Someone standing at a table caught my eye as I walked in between protest movements at the Democratic Debate at Texas Southern University (TSU). Patricia Esteves was giving away T-Shirts. Her T-Shirts say.
I’m a U.S. Citizen
I’m a U.S.A-Yen
So I did what I do. I interviewed her.
Patricia Esteves is doing a good thing
It was nice taking a break in between talking sometimes between warring factions to hear a unifying message. Everything she says is correct. We want to unify under a flag. We all partake of this land.
Unfortunately, it is much deeper. When one feels that they have the same opportunities and options they can unify. When one is sure that a criminal justice system will be fair with them, they can unify. When one no longer has to be concerned about their hue in just about every economic, social, and civil situation one can unify.
Patricia’s message is wonderful. We need more people like her wanting unity. We also need folk like our protesting brothers and sister, our activists out there to identify the steps that are needed to unify. Then and only then can we say we are all united and identified as U.S.A-Yen.
Keep up the good work Patricia. You are promoting an important and aspirational message. We need folks out there actively doing that. But as you push your message of unity, remember to also express not only unity for the sake of unity, but what is required to attain a lasting one.