In a recent radio interview ahead of the Martin Birmingham Martin Luther King Birthday Tribute event at the Library of Birmingham, I was asked as to whether or not the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s in America was of relevance in today's society.
Off cause it is we are talking about major achievements at the hands of some serious adversity.
People lost their lives for civil liberties people, in their quest for equality in order that the Next Generation would not have to suffer the same way they did. The main question should be ;has there been any real advancement since the peak of the Civil Rights movement.
After all we do have an African-American President of the United States for example.
Clearly one would argue that this is a sign of progress which great inspiration should be taken from the achievements Barack Obama.
However, the issue of injustices are still , continuing today, racial slurs are seen as banter, for progression in society people are singled out as requiring special training, there is disproportionality in mental health, health and well-being, the criminal justice system , Political representation on decision-making tables and importantly deaths in custody.
Furthermore, the issues of disproportionality have led to a an increase in disaffection expression in the African Caribbean community and indeed this is now spreading wider into the white working-class community also.
One must remember that although we hear from political leaders about engaging various groups these are always single however how about just talking to everyone because at the end of the day we are all human and it is my belief that this is where we have to start.
I believe we live in a society where reflective governance is essential in order to embrace diversity and not just celebrate it.
I believe we live in a society where there should be no fear in talking to your neighbour because they're from different country.
I believe we should live in a society where we do not stigmatise people because of their religion gender sexuality race ability and sexuality.
I believe we should have a society where doors are open for people and the opportunities are there for our young people to follow through those doors with it was a clear pathway for them to achieve.
I believe we should live in a society where we should be seeking to educate our young people and not stigmatise them with negative stereotypes.
I believe that when our young people leave school they should have opportunities of advancement either through education or jobs instead of criminalisation of course some do wrong, but do not tar all with the same brush.
I believe in the value of human life and that all lives matter,however, at times one has why does the colour of your skin make a difference recent events have clearly demonstrated . Ask yourself what has really changed with this?
I believe that there is a justice system where the scales should be equally balanced for all and not a two-tiered justice system where individuals are immune from prosecution because they wear a particular type of uniform that only empowers them to use their powers in a disproportionate manner.
I believe that those who are poor and live in poverty should not be frowned upon by those who are better off as there is a responsibility in a caring society to help your neighbour.
Therefore, in summary are the achievements of the civil rights movements to date relevant? Off course they are as the journey is far from being complete as yet.
Desmond Jaddoo
18 January 2015
Off cause it is we are talking about major achievements at the hands of some serious adversity.
People lost their lives for civil liberties people, in their quest for equality in order that the Next Generation would not have to suffer the same way they did. The main question should be ;has there been any real advancement since the peak of the Civil Rights movement.
After all we do have an African-American President of the United States for example.
Clearly one would argue that this is a sign of progress which great inspiration should be taken from the achievements Barack Obama.
However, the issue of injustices are still , continuing today, racial slurs are seen as banter, for progression in society people are singled out as requiring special training, there is disproportionality in mental health, health and well-being, the criminal justice system , Political representation on decision-making tables and importantly deaths in custody.
Furthermore, the issues of disproportionality have led to a an increase in disaffection expression in the African Caribbean community and indeed this is now spreading wider into the white working-class community also.
One must remember that although we hear from political leaders about engaging various groups these are always single however how about just talking to everyone because at the end of the day we are all human and it is my belief that this is where we have to start.
I believe we live in a society where reflective governance is essential in order to embrace diversity and not just celebrate it.
I believe we live in a society where there should be no fear in talking to your neighbour because they're from different country.
I believe we should live in a society where we do not stigmatise people because of their religion gender sexuality race ability and sexuality.
I believe we should have a society where doors are open for people and the opportunities are there for our young people to follow through those doors with it was a clear pathway for them to achieve.
I believe we should live in a society where we should be seeking to educate our young people and not stigmatise them with negative stereotypes.
I believe that when our young people leave school they should have opportunities of advancement either through education or jobs instead of criminalisation of course some do wrong, but do not tar all with the same brush.
I believe in the value of human life and that all lives matter,however, at times one has why does the colour of your skin make a difference recent events have clearly demonstrated . Ask yourself what has really changed with this?
I believe that there is a justice system where the scales should be equally balanced for all and not a two-tiered justice system where individuals are immune from prosecution because they wear a particular type of uniform that only empowers them to use their powers in a disproportionate manner.
I believe that those who are poor and live in poverty should not be frowned upon by those who are better off as there is a responsibility in a caring society to help your neighbour.
Therefore, in summary are the achievements of the civil rights movements to date relevant? Off course they are as the journey is far from being complete as yet.
Desmond Jaddoo
18 January 2015