What important topic would you want to give a speech about to a school-wide audience? by Micah

What important topic would you want to give a speech about to a school-wide audience? by Micah - March 2017 Scholarship Essay

Rosa Parks' Principles and How They Are Used In Today's' Society

Rosa Parks is an historic individual who shaped the civil rights movement many years ago. In our schools we learn about how she never took no for an answer, simply because of what she believed in. We also learn about her principles. We may not realize it but we use her principles and values often in today's society. It doesn't matter if you're standing up for yourself against a bully or simply just standing up for what you believe in. Rosa Parks is someone who led as an example to many African Americans during that time period, and she continues to today despite her death. She leads as an example especially when us African Americans have to face equality issues. Rosa Parks isn't just an example to the black community, she also is an example to many other race and minority groups. Today many people and groups use her principles to help them, when dealing with the things that they believe in.

A very important topic that I would love to give a speech about to a school wide audience is the killing of many African Americans by white police officers, which is basically summed up as a hate crime. People like Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray, Trayvon Martin, and so many more are just a few of the African Americans that died by the hand of a white police officer. It's very sad to say but racism still exists even though it should have ended a long time ago. It's upsetting knowing that white Americans still have a problem with African Americans and they can't just let go of the past. Racism was an issue that Rosa Parks was trying to end during her time back in the 1950’s. Many people think that racism is the reason why these white officers are killing blacks.

The Black Lives Matter movement started when many people became were outraged because of the African American male and females who were being shot and killed, while the white police officers would get off scot-free with no repercussions. This caused an uproar each time the verdict was announced and it got people extremely angry. That's when the movement began to let everyone know that black lives do matter because at one point it seemed like they didn't. The “Black Lives Matter” movement was first created by Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors in 2013 after George Zimmerman was acquitted of shooting and killing Trayvon Martin. Alicia Garza created a Facebook issue, and the two others tagged along to help get the movement out there. Then as more African Americans were being killed it slowly started to become a hashtag. It also slowly started the rise of protests again.

Rosa Parks was a strong women of courage. We all are familiar of the story about how she decided to sit in the front of the bus, knowing that blacks had to sit in the back. When asked to move she refused, and ended up getting arrested. She took a stand and decided not to move because she wanted to stand up for what she believed in, and that was simply basic rights for African Americans. I see myself using these principles as I grow older in today’s society knowing that if I believe in something I will stand up for it and make it known, no matter what the situation may be. When placed in tough situations, I will be brave just like Rosa Parks was when she decided not to move to the back of the bus. I am someone who looks up to her, and I will continue to use her principles day by day when addressing any issues that are close to my heart.