The sixties exposed both good as well as dreadful things happening in this country. The good that happened in those years involved people helping each other and genuinely caring for their neighbors. You could leave your doors unlocked, and rarely was there any violence, unlike what we are witnessing in today’s climate. In many ways, during this period (the Sixties) it was painful to watch the local or national news because of the brutal assault of people of color. There were numerous law enforcement initiated attacks by dogs, people beaten with clubs, spit on and many other horrible things done while protesting for their right to vote. There were also many remarkable things about the sixties.
There was the rise of soul music and Black entertainers. Rhythm and blues were born. Black folks had a sense of pride. Remember the James Brown song “I’m Black and I’m proud”? When Black children moved around in our communities everyone was well-groomed and respected their elders. There were no hanging pants, overly revealing clothes worn by young ladies and no one was robbing others for a pair of name-brand sneakers. Elders were respected and they stuck together. Now. In many instances when children are doing wrong their parents uphold them. Young men were taught to be strong and strive to become a man that would love, protect, and take care of their families. Now, there are some instances where the so called “players” sit back and wait on the woman to take care of them. Also, the manner of dress of some women is not something that would have been permitted back in the day. What happened to the sixties? They are long gone. What we must do is recapture those values of pride, take care of our neighbors, and respect our elders. These are things we can start encouraging and practicing right now.
We need to put people in positions of leadership that just like in the sixties have concern for morals, values, integrity, and their fellow man. We can recapture the sixties by getting up off our butts and voting. We can strive to make a lasting, uplifting representation in our communities by making a living that one can be proud of, caring for our neighbors, our communities, and being honorable individuals that want to be effective. Voting when exercised appropriately, can benefit everyone, and directly assist our communities in obtaining some of the things promoted constantly by political leaders such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, with extreme voter suppression efforts by right-wing politicians the intent seems to be the promotion of laws and policies that keep us defenseless, helpless, and incapable of achieving the basic rights provided under the constitution. In a prior article presented by team member Dianne Cleveland Sharp, she spoke of gerrymandering, ballot boxes being taken away, and the fact that it is against the law in the state of Georgia to give water or food to people waiting in long lines to vote.
It is no secret that this is being done to discourage people from voting. There is no other reason so much time and effort would be put into keeping people from voting. I am saddened when people of color say that their vote does not matter. Every vote matters and one should encourage family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to exercise their right to vote, not only in presidential elections but state and local elections as well. The Sixties was a time in this country’s history that many people fought, died, and were jailed for the right to vote. However, many do not understand the power of voting. If you or any member of your family is not registered to vote, get registered and encourage others to do the same. There is an especially important election happening in November.
Please vote. Let us embrace the nostalgia of the sixties, regain the core, humanistic values our communities exemplified at that time. We are our brother’s keeper. Let us keep this country a place where we can continue to exercise our free speech and the right to question and choose our leaders.
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Marvin Dixon/Founder
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