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As we prepare to close out Black History Month, I want to highlight the work of difference makers and history makers in our community. However, I was having a hard time figuring out what to write and who exactly I would highlight. Then I came across an organization called Millennial Civil Rights. Immediately I knew that this is what I would write about.

If you look around the world today, we are facing a myriad of social, economic, geopolitical and racial challenges. In fact, I have been saying that we’ve hit a tipping point in America and racial tension is reaching a fever pitch. Now more than ever we need wisdom, understanding, insights and strategies that will empower us to move forward in the fight for justice and equality. It is time for a new emerging generation of civil rights leaders, advocates and activists to emerge and lead change in this era.

For years, I have written about race and racial reconciliation on some of the largest platforms. In fact, I have covered some of the biggest civil rights moments in recent years. Many of these stories have gotten national and international exposure. I have been so fortunate to be part of some key conversations and I am excited to see a new generation of emerging leaders rising to meet the challenges of our time.

Millennial Civil Rights is a nonpartisan campaign and intergenerational effort led by millennials to drive change on a local and national level in the areas of race relations, gun violence, student debt and the promotion of human rights. Ultimately, the organization seeks to further human and civil rights in this generation, and they are excited about the opportunity to make a difference in this nation. The objective of the Millennial Civil Rights Campaign is to successfully affect change for generations to come and to lead humanity forward.

The grassroots campaign will seek to produce the necessary outcomes of generational change and justice by disallowing the political, social, economic and environmental issues of our generation to be inherited by the next. In addition, the campaign’s nonviolent beliefs, unified approach and programmatic solutions will at all times seek to both reflect and preserve the dignity of those they serve.

The Millennial Civil Rights Campaign launch coincides with the 55th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and has received the support of Atlanta Civil Rights leaders, elected officials and community activists, including Congressman John Lewis, Congressman Hank Johnson, Senator Donzella James, Representative Park Cannon, Representative Marie Metze, Representative Dar’shun Kendrick, Representative William Boddie, City Councilman Antonio Brown and others.

Currently, the campaign efforts of the organization include performing service activities in our community, drafting legislation and policy, in addition to being in the midst of a college tour equipping students with civic engagement tools while also facilitating voter registration efforts. Recently the group launched the Free Democracy Tour. This is a nonpartisan six campus Georgia college tour set to equip college students with principles of democracy, unity and direct action. What I love most is that the tour will also include onsite voter registration.

According to President Taos Wynn, “Millennials have become one of the most engaged voting populations, and now more than ever, it has become vital to ensure that they have the tools and resources they need to be informed and engaged voters.”

The Free Democracy Tour seeks to engage young voters in the political process. The tour will seek to equip students with an understanding of why it is important to engage in politics and community affairs, provide the necessary tools to successfully engage and encourage immediate steps for voter protection and direct action leading up to the 2020 election cycle.

As a person that is passionate about social justice and equality, I was excited to learn that Millennial Civil Rights has also been involved in the drafting of key pieces of legislation. In fact, the group has been involved with legislation concerning gun reform, the environment and other key issues. Notably, the group is currently involved with a piece of legislation acknowledging the injustice and inhumanity of slavery and Jim Crow. Such an acknowledgment has never happened in the state of Georgia. If this resolution is passed, it would be historic and groundbreaking. Millennial Civil Rights is not just talking about change but actively engaged in leading change in a major way.

“Racial reconciliation remains an urgent and pressing need in our communities and in the nation as a whole,” said Taos Wynn, President of the Millennial Civil Rights Campaign.

In closing, Dr. King had a dream for this nation that has impacted generations to come. I believe that the fight for civil rights is far from over. However, I do believe that every generation can work to become a fulfillment of his dream. I was drawn to the work of Millennial Civil Rights because this group is truly committed to the nonviolent tactics of Dr. King. In addition, I have a profound amount of respect for the way this young emerging generation of leaders has reached out for mentorship from key voices like Congressman John Lewis and the iconic Ambassador Andrew Young.

Millennial Civil Rights Campaign understands that bridging generational gaps and tearing down walls is key to healing our communities, nations and ultimately the world. As the baton is passed to a new generation of civil rights leaders and activists, I hold fast to the dream of Dr. King. The dream that one day we will live in a world where we are judged not by the color of our skin, but the content of our character. I say to a new generation of freedom fighters to fight on in the spirit of unity and love. I am proud to highlight the work of this amazing organization.

Jamelle Sanders

Writing since April 2018 · 2 stories contributed