While the March on Washington event was historic, it was, also a clarion call to our Nation to live up to eloquent and powerful words articulated by the Founding Fathers. As a young Black man full of “piss and vinegar,” I will admit that it was hard to wrap my head around Dr. King’s non-violence tactics. Malcolm X’s approach resonated more with me. Malcolm once said that the only thing the non-violence approach proved was how violent white racists could be via Black people. Those were my thoughts and sentiments as a 20-year-old Black man.

In today’s world, too many of our young Black people seem almost clueless when it comes to understanding the bloody nature of our struggle to be recognized as human beings. For the record, human rights are ‘unalienable’ rights. On the other hand, civil rights can be legislated out or in depending on political power and clout. Today, young Black people seem to take for granted some of the civil rights and privileges that their parents and grandparents fought, demonstrated and died for over the years and decades of struggle. They take for granted civil rights like fair housing, equal opportunity in education and business. It’s like they assume these rights and privileges were always afforded to us. Somewhere, along the way, we, the elders, failed to educate the young as we were educated. For example, my baby boom generation was constantly reminded of the aims and objectives of our struggles. We were prepared mentally, emotionally and physically to resist and fight against racial bigotry, systemic racism and state sponsored terrorism.

So, perhaps, the best way to honor the memory of Dr. King is to reconnect with our young people. We must teach them that Dr. King’s legacy is still being written and they are the authors and natural heirs of what will become of our struggle. We must remind them that rebellious hip-hoppers and other entertainers are performers not activists — and definitely not civil rights leaders. Today, the fight for real freedom is being replaced with the notion that becoming rich and famous will provide the individual freedom to act a fool, be disrespectful and sell out for a ‘right amount’ of money. As Malcolm X once said, “Whenever a Black man stands up and says something that white people don’t like then the first thing that the white man does is run around and find somebody to say something to offset what has just been said.”  If you think about it, nothing changed in 2026—e.g., Stephan A. Smith.

Where do we go from here? Well, first, let’s stop waiting for the return of a charismatic Leader who will lead us to the Promised Land. Let’s recognize that each of us, Black or White, has the responsibility to resist and lead in our own unique way. Secondly, let’s understand that our struggle is not over. While we can, theoretically, go to any hotel, restaurant or club, most Blacks trapped in ghettos (open air prisons) can’t afford to take advantage of these so-called victories. In a sense, we are counting as victories events that are not sustainable or authentic. We must continue to resist, fight and challenge this country to live up to the powerful words of the Declaration of Independence that “All men are created equal, endowed by the creator with certain unalienable rights, among them being life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”