Brianna will carry on the legacy of working toward equal rights for all

We have been in Johannesburg for a couple of days now. I have to say, seeing the Hector Pieterson Museum and going to Mandela’s house is something that I will always remember. The Museum was an experience that really had moved me. We walked into an airy space, hardwood floors, and all sorts of media that surrounded us amplified the protest and activism that went on once upon a time, but not too long ago.

I think that’s what really struck me while visiting this museum; I realized that all the struggles, cries, and pain embedded in the past had happened so close in relation to our present day. I listened to Desmond Tutu while I was in the Museum as he played from a small television screen. I positioned myself under the sound bubble and just listened to the words of wisdom that he so effortlessly spoke. Tutu talked about how celebration is expected and we can do this because indeed things have changed for many, however we must still remember and not abandon the cries of the past. He stressed on the importance of questioning, which I realize is essential for every human being to do actively. He explained how we must truly ask ourselves, Why is it that we are able to celebrate because with this follows a past that many had experienced pain in just for us to be able to live a better life of fulfillment. At that very moment, It hit me that people have fought tirelessly and endlessly for a future that they wouldn’t even get to enjoy themselves. This fight comes from a very selfless and hopeful place. Fights were done for human beings, no one in specific.

Having thought about all this, I realize that it is our responsibilities to be activists within our communities. I don’t understand why we are such an individualistic society as a whole that prides our individual success over success of a community. I am not claiming that everyone is like this within the states, because I personally know this doesn’t apply to everyone. I am just saying that as a whole, the United States is viewed like this. But I realize, being a human, regardless of race, gender, or any other identity, just simply being a human, we are responsible for fighting for rights of people we know nothing about because it was done for us. We must fight for equal rights to everyone because this is the vision that people who knew nothing about us, did for me and you.