July 4th Can Still Be a Call to Action
“Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections the name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism” – Farewell Address, George Washington Today, we celebrate 245 years since the Declaration of Independence, recognizing the … Continue reading July 4th Can Still Be a Call to Action
Patriotism in the 21st Century
What is affirmed or disaffirmed when we identify something as patriotic? How we conceptualize American patriotism today has been distorted by political extremes for political ends. Since January 6th it has become very clear that it is not knowledge that our society lacks – we all saw what happened. What is clear, however, is that … Continue reading Patriotism in the 21st Century
Remembering the Sacrifice of Black Veterans this Memorial Day.
Please read my article in Faith and Leadership: https://faithandleadership.com/bryon-l-garner-remembering-sacrifice-black-veterans-memorial-day
Extremism in the US military: Why it matters
My discussion for the the past year has centered on the distinction of race among veterans as seen through the lens of patriotism. The aftermath of January 6th elevated the issue of extremism and the radicalization of members within the military. I also add that a nexus exists between the military and law enforcement communities … Continue reading Extremism in the US military: Why it matters
National Commemoration of Service and a New Perspective of Black Lives Matter
March 25th was National Medal of Honor Day (MOH), a federal observance commemorating the recipients of our country’s highest honor for giving the highest measure of heroic service and sacrifice. Enacted by law in December 1861 and first awarded during the Civil War, there are only slightly over 3500 recipients of this medal. I have … Continue reading National Commemoration of Service and a New Perspective of Black Lives Matter
The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act – What’s missing
The United States House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021 (HR 1280), thanks to Representative Karen Bass (D-CA). Facing an uphill battle in the U.S. Senate, this ambitious legislation notably limits qualified immunity as a defense for those officers liable in egregious abuses of the use of force. Should … Continue reading The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act – What’s missing
On Signs and Symbols: Revisiting the Thin Blue Line Flag
UPDATE — My conversation about the imagery of The Thin Blue Line has spread! I congratulate Chief Kristen Roman for taking action to eliminate the imagery from her department. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/uw-madison-police-chief-bans-thin-blue-line-75562161 — BLG Two recent events involving signs and their meanings have presented me with the opportunity to discuss semiotics. First, I had a conversation with … Continue reading On Signs and Symbols: Revisiting the Thin Blue Line Flag
Black Masculinity Re-visited: The enduring legacy of Chadwick Boseman
I grew up in Gary, Indiana. Back in the 1970s, it was a bustling city and the foundation of Black middle-class life in northwest Indiana. When I think about Gary at that time, I think about the smells – the city was filled with a wide range of pungent, burning, chemical-like odors which blanketed my … Continue reading Black Masculinity Re-visited: The enduring legacy of Chadwick Boseman
The End of the Beginning of Denial
In “The End of Denial,” an article published recently in The Atlantic, Ibrahim X. Kendi asserts that a “racial reckoning,” the unintended consequence of what some call the Age of Trump, is upon our society now. Contemporary anti-racist fervor preceded the current momentum resulting from the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and represents … Continue reading The End of the Beginning of Denial
What’s Wrong with the Thin Blue Line Flag
I want to start by stating that every human being who serves in law enforcement deserves the community’s thanks and, more importantly, deserves to go home to their family and loved ones after the end of each watch. I have had the opportunity to serve as a member of a police review board and, in … Continue reading What’s Wrong with the Thin Blue Line Flag
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