We have the right to vote, but that right is being stripped away by voter suppression laws and gerrymandering which seek to limit and dilute our vote.
We may be legally free but too many of our people are enslaved by poverty. Wages earned by Black workers with the same education and experience are still out paced by white workers.
Our children can attend free public schools. But many of those schools in our neighborhoods receive less funding and resources than those in predominately white neighborhoods.
We can seek medical care from any source that we choose. But too many of our people still do not health insurance and it is not always readily available in our neighborhoods. Black people are less likely to receive adequate health care and pain medication. And Black women are more likely to have complications and/or die during childbirth.
The list goes on and on. Our people are more likely to be stopped and detained by the police with little or no cause. Black on black crime is still a problem in our communities. Opioid addiction by whites is considered an illness and treated as such. But Blacks addicted to crack are considered as criminals and are sentenced to longer terms than white cocaine addicts.
Much has changed, but so much hasn't. We need to vigilant and see through the smokescreens designed to distract us. Every election that will be held this year is important. We must research the candidates and participate in the primaries. Urge everyone you know to vote.
These actions may bring some relief, but for long term solutions we need pray and get actively involved. Run for office or help someone else who is seeking office. We cannot afford to be invisible or silent. We are Black Americans of African descent. We have been invisible and taken for granted for too long. Stand up, speak up, and speak out! Not just for ourselves, but for our ancestors who were denied their voice, and for our children and children's children.
Let's make some Black history, right where we are!