As we are hurtled thru time and towards our date with fate, we must begin to reassess our role as Hue-man beings. "Get money" is the mantra on the lips of young blacks, yet there seems to be a lack of true concern for our community safety and mental well being. There are many health issues we must face, mental as well as physical. Aids, asthma, diabetes and arthritis continue to be a plague in our daily diaspora. The effects of a me first mentality continue to stifle our spiritual growth.  A new type of self destruction is seeping into our villages. Dumbing down and the 'NIGGERIZATION of our blackness is a disease that I feel is at the root of many of our problems. As Malcolm X said, " the worst crime that the white man has committed is that he has taught us to hate ourselves". No longer is the KKK the leading lyncher of proud Black men. The majority of young black males killed today are killed by other black men. As I have grown into my 50's I clearly see that the effect of crack cocaine and dealing drugs has derailed most of the gains of the 60's. The prisons are full of our youths, and not because of their political or revolutionary actions. Our community's acceptance of drug dealing and thugging is a boon to white society, not ours. As men, fathers, and brothers we need to step to the plate and assume the mantle of 'moral obligation'. We need to reinforce our traditional family values and clean up our neighborhoods. Further glorification of a negative lifestyle can only lead to a negative result. We are responsible for the damage being done by Us to Us. In Rwanda, Darfur, L.A., Oakland,  Harlem and many other places globally, the brunt of our annihilation has come from Blacks. What was once our safe haven has become a living hell for most of our peoples- our communitys and villages. How much longer will we turn a blind eye to the self destruction of our familys and friends. We need a program where everyday poor folks can heal, cleanse and better our own lives. Waiting for the government to do what we won't do for ourselves is folly. Like brother Bob Marley sings ' How good and how pleasant it will be, before God and man, to see the unification of all Africans'. For us not to recognize the plagues among us is suicidal. We need to reaffirm our belief in God Almighty, and make the changes necessary in order to work twogether to clean up this stench. One of the first steps is for all Black men to vow never to kill another. Every time a brother kills or shoots another he is an agent of genocide. We must reevaluate our situation and come up with Love based solutions. If we can boycott the buses in Alabama in the 60's and turn things around, we need to boycott drugs and guns in our places of residence. Are you tired of funerals and living in fear. If so, unload your weapon and store it in a safe place. We don't need it on the streets. We need to energize our collective resources and start the healing. It begins with self. Now! I vow right now to never kill another Black male! to walk away from trouble whenever possible, to help whenever I can. I vow to work to uplift myself, my family, and my community by becoming the change that I see needs to take place. Knowledge is power and I promise to pursue it. I will take the opportunity to work with the youths and to share my mental prowess with others. I am man enough to correct my mistakes, and humble enough to know that I must make positive changes in my life. I will share the many blessings that Jah hath given me by trying to teach others what I have learned. I am committed to the resurrection of poor peoples everywhere and vow to become a better Hue-man being. I love and forgive, yet i won't forget the many sacrifices that have already been made on my behalf until I become whole again. I Rastafari choose life over death, love over bloodshed, and truth over lies.