History has shown that ground-level activism for the rights and equality for African-Americans comes with a high price. Black activists and civil rights leaders often pay the price with their lives. However, before their untimely deaths, they endured tremendous stress and burdens. There are activists who are able to make a career out of activism. They are the go-to for mainstream media. These careerists are able to toe the line between white society and black society. They are here to pray with black society, teach white society, and not induce change for either side. They live long lives by generating endorsements and book deals.
On the other hand, there were black activists and civil rights leaders who did not make justice their day job. They fought for justice and paid with their life. It can be said that the life of an activist is overwhelming difficult. There are many people who cannot handle the stress of going to work and coming home. Imagine the stress, pressure, and burdens of fighting and leading a movement to improve the lives of African-Americans in the U.S. Imagine being on the receiving end of surveillance, threats and intimidation. Picture what it takes to lead massive people. People who will move when you say move and go where you say to show up. Picture trying to provide and care for your family while feeling the weight of the movement on your shoulders.
One example is the burdens Malcolm X experienced. He and his family were very dependent upon the NOI. He lived in the house owned by the NOI and was financially dependent upon them. After his split from the NOI, in addition to re-focusing himself and his movement, he also had the stress of being able to independently provide for his family. Finance, housing, and the many months he spent away from his family were major issues in his marriage. Malcolm X endured these pressures in addition to the threats upon his life while being both loved and an outcast.
Another example is the short life of Erica Garner. Erica Garner was the daughter of Eric Garner who died at the hands of NYC police in 2014. It was her father’s death which sparked her to advocate and protest for police reform. Only three years into her activism against police misconduct, she suffered two heart attacks. Erica Garner died at the age of 27. Her family believes stress played into the cause of her untimely death.
Culture Blurb recognizes the hardships of the lives of civil rights and social justice warriors. Fighting for change is not an easy task to take. We recognize not only the achievements of African-Americans, but also what warriors for justice and equality endured for the betterment of African-Americans.