๐คBlack Leaders๐ค ๐จ๐พโโ๏ธ๐ฎ๐พโโ๏ธ๐จ๐พโ๐ผ๐จ๐ฝโ๐ซ๐ฉ๐พโโ๏ธโช๏ธStand ๐ Speak ๐ or Step Down๐๐พ
Since the Unfortunate murder of George Floyd in May 2020, there has been a trend of Truth taking over America. Despite the continuation of racial injustices occurring across the nation, Black Americans who are already in positions of Influence have not been very vocal regarding Generational grievances which affect Black communities the greatest.
We must begin to examine the amount of official progress that has been made by those who we have trusted, elected, and greatly depended on to improve the lives of โALLโ citizens.
It is now our responsibility to ensure that every seat at the table of discussion is filled with uncompromising voices of change. Unfortunately, many of the familiar faces that have been in positions of power in Black America have seemed to have developed a philosophy that allows them to comfortably accept the fact that they have not been the torchbearer of change for the people who are primarily responsible for the advancements of their careers. Although their many accomplishments are definitely worthy of recognition, in some cases they have simply lit the torch and held onto it; refusing to pass on opportunities to others who face familiar obstacles and challenges. This is one of the primary reasons that change has remained the same and positive advancements for Black Americans have mainly been dependent on changes being made at the Federal level first, despite having representation within their own state and local government offices.
On November 10, 2021, South Carolina State Senator and Minority Leader Todd Rutherford pre-filed a bill that would lower the minimum legal drinking age in South Carolina from 21 to 18. This decision to bring forth such a bill to lower the legal drinking age in a state that has been torn apart by a string of DUIโs, Hit & Runs, and also high-speed chases. The ill-conceived decision to move forward with such a bill doesnโt seem well thought out and I question the timing of this distraction. Especially when many of the accused offenders in South Carolina are already currently breaking the law due to obtaining alcohol at early ages, while carelessly taking multiple lives of the innocent in the process. The Bar owners along the Grand Strand of South Carolina should be commended for being responsible and for taking a โGrand Standโ against this bill that will not produce positive results.
https://www.wmbfnews.com/2021/11/12/myrtle-beach-bar-managers-react-bill-lower-sc-drinking-age-18/
In South Carolina, there are countless issues affecting Black Citizens that have been traditionally ignored and these grievances urgently need to be addressed in Government in order for all citizens to be able to heal from the repercussions of slavery and a Jim Crow system that immediately followed.
What about a Reparations Act, which would lower the legal age to vote down one year to 17 within the state of South Carolina for Black Citizens? This would be a great way to begin on a road of remedy for nearly a century-long of adding restrictions and regulations that prevented Black Citizens in the state of South Carolina from casting their ballots and voting. This act would be very encouraging to the Black youth in South Carolina and it also offers the youth an opportunity to get involved and start making much earlier preparations to vote than they would have normally made. The very valuable knowledge that is able to be obtained from the earlier research of candidates along with the early introduction to the voting process has the potential to influence other friends and relatives to get involved and register to vote for the first time. It is possible that these citizens havenโt gotten the opportunity to be thoroughly informed of the importance of voting. The introduction of a solid bill by state representatives would also allow school districts to become involved and begin more classes that are conducive to the understanding and preparation of early politics. The addition of introductory Political Science programs state-wide could possibly open so many new doors, visions, and advancements for citizens in a state that currently seems to be shut out from the truth. It is also important to note that the SC Attorney General also announced that SC had withdrawn its membership from the National School Board Association (NSBA).
There are several issues in South Carolina that have complied over decades of neglect and because these issues have been largely overlooked, society now has to try and correct itself.
After all, it is extremely difficult to understand why our Black Leaders arenโt necessarily speaking for the citizens who initially granted them the opportunity to sit in their positions of power? But then again, many of our leaders feel as though they must compromise with an overall agenda that is not inclusive to them and it is for this reason; some have willingly adopted the mindset of the majority in order to be heard.
WE OWE MORE TO BLACK PEOPLE!
South Carolina Senator, we ask that you reconsider.
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