March on Washington anniversary draws calls to defend the vo…

Young African Americans showed up in admirable numbers for the march – some waving signs, others holding large banners or sporting college gear. But all were eager to share their thoughts and express their optimism.

Three youth from New Orleans, visiting a colleague in Baltimore, agreed that it’s time for today’s leaders to make room for them at the table and allow them to contribute their views, skills, and to help shape the future.

“I’m here to support democracy and to let our leaders know that we want to participate in the fight for equal rights and to ensure that our voting rights are not stripped away. The world would be a better place if young people were encouraged to engage with our elders,” said Zion Crawford, 17.

History Ecclesiastes, 17, said he’s tired of feeling like his opinions don’t matter.

“It’s hard to be heard when so many people think young people don’t care about serious matters, but we do – I do,” he said. “A lot of my friends are already looking at the future, plotting out paths to success and following the examples of successful, older people. People often forget – we ARE the future.”

Derwin Joseph, 25, said he was excited to participate in his first march. Still, he’s concerned about the divisions in America.

“I hate to admit that it does feel like we’re moving backwards and not forward,” he said. “Racism is certainly alive and well. It’s way too loud so no one is listening to each other. Some Blacks who have made it don’t seem interested in being part of this movement. But we need everybody. This is serious.”

As for the trio’s Baltimore-based friend, she said she attended the march because of that inner voice within her.

“My spirit told me I needed to be here and I trust my spirit,” said Mekaiya Burton, 22. “The Black community needs to be more willing to help one another – to show real love and concern. The kind of support that I’ve heard older people call southern hospitality.”

Lauren Thomas, 18, a freshman at Howard University, and a member of Howard’s NAN youth chapter, said she, along with about a dozen classmates, came out to defend the vote.

“I am here to use my voice and to be an advocate for others who could not get here,” Thomas said. “I plan to major in political science and want to be a lawyer one day. So this is good practice and experience for the kinds of things I’ll be doing one day.”