“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.” This is a quote from one of my favorite authors, James Baldwin. I would be remiss if I neglected to make a post in honor of Black History Month.
I choose to celebrate the gains and accomplishments of my people. Over the years Black people have proven to be resilient and ingenious. Despite having to live in a racially divided nation Black people have continued to press onward and upward fighting for the same freedom, equality, and liberty that is declared in our great Declaration of Independence.
Advances have been made through various avenues and movements such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Brown v. Board of Education, and the Civil Rights Movement. Though the goal of the Civil Rights Movement was to eradicate social injustice, racism, prejudice, and violence against Black people and some gains have made, there is still much work for us all to do.
What are you doing to actively assist in the dismantling of racism? Our nation has failed to ever truly address the stain of racism, which is part of the reason that we have this great divide in our nation. As long as it is allowed to fester among us, we will continue to endure the bitterness that seeps from its existence. Racism was and continues to be bred in our nation and therefore, is not something that can be brought down by one or two individuals, but rather it will take a collective effort in order to obliterate racism. We have to use our influence in the circles where we are to combat it whenever it rears its ugly head. To remain silent is complicity. To do nothing is complicity.
“Until we are all free, none of us are free!” This is another famous quote and extremely relevant.
Well said Micheal! It is so sad that we must still having these conversations. If we could all treat each other the way we want others to treat the people we love the most…….what a harmonious and awesome would we’d live in! Instead we must keep pushing back and keep fighting until we are all free.