I've always wrestled with the part of Baldwin’s quote that says, “no one has ever wanted really to be free.” Until today.
Because the more I observe, the more it feels like some of us are out here picking up the chains and putting them back on—not because we have to, but because it’s familiar. The devil we know.
I realize now that some people are afraid of being free. Not because they don’t want better but because true liberation demands change. And change is uncomfortable. It’s inconvenient. Everyone talks about wanting change, but so few are willing to be the change or do the small, persistent work required to bring it to life.
We’ve gotten used to outrage with an expiration date. Something happens, we’re mad for 2-4 business days, and then it’s back to business as usual. Every time, it’s the same cycle.
<buckle up buttercup> The truth is, part of why we get the Okey Doke is because nobody takes us seriously. These companies, these systems—they know they can do whatever they want. Why? Because they know folks will forget. They bank on our apathy.
Some of us are waiting for someone to come and save us. For another MLK or Malcolm X to swoop in and do the heavy lifting.
But let me be clear: AIN’T NOBODY COMING TO SAVE YOU, OTIS.
Liberation isn’t Amazon Prime. It doesn’t come in 1-2 business days. It’s the small, consistent choices we make every day. The hard, unglamorous work of doing differently. It’s staying committed to the long-term strategy even when the results aren’t immediate.
We have to stop being reactive. Stop waiting for saviors or grand gestures and start doing the work—together. Because these systems of oppression? They’ve got folk in a chokehold with zero effort. Why? Because we keep doing the same shit, expecting a different outcome.
It’s time to stop playing small. It’s time to stop choosing comfort over freedom.
P.s. Black capitalism, ain't it either! Folk be putting Black faces on oppressive structures talking about, "ta-da." Nooooo, negro, just no.