The ethos, the characteristic, the spirit of a culture, and the era are manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. In the 1960s, Dr. King energized the aspirations of the Black culture, and “We Shall Over Come” became the marching song.  Being called colored was rejected, while James Brown’s song “Say it loud” — I’m Black and I’m proud” became unpretentious.

Muhammad Ali’s stance against the Vietnam War transcended the boxing ring and the realms of faith and politics. Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who are mostly forgotten, raised a Black Power salute at the 1968 summer Olympics. A half-century later, Colin Kaepernick kneeled, and the systematic leveling down continued. Wrath and tweets by the leader of the most influential nation on earth legitimized the mindset of the underbelly, bringing the waters to the surface of the ugliness within our society.

I have a tiny voice, heard mostly only by me, but I shall not be silent as I continue to encourage our youth to read, and one day I believe my voice will rise to the surface. Six months ago, I recommended “A Colony in a Nation.” My new recommendation is “We Matter: Athletes and Activism” by Etan Thomas; if read simultaneously, the domino effect, the causalities, and what’s needed for change can be more realized. The country’s hopes are now in the hands of our youth. Casting off from the piers of ugliness while anchoring the soul in a river of fresh water.  Keep Hope alive… by Reading! The mind is a terrible thing to waste.