Right-wing groups, Trump supporters, and white supremacist militias have been fighting lockdown orders intended to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), and have taken up arms to protest.
However, some Black people are refusing to be intimidated.
Some were shocked to see a Black lawmaker entering the capitol in Michigan with an armed Black escort. Sarah Anthony said she wanted to highlight how capitol police didn’t “provide legislators with adequate security.” Then she said something that rings true for Black America.
Anthony told The Guardian, “When traditional systems, whether it’s law enforcement or whatever, fail us, we also have the ability to take care of ourselves.” And she’s doing just that as the first Black woman elected to represent her district. Her escorts are also speaking out.
Volunteer escort Micheal Lynn said the armed groups that stormed the capitol making threats were “ridiculous” and “barbaric” in their efforts to “derail democracy.”
He says he’s hoping to change the narrative about Black people and gun rights - and now’s the perfect time. Their stand is reminiscent of a similar action by the Black Panthers more than 50 years ago.
Many out there hope to do Black people harm, and we can’t count on others to defend us. That’s why historically and presently, you’ll always find Black people who are ready to defend themselves by any means.