By June Boyd
Guest column
Congratulations, to all of you, from kindergarten to medical school. The world is yours to lead, enjoy, and to be treated fairly.
Today, in America, things are not going too well. However, your future leadership can become the
solution in making things better. Each of you as an individual has a challenge. Chart your life; your concern in making a difference has never been more of a reality. To the younger graduates, follow the lead of those who have been at your level. You are our future, and we want the best for everyone.
The first challenge; at the age of 17, you can register to vote if you will be 18 by the general election in November of that year. You can even vote in the primary for candidates; no issues however.
Your first lesson in politics, which will dictate your future for years to come – your power is in your vote, and the only way it will not be heard is if you do not vote. Get in good trouble for the late congressman, John Lewis, who fought a hard battle for us in voting rights.
Get involved; if you are not satisfied with the direction you see our country going and you do not understand why the U.S. Constitution is being ignored, VOTE, and better yet, consider running for public office – the end result to your power.
Whether you live in Toledo, Lucas County or elsewhere, you can become a candidate for the office of your choice. Meet the challenge.
If you have noticed, the current national leadership has gone against the norm: challenging civil rights, colleges, immigration, voting rights, human rights. They stopped USAID going to the hungry and poor in Sudan and other countries. They have cut funding for education; Medicaid.
Any benefit for those in need has been halted.
Wherever you are located, make sure you are familiar with the Board of Elections of that county or state. Some of you may be too young to remember, however three young civil rights workers were murdered in Mississippi just for registering people to vote. The key to explain why it is so important.
We must not go back; It is up to you, our future to lead, and make sure you are a part of “Making America Decent Again”
Parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, please see that our graduates read this column.