Marcus Garvey, early 20th‑century pan-African leader, advocated for Black self-governance outside oppressive systems. Today, with President Trump signing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” ... expanding border enforcement, slashing social welfare, and driving aggressive immigration... and his executive order targeting birthright citizenship (EO 14160), the 14th Amendment’s promise is under direct threat.
White folks do not want Black folks in America except in a subservient, docile role with no rights. European Americans have never truly wanted us here... unless they could reinstitute slavery, which they’ve essentially done with Hispanic farmworkers. They have never respected Africans trapped in America as human equals. Remember, at one point we were considered only three‑fifths human. No respect, no rights.
The few senators fighting for equality... yes, in 2025... wear a defeatist look, visible in their eyes and body language. Our valiant warrioress, Jasmine Crockett, appears demoralized, primarily because she’s not receiving strong support from her fellow Democratic allies, who appear soft and scared.
Dr. King once said,
“If a man [or woman] hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.”
A powerful reminder that courage must come from conviction and purpose. That rallying cry powered the civil‑rights movement, but today it feels like that fierce spirit has faded from much of the Black community. Our leaders too often shy away from bold action, settling for symbolic gestures instead of real transformation. It’s time to rekindle that fire... and it starts with the decisive next steps.
For those seeking to flee oppressive policy, acquiring travel documentation is more urgent than ever.
How to Obtain a U.S. Passport (First-Time or Renewal)
- Gather Documents
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, etc.)
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, etc.)
- Passport photo meeting State Department specs
- Complete the Correct Form
- First-time applicants or minors: Form DS‑11, submitted in person
- Adult renewals: Form DS‑82, by mail if eligible
- Pay the Fees
- First-Time Adult (DS‑11): $130 application + $35 acceptance = $165
- Renewal Adult (DS‑82): $130 (plus optional $22.05 shipping and $60 expedite)
- Passport Card: $30 + $35 (book + card combo $160)
- Submit Application
- In person at acceptance facilities (e.g. Service Centers) or local Atlanta Passport Agency for expedited service
- By mail for renewals (Form DS‑82)
- Passport Information: 1‑877‑487‑2778 (TDD/TTY 1‑888‑874‑7793)
- Website: Travel.State.Gov – U.S. Passports
- Processing Times - Routine: 4–6 weeks - Expedited ($60): 2–3 weeks - Urgent Travel: appointment at a passport agency
- Choose a Destination Country
- Look for nations with: Reasonable immigration laws; Opportunities for employment or investment; Cultural compatibility or existing diaspora communities
- Secure Long-Term Residency - Paths may include: Work visas or sponsorship, Student Visas, Investor/Residency-By-Investments, Spousal of familial immigration
- Collect required documents: medical exams, police clearance, financial proof
- Pay any application and visa fees
- Arrange housing, banking, healthcare, and schools
- Understand tax obligations and legal residency
- Obtain local ID, driver's license, and community support
Many Black Americans consider dual citizenship under Garvey’s ethos. Choosing a country like Canada or Caribbean nations may provide legal residency and freedom to travel—even without renouncing U.S. citizenship.
- Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” drastically expands immigration enforcement while cutting safety nets.
- His executive order EO 14160 attempts to revoke birthright citizenship... challenging the 14th Amendment.
- The Supreme Court’s recent limitations on nationwide injunctions weaken judicial blocks to such orders.
Marcus Garvey’s vision for Black autonomy rings true today: facing legislative attacks... from Medicaid cuts to eroding birthright citizenship... many African Americans may find leaving a vital path to safety and self-determination. Obtaining a U.S. passport is your first step toward global mobility. From there, choosing a welcoming country, securing residency, and possibly obtaining dual citizenship ensures protection against an increasingly hostile U.S. landscape.
The time to flee, as Garvey might say, is now!
1‑877‑487‑2778; travel.state.gov
The Cleveland Summit on June 4, 1967, drew together a powerful alliance of Black athletes who publicly backed Muhammad Ali following his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War. The group featured notables such as:
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Jim Brown (NFL legend and civil rights advocate)
Bill Russell (NBA icon)
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then Lew Alcindor, future basketball legend)
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Walter Beach, Willie Davis, Curtis McClinton, Bobby Mitchell, Jim Shorter, Sidney Williams, John Wooten, and Carl Stokes (future Cleveland mayor)
Their unity marked a watershed moment in sports activism... no longer would athletes remain silent on issues of justice and conscience. This collective stand set the stage for future athlete-activists like Tommie Smith and John Carlos with their 1968 Black Power salute, and modern figures like Colin Kaepernick.
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul once boldly used their platforms to confront systemic injustice, echoing the moral courage of Marcus Garvey and Dr. King. But lately? Silence. Our biggest celebrities... athletes, entertainers, actors... have gone eerily quiet. No one seems willing to “take one for the team” anymore. And that’s a damn shame.
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