Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter, but what about gray matter?
A colloquialism I heard growing up says: “conversation rules the nation”. If that’s true, we’re a nation without rule and to our own demise! The United States of America is a peculiar place to be right now. Still boasting as a super power, the nation’s reputation is withering away with each moment of debate. Gun control, police brutality, building a wall, human rights and much more malign interpersonal relationships across the country. Many are forged and ended without even leaving home and at the hands of a mobile device. What I have noticed is that increasingly, Americans are turning away from intelligent debate in favor of the repetition of rhetoric heard on their favorite news outlet.
As a journalist, it’s my job to be objective. It’s a hard job but I do my best. When citizens are killed, I have to ask readers to be sensible in their evaluation of the news of the death at the hands of a police officer. When mass shootings happen, I have to ask readers to ask themselves if gun access is the problem or whether people and their evil thoughts are the problem.
Last week when Aaron Schlossberg was filmed berating spanish speaking New Yorkers in a deli, he became an instant viral sensation. Amidst the furor, was a call to evict him from his office and even disbar him. This seems to be the new norm. Insult a group of people and expect to lose it all! We removed Confederate monuments this year and no monument or confederate sentiment was safe. The danger in this mass removal of opposition en masse is the unintended result of creating a harbor for the offenders.
While I will never condone hate-speech, I want to remind you that even scripture has been defined as hate-speech to those offended by the holy scriptures. In California, it could soon be illegal to use the bible in gay conversion therapy. In a sketchy piece of legislation, the bible has come under fire as used by Christians in the practice of conversion therapy for homosexuals. It seems implausible now, but what if someone thought the bible was offensive and moved to further legislation and attempt to ban the bible as an article of hate speech? Gay conversion therapy is akin to rehabilitation for drug users. Despite increasing efforts globally to accept the homosexual lifestyle, many are making attempts to no longer be a part of that lifestyle, some are making the choice for them in the form of gay conversion therapy. The practice is good-hearted but like many other issues plaguing our neighbors, they’re fruitless without relation rapport and devolves instead into a war of hurtful words that crush the soul Jesus cares so much for!
Hate speech should be done away with, but how? I still have hope that intellectual debate can and will change the minds of those with hatred in their hearts. Dr. King in all his eloquence was hated even more when he presented irrefutable evidence to bolster his principles and leadership. What I believe is most important in these tense moments of disagreement that drives a deeper wedge between Americans, is that we think as much as we speak! Many times, we’re a simple conversation away from gaining the perspective and understanding we need to truly embrace our differences.
I implore you to not be so quick to dispose of what you oppose or who/what opposes you and instead think as much as you speak! The only “Matter” that matters is gray…think about it!
NEW BOOK, “THE GRASS IS THE FIRST TO GO,” TACKLES VIOLENCE, MORALITY, RACE AND POLITICS
Motivational speaker and author, Orlando Ceaser’s, new book uses art to tackle hot topics. The Grass Is the First to Go is ten one-act plays with a discussion guide to stimulate thought and spirited conversations. Their controversial nature and provocative content is written to inspire and jolt people to sit down and talk.
The news is filled with stories on crime, gun violence, mass incarceration, Black Lives Matters, #MeToo, sexual harassment, injustice and gentrification. Schools, businesses and other organizations confront morality, racial identity, unconscious bias and stereotypes. There is a need for resources to increase engagement and interactive problem-solving. The Grass Is the First to Go can be staged or read aloud in small groups to help create dialogue, solutions and action plans. They can help groups break down walls and build understanding about diversity and inclusion.
Am I Black Enough? is a play about the struggle in communities when people within the same group have their cultural and racial identity challenged by their own. The signature play, The Grass Is the First to Go, speaks to the lack of stewardship and the failure to value life, opportunity and resources. I Protest, was inspired by young people in the Black Lives Matter Movement. These brave and vocal souls stand up for justice and equality and against hypocrisy and injustice. My Life Defined, begs the question, what does it say about our lives if our pursuit of pleasure, self-indulgences and selfishness direct our behavior toward matters that do not address the major inequities of our times?
Orlando Ceaser is a writer, professional speaker, thought leader and voiceover specialist. He spent his first career as a business executive in the pharmaceutical industry. He has over 30 years of experience in sales, management, training, diversity, marketing, leadership and personal development. He aspires to entertain, educate and inspire people to unlock their leadership greatness to reach their dreams.
Mr. Ceaser advises students, parents and employees to become Impact Players in school, work and in their communities. Impact players are individuals who are prominent and dominant in their fields. They are the game changes who improve performance through their actions. Mr. Ceaser achieves this objective through key note addresses, workshops, spoken word CDs and books.
Mr. Ceaser has presented to prisoners and those responsible for ministering to them. He presents two decision making models; The Know System(TM) and The Objection Model – The Art of Refusal(TM). These models guide users to make decisions consistent with their faith and value systems. Mr. Ceaser is the author of twelve books including Unlock your Leadership Greatness, Leadership above the Rim, The Isle of Knowledge, Look for the Blessing and Leadership Greatness through High Performance Poetry. His blog, www.myozonelayer.com focuses on management, motivation and leadership.
Broadway based Producer and Successful Renowned Playwright, Chad Lawson Cooper and Soul Tempo Productions present the musical stage play, “Black Lives Matter Too-All Lives Matter” .
On February 25, 2017, the multi-talented, Black Lives Matter Too cast will be blessed to also work with the musically diverse, Gospel Group Soul Tempo and acclaimed Speaker and Author, Dr. Brian Keith Williams.
Soul Tempo and Dr. Brian Keith Williams have joined cast of the Black Lives Matter Too-All Lives Matter musical stage play and are excited to share their gifts and talents to this groundbreaking play.
The Gospel Group, Soul Tempo is no stranger to teaming up with award winning cast members, as they were also featured in the Academy Award nominated film, The Preachers Wife along with Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. Soul Tempo has also performed on countless National Television programs and networks, including Trinity Broadcast Network and the TCT Network.
Dr. Brian Keith Williams is a published author, who has appeared on and hosted several National Television and radio programs. Dr. Williams also served as the Pastor of All Nations Church (Columbus, OH) for 29 years.
This most talked about musical stage play will make its debut in Chester, PA onFebruary 25, 2017 at the St. Luke Christian Center, 320 Tilgman St.
“Black Lives Matter Too-All Lives Matter”-The Play and Musical, is a Chad Lawson Cooper Production and Soul Tempo Production, which is in no association with the organization Black Lives Matter, but is written and produced to bring an awareness to our communities in light of the recent injustices against Blacks in America.
We all knew it was coming. Following the shooting death of Terence Crutcher at the hands of Tulsa, Oklahoma officer Betty Jo Shelby’s posthumous defamation of his character began, right on schedule.
We’ve seen this play out following each officer involved shooting death. If a victim has some sort of criminal occurrence in their past, it’s sure to make the news. For others, even a traffic ticket makes the news in the attempt to sully the image of the deceased victim and somehow justify the taking of their life.
When news of Mr. Crutcher’s death made the news, the gospel community at large expressed their sadness at the loss and issued condolences to Mr. Crutcher’s family.
Since footage of the shooting was released, Officer Shelby’s account seemed to conflict common sense yet no action against her is pending. The family and people everywhere have decried the actions of Officer Shelby and the helicopter officers in dealing with Mr. Crutcher, who was in need of assistance and not a harm or threat to anyone.
Attorney Benjamin Crump has taken on the case along with co-counsel Demario Solomon Simmons who both spoke vehemently against the Tulsa PD and city infrastructure in the wake of the shooting and lack of accountability.
The Gospel Music Workshop of America joined the National Action Network to impede the slanderous reports that now suggest that the drug PCP was found in Mr. Crutcher’s car. From the very onset of the investigation, Officer Shelby stated that she feared for her life and assumed that Mr. Crutcher was under the influence of the hallucinogenic drug. Officer Shelby stands by other unfounded allegations such as him reaching into an open window. Video, once released debunked the window theory, as the window was rolled up.
Joining the NAN, the Gospel Music Workshop of America stands in solidarity with the family of Rev. Joe Crutcher, a long time GMWA member and chapter representative and also demand ‘immediate justice‘ for the life and loss of Terence Crutcher.
Watch the full press conference below. In the introduction, Rev. Al Sharpton explains the presence of GMWA Chairman Bishop Albert Jamison.
Following the press conference, Bishop Albert Jamison and the GMWA Board have spoken out to not only sternly defend the character of Mr. Crutcher but to reinforce the narrative initially shared by the Crutcher family.
Here is the official statement from the GMWA:
A press conference was held today in Manhattan, NY at the National Action Network House of Justice, to discuss the outrage felt in the fatal police shooting of Terence Crutcher. The purpose was to appeal for justice and bring awareness of the ongoing police brutality that affects Black Lives across the nation. The press conference was hosted by Al Sharpton, Bishop Albert Jamison, and the family of Terence Crutcher. Bishop Albert Jamison (Chairman), Members of the Board, and all involved with The Gospel Music Workshop of America, express how deeply saddened they are at untimely, unnecessary passing of Terence.
Terence was a part of the Gospel Music Workshop of America all of his life. He is affectionately called a “workshop baby”, a term used for those, who from birth, have been a part of GWMA. Terence’s father, Joe Crutcher, has been a GMWA Chapter Representative for over 30 years and would bring Terence to the conventions annually. Terence was the father of four children and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral plans are being made by Terence’s family and will be announced soon.
A musical is also being planned in Terence’s memory. Details will be forthcoming
The story should’ve been that an SUV broke down on the road in Tulsa. What has happened is; the justice system broke down again, this time on the road in Tulsa.
We come to Tulsa as repairmen not to fix a car, but to fix a broken system that keeps breaking down. -Rev. Al Sharpton
Here we go again, another crazy week in the media…and in our neighborhoods. With the highly publicized shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, all forms of media have been frenzied since the first video was uploaded to Facebook last week. Also a part of the frenzy happens to be the millions of viewers, worldwide. In our varied attempts to illuminate the plight of black men in America and the violence many face at the hands of police, we’ve used these videos to bolster our strong viewpoints. These video shares are not without hidden damage.
Last week, after watching the Philando Castile video another video surfaced showing another angle of the officer involved shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After watching nearly the entire video, I had to pause the video. I didn’t look away when the shots were fired, and I didn’t look away when I saw blood…I looked away when I realized that I was watching Alton Sterling die. Literally taking his last few short breaths there on the ground. I was angry, but something else was happening. Rage? Fear? Confusion? All of this happened at once yet pausing the video didn’t wrangle the wild emotions.
From there, I was embroiled in heavy Facebook dialogue, some of which came off the pages and into phone calls and text messages. Some brought severe division between myself and some of my longest standing friendships. Once again, we reminded that I am black and they aren’t. As a journalist, I wrote…unapologetically about how the deafening silence from what should and could be our friends is hindering any possible progress. I chided religious leaders for having nothing major to say…and then, it happened…
The unthinkable…someone declared war on the police! Before the night ended, five Dallas officers were dead and seven others wounded from the attack. Of the five deceased officers, one was a friend. A fellow band nerd, Officer Patrick Zamarippa. My days at Paschal High School were full of self discovery and the struggle of being young, gifted and black. A speech that began as a diatribe in search of empathy towards our community ended with me tragically searching for the words to comfort mutual among perceived enemies. When I say #BlackLivesMatter, I post it to a mixed audience. Last week, I wasn’t met with #BlueLivesMatter or #AllLivesMatter, I was met with…SILENCE!
On Thursday evening, I made a concerted effort to reach out to old friends I’d undoubtedly yet inadvertently alienated by expressing my disdain with the week’s earlier shootings. I had to also re-visit a quandary that plagued me during High School. Many who were quick to memorialize Patrick as an officer of the law and veteran of the US Armed Forces were the same ones that paid very little attention to him in band. You see, we were divided back then, in band and in school. Did we make awesome music? You bet and nobody will ever take that from us. The lines that divided us somehow followed us into adulthood yet we find ourselves drawn together again, by this senseless loss of life.
Can you imagine the week I’ve had? It pales in comparison to any of the families who lost loved ones or even those who remained trapped in a live crime scene last Thursday night. Some were in their cars for hours, a very good friend and colleague Shannon J was in her car for 10 hours while the officers subdued the suspect and continued their investigation into Friday morning.
Trauma. That’s the word for it. We’ve been traumatized, the whole nation. This is the prime example of why so many have been rendered speechless. Some fester in silence; but for many the reality of violence whether at the hands of officers or a trained sniper, has rendered them speechless. What we have uttered is the best we can and even that has taken both a tremendous level of courage and a huge toll on us. A week later and many have yet to understand the gravity of the toll. I reached out to Dr. Kristen Guillory lend her expertise about the psychological ramifications any of the videos and ensuing interaction may have had on us. She had this to say:
“…it’s not about not watching but making sure you’re aware of the possible impact as well as what to do when you’re impacted- counseling, stepping away, prayer, etc and the signs. There a lot of layers and how to identify the signs in a loved one”
This I agree with and want to encourage any of you who suddenly “feel some type of way” following the events of last week to seek help and encourage others to do the same. Human lives matter. Your quality of life matters and help is available if you need it. Not all of us involved are on the front lines, still the effects are there. People like myself have contributed to progress via the various forms of journalism.
I hosted a live show on last Friday with Dick Gregory, Fred Sandifer, Reggie Williams, the Rev. Kyev Tatum and Nichole C. Mullen that allowed us to talk about our feelings and what we need to do on both sides of the conflict. I can’t make it to every march or gathering but I am doing what I can where I am. Even so, I experienced trauma last week and will be doing what I can to heal where I am as I help make healing possible for others.
Think of the impact of seeing ones mother get hit, or seeing a child get hit or even what soldiers see in combat. Rosie O’Donnell suffered from depression after the Columbine shooting and she didn’t see anything. I’ve been concerned about those who not only watched but how learning of this information impacts us because many didn’t share deeply with someone how they really felt in the moment. We let it fester. (“Dr. G” Kristen Guillory)
Have you spoken to anyone about how the turmoil in the nation affects you? We need to decompress. Perhaps a moment to breathe, but how can that be so with the image of a dying Eric Garner saying: “I Can’t Breathe” seered into your subconscious? When do we breathe again, where oh where is that sigh of relief? I don’t know…
Calamity surrounds us and if the world remains unchanged, shootings and violence will continue. I urge you take pre-caution when engaging in social media following the events. Cover your mind and your heart, keep your well being in mind. We want to get perspective, we want to know what facts can be derived from video, but we also must remain vigilant against the onset of undiagnosed symptoms of mental illness and directly attributed to the exposure/overexposure to graphic content.
way based Producer and Successful Renowned Playwright, Chad Lawson Cooper and Soul Tempo Productions present the musical stage play, 