OFCI Report Editorial: March on Washington 2013

The March On Washington is truly a momentous event that deserves honor each and every year. An as I sat and watched the broadcast celebration on television I couldn't  help but to have 2 questions run through my mind. Seeing the Young and the Old, the White and the Black walk hand and hand together was a terrific sight to see as it brought alive the significance of what the march was about in many ways. I applaud the progress we have made in the 50 years since the march and the famous I Have A Dream Speech, but still these 2 questions still stayed burning in my mind. I am sure that for the older marchers this was a moment  that brought back lots of cherished memories and tears, and having their families there and being able to explain to them the significance of the whole event brought even more joy because it was a piece of history they were proud to be apart of an able to pass that pride down through generations as they inspire them to go forward. But still, these question loomed in the back of my mind. First question was, Seeing all these young people marching with their banners, and their flags, t shirts, hats and so on.....I wondered how many knew or even cared about the significance of why the march even took place in the first place. I wondered that point an along with that, was it also a chance for them to maybe get caught by the camera and have a moment to shine for their friends..Was this a photo opportunity for them to post themselves on facebook, twitter, or even instagram to show their friends they were there. Regardless their reasons, could they or did they even appreciate the sacrifice that was made that day in 1963. The Second question that ran through my mind was....After 50 years and seeing many things in history that brought both honor and shame to the African American race, the Question is...Where do we go from here? Because just as we have come as far as we have on this journey, in many ways we still have a long ways to go. Racism, poor education, broken homes, drugs, poor housing, unemployment, and poverty are still realities that we as a race have to deal with on a daily basis. An as I am honest enough to say I didn't listen to any of the speeches on the anniversary celebration I can almost imagine (and I may be wrong) that all the speeches contained the usual rhetoric, and hype of everyone talking the problem, but no one speaking or offering a solid solution to any of them. All to well we as black people have been victim of the snake oil salesman who comes into town and sell you a bottle full of malarkey and then after you have had time to really see the substance in action you realize that all you have and wasted your time on is crap. I am all for celebration and remembering, but after the music has stopped and the fan fair is over, we still have to walk away with a plan of action and then take action with that plan......Live The Dream!!!!