The social justice movement across the U.S. over the past couple of years has impacted my community and I in so many positive ways. Technology is growing rapidly day by day making it near impossible to not be affected by social media. The digital era has an affect on all generations whether your fifty-five and have a family or your five years old starting your first year of kindergarten. With social media apps like Instagram or Twitter, there's millions of people everyday sharing their lives to the world by tapping a phone screen. Although we've came so far in technology, we still have so much to go with the injustice for the black community. Racism is still alive and in full affect in the 21st century and the unfair treatment of our people goes on everyday. Police Brutality, being called racial slurs, not getting job opportunities isn't something new. These things have been going on for years and years, before apps like Instagram were even thought of. But, with these cellular devices, people are able to record and show some of these moments that people wouldn't even believe if not caught on camera. Moments like former officer, Derek Michael Chauvin putting his knee on George Floyd for 9 minutes 29 seconds causing him to die for stealing a pack of cigarettes out of a store. Or in 2018, when Breonna Taylor was shot eight times by three officers who raided and had a warrant for the wrong apartment. Social injustice awareness is at an all time high now all across the globe, showcasing the mistreatment of POC. Not just deaths, but even people recording them being pulled over and them being on Facebook live saving them from possibly being killed. Not only racial equality is affected by the social justice movement, by also communities like LGBTQ or refugee communities. Social justice all across the world, making t an easier and safer place for all, especially groups or individuals who don't always have the best deck of cards. It brings attention to things people might not think of or care about because it doesn't affect their everyday lives. Plus, social justice has increased the spread of mental health issues and the affects it has on our world. Many people are hurting and believe they're the only ones fighting battles of depression and sadness. But, over the course of the last five years, social justice has increased for mental health impacting our communities in positive ways. In conclusion, social justice has impacted the nation in so many positive ways and it will only continue!

I believe that kindness definitely makes the world a better place. This could involve getting to know your neighbors better, being friendly to people you meet throughout the day, and even giving compliments to friends and strangers alike. A little kindness can go a long way especially with suicide rates being so high and never knowing what someone else is going through and a few nice words can have a massive impact on someone's day. I will continue to listen without making judgments and concentrate on how I treat others. In all my interactions I attempt to understand all perspectives and viewpoints. I will continue to spread a positive message of inclusivity and understanding in the world which helps lead to joy and happiness in myself and others.

For as long as I can remember my Mom has been married to a woman. Having two moms wasn't the regular family structure 15 years ago and I found myself defending my mom and others who were considered different as other little kids didn't completely understand why I had two mothers. This caused me to make sure in all my interactions that I attempt to understand all perspectives and viewpoints. I will continue to spread a positive message of inclusivity and understanding in the world which helps lead to joy and happiness. I enjoy doing community service at Cathy Collins House of Hope which assists with transitional housing and support for children and young families. In addition, my family has sponsored several families during the holidays to be able to see the joy in others as a way to show our appreciation for the many blessings we have received in our life and my plan is to continue this tradition with my family and friends for years to come. Personally, I believe that kindness definitely makes the world a better place. This could involve getting to know your neighbors better, being friendly to people you meet throughout the day, and even giving compliments to friends and strangers alike. A little kindness can go a long way especially with suicide rates being so high and never knowing what someone else is going through and a few nice words can have a massive impact on someone's day. I will continue to listen without making judgments and concentrate on how I treat others. I look forward to continuing to have community involvement at TSU while growing up as a young man. To lead by example and always put my best foot forward in all aspects of life. I enjoy tutoring youth in my neighborhood as I realize how much having positive influences in others' lives can also have a great impact on my own life. As a young black man, I feel I can make a significant difference in the lives of other young men and I look forward to providing positive influences for others in this journey that we call life. I am thankful that I was able to have a great relationship with my Dad however which is why I love mentoring and helping those I have come in contact with who are not as fortunate as myself to have a strong male figure in their lives.