#BlackLivesMatter #SayHerName #SaveOurGirls #PrayFor ____. This generation of social content will go down in history as the hashtag and movement generation. With every news story comes a new hashtag and reason to rally. In every movement there is a focus that can be identified by the powerful words behind the pound symbol. There are also opposing words and symbols that follow behind counter movements.

#AllLivesMatter #BlueLivesMatter #MakeAmerica… you get my point. As people seek answers for the injustice that lead to their movement, there are counter forces that rise as both a direct and indirect distraction. These counter forces are often offended by the primary movement because they are thinking in an oppressive mindset. They feel like the rallying for the justice of one must come at the expense of the injustice of another. The point they are missing is that life is not one or the other. It is not one big game of “This or That”. They also miss the point that their counter claims would not exist if justice for the primary claims were never in question to begin with. If all lives truly mattered, then Black lives would not have to fight for our rights and life.

As youth, young adults, and adults, you have the responsibility to not only live in your truth but to refrain from denying others to live in theirs. If there is something you do not understand, educate yourself before you loudly disagree or worse spread “alternative facts”. Being an adult is not about knowing it all. It is not about speaking loud. It is definitely not about ruling over another human being. Being an adult means you seek the facts, you face the facts, and spread the truth. When you do not understand, you ask. When you do not agree, you make your statement but not at the expense of someone else’s rights and freedom. Including their right to freedom of speech.

Always remember that the world is bigger than your understanding, and you should not feel okay not knowing. Search for answers and truth. College may not be for everyone, but being educated is for everyone.