We hold these truths to be self-evident. A declaration. Independence from the hatred and bigotry of our past, our generation marches. on. Led by courageous giants of height and heart, we will extinguish the flame that has burned pieces of America’s soul in times past. The map-makers of our journey have been called upon to lead us to that mountaintop so eloquently identified by a King on his final night. This is another chance to hope for the finality of the pain that too many have suffered, afraid of the ignorance that would attempt to stain their badge of honor. For, we the people, of this great land, have witnessed today an historical break-through in our ability to love. For some, this day is unlike any other day. But for far too many, this bright day restores their belief that they, too, can one day be liberated from the closet that they find themselves trapped in. This is how our generation makes American beautiful, with deep commitment to compassion and tolerance. On this last Monday of April, we applaud our dear brother, Jason Collins, as his raising of his hand will take this country higher than his very own seven foot stature.
We have seen the courage of one bring out the ignorance of many. However, if we are to drown in their own sadness, we will have no time to celebrate our joy. In due time, they will understand the antiquity of their thoughts and will join the rest of us down the road. It is not for us to judge their journey towards consciousness, we can only challenge them to honestly assess their own inner-truths. We hope and pray that they find solace in their struggles, knowing that they have the power to convert their negativity into a generosity of acceptance. As there are too many young people across this nation who still fear the wrath of their blindness. Many of these young people live with an incredible, lonely pain that can only be cured by the medicine of the masses supporting them as they take that harrowing first step towards liberation. Only history will tell, but it appears that a cover of a sports magazine and the eloquent words written inside of it just might have made that step slightly easier for some. Our gratitude is of abundance for that contribution to our pathway towards a more perfected union.
That is the significance of today’s announcement. Not just the leadership of one, but the reverberation it can have on many. And for those of us who are the allies to our gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and queer brothers and sisters, let us shout from sea to shining sea, that a new day has dawned upon this nation. No matter who you love or who you want to marry, we will stand by your side. From Kobe to the First Lady to Chelsea and her father Bill to Spike, D. Wade, Katy Perry, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Steve Nash, Governors, Mayors and a former Speaker of the House to millions of millenials around the world, we let the planet know that not only do we have Jason Collins’ back, but we have every young person’s back who is traveling down that same road. That is who we are. That is the genetic markings of our generation. That is why I am confident that we will one day soon, get to the top of that mountain.
If you want to stand in support with Jason, go to Athlete Ally and sign their petition.
Michael Skolnik is the Editor-In-Chief of GlobalGrind.com and the political director to Russell Simmons. Prior to this, Michael was an award-winning filmmaker. Follow him on twitter @MichaelSkolnik
