The Cycle

The Cycle (www.thecyclefilm.com) had its Chicago premiere last night at Blue 1647 Innovation Center. The 11-minute film is a powerful cinematic endeavor meant to provoke a guttural reaction and stimulate conversation around the issue of violence in our communities. The ending was surprising but ultimately expected by those of us watching.

The group gathered for the film was intergenerational and diverse – a great representation of Chicago. Although diverse, the assembled viewers were unified by one idea, the violence in our community especially the violence between the Black community and the police department must end.

One of the themes of the film which is largely ignored by the media is the perspective of the police. Often it is assumed that the police are gunning for our young men. Many times that assumption is true. Other times, the police officer involved in a shooting is as much a victim as the young person shot. We do not generally hear that from the police department. Thus the officer involved is seen either hero or villain with nothing in between.

After the film aired, a panel was held consisting of the director/writer of the film, Michael Marantz, the film’s producer, a community activist involved in Black Lives Matter movement and a 25 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. Many of the questions posed by the moderator were about the film, what the reaction to the film has been and what the creators hoped to accomplish. The film’s creators said their intent was to get people to think about themselves in regards to their neighborhood and to honestly think about their fears in regards to violence. They want to spur people to think, talk, debate and ultimately get involved in creating change within our communities.

This sentiment was echoed by both the community activist and the police officer. She mentioned how she was responsible and accountable to two familial units – the community and the Chicago Police Department. It was clear the officer knew she was going to take the brunt of the questions from the audience about police behavior. As she and the other panelists fielded questions from the moderator and the audience, it became clear that the film was doing its job. It spurred conversation and allowed those gathered to begin discussing what conversations needed to be had in the future along with possible solutions.
The phrase “Black on Black crime” was repeated often during the discussion. I detest this phrase. When Whites do wrong to each other, no one calls it “White on White crime.” It’s the same for the Hispanic community. Giving crime a name that is specific to the Black community makes it seem that crimes we commit against each other are worse than the crime being perpetuated by the racist institutions and organizations that do more harm in our community than we ever could. Crime is crime and it’s hurtful regardless of the race of the criminal. Instead of getting bogged down in supposed “Black on Black crime,” why don’t we work to eradicate crime in all its forms?

If the film comes to your town, please make a point to see it. Better yet, have a viewing party of your own. The film can be downloaded for free the website, www.thecyclefilm.com. Then spend the evening having the type of discussion needed to create change.

Regardless of whether you see the film at your local movie house or attend a home viewing, see the movie and begin the conversation. Every great movement starts with thoughts, conversation and then action. We can make a difference. We make a change. It starts with us. Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see.”

Let’s begin the conversation.

Karen Ford is the author of Thoughts of a Fried Chicken Watermelon Woman, a book of essays discussing race, gender, politics, religion and other current issues. It is available for purchase on her website, www.KarenFordOnline.com and Amazon.com.

Frederick Douglass and the Fourth of July

We’re nearing the end of a three day weekend celebration of the 4th of July. Friends and families gathered together to eat, drink, dance, play cards and enjoy having an extra day off work to enjoy a bright summer day. No one I know gives a whit about the meaning of Independence Day except to quote actor Bill Pullman as President Thomas Whitmore declare “This is our Independence Day.”

It’s interesting to hear that speech and listen to the plethora of speeches being made by politicians as they celebrate the birth of this nation. The speech that resonates most with me, however, is the one delivered July 5, 1852 in Rochester, NY by Frederick Douglass entitled “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”

This inspired speech captures the hypocrisy of the U.S. government and the church as the nation celebrated freedom while millions were enslaved.

Douglass’ analysis of religion, the Constitution and the tyranny of slavery are as astute today as they were more than 160 years ago. The racism of this country, woven into its very fabric, is alive and well. The powers that be – business, government and the church – have profited and continue to profit greatly by the institution of slavery and its aftermath.

Those of us who are descendants of enslaved Africans recognize well the words spoken so eloquently by Douglass. We have watched America embrace immigrants from Asia, Europe and other countries while consistently treating Americans of color as less than worthy of the same. We have watched our officials all out human rights violations of other countries while refusing to acknowledge similar violations on our shores. We have endorsed war on other lands declaring we are bringing democracy to the masses even as we stamp out any vestige of democracy here at home. Douglass calls out America for the duplicity perpetuated upon Americans of color by the government and the church.

This oratory (www.thenation.com/article/what-slave-fourth-july-frederick-douglass/) is more than a worthy addition to the tradition of parades and barbeques to commemorate this day. It is a reminder of the legacy America espouses to the world but has yet to fulfill.

“What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelly to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy—a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour.”

Truer words have never been spoken.

Karen Ford is the author of Thoughts of a Fried Chicken Watermelon Woman, a collection of essays on race, gender, politics, religion and every day issues. It can be purchased on her website, www.KarenFordOnline.com.