The struggle is not over

 
I know some 80s and 90s babies wonder why do they have to learn about History of Civilization, American History, or Cultural/Human Geography. These “ancient” cultures and civilizations and their practices are still present today.
 We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Taking that statement conceptually, we stand on the progression of those that came before us and are expected to progress so the generation after us can stand on that progression. When a generation fails to take the advancement of others and innovate and create new solutions to progress they leave the next generation stagnant. Without the sacrifice of each generation the next generation has nothing to stand on to achieve progress.
 Imagine a track relay. And the anchor catches a cramp or the first of the team drops or fumbles the baton. Can you imagine the crowd in unison … Awwwwww.
That’s what happens when our generation fails to carry the baton. The next generation in unison says … awwwwwwww.
What will we be known for: picking up the baton and running for first? Being competitive and innovative? Or will be known for dropping the baton and lazily ignoring the task ahead. We are in it for the long haul … literally.
 If there is one thing that is evident, it is the need for a fight and a united effort. Time to move together for one cause. If there is a cause there is a need for a fight.
The struggle is not over it is continuous, and so should our effort. Taking heed to the lessons learned before us, we need to reevaluate our efforts and rededicate our time and money to a cause worth fighting for … our future.
The world is watching Southern University as an institution for higher learning for a traditionally disenfranchised people. We are only disenfranchised if we refuse to fight our disparities. There is a cause, with disparities in healthcare, education and economics; the struggle is not over it has just changed.
We have matriculated from being unable to vote to having to purchase a birth certificate to prove our citizenship. We have moved from being able to own property to not being able to purchase or earn credit for housing and assets. It’s not just about being able to eat where we want, but being able to pay the check when it is set on the table.
With the struggle present, the next step is a movement … the question is not whether you will be involved but, how will you be involved?