The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the

In the vast and sprawling narrative of human history, there are wounds that never truly heal. They may fade with time, but their scars remain, etched into the very soul of society. One such scar, deep and searing, is the legacy of racism that still haunts the land of America, a nation that, despite its many triumphs, continues to wrestle with the shadows of its past. In the words of John Lewis, “The scars and stains of racism are still deeply embedded in the American society,” we are reminded of the persistence of this affliction—an affliction that has poisoned not only individuals but the very fabric of the nation itself. These words are a call to awareness, urging us to confront this painful truth and to seek the healing that is so long overdue.

Let us consider the scars of the past, those wounds inflicted upon generations of people whose only crime was the color of their skin. The stains of racism, like ink on a white cloth, have marred the history of America since its birth. From the chains of slavery to the whips that lashed the backs of the enslaved, the legacy of racism was embedded in the nation’s foundations. This nation, born from the idea of freedom, has often failed to extend that freedom equally to all of its children. The enslavement of Africans, the disenfranchisement of Native peoples, the segregation of races—these acts created deep, lasting scars on the heart of a nation that claims liberty as its creed.

The power of John Lewis’s words lies not in their condemnation, but in their truth—a truth that calls upon us to acknowledge the existence of these wounds, to confront the forces that continue to perpetuate them. For even in the present day, these scars and stains are not distant relics of history; they persist in the subtle ways that society continues to function. Racism is not a matter of isolated incidents but a systemic disease, woven into the laws, the institutions, and the hearts of those who have learned to accept it as part of the social fabric. It is this deeply embedded nature of racism that makes it so difficult to root out, for it is not always visible to the eye but felt in the very air we breathe.

But let us not dwell only on the darkness of this reality, for within the struggle against racism there lies a heroic tale—a tale of individuals who, like John Lewis, rose against the tide, speaking out, acting bravely, and demanding that justice be done. Consider the story of the Civil Rights Movement, where leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X confronted the scars of racism with courage, determination, and a vision for a better world. Their actions were not without cost—many of them paid with their very lives—but their bravery sparked a movement that forever changed the course of history. These heroes did not allow the stains of racism to define their world; instead, they fought to remove them, to cleanse the land of their poison, even if they did not live to see the full fruits of their labor.

And yet, as John Lewis so profoundly reminded us, the battle is far from over. The scars and stains may be hidden beneath the surface, but they remain, silently infecting the society. The march for justice that Lewis and others led did not end with laws passed or speeches made; it is a struggle that must continue in the hearts of every generation. Racism is not defeated by words alone—it must be eradicated through action, through the unwavering commitment to justice, through the daily work of dismantling the systems that perpetuate inequality.

What then, dear reader, is our lesson? It is this: the scars of racism may not be easily healed, but they are not beyond our reach. Acknowledgment is the first step toward healing—acknowledging the pain that has been caused, the harm that has been done. But acknowledgment alone is not enough. We must take action. The battle is long, but it is one worth fighting. Just as John Lewis and his generation fought to tear down the walls of segregation and bring about civil rights, so too must we strive to remove the invisible barriers that divide us today. We must stand firm in our commitment to equality, to justice, and to the principle that every human being, regardless of color, deserves the same rights, the same respect, and the same opportunities.

As we move forward, we must ask ourselves: what are the scars we will leave behind? Will we contribute to the stains of racism, or will we be among those who work to heal them? Let us not stand idly by, but let us take the mantle of those who came before us, and march forward with courage, just as John Lewis did. The scars of racism will remain as a reminder of what has been endured, but it is in our action, our resolve, and our unwavering commitment to justice that we will ensure these scars do not define us. The time for healing is now. The time for action is now.