During a November congressional House Oversight Committee hearing, U.S. Representative from Texas, Jasmine Crockett, delivered a striking retort to a colleague championing a bill to undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He referred to these efforts as a “strong response to the oppression of our rights, liberties, and freedoms.” Crockett’s bold objection to the use of the word oppression, “There has been no oppression for the white man in this country”—resonated deeply. Her words underscored a painful yet undeniable truth and retold the stories of Black resilience amid systemic oppression.

Her commentary evokes the harrowing history of the involuntary migration of Black people to this land: families torn apart, languages stolen, and women brutally abused. Free labor built the wealth of this country, yet the very people who toiled in its fields and constructed its foundations were excluded from the fruits of their labor. Their strength and resilience endured even as their dignity was stolen. History also reminds us of the irony—the early colonists who claimed the new world as their land often arrived as outcasts from Europe, deemed unfit for their societies. These individuals, lacking the skill to build their envisioned utopia, forged a system of oppression to maintain control. But the enslaved Black man was never entirely subdued; his spirit remained free. Today, we persist as unapologetic witnesses to survival, progress, and justice. We remain steadfast, advocating for the liberation of all who are suppressed.

The True Oppression

Oppression, however, is not just systemic—it resides in the psyche of those who perpetuate it. White supremacist constructs create behaviors that seek to protect their privilege and are bound by a different set of chains, enslaved by fear, hatred, and a scarcity mindset. This psychological oppression blinds him to the inherent dignity and equality of others. It locks him into a life of insecurity, robbing him of the richness of diversity and the transformative power of love. A mindset rooted in fear leads to division, perpetuating a false sense of superiority that ultimately stunts collective growth.

True liberty transcends societal constraints; it is a mindset of profound liberation that embraces fairness and justice for all. Tragically, too many are imprisoned by their inability to let go of prejudice. Their clenched hands cannot embrace the justice that could free them or the love that could bring them peace.

A Call to Love

The path forward is clear: love. Love is the only force capable of breaking these shackles. It rises above laws, dismisses contempt for diversity, and demands equity. Liberty rooted in love offers not dominance but unity and mutual respect—the foundation of a truly free and thriving society.

There is no fear in love , but full-grown love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love. 1 John 4:18

The Black man is not going anywhere: Truth anyhow... We are a testament to resilience, innovation, and the unyielding fire of freedom. It is time for those shackled by fear and hate to release their chains and embrace the power of love. Only then can they experience the true liberty that uplifts all and ensures a land made for everyone—a land we can sustain together.