Within the past several months, no one has been able to turn on the television or check their social media accounts without hearing about another tragic story of a black man being murdered at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve us all. While many are protesting and making their voices heard, others are using their status and platform, to be a voice for the voiceless. Colin Kaepernick, the starting Quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, is causing an uproar with his refusal to stand during the National Anthem. Many are calling it unpatriotic mainly because they claim it to be disrespectful to United States veterans and the American flag.
Newsflash people! No one is disrespecting the country, the flag or the veterans. Furthermore, vets did not fight to defend a symbol instead they fought to defend our freedoms. One of those very freedoms include the first amendment, which states, that American citizens have five basic liberties, “These rights include freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech.†Many critics, such as some retired NFL players were quick to voice their opinions in disagreement with Colin’s choice of kneeling and sitting, but ironically many veterans are supporting his courage and stance.
In the wake of all the unaccountable police homicides that Colin has showed opposition to, 15 more minorities have been shot since he first took a seat for the anthem on August 26, 2016. This just week alone, an unarmed black man was killed by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma and another  black man was killed a few days later in Charlotte, NC. As expected those critics that were loud and bold via television and social media against Colin’s stand against oppression, are loudly silent regarding these murders.
Seemingly it is apparent that #Kaepernick critics wanted to create an uproar about the National Anthem, but do not want to disturb the comfortable, when it comes to letting their voices reign for justice and equality. It appears that its much too sensible and rational to find disgust in a innocent life gone forever than it is to find disgust in the way a black man peacefully chooses to protest. To others, they don’t feel that way at all. In contrast, they choose to speak out as they understand that all lives matter, but until our judicial system, those sworn to protect us, law makers, and all of those with power understand and comprehend this fact then they will continue to yell with all the strength that they have that, #Blacklivesmatter!
In present day 2016 our brothers may not hear it enough so I just want to leave my readers, especially all of my Black KINGS with a reminder, that you matter, and that we (Black Queens) love you.
Dear Black Men,
I just want to say thank you for being the KINGS that you are. For those of you that do, thank you for always protecting your community, your family, and your kingdom. Thank you for being a strong man, a leader, an educator and teaching the younger generation of boys, how to be MEN. Thank for always defending us, when society loves to tear down the black woman. I appreciate you. I appreciate your determination, your dedication and hard work in your pursuit of your education and career. Know that nothing that you do goes unnoticed by us. I see, and I am constantly cheering for you. I value you, I respect you, and I see the potential in you, even if you do not see it in yourself. My KING, whenever you are down, and the weight of the world is on your shoulders, don’t you give up. Just know that I’m right here by your side, and you do not have to carry this load alone. Hand it over, and we will work together, as a team, and as the KING & Queen that we naturally are. My KINGS, we need you, and the world needs your strength, intelligence and talent. Our young KINGS and Queens of tomorrow need you the most. We cannot protect our homes, our families and our communities without you. That is not natural order. Stand strong, stand with me, and together we will conquer the world. That is the natural order.
Sincerely,
a Black Queen
~Marquita Davis