Black History Month is a time where we reflect upon the contributions of iconic African-Americans such as Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison who were the architects of the abolitionist movement, or Rosa Parks who refused to substitute her dignity and self-respect for blind prejudice, hatred and unjust laws. The rallying cry of “Let Freedom Ring” uttered Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. still echo throughout the chambers of our souls today.
Freedom is the universal gift that benefits every man, woman and child. It is the substantial force that breaks the bondage of oppression and government tyranny. It is the solemn reminder that America is the land where anyone can dream and where dreams can become a reality.
The daunting question we face in 2013 is: “Are we free?” In order to look forward, one must reflect on the accomplishments of the past.
We are forever grateful for the Civil Rights Movement, which highlighted the struggle for justice and equality. We are thankful for how blacks have been granted the right to exercise their vote in free elections. We’ve come far in improving racial harmony, with blacks being promoted to high levels of government: Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice both served as Secretary of State and of course Barack Obama became the first black President of the United States.
There are countless examples of America embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities for all, but yet, there is still a longing desire for freedom.
The parent of a poor black child that lives in an impoverished area of their community deserves the right to have their child attend the school of their choice, without that child’s freedom intertwined with the substandard performance of their educators. The fact that it is 2013 and many continue to advocate for school choice proves that for some, freedom must be put on hold in order to advance the agenda of big government.
I feel obliged to plea for freedom when I see single black mothers become manipulated by the welfare state that is promoted by liberalism. We are not a free society when black males are incarcerated, instead of at home raising their sons and daughters like good role models. As government seeks to take advantage of the absence of the black father, we must recognize that this is social tyranny, not freedom.
I am only a singular voice, but within the realms of my soul is a plea for African-Americans to begin a new history—economic freedom. There must be a rallying cry of an exodus from the plantation of liberal bondage. There must be a realization that government can easily take away what it freely gives, and that jobs, not handouts, are the most sufficient way to move up on the economic ladder.
I am surely thankful for Black History Month, but my heart cringes at the thought of what the future holds for the black community. Change needs to occur right now. Let us remember the words of Harriet Tubman: “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”