• A Blackbird's Serenade • (GxG)

"Welcome To The 60's"

Omniscient

Alongside Londyn, Tiana made her way to the basement of a vacant building, the scent of cigarette smoke and liquor hitting their senses with strength immediately.

Spotting a variety of familiar faces, she nodded at a few, briefly smiling at others in passing.

The two had been attending these meetings consistently, with more impending issues arising as time had been progressing. Crime was getting no better, nor was the treatment from the police force. Their people were still being jailed, lynched, and shot dead in the street without reason. It almost seemed as if the establishment of desegregation had only made things worse.

But today was rather important, for a new organization was forming to truly do something about it. To truly spark a sense of change.

Many had agreed with the methods and outlooks of Dr. King, but a great deal also opposed his ways. Those angered deeply by the system, and by the slow pace of brighter days coming forth. Those irritable of continuously turning the other cheek to no avail, and those aching for justice, wanting to make the fair skinned dominant group pay. To make them bleed...

"Aight now, gather 'round Negros, we ain't got all day here," Miles announced over the chatter with a welcoming smile. Beside him stood his siblings and two others, all dressed in black and standing tall with their heads held high. "Look here, we done all heard the news, yes?" Nods spread amongst them solemnly. Two young boys had just been beaten and murdered in cold blood on their walk home from school, not even a week ago. "It's time y'all... It's been time, and we ain't doin' no more waitin.' Our people been needin' protection since the beginnin' of time, it seems like, and I think we's just 'bout ready to take action."

Looking straight ahead, knowingly and without fear, Tiana listened in agreement, and Londyn did the same. Domonique and Miles had talked to her at their last meeting, per Marshall's request after their sparring, and she'd been offered a position that required her skill.

Her lover wouldn't like it at all, Tiana knew without a doubt. But she also knew that Journee would understand, at the end of the day. She had to do this... How could she not?

"I'm sure most of you have heard and are waiting for the East of America's next move," Domonique spoke up next, her strong voice ringing to the back of the room as she stepped up beside her older brother. "Mista Huey P. Newton done gave us a name, and it's spreadin' wide 'cross the country... Pretty soon them police gone learn to quit fuckin' with us- huh?"

Murmurs traveled as Dominique's eyes trailed amongst every agreeing face with a subtle fire. It was the same fire that fueled every one of them in that room.

"Folks," Benny joined the trio at last, speaking with a deep tone that willed every ear to listen. "Welcome...to the Black Panther Party-" A rhythmic applause followed his words, having him pause with a bowed nod before continuing. "Here we work to protect our own, support our own, and we do not, by any means, bow down to the white man of America.... Mr. Malcom X will not have died in vain, y'all hear?? We's gone honor him, and Dr. King. We's gone honor 'em all, 'cause dammit we ain't stoppin 'til they do-"

Cheers echoed yet again as a many clapped in support.

Standing tall, with a tailored denim vest, a black button up underneath, a pair of wide leg denim bottoms, and a black scarf headbanning her full head of curls, Tiana clapped as well. She knew what was next, and despite her feeling secure in the position, she never particularly enjoyed introductions in front of a crowd of people.

"And for our board, here in the heart of Atlanta, we'll start with Mr. Louis Marshall- Where is he?" Dominiqued glanced around as congratulated spread, then she smiled once the tall and broad man stepped forward to the podium. "Mr. Marshall here's from out of town, from Memphis, Tennessee- But he's stayin here for quite a while, ain't that right Mr. Marshall?"