Bankole Thompson
I believe that young Black people must be given opportunities to make significant differences in their communities. But I also believe that they should be prepared and battle-tested for the fights that will emerge regarding the betterment of the Black community.
Consummate preparation was the hallmark of the civil rights movement. It was made up of young people who were already fighting in the streets, getting arrested, being humiliated and publicly challenging the status quo in both political parties by asserting their voices in the halls of power. Bernard Lafayette and the late Congressman John Lewis are examples of two young leaders tested by fire.