Am I My Brother's Keeper? What No One is Saying about the Alabama Riverfront Brawl.

Hello, everyone. I'm coming to you with a heavy heart, filled with frustration and urgency, to talk about a recent incident that unfolded at the Montgomery Alabama Riverfront Park- an incident that exemplifies the persistent and alarming presence of white supremacy in our society.

What happened was nothing short of a shocking display of racial animosity and violence. A large group of white boaters viciously attacked a Black dock worker simply for requesting that they move their pontoon boat. Instead of complying or engaging in a civil conversation, they responded with aggression and violence. Several of the dock worker’s co-workers and other bystanders stepped in to protect and defend him and a "brawl" ensued.

This incident is painful, but it shines a light on three crucial realities:

Working While Black: This situation demonstrates how Black people face white supremacy and brutality, even while simply “Working While Black”—that is, simply performing their jobs. ?It's an infuriating reminder that the basic act of existing in one's professional role is often threatened by racial bias.

Trauma and the Calculated Risk of Intervention: The Black community lives with trauma, perhaps akin to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from witnessing the brutal murders of Black people at the hands of white aggressors. We're still grappling with the murders of Tyre Nichols, George Floyd, Ahmaud Aubery, and others. The horrific videos replay in our minds, leading us to prepare for how we'd intervene if faced with a similar situation. This preparation is not a choice but a necessity in a world where the protection of Black bodies often falls to us.

Pride in Protecting Black Bodies: Some Black viewers gleaned a sense of pride from the fact that WE, Black folks stepped in to protect and defend a fellow Black body.

Let’s be honest, had no one intervened, another senseless, public killing of a Black man at the hands of white perpetrators could have very well occurred. We live in constant fear that a loved one could realize a similarly unfortunate fate and become the next BLM hashtag. We must recognize the importance of the Black community’s solidarity and preparedness.

Finally, I want to address the complex issue of violence. While I don't condone it, I recognize Black folks’ desperate struggle against the enduring evils of structural racism. The Black community has long fought this battle non-violently, yet we continue to face violence and brutality. It feels like we’re damned if we do, damned if we don’t. When is enough truly enough?

Lastly, to those who identify as allies, especially if you've seen the video, I challenge you to ask yourselves: What lengths are you willing to go to expose and fight white supremacy and racism, which can have deadly consequences for Black bodies? Inaction or passive support is not enough. The stakes are high, often a matter of life and death for Black bodies. We must actively confront the forces that threaten Black bodies, refusing to turn away or remain silent. The protection and honoring of Black lives require a commitment that goes beyond mere words—it demands relentless action, empathy, and a shared resolve to dismantle the systems that continue to endanger Black bodies every single day.

Thank you for reading, and please, stay engaged, stay vigilant, and take care of one another.

Peace,

Kia Croom

P.S. I encourage you to visit www.kiacroom.com to learn more about me, and my firm, Kia Croom Fundraising & Philanthropy--A Black-woman-owned fundraising firm rooted in equity and inclusion and seeking racial justice for Black and Brown people and communities.