Back in 1992 Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall spoke of how urgent the issue of segregation and victimization of the black American must be addressed. He spoke of racism and prejudice and pointed out that it was not only a distant memory at that time. Justice Marshall perceived that the life chances of “black” Americans is gravely impacted by inequality as a result of indifference, fear, hatred, and mistrust, which he ominously noted would become fatal moving forward. He spoke of a need to improve the life chances of “black” Americans. Marshall perceived the systemic labeling and the strategic aggression would amount to social and political chaos.

As we come to terms with blatant forms of inequalities in our communities, we have decided to challenge indifference, fear, racism, by making a conscious decision to practice habits of truth-telling, forgiveness and compassion. These values must begin somewhere in this nation, let us always remember, a building is built one block at a time.