Mississippi based rapper David Banner recently sat down in an interview with TheGrio.com and thoroughly addressed the black community with a heartfelt plea. David Banner used the Trayvon Martin tragedy as a way to urge people to stay on a persistent path of activism.
On the night of February 26, 2012 something happened that would shake up the entire nation. George Zimmeran, a Caucasian-Hispanic shot and killed an unarmed black teen in what he claims was self defense. The body of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin was found face down in the grass with a single, fatal gun shot to the chest. Since the death of Martin there have been rallies, protests, and divisions amongst Caucasians and African-Americans specifically. Zimmerman still holds onto his innocence and supporters of Martin say that the first step of justice has come when Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder.
"What happens when a white cop kills a black kid? We'll send a few tweets, that's it. We'll march for a minute, that's it. Get a new outfit and a dance like this."
The quote above is extracted from a song that David Banner wrote over a year prior to the Trayvon Martin tragedy. Banner has noticed and raised awareness to the issues of corruption in the police force and violence against young black men even BEFORE February 26, the night Trayvon was killed. Banner has evolved from a well respected rapper/producer to a serious activist. According to Banner rappers aren't expected to do anything except make good music, which is why he took on the role as an activist to also become a positive influence.
"& if ya'll don't get nothing else from David Banner it aint nobody else's responsibility to do nothing for us, but us" says Banner. The main message Banner is trying to deliver is for today's youth to DO SOMETHING. It's not enough for kids/teens to sit on Twitter or Facebook and complain about the masses. Most simply meaning, 'be the change you wish to see in the world.'
According to Banner since the black community has seen this happen it will take something two times as worse to gain their attention again. Apparently Banner thinks the black community should do more and do more consistently.
Banner is one of the many celebrities who have come forth in an effort to inspire youth to take a stand for the positive. Actress Taraji P. Henson and professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony have publicly stepped up as well.
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