Black Lives Matter: The Problem of Citizenship

The Problem of Citizenship

As a Black American I am under no illusions and as a "professional" in the legal system it is clear that the demands of Black Lives Matter are fundamentally a call for Justice. It is a demand for justice in the implementation of our laws. It is a demand for recognition and significance. But more fundamentally, these emotional cries translate practically into a DEMAND FOR FULL CITIZENSHIP: A right we were granted by virtue of our birth on American soil.

What does full citizenship mean? To me as a mature adult and an experienced legal professional it means recognition of my legal rights. But it means more than that. To be an American citizen means that I am a member of the American community. It means I am a citizen of the state, county and city in which I live. As such, when one is a member of a community then that MEANS YOU ARE ACCEPTED BY THAT COMMUNITY.

Here is an example: If I am born into a family, as a child I am accepted by that family. My parents would then be committed to nurture, care for and develop me. This is what it means to be a member of a family. This, at least in part, is what it means to be "included" in a family.

I am not granted my full rights as a citizen of my country unless I am accepted as a valued member of the community. For Black people in America our citizenship is still conditional and partial. If I am met as a judge, or a lawyer, or a business person I am given borderline acceptance. However, as a jogger, a walker, a shopper, a restaurant customer, or a driver I am presumptively excluded. I am rejected at first sight.

As a citizen of the United States I want more than my formal, technical legal rights. I educated myself; I have a job and I pay my taxes. I make a positive contribution to my community and every such citizen deserves full acceptance.

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