Welcome to a new year! Often during the New Year, we hear the phrase “A New Year, A New You!”. That’s usually reserved for goals of weight loss and health, but what if we used it in the context of you and activism? A new you could include learning more about civil rights issues that Americans face today. It could include joining a civil rights organization and becoming active in your community. It could even be as simple as checking out books at the library for your kids that will teach them about historical figures who fought against racial injustice.
The changes required to end racism aren’t as extensive as you might think. All change has started small, and we could even include small in the way of age. The best way children learn is by following examples. If they see you are treating everyone you meet the same way, no matter who they are or what they look like, it becomes a normality. As they grow and see examples of racism, they will know it is abnormal. Your example of equality starts with the small everyday interactions you have with other people, simple as that.
What about making some big changes? Are you up to the task? There might not be any lunch counter sit-ins you can participate in, but if you are paying attention to the news, you will see there are plenty of marches and rallies supporting equal rights. Look up the upcoming events of your local NAACP, Human Rights Campaign or American Civil Liberties Union. Stay up to date and informed about the issues in your community and you will find that your passion of civil rights will grow.
In the world we live in today, it seems impossible to just be passive and let life go by. There is so much good in the world that needs more people and voices. Let your voice join the throng! Let 2019 be the year the “new you” finds way to further the cause of civil rights!
