William H. Kelly III
Associate Editor
Too often society compares generations and what they have accomplished or what they are known for.
When one hears about specific periods of times such as the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and so forth, there are certain things that you have associated this generation of people with.
Recently, around the world, there have been numerous violent incidents between law enforcement and victims who were allegedly killed unjustly. Along with these alleged, unfair killings, judges have released the suspects without indictment.
These events have led supporters of these alleged unjustly killings to hold marches, sit-ins, riots, and so much more. Some may argue that our generation differs from those active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s, but what is true, without a doubt, is that history has repeated itself in a more futuristic time.
It is said that racism has diminished because we have a black president of the United States, but this is not true. While President Barack Obama is a major advancement in history and the black community, it does not destroy the fact that racism is still alive.
It is so alive that now public figures and celebrities have joined in on the Black Lives Matter Movement by using their social influences to bring awareness.
The biggest controversies breaking the internet and throwing everyone for a loop include the Superbowl 50 halftime performance by Beyoncé, the media treatment of football player Cam Newton, and the performance by rapper Kendrick Lamar at the Grammys.
I agree that the current Civil Rights Movement definitely differs from the past in some ways, such as our mindsets, influences, means of communication and retaliation, and our purpose for “fighting back.”
The question we should be asking ourselves and others is what are we fighting for? What is it exactly that we want and what needs to be done to achieve these goals?
Day by day, social media introduces a new controversy adding fuel to the fire behind this Civil Rights Movement that leads me to believe that it is only going to get more intense from here. Do not take these situations lightly as it could soon affect those around you.
Look into the history of Mississippi and you will notice that everything is repeating with a different body but the same face. I encourage everyone to enroll into the History of Modern Civil Rights Movement course offered here at Jackson State if you would like to be more educated on the history of the movement and those involved.
You may believe that these acts of injustice are new but unfortunately it is just repeating.
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