The 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death is a perfect time to discuss the state of race relations and how to improve it. Race relations has been on the decline for the last ten years or so. It didn’t start with Trump, but he has only escalated the problem. It is time to reverse course, and yes, it can be done.
The best way to reverse the course and become a more unified nation is to change our educational system by requiring our youth to develop a deep understanding of the following:
- The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, so they learn to appreciate why our ancestors came to this country and why our system of government was formed.
- The history of slavery, the impact it has had on the generations that followed, and the impact it still has today.
- The Holocaust, so it is never forgotten nor repeated.
- The Civil Rights movement to appreciate what blacks had to endure in their quest to be treated humanely, equally, and respectfully. I suggest everyone – both students and adults – read Dr. King’s “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.” If you have a heart, the letter will impact you, and you will develop a new appreciation for the struggles the black members of our society have experienced.
Reversing course will be a slow process, but it will effect lasting, positive change and help create a more unified, peaceful, and prosperous nation for all. CHANGE THE YOUTH, CHANGE THE WORLD!
David Ellison of Milford is author of Politics Beyond Left and Right.