Did you know that
America's Journey for Justice, a multi-racial, multi-denominational, multi-cultural march from Selma, Alabama to Washington, D.C. just took place? Did you know that thousands participated in this journey, which covered more than 1,000 miles? Did you know that a Torah was carried by Jews, gentiles, Muslims, atheists, and all those of different gradations of theism as they marched for justice? Did you know that Middle Passage, a 68-year-old veteran and Colorado resident,
died while marching with the American flag for the cause? Did you know that at the culmination of that march there was a huge rally, and many senators and congress members played an integral part in supporting the cause? Did you know that at the end of this march, hundreds surged into the halls of Capitol Hill to advocate for the cause and lobby legislators?
If you did not know, then you should have known. If you did not know, then you must understand that traditional media has failed. The media completely disregards substantive issues in favor of manufactured issues to ensure that the vast American populace keeps its eyes off of the ball.
What should you know about this march? You should know that a part of grassroots America was marching for our lives, our votes, our jobs, and our schools between August 1 to September 16. You should know that America’s Journey for Justice mobilized activists and advanced a focused national advocacy agenda that protects the right of every American to a fair criminal justice system, uncorrupted and unfettered access to the ballot box, sustainable jobs with a living wage, and equitable public education.
Keep reading below for more of what you should know.
The large grassroots event was directed by the the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). For some time now, the relevancy of the NAACP has been questioned. But events like this march prove it is both relevant and still effective. Below is a speech that was given by Cornell William Brooks, NAACP president, at the culmination of the march.
America’s Journey for Justice continued through rain, sunshine, heat, and all climates in between. There were thousands of participants and little coverage from traditional media. When the
Tea Party draws a few hundred protesters on sunny, pleasant days, there is a lot of traditional media coverage. Why? It ensures we keep our eyes off of the ball. It ensures we are misdirected from the realities that really ail us—an unsustainable oligarchy, and a plutocracy on the verge of being exposed to the masses.
Marches and events like America's Journey for Justice are just the beginning. As Rev. William Barber said at this rally and at Netroots Nation 2014, we are on the verge of the Third Reconstruction of the Civil Rights Movement.
These events will not be covered with due diligence by the mainstream media. They will not be written about in great detail. They will be relegated to slow news days. They will be placed in areas where very few eyes wander, to give the appearance of journalistic fairness.
Do not be fooled. Only an engaged new media will keep our citizens informed and engaged. We must all use platforms like Daily Kos to ensure the truthful messages and narratives see the light of day.