In 1977 with the death of human rights advocate, Steven Biko, black South Africa drew attention to the system of racist government that saw innocent black people targeted and killed. Mr. Biko's death became the cry to the world about what was really going on in South Africa.
I can't obviously speak for this great man but I am certain that he would agree that only the oppressed can really tell the story of oppression in a way that people can understand. In Steven's case, a black problem solved by black people and those who would see them equally. I am a huge fan of Steven Biko.
Now we sit on the precapise of another crime of oppression and genocide in Palm Springs, California. I made this investigation about me and my friends because it involved them directly. It involved someone I love dearly and friends alike. There had to be a choice to stand up even if I was alone. I've been in jail cells and police cars, hospitals and emergency rooms and I know what our community suffers from.
The eyes of the world are focused on our small city but the problem is world wide. How this is handled is almost as important as the crime itself. Let's make a concerted effort to ensure the safety of every LGBTQ person and all the people that love and treat them as equals.
"As always, the rest is up to you...," Peter Gabriel puts so eloquently in his homage to the greatness and suffering of Mr. Steven Biko, for everyone.
