They should learn from elders who used their power such as Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scot King, and Nelson Mandela.
These and the many others not mentioned have paved smoother roads for us, the young African people. Things would not been the same if they had not used their courage to have a voice. Opportunities would not have been so many for the African community. However, we must acknowledge that the mission is not complete. WE have to continue from where our elders, poets, and independence leaders have left off. We, the young people, must continue their legacy.
Today hip hop, R and B, and rap are some of the music genres mostly controlled by African Americans and associated with that sub-group in the US. Often, these artistes are the heroes and 'leaders' of the youth by popular culture. But is their message serving to encourage re-birth in the African society? Is it the same fight that our ancestors have fought for?.. The answer is 'no', far more times than it is 'yes'.
So where is the error and what can be done to get back on track??
Once again, it lies in the hands of the youth. Only in our lifetime and that of future generations can real change be done. The youth need to find and prize the truth of who we are and who we aren't. We need to know where we came from. We appreciate that music is part of us, but need to be weary of what we listen to. Violence and crudity is tainting the beauty of our music, and only we could take a stand. WE have the power to change the way we think of ourselves, by not submitting to what everyone else thinks and says we are.
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