As the Struggle Continues by Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.

Jan. 25, 2015

As the Struggle Continues
By Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq.  

williams2

(TriceEdneyWire.com)A few days ago, many people were discussing what the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. meant to them.  I was pleased to be a part of a commemorative program where young people between 12 and 17 were questioned about their experiences with civil rights, diversity and communicating with others.  Their responses were surprisingly pleasant—and a bit brilliant.  Without delving into detail, I can say these youth affirmed my confidence that, despite protests to the contrary, large numbers of our youth are prepared or preparing to represent us well in the future.

Listening to these youth, I was reminded that young people were at the forefront of the old Civil Rights Movement.  Along with their adult counterparts, they faced the dogs, hoses and billyclubs with equal amounts of courage, composure, and character.  Embracing a purpose greater than their own personal security, many of them rebelled against the fears of their parents and decided to sneak away from home to participate.  Over black & white television broadcasts and theatrical newsreels, the world saw their bravery and the malignancy of those standing in opposition of their receiving justice and the full rights of citizenship.

Unquestionably, some youth take the freedoms and the struggles endured to achieve them for granted, but, these many years after the old Civil Rights Movement, we see the emergence of a new generation of youth who are dedicated to principles of freedom and equality.  Once again, youth stand in sacrifice for the greater good.

We are still blessed to have young people risking their lives and futures to work for changes that are desperately needed—especially changes related to police/community relations.  They are the 'tip of the spear' in the fight for economic justice. It's the youth who are conspicuous in their picketing of corporate Goliaths - like McDonalds and Wal-Mart - for decent wages and benefits.  Risking being fired, they walk off the job in large and small groups for the right to a 'living' wage.

On the hottest days of this past summer and the coldest days of winter, young people have braved the elements, marched, and spoken out to say, “Black Lives Matter.”  The groups are diverse, and young people are speaking louder and more effectively than many adults.

Young people don’t often receive their rightful thanks, but I am proud of many of the young people with whom I have come in contact and observed—those who rose up over the murder of Trayvon Martin, Jordan Davis, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and many others.  Despite institutional obstacles, they still seek justice for these murdered young men. In that process, their work is raising the consciousness of all races, cultures and ages inspiring action that demonstrates to others that “Black Lives Matter.”

Whether sparked by the release of the movie Selma or by frustration arising from the status quo, young protesters are proving they understand the cause for which many lived and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. died.  Once again, they see the need to be involved in making changes.  Moreover, our youth are coming to the realization that we can never rest in the fight for justice and equality.  They understand that 'rest' and 'complacency' are two words which have no place in the lexicon of Civil Rights.  They realize that there are those who, if given a chance, would strip all of the achievements that we have earned and enjoy.

We adults must encourage the engagement of our youth.  We must welcome young people who want to be involved in making a better world.  Let us walk with them and share the wisdom we have—while allowing them to develop into the leaders they are capable of becoming, as the struggle continues.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. 202/678-6788. www.nationalcongressbw.org