Injustice: Be a Voice for Change

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This quote emphasizes the importance of speaking out against all forms of injustice—whether they impact you directly or not. We must seek to understand how injustice impacts oppressed groups, such as people of color; women; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender folks; low-income communities; and immigrants. Then we must engage actively in meaningful ally work. In addition, we must conceptualize the impact of privilege and oppression on individuals, communities, and organizations and leverage our knowledge, skills, and awareness to better understand ourselves and others to create sustainable change in our communities.

We all have differences that make us unique. These differences must be valued, accepted, and appreciated. Our differences should never make us feel isolated, marginalized, or excluded from any community or organization. The differences that we embody bring diverse perspectives and experiences to society. We should all commit to being socially responsible, inclusive leaders and members of society who create a sense of belonging and unconditional acceptance for everyone. We should make sure that when people are around us, they can be their authentic selves.

All of us can become effective social justice agents in the various spaces that we occupy. I challenge you to take a stand against injustice and do something that facilitates meaningful social change. I challenge you to take action consistently and use your privilege to support marginalized people, who often feel voiceless. I urge you to address all forms of injustice so that everyone can live a life that is unapologetic and authentic. Be a voice for change and create a better tomorrow, today.

 Dr. David E. Jones is a diversity consultant, speaker, and trainer.

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