Black Lives Matter With Barbara Opoka

 

This article contains a sensitive matter that describes the toughness associated with the boldness of a community and a nation of one, regardless of where they are from, and it is in relation to the devastating number of lives lost accompanied by the discrimination my fellow beings known as Black people face on a daily basis.

 

Since we could remember the days of slavery, it was atrocious, meant to break the spirits of one kind and force them to dwindle in labor for the purpose of bad and inhumanity.

 

But as the days progressed so did the uplifting moments of society, where people were slowly turning into people and taking their respective rights among men and women who live in North America.

 

But it did not end there unfortunately, it had continued to bring seldom hope to those who craved a unified world, even in monstrous times, and with that, there were demonstrations across the U.S.A.

 

Back in the 60s led by Dr. Martin Luther King and today as we all know as the great champion of freedom today called Black Lives Matter.

 

Dr. King had a vision that all men and women would be equal.

 

Unfortunately, what he did not foresee were the atrocities that would follow his people even till this date, stemming from inappropriate behavior towards African Americans, West Indians, and families around the world who came to North America for a new life. But, also, the hardship they would face from the law, its own citizens in some parts of the country, and even the government who vowed to help them.

 

One thing Dr. King was right about is that when in turmoil, a nation would and will gather to face these dilemmas and take on those who dared to inflict evil on their will and communities.

 

Even in Canada, although slavery was not an option and many Canadians back then did their best to help those in need, discrimination is still a part of their lives and unjustly so label them as the worst if not the troubled.

 

I had the privilege of interviewing a lovely lady of African descent by the name of Barbara Opoka and touched base on her feelings towards racial injustice towards the people of her color in general. Also, speaking on the recent rash of violence taking place in the U.S.A., targeting the innocent, especially the community in Buffalo, New York.

 

But, before that. I would like to explain that life is precious in all ways and that hate is not born, but rather taught and the kids exposed to such violence are the ones who will make that difference in society today, as well as change the world in our eyes that we dreamt of in the past.

 

And the main reason this movement started was not because of police violence, which is a prime reason, in fact, but rather stand up for minorities facing injustice through a voice that has made an impact in society by example as a great leader in our world.

 

So, when interviewing Barbara I asked her a few questions and also listened to her voice in regard to the matter, which shed light in many ways.

 

Being an African Canadian, born and raised in this country, how have your experiences molded you into a person that fights for justice and voices her opinion thoroughly?

 

“Just experiencing my own type of discrimination, whether it is minute or grand and obvious. I realized that discrimination is part of and prevalent is part of my life. It goes a long way and I have learned that it is a part of my life and that my mother told me to choose my battles wisely. You will not be able to fight everything and I am not a joan of arc. I face certain types of discrimination and have found a way to armor myself from these types of stereotypes indeed and brush things off. I will, however, voice my opinion whenever I feel threatened and that is what defines our culture in nature.”

 

Did you ever expect to be part of a movement that still faces adversity in some parts of the world, not to mention North America?

 

“NO, I never imagined that I would in my lifetime face such adversity and face such a movement. This is a second civil rights issue and they say history repeats itself. Where all forms of life came together and stood strong, especially around the world. It is going to be passed down to generation after generation, who will fight for the rights of others and keep this movement strong towards the people who spread hate. I was so for this movement and flabbergasted that it united North America and kept the word strong in general for the rights of people.”

 

What is one particular area of interest you would like to change during this movement and why would it be significant?

 

“One particular area I would change is defunding the police and restructuring the policies of policing, where this area is by far taking its toll on the communities, mainly to help understand the needs of the people and to help the vulnerable get back on their feet. My passion strictly lies in the well-being of at-risk communities and every person overall, who should not have to face such hardship or any type or form of discrimination or hate from anyone”