It is so important for everyone to understand that this was never meant to be a one time performance, a photo op to just simply show folks that we are in the movement too. We are inspired by the autobiography of Coretta Scott King because she gave a very clear explanation of MLK’s strategy. She highlights how every protest or march he did was leading to some type of actual paperwork…some type of bill…some type of action where the Constitution was held up and used to hold our leaders accountable. He was so strategic. He shied away from claiming a set political party vocally, but sought to bring both sides together to bring about the necessary changes in our laws. He was so strategic and so respectful of our country and its leaders. He was truly a peaceful man who wanted to serve our country. In light of this inspiration, we would like to share with you who we are and who we are NOT.
Who we are:
The Funeral for Justice used to be called Black Lives Funeral, but we changed the name in order to encompass ALL people groups affected by police brutality. lt is also a way to have a BIPARTISAN, RACIALLY UNIFIED, RESPECTFUL, PEACEFUL and SAFE (hence why people can choose to stay in their cars) protest where we honor and respected our leaders, but also draw attention to the many lives that are taken because of police brutality. Our desire is that for all people, no matter their race, political affiliation, belief or background to come together around this 1 focused issue and prayerfully see change at the national level.
Who we are NOT:
*We are NOT an organization that calls out ANY political leaders in a disrespectful way
*We are NOT here to push for reform in one city, state or county, but we seek NATIONAL reform to policing.
*We are NOT here to talk bad about police, but to honor the good ones and inspire our leaders to remove or discipline the bad ones.
*We are NOT here to push a racial agenda or to polarize races, because we feel that we need EVERYONE to push for police reform, however we will highlight the alarming rate at which police kill people of color, at the same time revealing how unchecked police are a danger to ALL OF US.
*We are NOT here to discuss state, federal, or county budgets (i.e. defund the police) or to tell you how to make changes in your overall policies, there are experts for that, but we are just going to tell you DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT and do it ASAP.
*We are NOT affiliated with The Black Lives Matter Movement BUT are not against them either and feel we are in some small way supporting all activists in their efforts, as all organizations should be working together to make a more perfect union.
We are very focused in our efforts and praying that these efforts help to bring change with this area of police brutality so that the amount of funerals our country is having on a regular basis because of this flaw will go down considerably. And we also hope that as we engage in this work we reflect the light, love, and peace of the Jesus of the Bible (not the American one) in every single thing that we do.
This focus was shared not to criticize those who do or do not do any of the things we have shared. There is value in the work of MLK, Malcolm X, the Black Panther, Marcus Garvey, W.E.B. DuBois and anyone who has fought for the cause in some way great or small, peaceful or aggressive, religious or humanistic. All of us have one thing in common, fighting for the equality and justice of Black people through the ages and all of it is to be honored and respected.
Funeral for Justice 