C’mon America, We Can Do Better!
By: Patricia Joseph
Tags: Politics, Social Justice, Personal Development, 2020 Presidential Race, Illumination

As someone who’s lived through the social and racial unrest of the 1960s, I’ve seen America at one of its ugliest and darkest moments. I carry the painful memories of the brutal dog and firehose attacks on Black protesters for social justice, the riots, and civil turmoil. Those dark moments are like a wound that never heals — forming a crusty scab, oozing with pus before becoming infected. Yet, beneath those historically thick layers of grime, I believe there is a country waiting to shine with brilliance.

My enslaved ancestors hoped and prayed for a day that America would accept them and recognize the contributions they made in building this great country. That day never came! Still, their contributions are often overlooked or completely ignored. As one Twitter user so eloquently tweeted — ’Black people are the salt that gives America its flavor — without them America would be like white rice — tasteless.’ As a descendant of those forgotten souls, I keep that hope alive for that day to come. Yet, I’m not under any illusion that it will be easy. But, I do believe that one day we will see America at its greatest — inclusive of ALL people.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Americans are resilient during defining moments. We’ve shown the world that resilience at every dark moment that threatened to weaken and scatter us like ashes. In those moments, we stood tall with a declaration and hope for something better.

On September 11, 2001, our resilience was tested. Despite this soul-crushing moment in our history, Americans showed compassion for their fellow citizens — helping one another to cope and overcome a horrific event. We came to the aid of our American Muslim brothers and sisters, who were attacked and ridiculed for their faith.

We all felt the pain of those who lost loved ones in the Twin Towers. How could you not feel the anguish? We grieved for our first responders, who lost their lives trying to save others. We watched in horror as our ideals, our beliefs, and our democratic values came crashing down. We wept, prayed, and consoled one another, without regard to race, religion, or class. We did it then, and I know we can do it again!

Election of the first Black president. Let’s not forget that we elected the first Black president of the United States — not once, but twice. This show of wanting change is evidence of our yearning for a better day, a better country. We took the chance and broke tradition — the entire world stood with us in our audacity and our desire for change.

The election of Barack Obama was our shining moment — to break the chains of America’s ugly history and begin a new chapter of healing. We showed the international world that in casting our ballots for a Black man — we were united.

A nation divided. Today, we stand as a polarized country on the brink of implosion. The state of American politics is explosive. Our political leaders have ignited and fanned the flames of hatred and racism — pitting families against families, and friends against friends. Our cultural differences are now used as political fodder to sow dissent and divide us as a nation.

How did we get to this point?

Our economy is suffering. As outlined in a recent New York Times article — millions of Americans are unemployed — tossed into poverty, and on the verge of becoming homeless. Are we content with this deplorable state of our country that we’ll simply shrug our shoulders and say ‘Oh well!’ I think not! Our very lives, the lives of our loved ones, and the memories of those we lost deserve our commitment to positive change.

Which path will we choose? As a mother and grandmother, I want to see change and a better country for future generations. Out of love and fear, I’ve given ‘The Talk’ to my three sons and fear having to give my grandson the same. He deserves to live in a country that provides opportunities for ALL — a country where the color of his skin is celebrated — not rejected. Your children and grandchildren deserve the same.

In a few days, we get to choose the direction of our country — for better or for worse — the choice is ours! I only hope we’ll choose for a better tomorrow.