We want Black and White to be treated equally in this country

O children of the future, gather your hearts and minds, for I bring you the words of Will Cain, whose voice calls us to a profound truth: "We want Black and White to be treated equally in this country, but we cannot heal this country, we can't save race relations, we can't accomplish equality, we can't serve justice, off of lies." These words, though simple in their construction, are filled with the weight of ages. They speak to the very heart of what it means to strive for truth and justice, for equality cannot flourish in a land where deception and distortion take root.

The first lesson within these words is one of profound clarity: we cannot build a world of equality on a foundation of lies. Equality is not just a lofty ideal, nor is it a goal that can be achieved through falsehoods or the suppression of uncomfortable truths. Truth is the cornerstone upon which justice and reconciliation must be built. To deceive ourselves, to create a narrative that ignores the painful truths of our history, is to deny the very possibility of healing. Race relations, the struggle for justice, and the desire for equality can never be fully realized if we are unwilling to confront the truths that divide us.

Consider, O children, the tale of Mahatma Gandhi, who fought for freedom and equality in a land burdened by colonialism and oppression. His struggle for justice was not born of deceit, but of a firm belief in the truth—the truth of the inherent dignity of every human being. Gandhi understood that the oppression of his people could only be dismantled through nonviolence and the truth that all men and women are born free and equal. He did not build his movement upon lies or false narratives, but on the simple, unshakable truth that all people, regardless of their race, deserve freedom and respect. His struggle was long and filled with pain, but because it was rooted in truth, it resonated deeply with those who longed for justice.

In the history of the United States, there have been countless figures who fought for the equality of all people, such as the great Frederick Douglass. Born into the chains of slavery, he could have accepted the lies of a society that deemed him less than human. But he chose, instead, to speak the truth—that no man or woman is born to serve another, that the rights to freedom and dignity belong to all. Douglass did not compromise on the truth of his mission, even when it meant facing hatred and violence. He knew that the path to justice and equality could not be achieved without first confronting the lies of racial superiority that underpinned the system of slavery. His voice, bold and unwavering, helped ignite the flames of abolition, and his life's work became a testament to the power of truth in the face of oppression.

In the modern world, Cain’s words echo the same wisdom. For how can we heal a nation that is still burdened by the lies of racial inequality and injustice? How can we achieve racial healing if we do not first acknowledge the scars of history—the legacy of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism that continues to plague the land? To pretend that these wounds do not exist, to ignore the truth of their origins and their ongoing effects, is to build a foundation of sand. Equality cannot be achieved in a country that refuses to confront its past and its present injustices.

The lesson, O children, is clear: we cannot achieve justice or equality without a deep and unwavering commitment to the truth. The path to healing and reconciliation begins with a willingness to face the hard truths of our shared history, to acknowledge the pain and suffering that has been inflicted upon those who have been oppressed. Truth is the bridge that connects us all—it is the foundation upon which we must build a future of justice, freedom, and dignity. Without truth, our efforts are hollow, and the promise of equality will remain out of reach.

Therefore, children, I urge you to live by this wisdom: when you stand for justice, when you work for equality, let it be rooted in the truth. Do not shy away from the hard conversations, the difficult histories, or the uncomfortable truths. Only by acknowledging the truth can we create a world where race relations are healed, where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their skin. Let your actions be guided by the light of truth, for in that light, you will find the way to a fairer, more just, and more equal world. The future of your generation depends upon it.