lean on me.

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First and foremost, I want to thank you for spending a few moments with me. I love and appreciate your continued support, as this is my most important message to date. Seat belts, please.

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I have been to a number of ‘peaceful’ protests in my day. Some have been incredibly liberating events to be a part of, while others have turned dangerous and almost taken lives. Most recently, I was a member of a collective group of people marching from the Capitol of Tallahassee to the police station and I was reminded of just how hateful of a place the world can be. In this particular instance, I remember walking down the street smiling and doing my dance/trot movements that I do when I get to sing and dance in the streets with my people (it’s not quite a jog, but also not a walk…so somewhere in-between). As I danced with my fist in the air and showcased my Migos-esce ad-libs during the chants, I notice across the intersection that at a man in a red truck has somehow made is way onto the road and has gained the attention of the group of protesters at the front of the movement. I’m not sure how he got on the road, as (thankfully) the police worked diligently (all day, even when people weren’t so inviting to their presence) to stay two blocks ahead of us, block off the upcoming intersections, and direct traffic away from the people so no one is to be harmed. Because of their services, we were able to peacefully protest down the road with no problems from anyone…except this one estranged fella. Upon his arrival, everything happened so quickly. I remember watching as the man revved his engine a few times while a group of protesters continued to press forward. Shouting occurred as the Tallahassee sun began to boil the blood of all involved, and then…green light. The man presses the gas and surged through the group of protesters like a bull on the streets of Pamplona, throwing numerous people to the pavement. In fact, a man was hit head-on and subsequently rolled up the truck’s hood and onto the windshield. I was standing 15 yards in front of the truck as he bulled his way through my people with zero regard for humanity. For a split second, I looked him right in the eyes as his truck proceeded in slow motion. I could see the hatred. I could see the pain. I could also see that he was not going to stop, so my inner defensive back came to life as I backpedalled harder than Darrelle Revis in his prime, pulling my brother with me to ensure we were both out of the way. The truck missed us by less than a foot…

Fortunately for the movement, no one was seriously injured and the show returned to its regularly scheduled program as police expeditiously detained the man on sight…which was probably best for all involved. As I replay the moment of coming face to face with a runaway driver charging through my people with his automobile, I am reminded of why I do this. I never shy away from the dangers of social justice. This time, it was a runaway driver. Other times, it is an entitled human spewing hatred and racial microagressions. Regardless, I will stand and take the heat because I would be doing my ancestors a dishonor if I comfortably sat in my air-conditioned apartment while my brothers and sisters place their livelihood on the line for the ‘justice’ we deserve. That just ain’t how I’m wired, you know? I would rather be on the front lines with my people than to post a simple #BlackLivesMatter tweet and call myself an ‘activist.’ I’m not saying that everyone is built for the march (more on that below), but please know that true activism entails more than 140 characters. There is an action component to activism, and to paraphrase the Prophet Nipsey Hussle, I would rather make moves with the runaways than be tolerant with those in the house.

To be honest, I have you all to thank because today was a massive breakthrough. The event was incredible, and you know what the best part was? The protest was made up of all races and faces standing together for the concept of equality of all people. I fought back tears multiple times today (luckily I was sweating and wearing sunglasses) as I watched our crowd of mixed races proceed down the road, locked in arms. People from various backgrounds and races stood in unison, and that…encapsulates that small part of me that is hopeful. After reading my last post, I’m sure you know how hopeless I get…but this protest moved me. Our allies were in the trenches with us shedding blood, sweat, and tears and willing to stand in the face of danger under the collective understanding that when Black lives matter, then all lives matter. That…is power. After posting a few videos on social media, my joy was intensified when I noticed dozens of my friends/allies/brothers/sisters leading their own marches in their respective cities across the globe. The day was a beautiful representation of what we can accomplish when we stand together; a reminder that we must be the change that we want to see in this world.

message to my allies:

Thank you for your continued support. Please, don’t hide behind the safety of your privilege or think that you don’t have a place in this movement because you are valued members of the team. Granted, please remember that this is a delicate time and that the people at the forefront should be the faces (and voices) of the oppressed…considering we have been silenced in so many ways for centuries. This is no time for fragility or argument, but rather a time for everyone to be cognizant of their role in the process. Some of us chant while others quietly march. Some of us make signs while others provide food and water. Some of us provide music while others provide spirit. We all have a role! If you want to know more about the struggles and stories of the oppressed, there are plenty of us who are willing to share (myself included)…but just be cognizant of the reality that you will never truly understand this pain because most of this is felt through years of overcoming racism. I’m not asking you to feel what I have felt, nor would I want you. I promise, you don’t want these problems. I am simply asking you to love people for what they have on the inside, regardless of the amount of melanin in their skin. We have to love each other so incredibly much that we legitimately cannot be broken or divided.

When the rubber meets the road, Black people will pull up and protest for what we believe in. We always have. We always will. For the most part, we got the twelve…so just pull up and watch our six. Be prepared to use your privilege to combat prejudice. Be prepared to stand and protect us, just as the women in Louisville did. Be prepared to experience tear gas and the burning sensation that travels through your body so rapidly that you feel as if your body is burning from the inside out. Be prepared to be called a n***** lover by some folks who you once considered ‘good people.’ I don’t say this as a deterrent or as a scare tactic, I just want you to know exactly what being an ally may entail for you. I have lived through everything I have just mentioned (yep, even tear gas…multiple times), so just be prepared. This is America.

I love you and I appreciate you for shedding your privilege and standing with us. Please do not be afraid to get involved and help where you can (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). I promise, this will continue to be a marathon and your support will be important to our progression (yes, I mean all of us). You can do more. Want help? Shoot me a message @SavantLamont on Instagram or Twitter. I got you. Generational inequality and decades of systemic and institutional racism are traditions so deeply engrained in the makeup of this nation that it will certainly require all hands on deck to break the cycle. Hear me though: we can do it. No matter how long it takes, be sure to call me when the battle starts. I’ll travel if I have to. Savant (and the most loyal slimes) will always be on the front lines, and when I look left…and I look right…I hope to see your fist in the air, right next to mine.

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thank you for spending a few moments with me. i do value your time and thoughts, so please do not hesitate to send me a message (using the contact page or via social media) and let me know what you think. i would love to hear from you!

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savant shelf selection: love does by bob goff

savant song selection: lean on me // bill withers