Written by my wife, Karla Bland, with whom I #getequal regularly.
On April 20, 2010, a group did something that some found heroic while others found unconscionable. Many people have criticized this group, one of which is my wife Laura. In the days leading up to this event, she agonized over what to say to President Obama because she wanted to make sure the point was made regarding DADT yet still show respect to the man who she voted for and supports. Many have written that the act of civil disobedience during a fundraiser for Barbara Boxer was the wrong time to address DADT.
Many have written that the act of civil disobedience during President Obama’s speech was disrespectful and the wrong time. Many feel that this was the wrong time for democrats to display any disgruntled feelings toward a democratic president. I have a question: when is the right time to speak up for equality? During the civil rights movement, acts of civil disobedience were not carried out in safe places where no one would be offended or upset.
Many of the acts during this time were often met by verbal and sometimes physical attacks by those who thought a certain group of people should be happy with their current status and were making things worse by continuing to participate in acts of civil disobedience. Those who thought otherwise stood up and continued to “agitate” which ultimately lead to The Civil Rights Act, The Voting Rights Acts and the repeal of the Jim Crow Laws.
The grandmother of the civil rights movement, Ms. Dorothy Height who just passed away on April 20, was very found of the following quote from Frederick Douglas: “Agitate, agitate, agitate.” The group who stood up in front of the President of the United States served as agitators and did something that all voters wish we could do: make the President of the United States accountable for his campaign promises regardless of who he is addressing. For this result, I am very proud of Laura and everyone who participated.
As a black woman in the United States of America who is grateful to those who came before me and spoke up during uncertain times, my hope is to one day have the courage of my wife and everyone involved in the event, to speak up for what I believe in during uncertain times. The question is, will you?
Karla
