David Walker (September 28, 1796 – August 6, 1830) was an influential American abolitionist, writer, and anti-slavery activist. Born to a free mother and an enslaved father, he was free himself due to the principle of partus sequitur ventrem. 

In 1829, while residing in Boston, he published “An Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World,” which called for black unity and resistance against slavery. 

His work highlighted the injustices of slavery and urged individuals to act according to their religious and political beliefs. 

The pamphlet caused significant controversy, particularly in the South, leading to laws restricting the circulation of “seditious publications.” Walker’s advocacy for the rights of black individuals made him a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement.

His legacy continued through his son, Edward G. Walker, who became one of the first two black men elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature in 1866. 

David Walker’s literary contributions were instrumental in forming the early abolitionist movement in the United States. 

His passionate appeal for unity among black individuals and defiance against slavery struck a chord with many, including both black and white citizens, who opposed this institution. 

Despite facing significant criticism and censorship, Walker remained a determined advocate for the rights and liberation of African Americans. 

His legacy serves as both a reminder and a source of motivation for activists, as his writings poignantly highlight the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice today.

While slavery may no longer be overtly visible in contemporary society, its remnants can still be detected within the MAGA movement. 

This movement is actively working to reverse the significant advancements in the civil rights struggle throughout American history, jeopardizing the hard-won progress toward equality and justice.

The MAGA movement is actively trying to alter and reframe historical narratives by engaging in book banning, enacting legislation that undermines fundamental rights, and promoting an agenda that fosters deep divisions within the country—more pronounced than those experienced during the antebellum period. 

For example, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has been a vocal proponent of embracing Confederate ideals over those of democracy. 

Meanwhile, President-Elect 47 appears to be working towards implementing policies that echo the principles of the Confederacy and or a dictatorship challenging the very foundations of democratic governance.

I would like to share a heartfelt appeal to our nation’s colored citizens. David Walker’s powerful words resonate deeply, emphasizing the crucial need to raise our voices against injustice and advocate for what is just and fair, even when confronted with significant challenges and opposition. 

We should never allow ourselves to be muted by fear or indifference; instead, we must gather our courage, stand together as a united force, and passionately vocalize our convictions, ensuring that our messages resonate clearly and powerfully in the world around us.

Walker’s bold and unwavering actions in confronting his era’s entrenched social and political norms ignited essential conversations about the need for change. They carved a lasting and powerful legacy in American history. 

His dedication to justice and equality resonated with others, inspiring future generations to challenge the status quo and work toward a more equitable society.

His steadfast commitment to racial equality is a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward justice and the relentless fight that continues today.

I don’t recall ever encountering the name David Walker in any history books or during my school years. Despite his significant contributions and impact, he has been overlooked in the narrative of our past. 

Walker was a prominent abolitionist and a passionate advocate for African Americans’ rights, yet his story is often absent from discussions about the fight for freedom and equality. 

It’s essential to recognize figures like him, who played a vital role in shaping history, rather than allowing their legacies to be buried and forgotten. 

It’s very perplexing. You want to shield your children from the harsh realities of history by prohibiting any literature that reveals the painful and tragic events that were inflicted upon a marginalized group. 

This includes banning books that discuss the systemic injustices, discrimination, and violence that shaped their experiences. You don’t want it taught in classrooms.

By restricting access, you aim to create a protective bubble, believing that ignorance will preserve their innocence and spare them from the weight of such brutal truths. 

Truth be told… by doing so, you inadvertently deny them the opportunity to learn about the past, understand the complexities of human behavior, and empathize with others’ struggles.

In addition to shielding your children…you are complaining about rising food prices and inflation. You blame the current administration, which has done more for you than you may realize.

This attitude is a part of the problem. You need to take the time to think, educate yourself, or take responsibility for your actions and inactions. 

The bottom line is that the atrocities of the incoming administration coming to you will be well-deserved.  

I want to convey my frustration regarding your apparent lack of awareness. Your ignorance created an environment that subjects the rest of us to challenging and distressing situations, which we don’t deserve. 

Your insensitivity has consequences for you, and it profoundly affects our lives as well. Your actions will create situations leading to unfair and unjust experiences for those around you. 

I wish you were more mindful of how your actions impact others. A bit of insight could help prevent the unnecessary difficulties that will be inflicted upon us by the incoming want-to-be dictator you voted for. 

In fact, the rest of us who didn’t vote for the dictatorship cannot afford to remain silent about the disturbing actions the incoming administration will take. 

We must raise our voices and take a decisive stand against any injustices that may arise in our communities and beyond. 

We must not allow these wrongs to go unchallenged. Our words and actions should resonate with conviction, reflecting our unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Standing together, we can ensure that our collective determination illuminates the issues at hand and inspires change.

I want positive change, not a return to a time of unrest.

These beliefs shape my values and worldview. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and perspectives, and I respect that you may hold different views. 

However, I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to reflect on my perspective. I intend not to persuade you to agree; I hope to foster understanding and meaningful dialogue.

Because…

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

Barack Obama

JusMee Talkin