They Seek to Silence Us
During the week of Oct 27th, renowned gospel singer Kirk Franklin took to social media to speak of the mistreatment and blatant disregard of his acceptance speech on the Christian Dove Awards Show.
In the midst of his acceptance speech, Kirk made a poignant statement and plea regarding social injustice and the recent tragic death of Atatiana Jefferson by the hands of yet, another police officer who was called to protect and serve her. His words regarding the matter were conveniently edited out when the show aired. Humbly and well stated, Kirk mentioned in his pouring of outraged to social media, this was not the first time, but would be the last.
In 2016 after the unjustly death of Philando Castile, other victims and the retaliation killing of five Dallas police officers uninvolved, he took to the stage, using his moment of accepting an award to speak on the matter, and it was also edited out.
Kirk Franklin went on to say because of both of these related mis-happenings, he could no longer in good conscious and faith participate in The Dove awards, be affiliated with TBN or the Gospel music association, “Until plans were put into place to protect and champion diversity.”
The goal is not reconciliation, but accountability. In Kirk’s words, “They edited out the African American experience.”
All throughout history, our oppressors have sought to silence our voice and minimize our pain and struggles; only allowing open platforms to be used by people of color when it favors their agenda. This is the reason why we need more of our own awards shows, television series, movie production companies, and talk shows created by us. Supported, advocated, promoted, and encouraged by our people bridging the gap between all people. If not, we will continue to have our voices silenced and our rights misused and abused.
Update: The Dove awards has issued a public and personal apology to Kirk Franklin regarding the matter, as they have spoken to him directly to address his concerns and to rectify this issue. Their excuse being the show overran on time and many speeches, including his, had to be edited out. Frankly stated, they put a band-aid on a gushing wound, in hopes that we as people would once again forgive, pretend it was all innocent with no underhanded motive or ill intent; in hopes that we would consider this a mishap due to insufficient time. And to not see it for what it truly is, a feeble attempt to control and manipulate the masses, with the finality of silencing any and all opposing voices.