Taking A Stand

It is remarkable to witness the emergence of numerous non-violence protests all across America.  Some could say that these are throwback concepts or “old school” from the days and times of the civil rights movements of the 1960’s and beyond.  Nevertheless, it is a welcome site to see such things in real time through the use of various media outlets and through social media.   In so many ways the ability to see things unfold in real time without being there is helping us to transform our families, schools, neighborhoods, nation and world. 

The rise in recent protests and more has ignited a passion in all of us that things have to change.  There is no more room for the “status quo” or same as usual practice which allows for some sort of lethal response being used to a perceived criminal behavior or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  This movement is growing and has become multicultural at its base and is spreading like wild fire throughout America.  In addition, this movement is gaining new levels of foot soldiers that cross all socioeconomic barriers, including professional and college sport teams.  These new waves of advocates are letting their voices be heard through wearing t-shirts, donations, demonstrations and social media.   

What gives us considerable hope is that these new movements are helping us to review policies, practices and various laws in serious ways.   It is also helping us to identify gaps and breakdowns in systems.   Additionally, it is helping to ensure transparency, which will allow for significant changes to be made.   In addition, it is creating a new level of community engagement and bringing new partners to the table for open discussions in solving some of our community more complex problems of unemployment, affordable housing, homelessness, mental health care and poverty.   
          
In the end and I hope that we each take the opportunity to join in with some of these moments, for our great democracy and its core values of freedom, fairness and justice hang in the balance.  Our nation can only rise up to its true potential when its citizens truly participate in making America a place where everyone has a voice.   And taking a stand with the right values and a clear moral compass is what makes all the difference in the world.  What do you think?            

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, Twitter #AC53, Facebook, or call 414-571-5015.  You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-265-5546.