Watching a movie on the Montgomery Bus Boycotts and I couldn’t help but wonder, “Where did these pioneers get their strength?” For over a year, black people pressed their way and walked or car pooled where ever they needed to go. Tired of the injustices of their day, they took an unforgettable stand.
I couldn’t help but to think about my generation and how far removed from the idea that “We The People” can make a difference. During my last quarter century of living, there have been a few instances where We The People could have and should have raised our collective voices to propel progressive and positive change.
From the Crown Heights Riots in NY,where my cousin Gavin Cato’s death was the straw that broke the camel’s back. From the presidential election of 2000, where many feel Bush stole the election, to the Jenna Six case and even the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there has been many times where we could’ve taken a page from our forefathers and said “Enough is Enough.”
It seems to me, that we forgot just how powerful WE really are. Aren’t we the same people who when fed up with “an absolute Tyrant” kicked the most powerful nation’s ass and declared ourselves “Free and Independent States”?
Then why is it that 233 years later, We The People, seem to be putting up with all sorts of injustices. Bringing it to the here and now, the NYC MTA is threatening yet another fare hike. A fare that in my lifetime has went up seven times. Three of those times within the last 6 years! This after a recent scare of denying children a free pass.
What has to happen for Americans to say that we’ve had it? How can we let the ideology of our Founding Father’s, the strength of the Civil Rights era dissipate into complacency?
President Obama said it best, “Change begins from the bottom up.” We need to speak and cry out when our necks are being stepped on. Be it by our government or even fellow Americans. We The People cannot continue to dismiss these events with an article here or a rally there. Our Republic is suffering violence and we have to “take it by force.” Let’s stand on the shoulders of MLK, Samuel Adams and many others, and reclaim Our Voice!
About the Author
Wow!! You know I've never thought about it like that. It's almost as if we are doing a disservice to the very ideas that started our country by becoming complacent.
The problem is that many people in your generation feel a sense of disconnection from the concept of social activism. I remember sitting in protests for the war in Vietnam when I should've been in class. This generation in my eyes feel that they're solitary voice can't make a difference. Or as my son likes to say “some one else will do it”.
I enjoyed this article. It's refreshing to see this from some one your age!
Great work young sister!!
I live in a primary democratic state where I am constantly surrounded by people who have fought for what they believed in. I desire to fight for a cause that I believe in…but the question of “how do I successfully do that” pops into my mind. I haven't forgotten about our ancestors that have paved the way. I guess I have a different way of showing my gratitude; by exercising the right to obtain post-secondary education and situating myself in leadership/mentorship roles so that our future generation can be inspired and encouraged to make an ever bigger change. More work needs to be done though, I agree. Excellent post!