Hello Everyone,
In case the title of this page wasn’t a dead giveaway, I’m gonna “type” about a very serious tragedy that we as a species, are still struggling with, SLAVERY.
My friends, slavery isn’t something that happened only in the past, and end with abolition in the 19th century. Instead, it changed forms and continues to harm people in nearly every country on our planet. Whether they are women forced into prostitution, men forced to work in agriculture or construction, children in sweatshops or women forced to work as maids, their lives are controlled by their exploiters, they no longer have a free choice and they have to do as they’re told.
THEY ARE IN SLAVERY.
That’s right my friends…
It is estimated that right now, 27 million people are enslaved worldwide, many of whom are children.
Consequently, this staggering number reflects the harsh realities faced by a significant portion of the global population. The issue of modern slavery and human trafficking continues to be a pressing concern, impacting individuals across various demographics and regions.
Okay, before I go on, I want to clear up some misconceptions about the history of this monstrous institution.
Okay, now let’s keep rolling.
You see, I find it very strange that, as practitioners of CAPOEIRA, a Martial Art developed in part to free the people who developed it from slavery and oppression, almost no student or teacher in capoeira that I know talks about this subject.
Yes, in most writings in capoeira, slavery is mentioned, but mostly only the TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE, or about the institution of SLAVERY IN BRAZIL, both of which which “OFFICIALLY” ended over a century ago. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the legacy of slavery continues to affect societies globally, including in Brazil and the United States, and no Capoeirista that I know is talking about it.
Well, I’m GONNA talk about it. (Well, type about it…)
The overlooked prevalence of modern slavery and human trafficking is a pressing issue that demands more attention and awareness. Despite the abolition of slavery in the past, its contemporary manifestations persist, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This modern-day exploitation can take various forms, including forced labor, sex trafficking, and debt bondage.
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Now, let’s talk about slavery where I live in the United States a little bit.
if you think that slavery ended here in 1865 after the civil war, You’d be DEAD WRONG.
Don’t believe me? Well, check it out…
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, it didn’t end in 1942 with ALFRED IRVING either…
So, why do I bring this up? Primarily, so certain people will think twice before saying this ish:
It’s not in the past, it’s here and now.
But more on that when we get near to the end of this page…
Anyway, I want YOU to be aware of this human tragedy, and show you a few online resources you can go to where we can help fight this.
O.K., Now we can’t change what happened in the past (Nor will we ever FORGET)…
But this article isn’t about the past. THIS is about a tremendous tragedy that is taking place RIGHT NOW, as you’re reading these words I just typed…
To stay updated on fashion trends, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of our clothing. By understanding where our clothes come from and the conditions under which they are produced, we can better appreciate the true cost of fast fashion. This knowledge not only fosters a deeper connection with the items we wear but also encourages a more sustainable consumer culture. Engaging with brands that prioritize transparency and fair labor practices can lead to a positive impact on the environment and the lives of those who create our clothing. Therefore, it is crucial to educate ourselves and others about the significance of ethical fashion, as our choices have the power to drive meaningful change within the industry.
Look below, if you want to know the REAL cost…
SAMI YUSUF & OUTLANDISH – TRY NOT TO CRY
You, you’re not aware That were aware Of your despair Don’t show your tears To your oppressor Don’t show your tears
CHORUS: Try not to cry little one You’re not alone I’ll stand by you Try not to cry little one My heart is your stone I’ll throw with you.
ISAM: Ayn Jalut where David slew Goliath This very same place that we be at Passing through the sands of times This lands been the victim of countless crimes From Crusaders and Mongols to the present aggression Then the Franks, now even a crueller oppression If these walls could speak, imagine what would they say
For me in this path that I walk on there’s only one way Bullets may kill, bones may break Still I throw stones like David before me and I say
CHORUS: Try not to cry little one You’re not alone I’ll stand by you Try not to cry little one My heart is your stone I’ll throw with you
LENNY: No llores, no pierdas la fe La sed la calma el que haze Agua de la arena Y tu que te levantas con orgullo entre las piedras Haz hecho mares de este polvo (Don’t cry, don’t lose faith The one who made water come out of the sand Is the one who quenches the thirst And you who rise proud from between the stones Have made oceans from this dust).
WAQAS: I throw stones at my eyes cause for way too long they’ve been dry Plus they see what they should’nt from oppressed babies to thighs I throw stones at my tongue cause it should really keep it’s peace I throw stones at my feet cause they stray and lead to defeat A couple of big ones at my heart cause the thing is freezing cold But my nafs is still alive and kicking unstoppable and on a roll I throw bricks at the devil so Ill be sure to hit him But first at the man in the mirror so I can chase out the venom
ISAM: Hmm, a little boy shot in the head Just another kid sent out to get some bread Not the first murder nor the last Again and again a repetition of the past Since the very first day same story Young ones, old ones, some glory How can it be, has the whole world turned blind? Or is it just cause its only affecting my kind?! If these walls could speak, imagine what would they say For me in this path that I walk on theres only one way Bullets may kill, bones may break Still I throw stones like David before me and I say
CHORUS: Try not to cry little one You’re not alone I’ll stand by you Try not to cry little one My heart is your stone I’ll throw with you
Sadly, this is the disturbing truth we are faced with, and the truth is not always pretty.
The notion of slavery as a historical scourge that has afflicted humankind for centuries cannot be underscored enough. Perhaps the depth of this belief is rooted in my dedication to Capoeira Angola, a martial art with roots in the struggle for freedom and resilience against oppression. Developed in part by those in captivity, it embodies the fight for liberation and holds a profound significance in my life.
Additionally, as the great grandson of a slave, the legacy of slavery resonates deeply within me.
The institution of slavery represents a deplorable chapter in the history of humanity, inflicting untold suffering on countless individuals and communities. The determination to defeat this abhorrent system and eradicate its remnants from our collective consciousness is a cause that I fervently champion. It is imperative that we confront the stains of slavery with unwavering resolve and work tirelessly to ensure that its vestiges are consigned to the annals of history, never to be repeated.
Now hopefully after reading and WATCHING this, You may be wondering, how can I help?
Well, the first step to ending human trafficking, is to be informed.
Increase public awareness of human trafficking is crucial in the fight against this heinous crime. By educating yourself and others about the signs of human trafficking, you can play a pivotal role in identifying and reporting cases to the relevant authorities.
In addition to recognizing the signs, supporting non-government organizations dedicated to ending child slavery is essential. These organizations often provide crucial assistance to victims and work tirelessly to prevent further exploitation. Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this abhorrent practice.
Furthermore, addressing the root causes of human trafficking, such as poverty, is essential. By supporting initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, we can diminish the incentives for individuals to engage in the trafficking of vulnerable individuals. Empowering communities and families through sustainable economic opportunities can significantly contribute to reducing the vulnerability to trafficking.
Lobbying your government or representatives to pass comprehensive anti-trafficking laws and increase efforts to combat trafficking is paramount. Advocating for stronger legal frameworks and increased support for victims can lead to tangible progress in the fight against human trafficking. Your voice and advocacy can influence policy changes that have a lasting impact on addressing this issue.
Moreover, making informed consumer choices by purchasing products that are ethically sourced and produced can contribute to combating human trafficking. Supporting businesses that ensure fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees helps create a market demand for ethical practices, ultimately fostering a more equitable and humane global supply chain.
By taking these meaningful steps, you can actively contribute to the collective efforts to combat human trafficking and create a safer, more just world for all.
To help you become more informed, I’ve listed a few resources here to help you out.
iABOLISH – The American Anti-Slavery Group
American Anti-Slavery Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating modern-day human bondage and to promoting a non-politicized, bias-free human rights community.
Founded in 1839, this group is the oldest international human rights organization in the world.
Today, they work to eliminate all forms of slavery and slavery like practices throughout the world.
Polaris is a leader in the global fight to eradicate modern slavery. Named after the North Star that guided slaves to freedom in the U.S., Polaris systemically disrupts the human trafficking networks that rob human beings of their lives and their freedom.
Redefining Refuge is a non-profit organization is dedicated to fighting for women and children who have been victims of the depraved injustice of sexual abuse, with a prevailing emphasis on the abolition of the domestic sex trafficking of minors.
International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM’s mission is to protect the poor from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts.
Amnesty Internaional is a global movement of more than 7 million people who take injustice personally. By telling the powerful stories of the people they work with, they mobilize millions of supporters around the world to campaign for change and to stand in defense of activists on the front line.
A place to share and watch short films about human rights…
O.K., now, I have a special message for Black Americans
MY PEOPLE.
If you’re black, living in the United States of America, and you’re reading this page…
I URGE YOU TO WATCH THIS VIDEO.
Now, to you, My fellow Black Americans,
Do you understand your rights as Meek Mill has read them to you?
If you don’t, then look below these words, to see what we’re faced with… in a little bit more detail.
OH YEAH.
And don’t let anybody tell you that the School to Prison Pipeline is not a thing.
The issue of the School to Prison Pipeline is a pertinent and pressing concern in many educational and justice systems around the world. This systemic problem refers to the policies and practices that push school children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, out of classrooms and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. It represents a complex interplay of factors including zero-tolerance policies, high-stakes testing, lack of resources for special education, and disproportionate disciplinary actions against minority students.
The negative impact of the School to Prison Pipeline cannot be overstated. It perpetuates cycles of poverty, inequality, and discrimination, often leading to dire consequences for the individuals affected and society at large. By recognizing and addressing this issue, we can work towards creating fairer, more inclusive educational systems that support all students in reaching their full potential.
Now, even though I posted those videos primarily for my fellow Black Americans, I hope the rest of you out there were watching this too, because THIS AFFECTS YOU TOO.
Now, here are a few resources to help you get informed.
From Wikipedia: Ban the Box is the name of an international campaign by civil rights groups and advocates for ex-offenders, aimed at persuading employers to remove from their hiring applications the check box that asks if applicants have a criminal record. Its purpose is to enable ex-offenders to display their qualifications in the hiring process before being asked about their criminal records. The premise of the campaign is that anything that makes it harder for ex-offenders to find a job makes it likelier that they will re-offend, which is bad for society.
From their website: Critical Resistance seeks to build an international movement to end the Prison Industrial Complex by challenging the belief that caging and controlling people makes us safe. We believe that basic necessities such as food, shelter, and freedom are what really make our communities secure. As such, our work is part of global struggles against inequality and powerlessness. The success of the movement requires that it reflect communities most affected by the PIC. Because we seek to abolish the PIC, we cannot support any work that extends its life or scope.
FROM THEIR WEBSITE: The Empty Cages Collective is a project aimed at building a movement in England, Wales and Scotland that resists the prison industrial complex and organizes towards a prison-free world.
NOW ONCE AGAIN, why do I bring this up? Primarily, so certain people will think twice before saying this shit:
This is not in the past! It’s HERE AND NOW.
HERE AND NOW.
If you read the page this far, I hope you realize that.
I want to thank all of you who got this far, and hopefully, you’re now a bit more aware of this tragedy that is taking place. I
I’m gonna leave you with this powerful song from the band SAYREAL’s debut album “Unarmed and Ready”. If you want to more about Say Real, Please go to their website at www.SayRealMusic.com
Frederick’s Song (Freedom) Lyrics
It’s not the light we need but fire, fire Not the gentle shower but thunder, thunder We need the storm, we need the trouble We need the whirlwind, the earth to rumble Without a struggle there can be no progress But where the whip is swingin ceaseless, ceaseless We sing for miles, into the forest It hears our joys and our deepest sadness
Give Me My Freedom, Give Me My Freedom Give Me My Freedom, Freedom Give Me My Freedom Give Me My Freedom, Give Me My Freedom Give Me My Freedom, Freedom Give Me My Freedom
You pour me alcohol to numb my thinkin Each drink a shackle in the chains you’re linkin I learn to read, with words I pray Cause knowledge proves no one Is fit to be a slave
I’m Taking My Freedom, I’m Taking My Freedom Taking My Freedom, Freedom Taking My Freedom I’m Taking My Freedom, I’m Taking My Freedom Taking My Freedom, Freedom Taking My Freedom
Like so many before, we must die or take hill Power don’t cede without force Never did and never will We must fight for freedom, despite the dangers that come Freedom!
I’ll Fight For Your Freedom, I’ll Fight For Your Freedom Fight For Your Freedom, Freedom Fight For Your Freedom I’ll Fight For Your Freedom, I’ll Fight For Your Freedom Fight For Your Freedom, Freedom Fight For Your Freedom
Oh, Free, Free, Free, Free yeah hey Oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh Free, Free, Free, Free yeah hey Oh oh, oh oh oh oh oh
We must fight for Freedom I see nothing but Freedom We must fight for Freedom I hear nothing but Freedom We must fight for Freedom I pray for nothing but Freedom Freedom, Freedom
Based on the teachings, message and life of Abolitionist leader and Civil Rights pioneer Frederick Douglass, this song reflects the social, political and economic freedoms we all must remember to fight for, relentlessly. Whenever I listen to this song, it always serves as a reminder to me that we human beings, as a species, are meant to thrive on our planet. Not just survive, not just live, but THRIVE, with happiness and FREEDOM, Especially with the chaotic conditions prevalent in our world today.
I hope that the message conveyed through the lyrics and melody resonates deeply with you, stirring a powerful awareness of the struggles and triumphs that define our shared human experience. The fusion of the profound ideologies of Frederick Douglass with the passionate musical energy of SAYREAL creates a captivating narrative that inspires us to uphold the values of social justice, equality, and unity. This song stands as a poignant testament to the enduring relevance of historical figures like Frederick Douglass and serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards a more just and equitable world for all.
As we navigate the complexities of our modern society, it is crucial to hold onto the belief that each individual has the potential to contribute positively to the collective tapestry of humanity. The call to action embedded within the lyrics encourages us to champion the fundamental rights that empower us to thrive, not merely exist. Let this stirring composition serve as a guiding light, igniting a steadfast determination to cultivate a world where every person can embrace the boundless possibilities of life, adorned with happiness, fulfillment, and unbridled freedom.
In the resonance of this powerful song, we find a profound reminder of our inherent capacity to transcend adversity and forge a future steeped in empathy, compassion, and progress. May the melodies and lyrics weave a steadfast resolve in your heart, emboldening you to advocate for a tomorrow where the symphony of human existence reverberates with resounding harmony and unwavering hope.
This is the LIVE VERSION.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 