselves. When external forces control an individual, they lose sight of the greatness that resides within them. This control manifests in various ways—through the loss of identity, culture, history, and self-worth. External validation through material possessions, such as cars and houses, can never truly validate a person because true validation comes from within.
As long as individuals or communities remain consumers rather than producers, they stay enslaved to external systems and the pursuit of money. True liberation requires understanding the power and potential within one's heart and intellect rather than being enslaved to material wealth.
We asked why the community struggles to separate politics and faith to find common good and common ground. According to Brother Hawk "The answer lies in the lack of a solid relationship with oneself. Without self-awareness and self-knowledge, people tend to follow the crowd mentality, losing their independent and critical thinking abilities. This leads to choices that often boil down to undesirable alternatives, as no one else has their best interests at heart if they don't either."
Self-Realization and Responsibility: No one will care for the community until it learns to care for itself. Waiting for validation or improvement from others, akin to the implication of having no rights respected in the Dred Scott decision, will keep the community in a perpetual state of disempowerment. Realizing and recognizing one's inherent power, gifts, and talents is essential. Every individual has been endowed with greatness by the Creator, but it is up to them to tap into it.
The Black Inferiority Complex: The reference to Tom Burrell's concept of the Black Inferiority Complex (BIC) suggests that feelings of inferiority and the need for external validation are significant hurdles. This mindset has been instilled through systemic and historical oppression, leading to a dependence on others for validation rather than using one's gifts and talents.
Childlike Dependence: The community's current state is likened to infantilism, where people rely on others to take care of their needs and desires. This "Wonderland" thinking keeps people from taking responsibility for their advancement and realizing their potential.
The message from brothers Hawk and Jamie is a resounding call to recognize and reclaim the power within. It urges individuals and the community to shift from being consumers to producers, to cultivate critical thinking, and to foster self-reliance. The essay underscores the significance of self-awareness, self-respect, and the need to move away from the dependency created by external validation and materialism. By doing so, it asserts, individuals and the community can break free from the chains of systemic control and realize the greatness that lies within.
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