Justice For Toyin Salau.
It’s a shame that I’ve been waking up every day to news about another black life brutally taken. Whether it’d be by a cop or someone else, it is all a shame, but this one is NOT the same as the other one’s.
If we’re not careful and focused, this atrocity could stop all of the hard work we’ve been doing for the past few weeks. The work our ancestors, and elders have done could be erased because we’re back to infighting. No, I’m not saying let’s not hold one another accountable for the hate and abuse we inflict on each other. A black woman was raped and murdered by Aaron Glee Jr. A black man who should have never laid a hateful hand on a black woman (yes all women matter and I know a white woman was also killed by this man, but I’m talking bout black women now so write your own “all women matter” piece. No disrespect to Victoria Sims #RIP). Toyin fought for us all and like other black activist her demise happened at the hands of someone she was fighting for.
Black men, if black women can’t trust us then who can they trust? You know how other men view them as nothing but sexual objects incapable of love and protection. I say “other men” as if black women aren’t viewed that way by black men as well. Black woman shouldn’t be the only community of women with no protection from the men they birth, feed, love, march, cry, bleed and die for. You niggas worship your mother’s like the Queen she is and protect your sisters and daughters like precious gems. All of that is beautiful, but it shouldn’t have to take you to be a brother to a sister or a father to a daughter in order for you to realize how precious black women are. You also shouldn’t view them as material objects of value in order for you to feel the need to protect them, but I had to say something that’ll get through your thick skull.
I don’t know what else to say, but sorry. I’m sorry, black women. I’m sorry that I don’t know what else to do to protect you all. I’m sorry I don’t know what else to say. I feel like what I do to ensure my love and protection of you is enough, but I want to know what else I can do. I can check dudes who are violating black women and making all us black men look bad, but if there is more that can be done, please let me know.
I want to end this piece off by saying I love you and will do anything for you. Rest In Peace Toyin. Thank you for all you’ve done. You’re home, now. #JusticeForToyin
