It is unfortunate that the Jena Six incident occurred but it awakened a generation of African–American youth who have become too complacent, passive, and expectant of entitlements.

Who could have guessed that the recent racial conflicts in Jena, La., would be a catalyst to inspire mass numbers of African-American youth to pick up the banner for justice and fairness in our American criminal justice system which is infested with layers of racial inequalities? 

The Jena Six incident was an awakening to six young African-American males and to Black youth around the country to the fact that the justice system is not totally blind, and if ignored, will allow racism to plague the system.

It was unfortunate that this incident occurred but it awakened a generation of African–American youth who have become too complacent, passive, and expectant of entitlements. Sadly, too many African-American youth have overly indulged in the peripheral benefits that the civil rights movement provided. It was never the dream of our civil rights advocates who sacrificed everything, including their lives, for Black youth to have an opportunity to play professional sports, be rappers and wear designer clothing. Clearly, there are Black youth who have taken advantage of many social and economic opportunities that civil rights advocates fought to ensure for the next generation. But far too many Black youth are unwilling to invest in their own future to receive permanent economic benefits for themselves and the Black community.

For those who marched, advocated and campaigned for an end to racial prejudices, segregation and Jim Crow in the 1960s, their shoes are worn, spirits are weakened, hearts are broken as they have helplessly watched in pain as our judicial systems and politicians, slowly and meticulously, chip away many of our civil rights gains. Racism in America continues to lie in shallow waters and, without warning, rises up with a vengeance to remind us that the struggle continues for equal justice in this country.