NDG’s View
As we have recently witnessed, institutional racism is still very present in our society. Structures and strictures set in place to control, restrict or repress certain groups have revealed itself in our higher educational arenas. Our colleges and universities across our beloved county, alongside our American society, are yet crippled by the long reaching hand of white supremacy racism.
It’s shameful in today’s society, where freedom is the right of every American citizen, that some of us must still step into the ring to spar, and even shadow box, the known, but invisible enemy of white supremacy racism. More shameful, our children who set out to pursue their dreams, prove their ideals, and make their transition from childhood to adulthood, have to fight for their right to freedom and equality in an environment incensed with chaos on such higher education campuses as these.
For this very reason, we should be proud of the students who stood together and raised their voices to make changes at the University of Missouri. Removing the president was the first step in their successful protests. However, they are still fighting for diversity, respect and equality for all students. And their commitment to stand together to form change to benefit them and future students is selfless, and we should pause to recognize this marked moment in history.
We are witnessing strength and courage in the midst of social change. Our youth are standing and stating that they will not go through another generation of being crippled or tripped up by white privilege. They are saying our lives matter and our futures matter. And there is no truer statement than which they are standing on.
However, as a community and parents, we have a role in supporting our students. We must, unequivocally, ensure our students safety and encourage them, regardless of which university or college they may attend across this country, to continue to stand and raise their voices on issues which affect their well being and their future. When visiting our students’ campuses, audit their classrooms, meet with their faculty, and be present in their environment in which we entrust our students’ daily lives. Help them to transition into their adulthood knowing that we, as a community and parents, have their backs and are willing to stand with them.
Again, it’s very shameful, as a free American society, that some of us still have to fight for our birthright of equality. But, it’s very encouraging to know that we are still willing to fight. Even more encouraging, knowing that there is a generation who is willing to stand up and say enough, no more!
Let’s not allow them to stand alone. Our future depends on what we are willing to do now, in the midst of this social change. Let’s not send our children to college and turn a blind eye to the issues they face (and many of them are standing face to face with racism for the first time). Institutionalized racism shouldn’t be a part of their curriculum. Neither, should our lack of support for them be a lesson they have to endure.
While this unrest has not come to the local colleges and universities in the Dallas/Fort Worth community we should not assume things are peaches and cream for minority students at the local students. How will we as a community get involved to learn and help our kids facing racism before it boils over?
Thank you, radical students across this country, for your willingness, desire and perseverance in standing and using your voices for the benefit of a better society for every American. We are proud that you are our future leaders, and we are honored to stand with you in the midst of social change.
