G.O.A.T OF DENTS

The Weight of Deceit

When politicians prioritize personal gain, party loyalty, or corporate interests over the needs of their constituents, the impact is profound. Broken promises and abandoned policies erode the foundation of trust that democracy is built upon. The people who once believed in a shared vision find themselves disillusioned, their hope replaced by cynicism and anger.

This betrayal is not merely a matter of politics it is a matter of survival for many. Policies that neglect healthcare, education, infrastructure, or the environment leave citizens vulnerable. Communities suffer, families break under the weight of systemic failure, and the most vulnerable are left without a safety net.

The Ripple Effect Across Generations

The damage caused by governmental betrayal is not confined to one election cycle. When institutions are weaponized or weakened, the effects ripple across generations. Children born into neglected systems inherit the consequences of poor governance—limited access to quality education, fewer economic opportunities, and the burden of debt. The loss of faith in leadership becomes a cultural scar, fostering disengagement and apathy in future voters.

A government that forsakes its duty not only fails its current citizens but also mortgages the future of the nation. Once lost, trust is difficult to rebuild, and the cycle of political instability becomes harder to break.

The Call to Action

We are at a pivotal moment. The betrayal we are witnessing today demands more than passive outrage—it requires collective action. Citizens must hold their leaders accountable, demand transparency, and push for policies that prioritize the greater good over individual or corporate interests.

Engagement is the key to breaking the cycle of deceit. Voting is not the end of civic responsibility; it is the beginning. Grassroots movements, advocacy, and public discourse are tools that can reshape a broken system.

Hope for a Better Future

Despite the darkness of betrayal, history shows that resilience and unity can spark change. Nations have risen from the depths of corruption and failure when their people refuse to be silenced. The road to recovery is long and arduous, but it begins with a single step—a collective demand for honesty, accountability, and leadership that serves the people, not personal agendas.

We stand at a crossroads. The choices we make today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations. Let us not allow deceit and betrayal to define us. Instead, let us be the architects of a nation rebuilt on trust, integrity, and unwavering commitment to its people.

As we step into 2025, the fight against racism in America remains as urgent and necessary as ever. Black Americans have long carried the weight of systemic oppression, from economic inequality to social injustice. But today, we declare that enough is enough. The days of being bullied, misled, or ignored are over. We will stand united, unwavering, and ready to defend our communities against those who seek to harm or hold us back—be it the Trump administration or any other force of oppression.

The Legacy of Struggle

Racism in America is not new; it is woven into the fabric of our nation’s history. From slavery to Jim Crow, from redlining to mass incarceration, Black Americans have faced relentless obstacles in pursuit of equality. The fight has never been just about survival—it’s been about securing the dignity, prosperity, and freedom that every human being deserves.

Yet, in 2025, we still grapple with the same forces that have oppressed us for centuries. Disparities in wealth, education, healthcare, and housing are not accidental; they are the deliberate result of policies and systems designed to perpetuate inequality. This reality is compounded by political leaders who exploit racial divisions and prioritize power over progress.

The Economic Struggle

Economic inequality remains a cornerstone of systemic racism. Black Americans face higher unemployment rates, lower wages, and limited access to generational wealth. Predatory lending, gentrification, and a lack of investment in predominantly Black neighborhoods continue to widen the wealth gap.

But we are fighting back. Black-owned businesses are thriving despite the odds, grassroots organizations are advocating for equitable economic policies, and communities are pooling resources to create opportunities where the system has failed. Economic empowerment is a powerful tool in dismantling racism, and we will wield it with purpose and determination.

Unity as a Weapon

Division has always been a tactic of oppression. But in 2025, we refuse to let those in power pit us against one another. The strength of our community lies in our unity. From the church pews to the streets, from boardrooms to classrooms, we are coming together to build a movement that cannot be ignored.

This is not just a Black fight; it is a fight for all people who believe in justice and equality. Allies from all backgrounds must stand with us, not as saviors but as partners in the struggle. Together, we can dismantle the systems that oppress us and build a future that uplifts everyone.

Standing Against Oppression

The Trump administration, like others before it, has perpetuated policies and rhetoric that harm Black Americans. From attacks on voting rights to the undermining of social safety nets, these actions are not just political—they are personal. They target our families, our futures, and our very existence.

But we will not be silenced. We will confront racism wherever it arises, whether in the halls of power or on the streets of our cities. We will hold leaders accountable, demand justice, and fight for policies that protect our rights and uplift our communities.

Protecting Ourselves at All Costs

Self-defense is not just a right—it is a necessity. Whether protecting our communities from violence, safeguarding our voting rights, or ensuring our voices are heard, we will defend ourselves at all costs. We will not stand idly by while our people are harmed or our futures are stolen.

This is not a call to violence; it is a call to action. We will use every tool at our disposal—organizing, protesting, voting, and creating—to protect what is ours and build what we deserve.

The Fight Continues

In 2025, the fight against racism is far from over, but neither is our resolve. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and we fight for those who will come after us. This is a pivotal moment in our history, and we will rise to meet it with courage, strength, and unity.

We will no longer be bullied or misled. We will no longer accept crumbs from a system designed to deny us our share. We will stand our ground, protect our communities, and build a future where justice, equality, and freedom are not just ideals but realities.

Finding balance in life is essential, especially when you have others depending on you, whether as a father, mother, or leader. While it’s important to help those around you, it’s equally vital not to lose sight of yourself in the process. Balancing life means recognizing your own needs while fulfilling your responsibilities to others. It’s about managing the weight of life’s demands without letting them overwhelm you.

Some mindsets are difficult to change because individuals may have deep-rooted beliefs or personal barriers that keep them from embracing change. For some, the resistance comes from a comfort in their current state, even if it's not ideal. They might not want change because it feels unfamiliar or threatens their sense of control. Others adopt a victim mentality, finding solace in blaming external factors rather than taking responsibility for their circumstances.

Additionally, there are those who simply refuse to listen or consider new perspectives because they believe they already have all the answers. This "know-it-all" attitude can block opportunities for growth and self-reflection. The reasons for resisting mindset shifts vary, but they often stem from fear, pride, or an unwillingness to acknowledge the need for change. These dynamics can perpetuate cycles of stagnation, leaving individuals stuck in unproductive ways of thinking.

A father gotta gut it out, no matter the stares,

They watching you struggle, but who really cares?

If the roof caves in, they quick to complain,

Even when you out here pushing through the pain.

Stayed strong, held it down, never took a break,

While they reaped the rewards of the moves I’d make.

Saved houses, sent smiles, gave vacations away,

But when I needed them back, they just walked away.

Nah, I’m not bitter, just lessons I’ve learned,

Life flips scripts, and bridges get burned.

At 51, yeah, I’m standing on my own,

On this journey solo, but I’ve grown.

They forget the nights you couldn’t sleep,

Worries too heavy, debts too deep.

But I carried the weight, I bled, I fought,

Still, they vanished like lessons never taught.

But I’m still here, heart full of fire,

Built from the ashes of my own desire.

No handouts, just these calloused palms,

A life redefined, calm through the storms.

So let ‘em forget, let ‘em talk, let ‘em leave,

I’m still building, still breathing, still believing.

Gutting it out, till the final breath,

Walking this path, I’ve got nothing left.

Just me and the grind, and that’s just fine,

‘Cause this is my life, and I make it mine.

You turned on me when the lights went dim,

When shadows crept where love had been.

It wasn’t us, it was only you,

A fragile bond I thought was true.

When whispers spread, and doubts took hold,

Your heart grew distant, your touch turned cold.

What we had wasn’t strong enough,

Not to weather when times got tough.

I carried the weight, I held the line,

Believing the fault was somehow mine.

But your love was light, too thin to see,

A hollow promise you gave to me.

The world cast stones, you stepped away,

Leaving me stranded, led astray.

Had it been real, you’d have held me close,

But you turned on me when I needed you most.

It wasn’t love—it was your own need,

To shine for others, to watch them feed.

And when their gaze no longer stayed,

You turned to blame, and I was betrayed.

Now here I stand, no longer bound,

By love that broke and let me down.

You turned on me, and now I see—

The love you had was never for me.

A faded heart, worn thin with time,

Its rhythm dulled, once so sublime.

Love's cruel weight, a heavy stone,

Left it wandering, lost, alone.

The colors dimmed, the spark grew cold,

Once bold and bright, now tired, old.

Its song a whisper, soft, unsure,

A shadowed echo of what it bore.

But deep within, a quiet spark,

Flickering faintly in the dark.

A stubborn ember, small but true,

A whisper: Rise, there's more to do.

The scars it bears, a tale they weave,

Of loss, of hope, of dreams to grieve.

Yet from the ashes, strength will bloom,

A garden grows where once was gloom.

The heart remembers how to fight,

To beat again, to seek the light.

Through trials vast and storms so black,

The faded heart will find its track.

For though it falters, bends, and breaks,

Its spirit mends, its courage wakes.

A faded heart learns to renew,

And finds a love that's pure and true.

When it Crashes and Burns

Love, a fire that once ignites,

Bathing souls in its radiant light.

But when the flame flickers and fades,

Ashes remain where dreams were laid.

A spark so pure turns to despair,

Breathing smoke into fragile air.

Promises crumble, whispered and sweet,

Now scattered remnants beneath our feet.

Hearts, once tethered, break apart,

Splintered pieces of a shared heart.

The laughter echoes, now bittersweet,

A haunting rhythm, incomplete.

Eyes that held the sun’s embrace,

Turn cold with shadows, an empty space.

The touch that once could heal and soothe,

Now lingers sharp, cutting the groove.

The crash is loud, the burn is cruel,

Passion’s heat becomes the fool.

But from the wreckage, we still rise,

Scars like maps beneath the skies.

For love, though it crashes, though it pains,

Teaches strength through all remains.

And in the ash, new seeds are sown,

To find a flame that’s truly our own.

The Legacy of Systemic Racism

Systemic racism has been a defining force in the lives of many Black men in Chicago. Historically, discriminatory housing policies, segregation, and disinvestment in predominantly Black neighborhoods created environments of limited opportunities. The lack of quality education, underfunded schools, and restricted access to jobs trapped many in cycles of poverty.

By the 1980s, the crack epidemic and the "War on Drugs" exacerbated these challenges. Black men were disproportionately targeted, arrested, and incarcerated, often for minor offenses. Entire generations were lost to the prison system, and the resulting void created a ripple effect—shattering families, leaving children without fathers, and perpetuating a cycle of despair.

Absentee Fathers and the Breakdown of Family Structures

The absence of fathers in many Black households in Chicago is both a symptom and a cause of systemic challenges. Incarceration rates skyrocketed during the late 20th century, removing men from their families and communities. This absence left many young boys without role models, perpetuating cycles of violence, poverty, and limited aspirations.

But the blame doesn't solely rest on individuals; it’s a systemic issue. The criminal justice system, housing policies, and economic disenfranchisement have played a significant role in creating these conditions. When opportunities are stripped away and the odds are stacked against entire communities, the breakdown of family structures becomes an inevitable outcome.

The Role of Politicians: Broken Promises and Empty Plans

Over the years, political leaders have promised change but have failed to deliver meaningful solutions. Policies are often half-hearted, underfunded, or lack the necessary follow-through to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing these communities.

Black politicians, too, have sometimes fallen short in addressing the needs of their constituents. Whether due to systemic barriers, political compromise, or a lack of vision, many have struggled to create lasting change. Meanwhile, white politicians often prioritize issues that cater to more affluent or suburban voters, leaving urban Black communities to fend for themselves.

What’s Needed Now?

To break this cycle, comprehensive and sustained efforts are necessary:

1. Investing in Education and Jobs: Schools in Black neighborhoods need proper funding, and vocational training programs should be expanded to equip young men with skills for modern industries.

2. Criminal Justice Reform: Reducing incarceration rates for non-violent offenses and focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment can help reintegrate men back into society and their families.

3. Community Programs: Mentorship initiatives, mental health resources, and community centers can provide support systems that many young Black men currently lack.

4. Holding Politicians Accountable: Leaders must commit to long-term investments and policies that prioritize equity. Grassroots movements and voter engagement are crucial to pushing for these changes.

Moving Forward

The struggle of Black men in Chicago is not simply a tale of hardship but one of resilience and hope. While systemic racism and failed political leadership have created enormous challenges, the strength of these communities continues to shine through. The path forward requires not just acknowledgment of these issues but sustained effort and investment from every level of society.

The time for change is long overdue. Only by addressing the root causes of these struggles can we begin to heal the wounds of the past and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Chicago can get better I'm a true believer of that.