Declaration of Diversity

Declaration of Diversity

By Nahchon Guyton January 17, 2003

We the people of the United States of America, to form a more perfect union and to establish justice, equality, and acceptance for all nationalities. Hold these truths to be self-evident, America is and always will be a diverse nation. To continue the growth and freedoms of this country, we must celebrate and embrace our diversity. We can no longer use a prefix in a front of American, by eliminating the prefixes (White, Native, African, Latin, Mexican, etc.) we remove the precursor of systematic segregation.

We do not intend to eliminate or do away with cultural events and our diverse communities. However, we wish to do away with the inadequate study of American History. We believe that American history should not only include the European experiences and the African experiences but all the experiences of every nation that has contributed to this great land of ours.  In an unbiased manner, that tells the stories of what occurred good, bad and the ugly. We will no longer tolerate the advancement of bigotry, hatred, and segregation based on skin color or country of origin.

We the people believe that it bases the wealth of this country on the diverse population of this country. No one group can take full credit for the growth of this nation. We can blame no one group for the decay that has destroyed the communities of this great country called America. We cannot nor should we blame the homeless, the poor or the highs and lows of the economy. However, we can and should place the blame on greed, fear and the lack of acceptance of different cultures. Who is to blame? People are to blame, their lack of respect for themselves and others has done more damage than all the drugs, alcohol and non-violent crimes combined. Self-esteem and self-worth have been destroyed because people are intolerant of change. By allowing these events to continue, we are creating an environment of vast poverty, civil decay.

We the people know of the components and the struggles of change. To ignite the fire for this, we need a change, we must begin in our backyards, with our children in our schools, in our churches and our communities. By training our children on the value of difference and encouraging them to be open to a multi-cultural world without being afraid that their culture will disappear. This will open the minds of the youth to see that, different is not better or worse it is just different. We know that change will occur; we know that enrichment of person and ideas will spring forth. We also know that if change does not come in this area, we as American and the World will suffer and be destroyed by our own hands of fear and intolerance of change. We also know that in this life change is constant and will come, but at what expense?

We may not all look alike, but we are all Americans, those of us that have come here legally and went through the process of accepting, learning and integrating into America. We may not all believe the same, but we are all Americans. We may not all dress alike, but we are all Americans. We all may not get along on this or that, but at the end of the day, we are all Americans. We are all Americans not because we are from Europe and our skin is white, but because we were born here or applied for citizenship and the American Government accepted our request. We are not the same, and this is what makes us, all Americans.

We declare that this Declaration of Diversity will be the beginning of a new era, an era of change where America will be the land in which our forefathers pledged allegiance to one nation under God, indivisible. We understand that differences are what has and what will continue to make this a country of diverse greatness. How can two stand together in unity unless they agree? Let’s agree to celebrate the diversity of this great country of ours. One nation, United under the only colors that should matter the Red, White, and Blue. If you agree with this Declaration and willing to stand up for diversity, please sign this and let your voice be heard that we the people of America welcome change, and will no longer judge people by the color of their skin but by the content and depth of their character.