In my lifetime, being an African American male, now in my sixth decade of life, has given me the opportunity to experience the world from many different perspectives: gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation and education, political view, artistic expression, level of education, foreign travel, large two-parent family, etc. This, in conjunction with having traveled through Europe, Mexico, Africa and 40 American states, has helped me come to my opinion of what it means to be a citizen of a country that the world seems to hold in such high esteem. This conviction, though many variables exist, fills me with a sense of strength and pride. In writing this today, I will (well, let’s just say) set aside any reference or feeling regarding immigration, genocide, racism, or the concurrent worldwide BLM Movement.

America is a country that was (supposedly) founded with the lofty ideal of people from ALL NATIONS coming together to live safely in a free, harmonious society, while, at the same time, being able to maintain their cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. Yes, I know the vision of assimilating into an “American Society” lingers. Yet are we a “melting pot” or a “salad bowl”?

All Americans are predestined to exercise the tenet that all men are created equal. Either way, we have evolved to where we, as a unified society, are constantly faced with the opportunity and the responsibility to set an example for the world at all times, ESPECIALLY in a time of crisis(?). In order to do this (since we are more than likely the only country which houses people from every nation on earth), those who we elect as OUR leaders should have the ability and determination to assume the OBLIGATION of working humbly in concert on a global platform to be the best informed and to gather and disseminate preeminent information to not only our own citizens but also to the leaders of every nation on earth. Over the past couple of years, America has been disproportionately affected by the chaos unduly plaguing the present administration. With efforts rooted in FAITH, we have persevered in our unity and with steadfast resolve, and I believe we will continue to do so: “The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to actually be what we pretend to be.”