My House is on FIRE
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Posted By: Tawain Kelly on January 29, 2007 My House is on FIRE and the Flames of Discrimination is a BLAZE We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. So with all that was said, why in my own community have I been discriminated against. Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. Statutes have been enacted to prevent discrimination based on a person’s race, sex, and religion, and age, previous condition of servitude, physical limitation, and national origin and in some instances sexual preference. So why on January 18, 2007, with my own eyes and ears, hears a member of a fraternity where I was doing an intake program (information meeting), made the comment so that I can hear it “I am not pledging someone who has AIDS”. Yes this indivual made that comment and since I am the only person, who has told the campus I was positive, I am incline to think he was talking about me. But I didn’t run from his comment because as stupid, silly and ignorant as the comment was; he was in title to say it. Don’t mean I have to agree with what the “Jack” (fill in the other part) has to say. But then again he made it clear his view and his view interfere with my civil, human and natural rights and I want play that game with no one. So after the meeting I went home and yes it hurt like hell and I needed to release the anger that circle my heart and thank God for my mom who has always been the voice to bring me peace and let me know that I still have a friend and his name is JESUS. I can go to Him when trouble like this comes my way. My friend want talk about me, will listen, and give me the understanding that man can’t provide. The next day I wanted to be known I heard what was said and so that this wouldn’t happen again. Mind you, the same person that made the comment had to drop out of school last semester, so he should be thinking God he is back. After talking to several people, one in particular who is in a fraternity told me to document everything because we all know that fraternities were originally founded on a dedication to principles such as community service, sound learning, and leadership qualities, though some have become purely "social". At least that is what they say, come talk to some of the kids I talk too, who mom and dad gave them up because they are HIV positive. Let these kids cry on your shoulder because they are afraid that the same “BS” that happen to me may happen to them. Now tell me about your so called community service. Because I knew that people would not accept me because of my status. Something I said last semester, so I had to do like Beyonce said “Upgrade “my application. 18 years ago I was a part of something that would change my life. In 1989 I was part of this same fraternity Beautillion Society. The first in Columbia, SC and our theme was “Believe In Me”. They took young men and change there lives. Showing us things that we would have either never seen or seen it when we got older. They taught us about respect, treating people with kindness, etiquettes and it was an experience I held in my heart for 18 years. So I knew I always wanted to be a part of this organization, because they gave back to the community. I called that gentlemen up and ask three of them for letters of recommendation so my “Ish” was in order, then my other two letters was by an excellent community leader and one of the best counselors on Benedict College campus. If they were going to discriminate, then they would have to do something serious. Did I tell you that one of the letters was from a representative in South Carolina State House, the other the president of the Columba Chapter and the third was from a life member? So I had it together. I turn all my information in and yes on the cocky side I felt I would get the call. Well guess what everyone else receive the call on Friday and I was did not get the call? So the following Saturday I call the chapter president and he basically said “ I was not pick because I was not a register voter”, I have been a register voter since 1990, I have voter’s card and I voted for Rep. Chris Hart in my district so that is not true. Then he told me it may have been because one of the questions is are you affiliated with an organized religion? I wrote NO. I was asked a question and I answer the question. Why would that affect me joining this group? I answer honestly, but if you wanted to know if I go to a church then that should be the question and I do. I am a member of River of Life International Worship Center on Clemson, where my Pastor is Apostle Sam Schneider. But let’s take that question and break the words down. You Ready? VERB: affiliated to adopt or accept as a member, subordinate associate, or branch: The HMO affiliated the clinics last year. To associate (oneself) as a subordinate, subsidiary, employee, or member: affiliated herself with a new law firm. To assign the origin of. To become closely connected or associated: The two unions voted to affiliate. A person, organization, or establishment associated with another as a subordinate, subsidiary, or member: network affiliates. Organized ADJECTIVE: Functioning within a formal structure, as in the coordination and direction of activities. Affiliated in an organization, especially a union. Efficient and methodical. Now Religion..; religion a system of thought, feeling, and action that is shared by a group and that gives the members an object of devotion; a code of behavior by which individuals may judge the personal and social consequences of their actions; and a frame of reference by which individuals may relate to their group and their universe. Now that’s how you break a question down!!!!! The question should be “Am I a member of a church?” Yes I am, but because someone is not a member of church you are discriminated against and rejected, that is crazy. Show me in your bylaws that me going to church is a reason for you to “Tell Me No”. . In response to the 13th Amendment, various states enacted "black codes" which were intended to limit the civil rights of the newly free slaves. In 1868 the 14th Amendment was passed to counter those "black codes" and ensure that no state "shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of the citizens of the United States deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, or deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." For me not to say anything would be crazy. I know people may say he is doing this because he was not picked. Not true, I always said I would do a story about this after the process was over and spoke to several people on campus about what I planned on doing. So you can’t use that excuse as many of you will try. Discrimination Law governs the right of individuals not to be treated less favorably than others on grounds that include sex, race and disability. It also deals with the duty of public bodies to promote equality. Comments like “Your mom had a man, so talk like one”, something foolish like that was said in the meeting is wrong and ignorant. What is talking like a man and what in the hell that has to do with a meeting. That is like telling me to talk black. What? Piss yes I am and that is no lie. How far will I go to put the flames out in my house, as for as I want to, because I plan on rebuilding my home. You have no right to discriminate against me and any one else. I am an African American male, I go to an HBCU school and by my own people I was discriminated against and I think you pick the wrong person, well I know you did. I know some people will get piss off at me and frankly I don’t give a damn. You step on my rights and I refuse to stand by an allow you to walk all over me. The definition of AIDS has been refined as more knowledge has become available. In general it refers to that period in the infection when the CD4 count goes below 200 (from a normal count of 1,000) or when the characteristic opportunistic infections and cancers appear. The conditions associated with AIDS include malignancies such as Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, primary lymphoma of the brain, and invasive carcinoma of the cervix. Opportunistic infections characteristic of or more virulent in AIDS include Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, and diarrhea diseases caused by cryptosporidium or isospora. In addition, hepatitis C is prevalent in intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs with AIDS, and an estimated 4 to 5 million people who have tuberculosis are coinfected with HIV, each disease hastening the progression of the other. Children may experience more serious forms of common childhood ailments such as tonsillitis and conjunctivitis. These infections conspire to cause a wide range of symptoms (coughing, diarrhea, fever and night sweats, and headaches) and may lead to extreme weight loss, blindness, hallucinations, and dementia before death occurs. So that you know….HIV is not transmitted by casual contact; transmission requires a direct exchange of body fluids, such as blood or blood products, breast milk, semen, or vaginal secretions, most commonly as a result of sexual activity or the sharing of needles among drug users. Such a transmission may also occur from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth. Saliva, tears, urine, feces, and sweat do not appear to transmit the virus. I am have experience almost all those symptom and still manage to carry 23 hours, I am sometime sick with fever but I come to class. I make no excuse for getting my degree and if I am not dead I’ll be graduating on May 12, 2007. The only reason I am not graduating with honors is by no mistake minds as those will tell you, but because I got sick and did not get withdrawn in time. Other then that I would have had a 3.8 G.P.A. This is my life you have screwed with, I have gone through all those things and I still stand like a man. Before I leave this world you will know. You hurt me with your words, but your words gave me POWER to fight those who chose to discriminate against me. I am not a victim, I am a SURIVOR. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Tawain Kelly
Freelance Video Photographer , Ty Photography Benedict College class of 2007 Member Since May 2005 |
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