For over four hundred years we have been fighting for our freedom and our rights, but we are not done yet. We will not rest until justice is served and we are truly free. We will not stop fighting until we are judged by the content of our character not the color of our skin.
My ancestors instilled in me a resilience and strength that con not be tamed. We will continue to protest and speak out until they feel us. We will not stop until you can feel, understand and recognize the pain in our voice, the pain in our eyes, and the pain that weighs heavily on our hearts.
As we, people of every race and culture, stand shoulder to shoulder, I realize that we must come together to change the world around us.
To my fellow high schoolers, we have to step up. Soon we will be the politicians, lawyers, police officers, doctors, and businessman in this country. We must be the change we want to see. Hold each other accountable, have those difficult conversations, stand up against injustice, especially in times of discomfort, sign petitions, pick up the phone and check on your black friends and family. You are not alone in this fight.
But remember if you choose to be neutral in times of injustice you have chosen the side of the oppressor. you are either with us or against us.
Their names will be heard! justice will be served! BLACK lives MATTER! Rest in everlasting peace George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and sadly many others.