YOU! HOLD THE KEY TO CHANGE | Practicing Openness in Conversations

BY DR. ELLEN BROWN

Black Americans are talking. Conversations are interactive, challenging and thought-provoking. This is a good thing as we face a turn in political etiquette. 

Through my interactions with random people, friends, family, colleagues, and media, the messages coming out of the White House and Congress bring forth more questions than understanding! How does this affect the direction and importance of Black voices? How can we know what the conversations are and their effects are on the Black communities and voters? 

Here are some options to consider. 

Accept it. The future is happening now! 

Whether we look at the future of our livelihood through jobs, where we stand (and sit) on politically influenced decisions of Congress, or the legality of eliminating long-standing, congressional-backed laws — change is here! 

To keep our focus, sanity, and optimism, we must remember this is not the first (nor the last) time that the power structure of this country has enacted changes that will not be favorable to all groups of people. We must each make choices about what we will allow. 

Make a difference. You do not have to wait until elections to express yourself: 

• Share your voice. Ask questions, Pay attention to both sides of the political agenda. Every story has two sides, (at least) so make sure you can specifically and accurately identify yours. 
  
• Know your legislative leaders. Decide to make your voice heard. If something is not sitting right with you, send them a message. Google your district representatives for state and national offices, and tell them what you think and feel. Visit their sites during your random searches. Knowing the current focus on topics of interest is very important. Often, we dismiss the opportunity because we believe it will not be important to those in power; however, if we do nothing, there is no pressure on them, and the conclusion is that we don’t care. Worse, it indicates that it does not matter. 
  
• Encourage your inner circle of friends, co-workers, church members, and family to openly express their minds about what is going on. We are entitled to our opinions and our expressions of them. 
  
• Contact your U.S. and State representatives. Find contact information for all of them at 270towin.com/elected-officials/nevada 

The stakes are high. The president and the national-level leadership seem to be in place and sync. That fact does not automatically lead to our voices having no power. We may not be able to change direction until the next election, but we can keep our voices heard loud and clear. 

You hold the key. Never give it up! 

I welcome your input, questions, and ideas for topics; feel free to send them to me at ebrown.nci@gmail.com