Iyanla Vanzant Goes to Ferguson, MO

Iyanla Vanzant is the star of the OWN Network show, “Iyanla Fix My Life”.  She is a well-known motivational speaker, minister, and bestselling author.  I love her energy and I try and catch her show every chance that I can.  I saw the new episode about Ferguson, MO on Labor Day.

Well, Ms. Vanzant traveled to Ferguson to address the community and help them to deal with the anger and issues facing them so that the people can begin the healing process.  Most of the residents want to see sweeping changes for the better. One of the residents of Ferguson says that he wants respect.  I infer that he means that he wants more respect as a resident and Black person from the police.  But, how can the residents expect more respect when some people are not worthy of respect?

All of the rioting and looting is not doing any good, but rather is exacerbating the situation. They are tearing down the very community that they live in.  Businesses are losing money due to the theft and vandalism.  They owners might consider closing their doors.  This will take more resources, jobs, and revenue out of the local community.  What does rioting accomplish other than making people look like fools before the world?

Iyanla brought up many points that were true that some of the people in the community didn’t appear to be examining.  What about Black on Black crime?  Why is it that people protest when a White police officer kills a Black person?  But, you don’t see the same level of outrage or protesting when a person loses their life to gang violence.   The end result is still the same in both situations:  Someone lost their life.

The community must deal with the many root causes of their problems before any real healing begins.  Black communities across the country face the same issues.  Crime, drugs, high unemployment, subpar education systems. Racism and corruption are still nefarious serious issues to contend with.  I think that ignorance and fear are at the core of the problems.

Peaceful protests and community meetings with local politicians and law enforcement are more effective than  violence.  The criminals are opportunists and they overshadow the image of the law-abiding and peaceful people (in the media).  When those bad activities are shown in the media it reflects so negatively on the community as a whole.  The crime and riots are used as reasons for the police to kill and violate the rights of more people.   

At this point, will still don’t have all the facts.  There are two sides to every story.  The truth will come out in time.