#15 Black Surfers United

A few weeks ago I participated in my first public protest. It took place in Hollywood. The event was organized by Rhonda Harper of Inkwell Surf. We gathered to show our support for the Black teenagers on trial in Jena, Louisiana. If you haven’t heard of what is going on I strongly encourage you to ‘google it’.



I wanted to go down to show my support and it would also allow for a great opportunity to film how Black Surfers are active in the well-being of the community. In discussing the plans with Rhonda she invited me to speak at the event. My honest impulse was to find a reason to say ‘no’. Who am I to speak to the crowd? But as I searched my brain for a real reason to pass on this opportunity I found nothing. Why not speak? After all, I fit all the requirements: I am a Black Surfer, I am greatly concerned about how we treat each other & I did spend 3 years in graduate school learning how to speak : ) So I said ‘yes’.

The march took place on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood at 6:30am. I marched with my surfboard and had the following sign taped to it:



Here is the rough sketch of my speech:

As soon as I heard about this gathering I knew I had to be a part of it. I wanted to join the community. I wanted to put on the black t-shirt and walk among other who were AWARE.

I came down here from San Francisco which is know for being one of the most ‘aware’, ‘in-the-know’ places on earth yet most people I spoke to knew absolutely nothing of the events in Jena.

We have access to all this information still most of us don’t know what is going on.

I grew up surfing. I’ve surfed all over the world. And for the last 9-months I’ve been working on a documentary about Black Surfers. Part of the impetus for the project came when I came when I realized how many people don’t know that there are any Black people who surf. This lack of awareness inspired me to tell their story. On the most basic level…I simply want to make people aware!

And that is what I believe this gathering is all about. By coming together we are saying that we are aware of what is going on in the community. Our coming together will bring awareness to others.

CHANGE BEGINS WITH AWARENESS.

A few months ago we knew nothing of the tree in Jena and now here we are. How many of those trees exist? And in how many schoolyards?

I invite you to discover these trees. And as you become aware I encourage you to share your awareness with others. For only through awareness can we make change.

And I’ll add that you should be mindful for the trees can take many forms. The tree might be a system of beliefs. The tree may live inside your thoughts. We may be nurturing and growing these trees with our actions.

Find the trees!

CHANGE BEGINS WITH AWARENESS.