On Friday, September 11, 2020, Carlos West not only called out members of his own fraternity but also members of every organization to help save our kids. Carlos expressed, “After going to a blood drive with Illinois State Representative La Shawn Ford, I began to reflect on the state of our community. The shooting of a female mail carrier delivering mail happened one day prior. I just became sick to my stomach.
The problem, in my opinion, is that many of us seem to be afraid to go into our neighborhoods. If we are afraid to go into our own neighborhoods to make real change, how can we expect help and support from others? I believe God told me to go to that corner.” Carlos then expressed in his very passionate video that “we”, all members of the Devine 9 are the problem.
He then said what has become our motto here at ONE TEAM ONE PLAN ONE BRAND. “GET THE HELL OUT AND GET IN THESE STREETS”. He has as of October 2020 220,000 views without any kind of platform, few followers, and no social media experience. He asked every organization to use its platforms to make real change. Pro athletes are now using their platforms. Actors in Hollywood are using their platforms. We can do the same. Why not join forces to solve a problem that affects all of us.
Masons and Eastern Stars have huge platforms and are politically connected to very powerful people. We ask that you use these platforms to help make real-life changes.
We cannot be afraid to help our own people. We cannot be too busy to give time, effort, and just a little financial help to others that need it. This is why ONE TEAM ONE PLAN ONE BRAND was created. Let’s make real change and not paper change. By paper change, we mean to do something just to say we did it. If our kids don’t get the help they need, the next unnecessary shooting could be someone that you know. It could be someone that I know. We need everyone to help. Our future is at stake.
Photo by Angelo Soloman