After only 3 months of the current administration, the country has many reasons for Americans to be fired up. I implore Black people to take a deeper look at what's going on. We lived this tyranny throughout our experiences within this nation. During the civil rights movement black people fought and died to be recognized as human, let alone an American with rights. As a black father, it makes me cringe because it is not hard to fathom an existence in which my children would have less rights than their Great Grandparents.

This is not hyperbole there is a clear and present danger to the African American way of life. Yes, there were always persistent problems - police brutality, racist policies disguised as law and financial inequity. However tragic, those problems existed within a system modified by progressive Americans who believed in the promise of America. Although our situation was never perfect it did offer a path to success for Black people in this country.

Those progressive Americans strived to protect the Constitution and the pillars of the institutions that helped define it. The attack on black people starts at the institutional level, and trickles down to base level of white grievance. In this blog, I will outline how the current administration is tearing these institutions to shut down the path of marginalize the people. The people who built this country -African Americans.

Education, Civil Rights, and the Right to Vote: The Cornerstones of African American Success in America

As we reflect on the historical journey of African Americans in this country, we must recognize three fundamental pillars that have shaped our quest for equality and success: education, civil rights, and the right to vote. These elements are not just abstract ideas; they are the lifeblood of progress and empowerment for African Americans. However, recent political developments, particularly under the new administration, have threatened to tear apart the frameworks that have enabled generations of Black citizens to strive for safety, prosperity, and equality. Today, I implore you to understand the significance of these tenets and join the fight against the erosion of our rights.

The Historical Significance of Education

Growing up in rural North Carolina, my mother always stressed the importance of education. I was the first in my family to go to college and I could see the glow in my mother's eyes anytime she mentioned that I was attending East Carolina University. I didn't understand the significance of my position, but my life was not only a source of pride for my family, but it was a beacon of hope for an entire people.

Education has always been a pinnacle for marginalized communities. After the Civil War, the Freedmen’s Bureau established schools for formerly enslaved individuals, recognizing that knowledge is the key to liberation. Figures like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois championed education as a means to uplift the Black community, arguing that intellectual empowerment could dismantle systemic oppression.

Fast forward to today, education remains a crucial pathway to opportunity. However, under the current administration, we have seen a push to abolish the Department of Education, defund public and private institutions and promote privatization through charter schools and vouchers. This shift disproportionately affects Black children, who are often left in underfunded schools with fewer resources. Without equitable access to quality education, we risk perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting the aspirations of future generations.

The Struggle for Civil Rights

Before moving to North Carolina, I remember growing up in Connecticut as a child I would hear my mother and my Aunt Cleo Howard talk about various situations during the Jim Crow era. One story stands out to me, my aunt always talked about meeting and shaking the hand of MLK, Jr. She would always have a smile and said " I don't think I washed that hand for a week". I thought to myself, MLK must have been a celebrity - and he was. The architect of the Civil Rights Movement moved a nation, and obviously my aunt as well.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a watershed moment in the fight for equality, with leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X spearheading the struggle against segregation and discrimination. The passage of landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, was a testament to the power of collective action and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Yet, the Trump administration has shown a troubling disregard for these hard-won rights. Policies that roll back protections against racial discrimination, such as the weakening of affirmative action and the dismantling of protections for marginalized communities, threaten to erase decades of progress. The ongoing struggle for civil rights is far from over; it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the rights that have been fought for with blood, sweat, and tears.

The Right to Vote: A Fundamental Freedom

My grandmother Alice Almeada Losse Jane Slade Howard - yes that's her entire name ( and that's a story is for another blog post.) She recounted a time when she registered to vote and voted in her first election. It was somewhat of controversial move in those days. In North Carolina after the Women's Suffrage movement there was a practice that would only allow one vote from a black household - the head of the house (the husband). She argued with my grandfather and of course - she won. She was proud to vote and realized that it was her right as an American.

The right to vote is perhaps the most sacred pillar of democracy. Throughout history, African Americans have fought tirelessly to secure their voting rights, often facing brutal opposition. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a monumental victory, but recent attempts to suppress the Black vote—through voter ID laws, purging of voter rolls, and gerrymandering election districts—have threatened to silence our voices once again.

Under the current administration, we witnessed a concerted effort to undermine the electoral process, including the spread of misinformation about voter fraud and the promotion of policies that disenfranchise communities of color. This assault on our right to vote is not just an attack on individuals; it is a direct assault on democracy itself.

How Ordinary Americans Can Combat This Attack

There are many African Americans who support the current administration, and I will not dismiss their grievances with the current Democratic Party. Many of them struggle no matter who is in the WhiteHouse. I talk to them everyday, and they all say they see no difference. When I see a young black person take this stand it's painful, we as a people have failed them. As we confront these challenges, it is crucial for African Americans stand in solidarity. Learn our history, read and look at the big picture. By not knowing our history we are destined to repeat it. Here are three actionable steps you can take to combat the attack on our rights:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power. (especially outside of your algorithm) Take the initiative to educate yourself about the historical context of these issues, the current political landscape, and ways systemic racism manifests today. Share this knowledge with your friends and family to foster understanding and empathy.

2. Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with your local representatives to advocate for policies that promote equitable education, protect civil rights, and ensure fair voting practices. Join or support organizations that are fighting for these causes.

3. Participate in Elections: Make your voice heard. Encourage voter registration and participation in local, state, and national elections. Your vote is a powerful tool for change.

Conclusion

The journey toward equity is ongoing, and it requires the collective effort of all Americans. Education, civil rights, and the right to vote are not just African American issues; they are issues that affect the very fabric of our republic. As we navigate the challenges posed by the current administration, let us remain resolute in our commitment to justice and equality for all. Together, we can ensure that the struggles of the past do not define our future. Learn, speak truth to power, control your dollar, and be the change America needs.

Thomas Y. Lynch

Finally Gear for us! Communication Professionals.

Visit the #commlife shop today!