Fighting Racism With People Power

By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Columnist

As we go through these days of unparalled upheaval, I am reminded of the simple adage that says ,“The times they are a changing”.

That, I believe is a fitting statement for today’s situation, in which we see people, of all races, coming together, on a global scale, to denounce the racist treatment of Blacks, by people in positions of power.

Consequently, as we move forward, there has to be an understanding, by members of the community at large, that they are not powerless, and that elected officials are not the only ones capable of fighting racism.

Acknowledging that power has absolutely nothing to do with the use of force, unruly behavior, confrontation or infringing on the rights of others, every taxpayer needs to realize how much power they possess in the fight ahead.

Bearing in mind that power is the ability to use meaningful strategies and skills to achieve what is needed for the good of all, it is time to focus on the fact that not only institutions, but individuals as well, can wield power, in order to bring about powerful change.

Rosa Parks, merely by refusing to go to the back of the bus, unknowingly exercised her personal power and jolted the United States of America to ignite the Civil Rights Movement.

Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. used personal power to change the world. Oprah Winfrey and Jean Augustine are both maintaining academies in Africa and Toronto, for girls, who will eventually grow up to be agents of change.

You too can use your power to ignite change. The power to resist racism lies in everyone’s grasp if:
(1) Taxpayers use their votes to elect politicians, who are anti -racist, not just non-racist.
(2) Taxpayers demand accountability from elected officials about fighting racism.
(3) Community groups use government funding to arm Blacks, with specific skills and practices, to recognize and refute racist practices. Racism is not always blatant.
(4) Parents are assisted in their fight against racism in school systems.
(5) Blacks realize that there is power in joining with other minority groups in the fight. And
(5) Leaders teach specific skills, to people from every racial group, how to use their personal power to initiate an open dialogue about racism. Call me to begin conversing.

In Sisterhood!
Ettie