Considering this Wednesday, February 12th, is Lincoln’s birthday, as well as Black History month, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on civil rights issues. I’m sure we’ve all seen footage of the riots during the civil rights movement and if you’re anything like me, I was devastated just watching it and, when I was younger, before I even knew what racism was, I was in disbelief that people could ever feel that superior simply because of the color of their skin. It’s not a choice that we make or have control over, so why did these people think it made them better and somehow justify their violence? I don’t think there’s really any good answer to that question.

Today is a good day to remember the heroes of that movement: Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, it’s amazing how sometimes it can be something unexpected that ends up having huge results and can eventually end up resulting in shifting the way that people look at things. Those moments of courage that inspire others.

This is the time when we get to be proud of how far we’ve come, as well as prepare for how far we have left to go. Sometimes we’re closer to the ideal than others. It varies between countries, between cities. It varies decade to decade as well as moment by moment. It’s not always easy but it is always worth it. As long as people still discriminate against others there will always be progress to be made. Take today to look at the people around you and try to set aside your differences as well as reflect on how we can make a choice every single day if you want to be a part of the problem or a part of the solution.