We are all heartbroken from all the pain around us, and there is a lot of it, in many different walks of life. We have a responsibility to enforce the core values that everyone should be treated equally, and I mean everyone. We know this has not been the case, and it is time for all of us to stand up and work diligently to make this change happen. This begins with each and every one of us. Instead of having conversations focused on property damage, let’s ask ourselves why we were in this situation in 2020 – being faced with inequality, racism, hatred and injustice.

As human beings, we must be committed to learning from these acts and implementing change throughout our communities. We must commit to continue to advocate the need for change, we should lead the way. Don’t underestimate yourself, as individuals, our voices are very powerful. This power gives us both the responsibility and ability to make a substantial impact on creating lasting social and societal change. We have the power and influence to truly move this world to a better place – using our voice to teach our children, speak with relatives, co-workers, friends, write articles…our influence can be endless – your voice matters.

There is always something to be learned from difficult situations, My whole life I have called them “challenges” instead of problems. If we elevate our awareness from all the chaos we have lived through in 2020, we can see a path to a solution…we need to come up with solutions that work, instead of just demanding change. We must fight for meaningful actions to be taken to correct individual “challenges” not just complain and talk about sweeping changes that won’t help the true situation. We need a lasting impact from what we have seen, felt and experienced.

That is why, in the new year 2021, I ask all of you to please use your voices…they are where your power lies. If you see an injustice, speak up. If you know there is a lie being perpetrated, speak up. If you know someone is being hurt, speak up. Throughout our lives we are given choices, make the choice to do the right thing. I am constantly told that life is not fair, so I should give up my fight for justice…that is never going to happen. Life is unfair, but that doesn’t mean we should stop fighting to make it right. Morgan, just like so many other victims of crime, has not had justice. Morgan’s case was never investigated and it was “swept under the rug.” The fight for justice will continue with every breath I take, and I hope you will all feel the same way, when and if you see injustice in your own life.

May 2021 be a year to turn around this crazy world, and we all start to love one another again. Peace be with all of you.