### **Preventing Systemic Racism Through Education, Media, Employment, and Policy Reform: The Power of Mkakati Ngazi ya Kwanza (Kuzuia)**

Preventing Systemic Racism Through Education, Media, Employment, and Policy Reform: The Power of Mkakati Ngazi ya Kwanza (Kuzuia)

A Racist Incident That Exposes the Urgency of Prevention

On November 21, 2024, a horrifying incident in Folcroft, Pennsylvania, laid bare how deep racism runs in our society. John Romano, a 46-year-old former worker for J & P Fencing, was operating a forklift that blocked traffic on Hook Road. When a Black woman, driving a blue Chevy Camaro, honked to express her frustration, Romano exploded into a racist tirade. His response was, “Who the f* are you beeping at? Shut up b****!”**

As the woman tried to maneuver around his forklift, things escalated rapidly. Romano jumped out and started hurling racial slurs, calling her a "monkey" and saying, “You know what n***, go get a f****** banana. I am not dealing with you today.”** He even threatened to find out where she lived, to call for her car to be towed, and to physically assault her, repeatedly referring to her as a “porch monkey.”

When police arrived and body cameras captured the scene, Romano shockingly doubled down on his behavior, telling officers, “I’ll tell ya what I said, I’ll say it again. It’s my belief—they’re all animals.” Although he later tried to walk back his words, he admitted to referring to the woman as a "monkey" and failed to understand why that was racist, claiming, “She is a wild animal.”

Romano was arrested and charged with ethnic intimidation, terroristic threats, harassment, disorderly conduct, and obstructing traffic. In the aftermath, State Senator Anthony H. Williams and the Delaware County Black Caucus demanded the cancellation of J & P Fencing’s government contracts. The company distanced itself from Romano, claiming he had not worked there regularly in months. However, Romano’s behavior—and the fact that he previously responded to complaints as the company’s representative—sparked outrage.

This case highlights not just one man's violent racism, but a system that produces and protects these attitudes. Incidents like this aren’t isolated. They’re symptoms of a much larger disease that’s been festering for centuries, maintained by systemic undereducation, media stereotypes, workplace inequality, and weak accountability structures.

Applying Mkakati Ngazi ya Kwanza (Kuzuia) to Prevent and De-escalate Racist Incidents

This is exactly where Mkakati Ngazi ya Kwanza (Kuzuia)—or The Tier 1 Strategy: Prevention—comes into play. Mwalimu Mtaalam (“Master Expert Teacher”) Ras Fletcher, founder of The Atacx Gym and creator of Njia Uhuru Kipura (The Path of Freedom Kipura), advocates for a multi-level approach to dismantling systemic racism through education, empowerment, and community-building. The goal is to prevent incidents like the Romano case before they happen and to de-escalate situations once they do occur.

Here are four key strategies under Kuzuia and how they apply to both prevention and de-escalation:

1. Education Reform: Cultivating Empathy and Understanding

Prevention Strategy:
Systemic racism thrives in ignorance. To break that cycle, we need comprehensive anti-racist education at all levels, focusing on the real history and contributions of Alkebulan (Africa) and other marginalized groups. When students learn the truth, including the global impact of African civilizations, they develop empathy and reject racist stereotypes.
- Impact: Imagine if Romano had grown up learning about the horrors of racial dehumanization and the accomplishments of people of Alkebulan descent. Instead of internalizing racist propaganda, he might have been equipped with a mindset that respected the humanity of others.
De-escalation:
Training programs for public-facing workers—especially in high-stress jobs—could teach conflict resolution techniques that don’t rely on intimidation or violence. With such training, Romano might have reacted calmly instead of exploding into a racist tirade.

2. Media Representation and Accountability: Reducing Stereotypes

Prevention Strategy:
The media is a powerful force in shaping perceptions. Positive, accurate portrayals of Black people and other marginalized groups can challenge the harmful stereotypes that fuel racist incidents. Holding media outlets accountable for perpetuating racist narratives is essential.
- Impact: Romano’s internalized racism likely didn’t develop in a vacuum. Decades of racist tropes in movies, TV shows, and news coverage can shape how people perceive others. A media landscape that celebrates diversity could have counteracted these toxic messages.
De-escalation:
News coverage that humanizes victims of racism and emphasizes accountability for aggressors helps reshape societal attitudes. It also discourages future incidents by making it clear that racist behavior will have consequences.

3. Employment Equity and Training: Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Prevention Strategy:
Companies must adopt Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to foster respectful work environments. Regular training on implicit bias and anti-racism can reduce workplace harassment and improve interactions between employees and customers.
- Impact: If J & P Fencing had implemented DEI policies and held employees to high standards of conduct, Romano might not have been hired—or would have been fired long before this incident. A culture of accountability would have discouraged such behavior.
De-escalation:
Clear procedures for reporting and addressing racist incidents can prevent situations from spiraling out of control. Had Romano been aware of strict consequences for racial harassment, he might have thought twice before threatening the woman.
Corporate Welfare Context:
It’s important to remember that while marginalized groups often struggle to access basic opportunities, White men and corporations have historically benefited the most from policies like the Wagner Act (1935), corporate tax breaks, and subsidies. These forms of “affirmative action” for the wealthy create the same unequal system that DEI programs aim to correct.

4. Policy and Community Advocacy: Ensuring Consequences for Racism

Prevention Strategy:
Anti-racist laws and accountability measures must be enforced to deter racist behavior. Community advocacy, like the call to cancel J & P Fencing’s contracts, can pressure businesses and governments to prioritize equity.
- Impact: This type of accountability sends a strong message: racism has no place in business or public life. Companies that fail to uphold anti-racist policies risk losing both their reputation and financial opportunities.
De-escalation:
Swift, transparent responses from public officials and law enforcement can build trust with marginalized communities. Senator Anthony H. Williams and other leaders took an important step by publicly demanding accountability in Romano’s case.

Why Njia Uhuru Kipura Is the Way Forward

Mwalimu Ras Fletcher’s Njia Uhuru Kipura doesn’t just teach physical self-defense. It’s about reclaiming cultural identity, building mental resilience, and creating empowered communities. By enrolling in The Atacx Gym, students of Alkebulan descent reconnect with their heritage, strengthen their confidence, and learn strategies to navigate and neutralize racist aggression—without escalating violence.

This approach, rooted in the rich warrior traditions of the Kongo Empire, exemplifies the Tier 1 Strategy: Prevention. It’s not just about surviving in a racist world; it’s about thriving, fighting back strategically, and dismantling the very systems that perpetuate oppression.

Conclusion

The Romano case exposes how deeply racism is embedded in society and why prevention is crucial. Through education, media reform, workplace equity, and policy advocacy, Mkakati Ngazi ya Kwanza (Kuzuia) can create generational change. Programs like Njia Uhuru Kipura offer the tools to confront and overcome systemic racism, empowering individuals and communities to demand the respect, safety, and justice they deserve.

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