To advance racial equality, more action is needed

Earlier this year, Amy Schumer made headlines which isn’t uncommon for the comedian and actress.

However, the reason for which she was trending on Twitter was uncommon.

In a statement released by her representative, Schumer informed the public that she’s not going to participate in any Super Bowl advertising as a show of solidarity support for Colin Kaepernick. The quarterback who began taking a knee during the National Anthem at NFL games, to raise awareness about police brutality, has not been a member of a team since he entered into free agency in March 2017.7A portion of Schumer’s quote stated: “Hitting the NFL with the advertisers is the only way to really hurt them. I know opposing the NFL is like opposing the NRA. Very tough, but don’t you want to be proud of how you’re living? Stand up for your brothers and sisters of color. And the hottest thing a guy can do is get down on one knee. Not to propose but to reject the treatment of his teammates by this country.”

*slow clap*

What Schumer did is what many people who look like me have been asking those in the majority to do for years: act. I’ve read a lot of statements over the years littered with wording such as conversation, understanding, talking, etc. Yes, those things are important and necessary. However, we’ve been talking for years and years and years. We’ve been trying to get people to listen, to understand, to stop trying to invalidate our feelings.

No one gets to decide how anyone should feel. We’re all different with different values and views. And a person who isn’t full of melanin shouldn’t try to tell someone who is that their feelings are unacceptable. While the conversations are appreciated what we really need is action because action leads to results.

The Civil Rights Act came to fruition because of it. There was talking but you know what changed the whole game? Boycotts. Resistance. Action. The Voting Rights Act came to fruition because of it. There was talking involved but you know what changed the game? Protests. Resistance. Action. We elected the first black president in 2008 because of it. There was talking involved but you know what changed the whole game? Grassroot strategies. Resistance. Action.

The word action is the sole focus. All those monumental changes didn’t happen just because people were willing to talk about. It didn’t happen just because people of color showed up and with a plan. No, it was a collaborative effort and that is what is needed now.

It’s time out for talking without action. It’s easy to talk. Everyone can do that but ask yourself if you have what it takes to stand up for what is wrong by acting. Action that effects you. Action that puts you in uncomfortable positions. Action that can bring change to this country.

Real revolution takes place when those who are in control of the system start resisting it. Real change takes place when those who are in control of the system start infiltrating it to benefit those who have been shut out by it. Real change takes place when those who are in control of the system start taking action to profit those who are oppressed by it.

Schumer’s actions are to be commended regardless of how you feel about when she decided to take a stand. We all evolve at different speeds and for different reasons.

I know without a doubt that to get to where we are hoping to go, we must have people from all races and backgrounds pressing forward to dismantle the wall that attempts to hold us back. People of color can’t and shouldn’t have to fight this fight alone. After all, we aren’t the ones that started this war.

Let’s resist. Together.