I am Black, proudly representing a community that is living below a standard that is

appropriate for one of the riches societies ever seen. I bear witness to the cross
stares of passers-by that question my gait and smile in open space. I am subject to
the stereotype of aggressive, single-minded, hoodlums broadcasted on televisions in
commercials, movies, and shows. I am misrepresented by an age group that thinks
that I am both incoherent of the times past and disrespectful to the legacy of change.
For all intents and purposes, I, as well as many dark skinned Americans (Black,
African, Arab, Asian, and Latino), feel separated from the struggle of others due to
divisions based on skin color, wealth, and social status. When will we wake up and
realize that the struggle of one mistreated person is the struggle for all people that
never want to be mistreated? When will we offer the peace and prosperity that
follows terrific education and dialogue in society? When will the love for life, the
love for existence, and the passion to give in accordance to what you have received
be the language of the American people?

I am American, born and bred, who feels a great reward for being in the presence of
so many wonderful people. I also recognize that many of these people are truly
wishing for the demise of our way of life, or at least that ideal that we used to strive
for, a way that is described as Equality for all men. I hope for an America where
stereotypes are really put to a test and challenged. I wish for an America that stuffs
prejudices in the furnace where it belongs. I dream that our country will stand up to
those that fight the weak, the lame, and the blind. We should do this immediately,
less we become of the weak, meek, and disenchanted ones do to our own
destruction. In my faith we have a saying, God will not change the situation of a
man lest he change what is in his heart, which is what I ask of you all today.
You have within you a power. Most of us have been aware of this power at some
point in our lives, mostly as children, and maybe sometimes when you are working
towards a dream. The power is called imagination and creativity. Imagining
something that you want, stirs up intrigue in your heart, and that creative spirit
turns the "thought" into words, and our bodies and minds carry out the action.
Most of us don't believe or realize that we are part of the problem. The most
important reason is because we don't realize that we are wholly responsible for
everything that you see.

We need to listen to what people say about us, because the words are true from the
outsider's perspective, and is insightful to understanding what we cannot see
ourselves. Or, should I say, what we try to plainly hide from ourselves.

Those men who have reach fame entertaining the media's masses, are looking for a
way hide, further, the plight of the communities that they have come for. IT IS TRUE
that those successful folks don't do enough for their community, because they are
just trying to survive in their own lives, without thinking about the larger legacy of
the people that they came from, or even the future of their progeny.

For this, I am 100% dedicated to clearly defining my mindset during the journey of
my successes, not fully realized as of yet, and to dictate that to those that desire to
know how to change this miserable situation of an entire race of people. I plan on
being a voice, and motivating other successful voices, to rise up and show the next
generation what is possible. I want this world to truly awaken, to become aware that
we are all connected. I want every little child, especially those disadvantaged all
over the world, kids that could grow up as we have, miserable and confused, to
know that they are not controlled or slaves to no one, and that they have the power
to change this reality if they but believe they can. They, we, all of us, regardless of
color have the power. WE have God.

We don't need hospitals only. We need the entire system to recognize the power and
genius of every human. That system is only in our heads; therefore we will have to
change how we think of ourselves. Black men and women need to stop associating
the color of their skin with disadvantage. The disadvantage is only in the mind of
those disadvantaged. When we stop making excuses for our skin, when we stop
feeling ashamed of our skin, when we stop trying to be "black" or "white" and just be
US will things improve.

A Lion and Lioness doesn't care what lambs say. Lions dont make excuses for his
nature. Lions are who they are. They are power. They make decisions. They die by
their decisions. They protect each, from outsiders, and protect other lion outsiders
from hyenas and jackals.

Right now we are not lions. We are not sheep. We haven't even been born. We
haven't yet decided to take responsibility for who we are. We are still blaming
events that we have no control over presently for our present condition; therefore
we don't deserve a spirit of power.

Do we want to be Lions? Then Act like it.

I am not waiting for a leader. I am a leader. I am here and you are here and we
should not wait for anyone. If we want it we have to create it. God will have it no
other way. Only those that put in the effort and whole-heartedly believe will
succeed. There is no try. There is no fail. WE will do this.

Charles Galloway
San Diego, May 16

Peace and Blessings Everyone