by Justin Giboney, Esq.
The late Justice Thurgood Marshall once said:
“We’ve got to get involved in the machinery of this country because if we will not, somebody else will be running it.”
That insight still holds true, especially in this time of adversity and transition. At this very moment, decisions are being made that will determine the future of this country. Should our community fail to educate ourselves and fully engage in law and governance, we will have no standing to denounce the direction taken.
Historically, as a community, African-Americans have had good reason to view the American government and legal system as remote, yet menacing institutions. For too long, these entities defined our rights (or lack thereof), but were dynamics that we could not handily affect nor did they reflect our best interest. However, through tremendous trials and sacrifices, significant progress has been made.
With events such as the election of Barack Obama, the potentialities of a strong African-American role in U.S. government and the legal system have never been brighter. African-Americans have earned positions in every segment of the government and legal arena. While there is no doubt in my mind that inequities remain, the supposition that the system as a whole is focused on working against us is lazy, outdated and defeatist.
A democracy cannot function properly without the service, ideas, and direction of the people. Let us debunk the proposition that government works for us. In actuality, the government and legal system, at their best, work with us. Without the people, the machinery of this country shuts down. The first step in beginning to effectively operate the machinery is to educate ourselves on the governing laws. From the U.S. Constitution to local codes, it is important that we familiarize ourselves with the black letter law and the public policy behind it. A basic knowledge of the law allows one to make use of his or her rights and better prevent others from violating the same.
After becoming acquainted with the law and our rights, the obvious next step is to further exercise them. Voting is the minimum. If we find a law to be unfair or otherwise undesirable, it is our duty to attempt to alter or eradicate it. Idle whining and reviling are passé. Government officials do not change things; people do. Contact your representatives, speak in front of the city counsel and propose new legislation. The people are the most important governing body.
President Theodore Roosevelt asserted:
No man is above the law and no man is below it.
It is our responsibility to make sure that statement is this country’s reality. If we choose to take a backseat, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
Justin Giboney is a young attorney and co-founder of dangerousNEGRO Apparel. Well-versed in civil rights and black empowerment philosophies, Justin combines the lessons of old with his hip hop sensibilities to formulate a powerful message regarding the importance of self-definition, determination and education.
