It was once said that race is both common sense and common nonsense. As a young boy, this was a sentiment I could understand. To the mind of a child, solving racism and prejudice seems very simple. Be fair. Be kind. These are the first things children learn in school. It is almost incomprehensible that adults struggle with these issues. But as adults, we also understand that issues of race and ethnicity are complex, deeply rooted, and difficult to discuss. Despite the perceived progress that has been made since the civil rights movement it has become increasingly clear that society has remodeled systemic racism. Voter disenfranchisement. Police brutality. Housing discrimination. These problems are as prevalent now as they were in the mid-1900s. As an African American, it pains me to know that my future children will face the same racial inequalities that my grandparents did. Pursuing my Masters in Communication is the next step on my lifelong journey to truly understanding the paradoxical nature of race. To make sense out of nonsense. To live as children do, with kindness and fairness. To end racism. That is my goal, and I am bold enough to accept the challenges it will bring.