One of the greatest ways to bring healing is to tear down the walls. All our experiences are unique; however, we cannot discount the experiences of another. Now is the time to seek to understand. Now is the time to listen.
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As I heard the outcome of the Eric Garner case, I felt like I had taken a severe blow to the head. I was deeply conflicted and saddened to hear of the decision. However, I cannot say that I am surprised. I have always been vocal about social issues and seeing justice in the world. However, I believe that I have a responsibility to speak up now more than ever. With the decision of the Michael Brown grand jury just being released and now this, race relations have been set back even further in this nation. In fact, racial tension has reached an all-time high. This is a critical moment in America and it is time for the nation to do some soul searching. This is deeper than an issue of race. This is a human rights issue. It is time for change and it is time for us to become the change that we are seeking. The tide must turn in America and may it start right now!

We are at a tipping point in America. Injustice has risen to an astronomical high. We have a justice system that is terribly flawed and ostensibly broken. We have communities that are fed up with injustice. I understand the frustration but we must use our frustration as a force for change. When a community is unheard the result is always unrest. Do not let this incite you to anger. I want you to be incited to action. If we want to see real change it begins with action. We must get involved and we must use the collective power of our voices to bring about meaningful change. Getting violent is not the answer. It is time to get your voice back! It is time for peaceful protest. It is time to address race. It is time for mature and intelligent dialogue about hostility among races. This is a pivotal moment to repair race relations between law enforcement and minority communities. It is time to talk. Talking is not enough. Demonstrations are not enough. It is time to become a demonstration of change!

One of the greatest ways to bring healing is to tear down the walls. All our experiences are unique; however, we cannot discount the experiences of another. Now is the time to seek to understand. Now is the time to listen. Now is the time to heal wounds. Now is the time to unite as the human race. As a black male, I am deeply disturbed at the trajectory of this nation in the area of race. Our ancestors endured years of oppression to create a greater life for future generations. This is not what they paid for. This is not what they marched for. This is not what they gave their lives for. This is a defining moment in America. Enough is enough! Without a difference course of action we will not see different conditions.

What do we do now? Where do we go from here? I want you to understand the power of the moment we have right now. I am using my voice and influence to speak up about something that is very important. Movements are defined by moments. Moments can only be sustained by momentum. The nation is outraged for the moment but we must turn this into a movement. We must declare boldly that change is now! We must become active in creating the change we want to see. We must hold leadership accountable. We must have an active presence in our communities. We must speak up about issues that are important to us. We must know the law and most of all we cannot be silent. It breaks my heart to see lives lost and families devastated and desperately seeking answers. We can make this moment count! If we use the power of our collective voices we cannot be silenced. May justice prevail!

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