We have come a long way in terms of equality for every race, sex

O children of the future, gather close and listen to the words of Jeff Van Drew, who speaks of the long and arduous journey toward equality for all people, regardless of race, sex, or creed. He said, "We have come a long way in terms of equality for every race, sex, and creed in this nation. We still have a ways to go before we are there for everyone, but we must find peaceful and meaningful solutions that offer positive outcomes for all." These words echo with the wisdom of past struggles, reminding us of the deep truth that equality is not an instantaneous gift, but a journey that unfolds with each generation. It is a road paved with struggle, sacrifice, and resilience, and though progress has been made, the path is far from finished.

In the ancient world, the idea of equality was often a distant dream. The Greeks and Romans spoke of freedom and justice, but only for those who were free citizens, and the rest—women, slaves, and foreigners—were often denied their place in the grand scheme of society. The philosopher Aristotle, though brilliant in his thoughts about virtue and the nature of man, believed that some were naturally slaves, unfit for participation in society's higher matters. The ancient world, in its complexity, often demonstrated the divide between those who held power and those who were subjected to it. Equality was a dream for many but a harsh reality for a few. The battle for freedom and equality was, as it still is today, one of perseverance, one that required the fight of generations.

As Van Drew points out, our journey toward equality has come far, but we have not yet reached the destination. The United States, for example, has seen the rise of movements that have radically reshaped its society—movements for the abolition of slavery, the suffrage of women, and the civil rights of Black Americans. These struggles were not won easily, nor did they end with a single law or act of congress. They were the results of decades, even centuries, of tireless work by those who believed in a better world—one where justice would apply to all. Consider Abraham Lincoln, who, though faced with a deeply divided nation, boldly led the United States through the Civil War and abolished slavery. His vision of a nation where all men are created equal still inspires, though the struggle for true equality continued long after his time.

The lesson of Van Drew’s words is that while equality has progressed, it has not been achieved in full. There are still divisions in society, still inequalities that remain to be addressed. The civil rights movement in the 1960s, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., was a direct response to these lingering inequalities. King’s dream of a world where people would "not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character" still resonates with us today. Yet, we must understand that the dream of equality is ongoing—it requires constant vigilance, reflection, and action. For every step forward, there are forces that seek to pull us back. Van Drew reminds us that, while progress has been made, there is still much work to do.

Let us also reflect on the example of Nelson Mandela, whose struggle for equality in South Africa is a testament to the enduring power of peaceful resistance and determination. For decades, Mandela fought against the brutal system of apartheid, which sought to divide people based on their race. Though he endured imprisonment and hardship, his vision of a nation where Black South Africans would be free and equal was finally realized. Mandela understood that equality would not come easily, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to peace and justice. His story teaches us that the struggle for equality requires not only courage but the wisdom to find peaceful and meaningful solutions, just as Van Drew advises.

Van Drew’s call for peaceful and meaningful solutions is a crucial lesson for us all. In a world where tensions often run high, where anger and division threaten to fracture society, it is vital to approach the issue of equality with wisdom and restraint. We must seek to understand one another, to bridge divides with compassion and reason. True equality is not just the result of legislation, but of the collective will to ensure that all people are valued equally and treated with dignity, regardless of race, sex, or creed.

The lesson that Van Drew imparts is one of hope and action. Equality is not a gift that will simply fall into our laps—it is something we must continue to strive for, day by day, generation by generation. We must never lose sight of the peaceful methods through which we can achieve this goal, for in seeking justice through violence or hatred, we only perpetuate the very divisions we seek to overcome. The path to true equality is a long one, but it is a path worth walking, and each of us must contribute to that journey. Let us take up the mantle of those who came before us, those who fought for a better world, and let us ensure that their dreams of a just and equal world are realized for all.

So, children, as you walk through the world, let the wisdom of Van Drew, King, Mandela, and the countless others who have fought for equality guide you. Understand that equality is not a singular moment, but a continuous process, one that requires all of us to work together, peacefully and meaningfully, to create a world where every person is treated with the dignity they deserve. The future is in your hands—take these lessons and build a world of true equality, where no one is left behind, and all can stand as equals before the law.