THE COLLAPSE

Over fifteen million black men, women, and children fell victim to the brutal and inhumane transatlantic slave trade. It led to a staggering mass death toll of between fifteen to twenty million Africans, as documented by the scholar, Adam Jones.

Consequently, Africans from various nations became widely dispersed across predominantly white countries, broaching the notion of expelling them which may be recognized as an impossible outcome. Thereby in this contemporary society, this historical context has contributed to the establishment of rights for Black individuals, introducing the key constitutional amendments; the 13th amendment (1865), 14th amendment (1868) and the 15th amendment (1870). The 13th amendment abolished slavery and forced labor across the nation, except as a punishment for a crime. The 14th amendment made people born in the U.S. legal citizens and promised equal protection under the law. And the 15th amendment gave Black men the legal right to vote in local, state, and national elections. But despite all these constitutional amendments, it has been overly violated.

Regardless of the difference in skin color and cultural backgrounds, at humans core, they posses the same fundamental humanity. The ability to communicate, share thoughts, express their emotions, take action in their lives, and navigate the world in much the same way.

Given this shared essence, it is utterly illogical to foster chaos and discord among one another. Yet, in the complex tapestry of human experience and tragic reality, it often seems that individuals are inclined to rally behind those who resemble them based on how they appear or what they represent, leading to widespread suffering and division.

These tensions often culminate in shocking acts of violence and discrimination, likewise a poignant example of the horrific Tulsa Massacre, which remains etched in the collective memory as one of the gravest traumas inflicted upon the Black community in the United States. This catastrophic event not only resulted in the loss of numerous lives but also left many more grappling with profound injuries, both physical and psychological, simultaneously demonstrating the devastating impact of division and hatred. The tragic occurred in the city of Tulsa, located in the state of Oklahoma, United States, over a harrowing two-day period, specifically between May 31st and June 1st, in the year 1921.

Also, not excluding the Colfax Massacre, a tragic and pivotal event that unfolded in 1873, stands as a stark reminder of violent resistance faced by Black Americans during the Reconstruction era. This incident was not a merely an isolated occurrence; it was emblematic of the broader struggle for civil rights and the fight against systematic racism that permeated the post-Civil War South. The massacre was sparked by the contentious aftermath of the 1872 election, where the results were fiercely contested by White supremacists who were unwilling to accept the political empowerment of Black citizens. In a desperate bid to safeguard their newly acquired rights, a group of Black men, alongside a predominantly Black state militia, took refuge around the parish courthouse, determined to protect the local government from the encroaching threat of violence. As tensions escalated, the courthouse became a fortress of hope and resistance, symbolizing the aspirations of a community for equality and justice. However, the siege culminated in a brutal assault; where armed White citizens launched a coordinated attack, resulting in the deaths of numerous Black individuals and the destruction of their aspirations for political representation. This massacre being on an Easter Sunday, April 13th, not only extinguished lives, but also sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting the lengths to which some would go to maintain white supremacy and the fragility of Black political power during this tumultuous period in American history.

This massacre remains a critical chapter in the narrative of racial violence, eliminating sixty-two to one hundred and fity-three African-Americans and three white men.

In this case, this chapter serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing struggle for voting rights and equality that continues to resonate today, likewise the Wilmington Massacre, a similar harrowing chapter in American history, unfolded in Wilmington, North Carolina, in the year 1898. The incident was a calculated coup orchestrated by white supremacists who sought to overturn the legitimate results of a local election that had empowered Black citizens and their allies. In a brutal display of racial animosity, these perpetrators unleashed a wave of terror, resulting in the estimated deaths of between fourteen to three hundred Black individuals, a staggering loss of life that underscored the depths of racial hatred prevalent at the time. As the chaos erupted, the once-thriving Black neighborhood of Wilmington, known for it's vibrant businesses and cultural contributions was engulfed in flames. The destruction was not limited to homes but extended to the heart of the community, including Black-owned businesses and the esteemed newspaper, The Daily Record, which had served as a voice for the Black community, advocating for civil rights and social justice.

In the face of this onslaught, many Black families found themselves fleeing into the nearby woods, desperately seeking refuge from the violence that surrounded them. Others, caught in the crossfire of hatred and fear, were forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods, with estimates suggesting that up to two thousand individuals were compelled to leave Wilmington by train, embarking on a journey from which many would never return. This mass exodus marked a significant demographic shift, as families were uprooted and communities dismantled, leaving scars that would last for generations. Throughout this horrific episode, not a single white individual was reported dead, highlighting the one-sided nature of the violence and the systemic oppression that characterized this dark period.

‎Presently, in contemplating the aftermath of these brutal acts of violence, poignant questions arise concerning the present-day racial dynamics; where are the Black Americans now? What has become of the White residents? In which neighborhoods and communities do they coexist today? Shockingly, despite the passage of time, it appears that not much has fundamentally changed in the fabric of society; Blacks continue to reside alongside the Whites sharing the same spaces and, in many ways, still bound together by a tangled web of history and survival.

This ongoing coexistence serves as a compelling testament to the undeniable reality that, despite the historical attempts to marginalize or expel them, Black individuals remain interwoven within the societal landscape alongside their counterparts, highlighting the persistent complexities of racial relationships and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

‎Nevertheless, the deeply entrenched problem of racism may persist indefinitely, fostering a climate of confusion, discord, and wanton recklessness that threatens human civilization which Solomon Tower refers as a disease that evolves gradually in a mind adapted by false speeches and abhor.

As recorded, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), provided staggering estimates that from the years 1999 to 2020, approximately 1.63 million excess deaths were suffered by Black Americans when compared to White Americans. These tragic deaths were outcomes of deep-rooted structural racism, significant disparities in healthcare access, and profoundly unequal living conditions. Moreover, the contemporary police violence cannot be overlooked, with reports documenting the grave execution of 9,179 Black individuals in a distressingly consistent pattern between 2013 and 2021, highlighting the injustices that continue to plague marginalized communities.

Presently, there is an urgent need to consider how such troubling issues can be effectively addressed and ultimately stopped. What specific laws or rules could be embedded into the constitution to create a robust framework that would prevent such injustices from occurring presently and in the future? Why is there a persistent silence from those in power, seemingly allowing the years to pass without significant change or persistent intervention? Why have they not taken decisive measures to put a strict and final end to these ongoing injustices? How many more years will various races continue to endure humiliation and dehumanization? Moreover, these tragic incidents unfolding do not merely affect the immediate victims; they also cast a long shadow of blame onto the white population, essentially recognizing that without the harrowing historical context of the slave trade, which laid the foundation for systemic racism, all these conundrums might not exist in their current form. However, it is worth noting that the transatlantic slave trade inadvertently brought numerous Africans to the new world and, in some ways, exposed them to the advancements of a new age, but the toll it took on their dignity and humanity cannot be overstated; the discrimination and intense suffering they endured throughout the slave trade period were far more significant than any perceived advantages that arose from their forced migration, legacy of trauma and social stratification, leaving behind scars that have yet to be healed.

This troubling situation can be effectively put to an end when individuals and communities come to a full and comprehensive understanding of the equal rights that should inherently be afforded to all human races, irrespective of the color of their skin.

It makes an immense amount of sense to not only recognize but to also actively embrace the fact that we all are humans. Each possessing the same intrinsic worth and potential abilities that make us capable of contributing positively to society.

However, the pervasive bias and discriminatory mindset that permeates various sectors of society including crucial areas such as healthcare, housing, and media must be thoroughly examined and dismantled. A poignant instance, studies have shown that job applicants with distinctly African-American names face significant barriers, as they are notably less likely to receive calls for interviews when compared to their counterparts with more commonly Anglo-Saxon names.

According to the report made by Classic Audit Studies, reveals the 2003 study by Marianne Bertrand and Sendhil Mullainathan. At that prevalent time, the two researchers conducted an investigation in which they meticulously examined the impact of perceived racial identity on employment opportunities. The study focused on resumes submitted for job openings in two major metropolitan areas: Chicago and Boston. The results were striking: it was reviewed that resumes bearing names that were perceived as "White-sounding" garnered an astonishing 50% more callbacks for interviews compared to those with names that were identified as "Black-sounding." This disparity not only highlights the pervasive nature of racial discrimination in the job market but also raises critical questions about the fairness and equality of opportunity for job seekers. The implications of such findings are profound, prompting discussions about the systemic biases that persist within hiring practices and the urgent need for reforms to ensure a more equitable approach to recruitment and employment across diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

‎Nevertheless, the Black Talent Charter in a significant collaboration with Bain & Company, has uncovered alarming evidence that black graduates emerging from UK universities are still grappling with systemic racial discrimination during the job application process, particularly within the competitive realms of financial services, professional services, and law. This extensive research not only highlights the persistent barriers faced by these talented individuals but also decisively disproves the pervasive myth that black talent is scarce or unwilling to pursue opportunities in these fields. On the contrary, the findings reveal a compelling narrative: black candidates are, on average, twice as likely as their counterparts from other racial and ethnic groups to actively seek careers within the financial and professional sectors. This revelation challenges employers to rethink their recruitment strategies and underscores the urgent need for systemic change to ensure that the aspirations and qualifications of black graduates are recognized and valued in the job market. The implications of this research extend beyond mere statistics; they call for a concerted effort to dismantle the biases that hinder diversity and inclusion, fostering a more equitable landscape where all candidates can thrive based on their merit and potential.

‎Moreover, on a broader scale, the global beauty industry perpetuates an unrealistic ideal by celebrating lighter skin tones while simultaneously denigrating and devaluing the beauty of darker skin tones.

This pervasive inequity is not merely a cosmetic issue; it reflects deep-rooted societal biases that have been ingrained over generations, influencing perceptions of beauty across cultures and communities. The impact of these standards is felt profoundly, as individuals with darker skin tones often face discrimination, exclusion, and a lack of representation in media, fashion, and advertising.This systemic bias calls for a collective awakening; it is imperative that society as a whole understands and champions the equal rights of the entire human race, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated and all individuals are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. This means actively challenging stereotypes, promoting inclusive representation, and creating platforms that uplift voices from all backgrounds. Only through such concerted efforts can we hope to dismantle the harmful narratives that have long dictated beauty norms and pave the way for a more equitable future where every shade of beauty is recognized and valued.