Although this developing story is guaranteed to spark much debate from many schools of thought, perhaps one of the most confusing (and disappointing) ideologies emanating from Black Society throughout this ordeal is the lambasting of Sandra Bland’s outspoken and unapologetic celebration of her own Blackness. Earlier this year, we here at Melanoid Nation touched on a topic that relates to the issue at hand, and that is some Melanoid peoples’ tendencies to not want to care about systematic racism/white supremacy “as long as it doesn’t affect them directly”. This particular topic stems from the “Sandy Speaks” series of videos that she would upload on social media, in which she would openly speak on topics such as racism/white supremacy, white privilege, and the empowerment of Melanoid people.

In some circles of Black Society, there is a belief that if Sandra wouldn’t have been as outspoken or unapologetically Black, then she would be alive now. This same method of assumptive thinking also applies to the “Maybe they just shouldn’t have sagged their pants” sector of Black Society as well. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as Melanoid men, women, and children were senselessly lynched during  the first half of the 20th century in large numbers wearing suits, dresses, and school uniforms. It’s quite safe to acknowledge that many of these innocent people did what they could to stay out of trouble, and were highly productive citizens of society at that time before being killed by white supremacists.

Everyone in Black Society has a role to play in making their racial family a better one, and it is understandable that everyone doesn’t choose to be as public on their racial views as other Melanoid people. However, let us honor and support those who aren’t afraid to openly use their voices speak truth to power at the risks of losing ruining their reputations, losing their livelihoods, and even their lives. Perhaps this particular matter alone has provided enough incentive alone for us to create larger and more prevalent Black-owned and operated media outlets. This should be done in order to allow revolutionary spirits such as the Sandra Blands of the world to be our voice of reason without censorship or apprehension.

Today, we applaud the late, great Sandra Bland for her courage, and her beautiful spirit. She illustrated that there is indeed more honor in dying on our feet than living on our knees.