Last Saturday morning, several lawyer groups and law enforcement joined together to host a community rally on the recent upsurge in violence in our country towards African American men and law enforcement. The event had a number of speakers who spoke eloquently on the need for us to come together. We were very impressed by the speech that 17-year-old Noah Spicer gave that morning. He graciously agreed to let us publish his speech in its entirety.
“See Me”
I appreciate being able to speak to you today at such a necessary event organized by some of the finest organizations in Colorado. Being a part of the next generation I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the baby boomers and Generation X speak about the issues that our country faces, but now I think is the time for us to speak.
Let me start by thanking you for coming and supporting an event established to see people beyond race, color, gender, and uniform. Terraine Bailey president of the Sam Cary Bar Association shared a quote recently that exemplifies what this event stands for. “The fact that humanity has to clarify that any lives matter, should be concern enough.” There is a deep rooted history of segregation and injustice that is at the core of America. Whether it be the discrimination of the black community, mistreatment of the LGBTQ community, or the xenophobic stances on religious communities are all struggles we have seen far too often. And in a way it seems as if these different issues have all reached their breaking points at coinciding moments. And we are struggling. Struggling to acknowledge those inequities. Struggling to find the appropriate response to the loss of loved ones simply for who they are. Struggling to find a way to see each other as humans.
The crossroad that we face is daunting. Either we allow for lines to be drawn, opinions to be set, and for our anger and pain to consume us. Or we find in ourselves the qualities that tell us that all life is precious, and that no one should have to lose their life; not because of your professions, not because of your sexual orientation or religious values, and certainly not because of the color of your skin. Until we come together and unite as a community and commit ourselves to be seen and respected as individuals, we can’t begin to understand each other’s struggles. Ignoring the basic components of our humanity dismisses what we endure.
As a black male my individuality and identity is seen through a lenses of criminality. I walk down the street and am seen as a potential suspect. In the classroom teachers often feel a need to over police me, and so many people think of me as dangerous. I am certain that these experiences can be confirmed by many of my black brothers and sisters. The lessons being taught by black mothers and fathers are ones that most don’t have teach. Having to be taught how to act and behave because you are black, is a reality that we cannot ignore. The legacies of slavery and segregation are real. Black and brown bodies are trivialized. We teach our black children that your value in society is deemed simply based on your ability to play basketball or dance, not the value you bring to academic forums. But unfortunately these events are not new wounds written into America’s history. The racial divides that have only seemed to widen and deepen, are a part of the same battles that were waged sixty years ago. Until we stand up and lock hands in the face of social inequity and injustice as people, not as black and white, gay and straight, or us and them we will most certainly be faced with similar events, and be left asking ourselves, “when will we have enough”
The path you have started on is a righteous one, by being here you have put your hand on the door of justice and equality and demanded it be opened. But sometimes to effect great change, giant leaps are necessary. Continue to support organizations and events that work to infuse diversity into academic and professional settings. Support community programs that promote people of all races and creeds to work together in the spirit of humanity, and take the time to exercise your power on the systems that can create change when opportunities arise. Look past the differences and see the commonality in us all. Acknowledging inequality and opening the paths to repair broken systems is only the start. At the core of every single one of us is the belief that we should have the right to provide for our ourselves and our children so that they may have a brighter future. I do believe that we will come together, because I know that in all of us is the ability to love. I am a son, a brother, a nephew, and a grandson.
See Me. I am Noah Spicer, College Freshman.
