“I Stand,

    So That You Can Kneel”

By the time I was 39, I had served 22 years, half of my life in the Navy. For 22 years, looking over my shoulder, on the daily, came the possibility of some form of micro-aggression. In high school, it was outright overt racial bullying. Learning early in life through the nurturing love of my mother how to trivialize the many statements of darkness. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you.

My love of reading and knowledge of the Uniform Code of Military Justice allowed me to become a chameleon on the surface while suffering indignation inside. It was a means of survival. A dilemma millions of men of color deal with on a daily. One slip and the welfare of a family could be jeopardized.  Self-publishing an autobiography about my first 39 years as now served many purposes. A book I’ve never promoted in the traditional sense. Giving away copies as to demonstrate motive/intentions were not of a monetary nature.   Individual copies were sent to many elected officials. Requesting its inclusion in public libraries etc. etc., it wasn’t surprising, nor will I ever be critical of the non-responders. The implication, if you will, hedged on critical race theory, a book-banning scenario for sure it was a hot potato.

Nonetheless, one of the highlights of those 39 years was becoming a Racial Awareness Facilitator. The climate of race relations, unbeknown to the American public, had reached mutiny levels during and following the Vietnam War. Creating operational readiness problems. Admiral Zumwalt, the then Chief of Naval Operations supported by the Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird, implemented equal opportunity goals, even though there was pushback from a group of reactionary congressmen. Overshadowed by “Watergate,” the programs of racial awareness became funded, garnering a captive audience as described in John Sherwood’s book “Black Sailor White Navy.”

I consider “Guidance Against the Odds” and “Black Sailor, White Navy” messages in a bottle. Which someday will wash ashore in the open minds of a more pure generation. For, “If there’s no enemy within, the enemy outside cannot hurt you.” (African-Proverbs)

 

“I Stand So That You Can Kneel” by Andrew Freborg

I stand to honor the promise the flag represents.

You kneel because that promise has been broken.

I stand to affirm my belief that all are created equal, and to fight alongside you for that promise.

You kneel because too few stand with you.

I stand because we can be better.

You kneel to remind us to be better.

I stand to honor all that have fought and died so that we may be free.

You kneel because not all of us are.

I stand because I can.

You kneel for those who can’t.

I stand to defend your right to kneel.

You kneel to defend my right to stand.