Here in Georgia, we continue to grapple with our own vestiges of hate. The image carved into Stone Mountain, like Confederate monuments across this state, stand as constant reminders of racism, intolerance, and division.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the ongoing struggles against racism and intolerance using the imagery of Confederate monuments as reminders of past divisions.
Stacey Abrams draws attention to the deep-rooted issues of racism and intolerance that persist in Georgia, symbolized by the Stone Mountain image and other Confederate monuments. These reminders of a painful history challenge society to confront and address the lingering effects of hate and division, emphasizing the need for change and reconciliation in the face of such reminders.
In practice
During a discussion on social justice, I referenced Abrams' quote to highlight the importance of acknowledging our history.
I grew up one of six children with working-class parents in the Deep South. My mother was a college librarian, and my father worked in a shipyard. I never saw them balance a checkbook, but they kept a roof over our heads and got all six of us into college.
I do not Google myself, I do not read comments, and I barely look myself in the eye when I look in the mirror.
My being a black woman is not a deficit. It is a strength. Because I could not be where I am had I not overcome so many other barriers. Which means you know I'm relentless, you know I'm persistent, and you know I'm smart.
The basis for sustainable progress is legal protections grounded in an awareness of how identity has been used to deny opportunity.
I like to solve problems. I know it is a skill set, but it's also an obligation. I grew up with parents who believe that you don't simply complain: you try to find solutions and fix what's in front of you.
To achieve our goals of educating bold and ambitious children, we must invest in enriching, quality early child care and learning.
Even with censorship, the Internet is a force for change.
It is the nature of a man as he grows older, a small bridge intime, toprotest againstchange, particularlychangefor the better.
At any moment the decision you make can change the course of your life forever.
You people always hold onto old identities, old faces and masks, long after they've served their purpose. But you've got to learn to throw things away eventually.
No matter what's happening in your life, you can change the trajectory of events by closing your eyes, reviewing your thought and behavior, and sending love wherever you've been withholding it.
Change is the one unavoidable, irresistible, ongoing reality of the universe. To us, that makes it the most powerful reality, and just another word for God. Earthseed: The Books of the Living Lauren Oya Olamina
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