More than 200 years after the writing of the Constitution, America is still struggling to create a “more perfect union.” Racism has continued to keep our country divided and has stopped America from being able to reach some shared goals, i.e. better health care, jobs, and schools for all people. Our bruised history, from slavery to segregation, has made it hard for people among different races to unite and focus on achieving our common objectives. According to President Barack Obama, it is everyone’s responsibility to move on from the past. But what can we, as African-Americans, do to improve race relations in the United States? It starts with breaking free from the bondage of the past, and not letting it control our futures. While we do not have the power to change what has happened, we do have the ability to take responsibility for ourselves. African-Americans can start now, demanding more from ourselves and the people in our communities. Even when faced with discrimination and prejudice, we control how we react, and how we teach our children to react also. We must reach out to the people of races, and strive for unity in America. We have the power to narrow the gap between the races, and it is ultimately our responsibility to do so, for ourselves, and for future generations.
Obama, Barack. “A More Perfect Union.” National Constitution Center, Philadelphia. 18 March 2008. Speech.
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