This is an immediate call for action. Leaders and revolutionaries only! We all have had the history lessons. We celebrate the greats such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Rev. Clementa Pinckney. We have grandparents who could tell us stories and experiences from the Civil Rights Movement. We know that "movement" was a thing in the past that our predecessors lost lives for and now we get to live a better life, right? Wrong! In case you haven't noticed, African Americans are still in a struggle that subdues other struggles including poverty. Structural racism is the most disgusting thing that America (land of the free) exhibits.
The thing is, younger people aren't aware of or concerned with their status as citizens of the United States. We are just living, carefree and selfishly. My generation is behind. Am I the only one who is tired of seeing these homicides being committed by police officials who have no empathy and respect for African Americans and feeling like I can't do anything about it but share an RIP post or tweet a hashtag? Social media is where we learn, share and communicate. It is not where we stop!
My generation, specifically individuals who were born after 1990 really must wake up and smell the coffee. We have received the wake-up call, several times. We should never have snoozed. We must become those people we have read about in textbooks. Our time is now! Those historical figures are either dead or too old to still be fighting for OUR rights. It is our responsibility to step up and lead. Rev. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton won't be here forever!
I say we but not all of us are silent and unconcerned. There are many youths who contribute to our fight for equality, even through a simple act of bringing awareness via social media. But there must be more! The majority of minorities are required for action. No one has all of the answers but solutions come from addressing the problem and actually working towards resolving.
We need groups with outstanding numbers of supporters who are willing to protest, boycott or whatever ignition is strategically planned. We need more artists creating art that reflects the injustices and inspires positive change. We need more voters. We need individuals knowledgeable of current events and law and are willing to serve on a jury. We need more politicians willing to serve their very own communities. We need programs that create community bonds with police and citizens.
My suggestions are small but can go a long way with support from my peers. I I just want more people to care. I want more people to act. We "90's babies" are so talented, creative and rebellious. It's time we put our abilities to use. We must unify. We have to lead, no one can do this for us. Today, I promise to not live the same as I was before. I promise to do what I can and encourage others to join me in fighting for fair and equal treatment for African Americans. I don't know about anyone else but my little sisters, cousins, friends and future grandchildren need me. They need me to fight today so that they will have even better lives tomorrow... the same way someone once did for me.
