What Can Blacks Learn From Animal Rights Groups & Michael Vick?

(ThyBlackMan.com) Let me begin by giving a round of applause to the Pittsburg Steelers for signing my main man Michael Vick to their organization. I’m so excited about this season!

Now, while strolling on Facebook a few minutes ago I quickly realized that several animal rights groups in Pittsburg are not only upset but are returning donated items the Steelers organization have given them to use in their fundraisers.

On Tuesday, August 25^th, the day in which Vick was signed to the Steelers, The Animal Rescue League immediately announced that they were ending their relationship with the team.

On Wednesday, Animal Friends release the following statement:

“Animal Friends is disappointed by the Steelers organization’s recent decision to sign Michael Vick to a one-year contract. As an organization whose mission is to fight against animal abuse and suffering, Animal Friends cannot support the hiring of an individual who has been convicted of dog fighting and whose actions resulted in the terrible abuse and deaths of many dogs.

“Accordingly, Animal Friends has made the difficult decision to not participate in any Steelers-related activities at this time. Steelers-related memorabilia and tickets have been temporarily removed from all fundraising efforts and the donated items will be returned. Alternate prize options will be offered for raffles already in progress.

“With dogfighting still a major concern in the Pittsburgh region, we implore the Steelers organization to take a stand and actively campaign against this horrific and illegal activity. The Steelers’ voice can help to build a stronger – and more humane – Steelers nation.”

After reading the statement of Animal Friends, a few questions entered my mind: Why are we, as black people, so afraid of losing the little material things and rights we think we have? How can we, as a nationwide community, reach a level where ‘others’ know that we will fight for justice against all odds? What can we, as black people, learn from animal rights groups?

1. Keep Your Damn Money! We have a tendency to get side swiped from causes once shinny things enter the equation. We have this preconceived notion that money solves all problems. That reaping money is a form of justice when our rights are violated. Have you ever noticed when an injustice happens within our community the first thing we yell is “lawsuit”? We constantly send the message that you can do anything to the black community and IF they decide to cause an uproar, pay them and they’ll disappear. Rather than slave owners selling us for profit, we now choose to sell our damn selves, our rights and any cause we stand upon. Notice how Animal Friends stated they will be returning Steelers memorabilia and tickets that they usually sell in their fundraisers to generate funds for their cause. Imagine if we were bold enough to say We Can’t be Bought”.

2. Forgiveness Is Not An Option. We are quick to yell about forgiveness! A black youth gets gunned down in the streets and his family jumps on t.v. to speak on how they forgive the murderer and all they want is justice. We lack the realization to understand that forgiveness is a process that occurs AFTER justice has been served. It shouldn’t matter how many times the wrongdoer apologizes, we must stop being moved by our emotional selves when our rights are on the line. It’s time to move into a more logical state of strategizing.

3. A Friend of My Enemy, is too my Enemy. We have a tendency to support individuals and corporations who are buddies with our enemies. We think that because they are not directly involved, their presence doesn’t matter. WRONG! Anyone who supports or does business with your enemy is too, your enemy and should feel your wrath. That means I will not break bread with you. Why? Because in doing so I strengthen the wealth and power of my enemy. What sense does it make to finance your own destruction and oppression?

4. We will make an example out of you! We will smear your name to ensure everyone across the world knows your face, your supporters and what you have done. We will let the world know how disgusted we are with you and we will toy with the emotions of others to persuade them to feel as we do. We fail to create alliances, we constantly attempt to go at things alone. Hell, many times we won’t even allow certain black folk to join in on a cause that’s supposed to be about them. I’m not speaking of a day or week long boycott here, I’m talking about getting people out of bed with the oppressor across the board. Always and forever.

5. Take a Stand! Why do we have so many black organizations with the same mission? Why do we have so many grassroots organizations popping up for months or a few years at a time? Why do we keep jumping from cause to cause depending upon where the media instructs our attention to go? Your cause should take you a lifetime or until the injustices you’re fighting ceases to exist. There is absolutely no reason our efforts should be spread out due to religious beliefs or our individual emotional state. Ideology aside we too should be able to stand united for the changes we desire to see. Yes our efforts and actions will vary but the overall mission should be united. That’s what unity is about, getting everyone moving towards the same mission. Not everyone being on the same page action wise. Imagine life with only one book and one page.

While I absolutely love and support Michael Vick and his family, I must take a moment to commend animal rights groups for their unity and consistency. What changes do you believe we, as a people, will see if we decide to take consistent steps in a unified manner against our oppressors?

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