In the early hours of Tuesday, January 29th, 2019, “Empire” actor and member/activist of the LGBT community, Jussie Smollett, was brutally attacked by two racists in Chicago.
The attackers poured an unknown chemical on Smollett, yelled racial and homophobic slurs at him, and put a noose around his neck. Luckily, Smollet was released from the hospital in “good condition”. Unfortunately, the attackers got away and the situation is currently under investigation to find the suspects of the hate crime.
It is unfortunate and disgusting that in 2019, hate crimes are still alive. These are issues Blacks had to deal with in the 1960s and they are only getting worse. As a nation, we need to unite and learn to love and accept one another for our differences. Smollet did not deserve the treatment he received; he deserves justice. It is imperative that as a country we take more situations like this seriously. All too often we ignore these situations and allow perpetrators to get away with the things that they do.
For the start of Black History Month, I challenge everyone to take a stand for the people who get disrespected on a daily basis for their differences. We have let too many names, too many situations, and too many opportunities turn to dust without talking about them. Whether you’re black or white, gay or straight, young or old it is important that we take a stand to get justice for all no matter the case.