But we don't need a moment we need a movement. Because it was a moment, there was no plan, no strategy, and no lasting change. A moment allows emotions to be expressed and feelings to be vented. It makes the participants feel like they are making a difference. And moment is the lead story on the evening news and tops the now trending list. A moment is here today and gone tomorrow. But to make an effective societal change, a movement is required.
A movement requires a long term commitment to save this and future generations of young black people, especially young black men. Members of a movement may not become media celebrities and their names may never be known. They are the ones who make a difference in quieter ways as they invest in their communities. They write letters to and meet with their elected officials.They are the ones who start after-school and summer programs to keep our young men and women off the street. They let the young people hang out at their homes and they tutor and mentor them. Members if a movement make a difference in so many ways.
We have had enough moments. We need a movement. But where do we begin? We begin by not forgetting and keeping the conversation going. Talk about who we are as a people, how far we have come, and how far we have to go. Tell our young people that Black History Month is more than the sanitized versions of the Civil Rights Movement taught in school, but it is the thousands of unknown people who risked and sometime gave their lives in the struggle for justice. Let our friends and family know that we care about our young people. In your community donate your time, talent, and treasure to individuals and organizations that are positively affecting our communities. And above all we must vote and hold our elected officials accountable. We have had enough moments its time to join the movement.