It is always the young people in every generation who rush to the front of the battle lines and demand change. Every generation grows older and a new generation of youth with the urgent fire in their belly for freedom steps forward. Ella Baker had it right. Support the youth.

Stop telling the youth to wait. The youth have the clearest vision because they haven’t been here long enough to be jaded or to be beaten down into accepting a certain level of progress as being enough. Let them carry the torch forward and give them love and support and guidance.

It’s not a competition. It’s an intergenerational struggle that includes the spiritual help of the ancestors and the hope that comes from fighting for those yet born. I’m just saying take care not to stifle the youth. Their fire is a gift.

When you see youth out here pulling down statues & calling for the abolition of institutions that have oppressed us for centuries, support them. They’re doing what they’re supposed to do. They’re standing on the shoulders of those who came before & reaching toward the next level.

I’m grown now. I don’t even have the same energy I had just 10 years ago. That’s why I’m doing my part as I can and also making sure to support the youth & students who are bringing the energy we need to sustain the struggle.