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Follow on Google News | Statement from Brandi Richard, Advocate & President of the National Urban League Young ProfessionalsNULYP President releases statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision
By: ManhoodSpeaks We are the Joshua generation. We were given a world far more free than the world our parents grew up in. We were told to go to school, get good grades and work twice as hard. We were told to give others no need to be suspicious or concerned. No wayward hair, tattoos or sagging pants would do. We were told to speak proper English and flat out be unimpeachable. We complied. We were not told that we were equal because we were human too. We missed the lesson that without the trappings of success or earned good will, we were worthy of love and respect as human beings. And the feeling in our gut that screams racism is hard to describe and even harder to prove. So we haven’t collectively paid enough attention as our brothers and sisters struggled and were even killed in the streets. We stood by and built taller walls and better private schools. We wondered, can we really say they were unimpeachable? Now that the occurrences are more frequent and the pain is felt more widely, we feel justified in standing up for our rights as human beings. But we have been human all our lives. And regardless of our dress or indiscretions, all of our lives are precious. We cannot tolerate police who treat the lives of black people without regard. Black people are not inherently scary. Police officers are trained to ensure a real or perceived threat does not end in death. 50 years after so many civil rights legislative victories, we have not been able to legislate respect for black people in the United States and in the world. Until the color of our skin is no longer a calling card for hate, disrespect and disregard, the civil rights movement continues. What we were handed will not serve us or our children. And it is our responsibility to advocate for ourselves by advocating for those trapped in a poverty cycle that won’t allow them to be unimpeachable. We are all human and worthy of life. We are the largest generation and our teenage brothers and sisters are running through the streets. They will not tolerate hollow words from officials who likely don’t even invite black people over to their homes, nor should they. And we should make changes too. We should not vote for candidates whose entire campaign team doesn’t represent us, and where the only black person is staged for the camera shot. We must be present in black communities and not run from them. And there must be a national push to address race and the aftermath of slavery in America in the hearts and minds of the American people. Our children are watching. So here is a summation of what I really think: Dear White People, The killing of black people by law enforcement is not just a black people’s problem. Dear Black People, The civil rights movement is not over, we just haven’t been vigilant. If you don’t get up off your butt, this will happen again. (And in fact, it already has.) Dear Americans, Racism is still alive and well. Stop denying it’s existence and address it. Dear American Elected Leaders, Stop playing politics and fix this. You may have to hire some diverse staffers to be effective. Dear Millennials, It’s on you. You’ve got NOW. (Let the civil rights movement inform your action, but create your own today plan of action.) XO, Brandi #BlackLivesMatter #Justice4MikeBrown #WeGotNow #SoOverRacism About Brandi Richard: Brandi Richard is an innovator, mom, young professional advocate, and entrepreneur. She also serves as National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) President for 2011-2013 and 2013-2015. www.BrandiRichard.com For interview requests, please contact Carmela Smith at Media(at)ManhoodSpeaks( End
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