Just take Action

Yesterday was an emotional day; it was the first time I felt like I was truly in the South. When we arrived at the Equal Justice Initiative, we had the opportunity to hear from a recently exonerated death row inmate who lost 30 years of his life due to racist law enforcement officers. While mentioning that he certainly did not feel whole or complete, he also preached the need for forgiveness. He told us forgiveness is what allows him to sleep at night. His words both angered and empowered me. It angered me that our country still allows this to happen, that some states still subscribe to brutally racist ideals. But it empowered me to seek change and continue fighting for justice. The entire time we were at EJI I felt the need to get up and do something. It dawned on me that when I heard Brian Stevenson (founder of EJI) speak last year, it was just days after the Baltimore riots. National Guardsmen lined our streets; curfew limited our freedom and fear radiated from the media. Brian talked about Baltimore's struggles and inspired us to do something, anything to advocated for justice and equality. Hearing once again today about the Prison industrial Complex, mass incarceration, and the proportion of colored death row inmates, recommitted myself to taking action. It can be easy to lose light of the most basic reasons for fighting when political leaders and media intervene or when you "like" a multitude of articles on Facebook or Instagram. EJI makes it clear; we must advocate for those who are less privileged than ourselves, not to give charity, but to help in building a foundation of equality and justice. This is something I, and no one else, should lose sight of. It brings optimism that every little action one does contributes to a larger movement: nothing in the name of justice and equality is ever….counterproductive. Some people will seek justice through art, music, political protest or writing, but it all helps advance the movement that cannot afford to standstill.

Rebecca Margolis, The Park School of Baltimore