SHERRY HOLLIMAN (cont.)

each generation. Not falling back is critical to helping the nation grow. By not falling back the Americans can begin to acknowledge their prejudice slowly and silently through socialization.

Nobody is born prejudiced.

It is socialization which makes us part of the systematic

groups of people.

Prejudice is learned and can be unlearned. Setting your mind to not fall back is an individual and collaborative effort liberating your mind will help to change the minds of others that do not want to be open minded and fair. When groups or individuals begin to fight oppression in the everyday lives of other people, value and trust is added to their collective strength of removing the hatred that creates struggles and hopelessness.

No matter how thick or thin your skin is one day you will fall. The reality of life is your skin will determine how people treat you.

But you are responsible for how you react to them. If you are discriminated against for whatever reason that should be your motivation to advocate for others that look like you. Do not fall back into that mindset of wanting to continue to be verbally combative, or walking away without reporting the incident. Also ask questions about why they are behaving that way or can justify their decision.

The time change does not only happen in the Fall but every day for everyone. It should always be the responsibility of the elected officials and community leaders to provide resources, policies, and laws that you need.

Oppressors take fall back time change to mean: beware of advocates, and lawmakers motivated to spring forward with making movements for the oppressed. Do not fall back into allowing the future generations to experience the current brunt of oppressions

rights, less access to resources, less political power, lower economic potential, and lower overall quality of life chances.

America needs trailblazers to tell oppressors to fall back with thinking, believing, and mistreating people. Do not fall back this will for sure cause Americans to fall behind. There is always time for change!

Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors. She serves on the Marion City Council.