A Short List of My Hopes for Black Americans
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

A Short List of My Hopes for Black Americans

Based on the Ten Point Plan which was first introduced by the Black Panthers in 1966.

13
A Short List of My Hopes for Black Americans
Kenya Downs

1. I want to see the end of the mal-nourishing white culture of classrooms where black kids are unable to express themselves in creative ways without being labeled as a “distraction” or a “problem student”.

I believe that in order to improve America and advance ourselves as a country, we need to help and support all kids at a young age. There should not be a secret agenda or hidden rules for kids that are of another race that isn’t white. If we do not enrich children’s thoughts and their imaginations, there will be less and less innovation as well as a loss in culture. If we allow these kids to express themselves and grow into individuals, we will see a much larger leap in improvement in participation not only in class but in politics and a sense of equality that we have been striving for. In school, especially at the age of 3-7, we are hoping to be accepted and to have fun. The fact of the matter is that education is supposed to be for all, if you hinder the creativity of one group, then you are making them pay for nothing. This is why black and other colored students tend to do so poorly on standardized tests. They are being subjected to an environment from an early age that isn’t meant to help them but harm them. I believe that we need to build the self-esteem of young people, educate them and allow them to pursue any type of job, hobby etc, that they can think of.

2. I want to see restrictions put on the war on drugs which is causing 42% of the minority of blacks, which only inhabit 12% of the US, in jail. I want there to be an equitable system in which people aren’t only targeted because they are of a certain race and class.

I believe that the war on drugs is actually a war on black people in poorer communities. It gives the government, and people who still believe that blacks are second class citizens, a chance to exploit them and “get rid of them”. It allows for the political and economic rights of these people to be stripped away once again even though it was fought for not too long ago. This not only leads for people to be unmotivated to participate in voting in the black community but, they are concerned more and more about this community being eradicated or destroyed. We are already such a small population that the fact that our communities, which are poor not by choice but by continued racial discrimination and exploitation through businesses, almost ½ of the 12% is in jail is absurd. By showing EQUAL rights when conducting searches, the police, and other government officials or workers shouldn’t take bribes or pardon someone due to color or class. They should be giving the same fine and penalties to people who are of a fairer color rather than excuses such as “wrong place at the wrong time” etc. The fact that there are more people in jail of color than there were people in slavery in 1850 is a sick joke that needs to be changed immediately. If not, a revolution will happen and it won’t easily be stopped.

3. I want black people to be given the same chance for jobs that white people receive. I want them to be acknowledged for their skills and person rather than their skin color and “second class citizenship.”

I believe that all black people have ever been acknowledged for are their sports skills, singing skills and some films. No one ever hears about the amazingly smart black scientist or literature major who came out with a fascinating new book or even an engineer. They are stereotyped into the group that is good at sports, singing and have a few known actors/producers. Putting that aside, black people are also being turned away from jobs and higher positions due to the superiority complex that is bestowed upon white culture and their organizations. When they are given the chance to prove themselves or are given a higher position, they tend to never move up from there and still make X amount of money less than their white counterparts. In order to correct this and create a thriving community for the black people, we should be able to govern ourselves, keep the money in our economy, and be acknowledged as more than just the minority. There are no second class citizens, that is one of the biggest things that we as an American community need to realize.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

38204
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

113787
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments