Power to the People

I am not done with humanity! I believe that we are better than what many have been displaying for the last several years. Our country is one that is divided based on a variety of issues to include the value of people who are different than those who continue to control the money and power, which disproportionately are European American, male, and wealthy. USA Facts notes that White people own 86% of wealth, which is often gained through homeownership. In 2019 white households owned 85.5% of wealth while Black household held 4.2% and Hispanic held 3.1%. [1] There has been not much movement regarding transfer of wealth, which often leads to power and prestige.

We have seen our Capitol overrun by insurgents that questioned the validity of our latest Presidential election—this is something that has not taken place at the Capital. People are questioning the value of books that discuss the rich history of African Americans and the Black Diaspora. We see Governors requesting the budgets for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at state colleges and universities. The goal is the same, to do away with any safe space for Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI+) communities on public property.

As a society we must challenge the status quo but in the correct way by voting in local, not just national elections. We must hold our politicians accountable. We must elect people who are reflective of the people they represent, the values we hold and question them when they turn a blind eye to bad behavior. The 117 Congress is overwhelming White and male.[2] No one is above the law to include our politicians, law enforcement and others who hold positions of authority.

Our livelihood as a nation depends on us engaging in the political process. Demanding change when we see policies that disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Equality and equity are not the same, equality assumes that we are all starting at the same point when equity recognizes that due to historical policies and practices some of us are starting hundreds of years behind. Allyship is a verb and an ongoing process of learning and engaging with others who experience marginalization. Our allies have worked with us to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We see allies standing up and saying something is wrong with institutional policing policies that impact communities that are different than theirs. We truly need our allies to be a shield of protection for us as we continue our march towards equity.

We know God has a plan and it has already been designed. We must ensure we do our part and use our free will to do the right thing, don’t be a passive bystander and accept things as they are but question and challenge the status quo. It is our duty as Americans to fully participate in the political process at all levels.