We cannot change the past. We can forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before. Forgetting doesn't mean we have no memory of the past. Indeed it's helpful to remember the past lest we repeat the mistakes thereof. Forgetting is 'letting go' of past injustices and anger whereby the past no longer have dominion over or controls us. We are free to reach towards new opportunities.
We cannot change the past. Whereas there's nothing to be done to change what happen to our forefathers in the past; we should not expect those living in the present to continually atone for the actions of their forefathers.
No one owes any group anything, but respect. Respect should not be measured in dollars and cents; positional station; or other tangible accoutrements. Indeed we should strive to help fellow humans, but 'love thy neighbor' does not preclude personal responsibility. A person assumes responsibility for his/her own success or failure. It's time to face reality of why success or failure happens. We complain about people 'trippin' but have we considered the ugly 'inconvenient truth' about our behaviors, attitudes, and choices?
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Contray to popular perception, racial relations are not driving force in history. Understand. Similar argument was made more than 60 years ago in Germany during Nazi regime/occupation. For anyone, regardless of race or creed, to assert such an argument will give rise to the question, "just what are you advocating?!?"
C'mon, we don't have to let the past prevent us from moving forward.
C'mon, it's time to move from the 'Hood i.e. Victimhood!
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"But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred...We cannot walk alone. As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead." --- Martin Luther King, Jr "I Have A Dream" Speech
Further Reading
"Rev. King's words and deeds were given and used to produce changes in laws, practices, and hearts." --- "More than a Thought" note at Facebook.com/Ailene_Randolph
Video: When the Dream becomes Reality
Video: Reconciliation
John Lewis gives message of healing, redemption
Man Who Beat John Lewis Asks For Forgiveness
"I said if just one person comes forward and gets the hate out of their heart, it's all worth it...But I hope there will be a bunch of people. Life's short and we all go to the same place when we die."
--- Elwin Wilson
Common Ground Award: Honoring Reconcilation
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