Connections Guest Lessons: What will your chapter or section say during this era?

Special Guest Blog

One of the greatest aspects of my career, education, and life in general has been meeting people. I love meeting people and getting to know their stories, what makes them tick and how they handle life challenges. I have asked a few of them to share their stories as part of my Connections blog. I hope that by sharing their stories, you get to know a great leader but also perhaps see a bit of your story in theirs. Perhaps we can learn from each other in this manner.

Guest blog by Soulbalm

On the 56th Anniversary of Civil Rights in the U.S.

What will your lesson be?

On this day, July 2, 1964, former President L. B. Johnson signed a bill into law effectively and finally proclaiming that on paper all lives matter. It was called the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On paper this meant that segregation would end and millions of lives could enjoy mattering in ways they never imagined before: equality. Mattering equally. Then millions of lives set about ensuring that those lives that finally could legally matter stayed as miserable as possible, until as expected, some of those lives forgot that they actually did matter.

Others watched the display of amnesia (or blunt force head and mind and heart trauma, pick your phrase) and began to believe the LAW was what made them matter rather than the Creator, cited as giving ‘matterage’ when being born with inalienable rights. The one written back when those who finally in 1964 mattered according to law, didn’t matter at all (and later only mattered 3/5 of the time, so to speak).

Slave owners knew Black lives mattered, and they mattered so much that they laid down their lives to fight for the right to keep them from actually mattering to themselves, so they could solely matter for their bottom line. Four rebellious years and now aflag born of rebellion mattered more than the Black lives. Not because the lives didn’t matter, but because money and wealth and ill-gotten gain mattered more than those lives.

In two days the United States of America will be celebrating another birthday, waving a flag that all lives are supposed to make matter. We as a nation celebrate and reflect on the preamble of the Constitution that all lives used to be forced to memorize. Words that clearly didn’t include all lives, even if there the word “all” WAS used. Even today, the flag is still being used by some as a tool of exclusion. If you don’t believe me, maybe someone can explain in the comment section below.

And then the Awakening… When many finally noticed that the law was simply ON PAPER. PEOPLE, we write history as we live and breathe. Keep speaking life-giving words into the ones who only mattered when they mattered to the nation’s exports and wealth. But more than words of Life, give opportunities to make a living and build self-identity. Those who know who they are and where they’re from can contribute wealth untold.

This nation is now in its teenage years. It’s time to ride out the mood swings and become emotionally and mentally stable. We will no longer accept words signed into law to appease. The words and laws should matter.

What will your chapter or section say during this era? What questions will you leave for future students to discuss?

soulbalmsays

Share the Post:

Other Recent Posts

Celebrating You: A Season of Self-Love and Kindness

The holiday season can be a lot. For some, it’s full of joy and celebrations, while for others, it can feel overwhelming—whether it’s the pressure of year-end deadlines, missing loved ones, or just struggling to connect with the holiday spirit. In my latest blog, I’m focusing on ways to take care of *you*. From enjoying your favorite foods to stepping away from social media or taking yourself out for a quiet moment of peace, sometimes the best gift you can give is the gift of time and care for yourself. It’s also a chance to share kindness with others, even in small ways, which can make a bigger impact than you realize. Wherever this season finds you, I hope the blog offers a little inspiration to make the holidays feel more manageable—and meaningful—in your own way.

Read More

Finding Common Ground: Bridging Divides in a Polarized World

Our beliefs and perspectives evolve over time, shaped by our experiences and the changing world around us. This evolution is why open, constructive conversations—especially about divisive topics—are so critical. They allow us to explore our assumptions, challenge our thinking, and grow together, even when we disagree.

Today, I want to explore the concept of the slippery slope—a fear that often emerges in debates about rights and regulations. It’s a concern that touches on issues as varied as gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion, though people often apply it inconsistently.

Read More