AMAZN TRANSFORMATIONS SPECIAL REPORT Dec. 2013 | Page 14

This Year marked the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, and of Reverend Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech. The fundamental message of Dr. Martin
Luther King’s speech existed a utopian dream of a world in which people would be judged by the
content of their character and not by the color of their skin. This speech marked a milestone for the
Civil Rights Movement and remains the legacy left by Dr. King. Dr. King was consistent and tenacious
in his dedication to advocate for the rights of African Americans and other marginalized nationals
across the United States. The powerful message and imagery conveyed resonated across the ideological,
political and racial spectrum.
How Far Have We Come? Where Are We Now? To Where Do We Go From here? These
questions and their answers are integral to our survival. In communities all across America, there is an
unfair distribution of educational and social resources increasing the likelihood for the youth to become
disengaged and distracted from the harsh realities faced in everyday life. The sad reality is that we all
are cognizant of the underlying issues but are failing to address them or do anything to change the
current crisis.
Economic unrest and unequal representation under the law are becoming recurring themes for
the African American community. Inner city youth and their communities are impacted the most
leading to senseless acts of violence. The Criminal Justice System and the American Society are failing
to live up to their constitutional obligations to protect and serve. A viable solution has to be reached
soon, the African American community must remain united, become educated, and works together
collectively to find its purpose since current initiatives are no longer effective.
The growing concern for the youth must also be addressed and should no longer be taken
nonchalantly. These newly developed lifestyles of complacency make everyone undeserving and
unappreciative of the efforts by blatantly disregarding the blood, sweat and tears of yesterday’s past.
The time is now that everyone must realize that doing nothing is not an option.
The tragic death of Trayvon Benjamin in the early part of 2012 became the highlight of the
century for Black America. The highly publi cized trial that followed with the not guilty verdict revealed
dissent in throughout Black America. Collectively the community as well as the family structure must
be restored and strengthened, Fathers and Mothers must remain actively involved and present in their
children lives, there is a dire need of positive role models trained to address the concerns and growing
issues plaguing the youth in the 21st century.