Some of us are in a struggle, beyond the day –to- day one of simply being while black. This struggle may come from decisions we make for ourselves, or decisions that others made and forced on us without our consent. For some of us, such struggle may affect our relationships, our health and/or our financial status. Sometimes in the struggle, we have to give something up, or others may give up on us, because they do not want to struggle, nor do they have a vision. We may lose something, or someone, but often if we are patient, we may gain much more. While the struggle is not meant to be an easy one, or a delicate one, for some of us, we find joy in the struggle, knowing that the struggle will move all of us forward, and we cannot forget that Fredrick Douglas told us, “without struggle, there is no progress”. Often times, we know folk who are master verbal masturbators, who give the impression that they are deep in the struggle, working hard and giving their all and all so that their struggle will not be in vain and will serve to benefit others. They tend to put on a good stage performance to folk who really don’t know them, acting as if they are the head Negro in charge. They play on the emotions of others and hope to get a standing ovation. They are often seen showcasing and showboating, because they want to see their name in bright lights, but if you look closely, you never really see them working diligently in any struggle. But will quickly stand before any crowd and put on an act. I would suggest it is the quite warriors who are deep in the struggle, those who are busy with the life work of nation building. These are brothas and sistas we see in the community, who work with children, adults and elders, just for the joy of it. Because of their work in the struggle, family relationships may be strained, because the household does not understand, nor embrace the struggle, especially if it will benefit the greater whole of the community. Some folk want all the glory for themselves. These warriors may be literally living from paycheck to paycheck (if they even get one) and are perhaps seriously in a JOB position (just over broke) And while these warriors may be emotionally drained and financially hurting, you would never know, because they are too busy in the struggle to complain and are likely connected spiritually, therefore they are able to find joy in the struggle.
This spiritual connection is not something that everyone will understand, primarily because they do not recognize The One and The Ones. Those who do understand, know that the struggle is by design, and meant to serve as a test for a testimony. Those who do understand will realize that those so called loved ones, friends, and acquaintances who will attempt to cause confusion or negativity for those warriors in the struggle, will be dealt with, and perhaps “removed” by The One and The Ones.
Remember, joy in the struggle comes simply from knowing that the work is a divine mission, ordained by and through The One and The Ones. And never forget, Aluta Continua, the struggle continues, for the good of the people.