America’s Journey for Justice ignored by traditional mainstream media
It is likely that very few heard about America’s Journey for Justice, a very large grassroots event directed by the the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). For some time now the relevancy of the NAACP has been questioned. Grassroots events like America’s Journey for Justice proves it is both relevant and likely still effective.
On a side note, it is time for the NAACP to change the definition of its moniker. Keep the NAACP moniker but redefine the words it represents as it is a carryover from a time where certain silly phrases were acceptable. Wouldn’t the ‘National Association for the Advancement of Collective Progress’ be more in line with our society at large? Or maybe something else? Some times monikers matter.
Did you know that this march, America’s Journey for Justice was a multiracial, multi-denominational, multicultural march for justice from Selma Alabama to Washington DC was taking place in America? Did you know that thousands participated in this march that covered over 1000 miles? Did you know that a Torah was carried by Jews, Gentiles, Muslims, Atheists, and all those of different gradations of Theism as they marched for justice? Did you know that Middle Passage, a veteran and resident of Colorado, died while marching with the American flag for the cause? Did you know that at the culmination of that march and at a big rally many Senators and Congresspeople played an integral part in supporting the cause? Did you know that at the end of this march hundreds were launched in the halls of Capitol Hill to advocate for the cause with Senators and Congresspeople?
If you did not know then you should have known. If you did not know then you must understand there is a failed traditional media that completely disregards substantive issues in favor of manufactured issues to ensure that the vast American populace keep their eyes off of the ball.
What should have been known about this march? You should have known that a part of grassroots America was marching for our lives, our votes, our jobs, and our schools between August 1 to September 16. You should have known that America’s Journey for Justice, a historic 1000-mile march from Selma Alabama to Washington DC mobilized activists and advanced a focused national advocacy agenda that protects the right of every American to a fair criminal justice system, uncorrupted and unfettered access to the ballot box, sustainable jobs with a living wage, and equitable public education.
NAACP Cornell William Brooks Capitol Hill speech at the culmination of America’s Journey for Justice
America’s Journey for Justice was continuous through the rain, shine, heat, and all climates in between with thousands of participants with little traditional media coverage. When the Tea Party amasses totals in the low hundreds on sunny pleasant days, there is a lot of traditional media coverage. Why? It ensures we keep our eyes off of the ball. It ensures we are misdirected from the realities that really ails us, an unsustainable oligarchy, a plutocracy on the verge of being exposed to the masses.
Marches and events like America’s Journey for Justice are just the beginning. As Reverend Barber said at this rally and at Netroots Nation 2014, we are on the verge of the 3rd Reconstruction.
These events will not be covered with due diligence by the mainstream media. They will not be written about in great detail. They will be relegated to slow news days. They will be placed in areas very few wander to give the appearance of journalistic completeness.
Do not be fooled. Only an engaged new media will keep our citizens informed and engaged. We must all use platforms like DailyKOS to ensure the truthful message and narratives see the day of light.