There is no better day to celebrate our nation than on Independence Day. It is a day that every citizen should have a sense of belonging wherever they find themselves.

To all who have expressed outrage, disgust, anxiety, empathy, or bewilderment at how this crisis in social justice can be our reality in 2020, I ask you to take some time and call a friend, colleague, a mixed race relative-someone who is Black or looks Black-and have a real conversation with them. During this conversation, ask them what it is like for them day to day as a citizen in American society, what their experiences have been as it pertains to racism. This is not likely to be a five-minute conversation. But if you really care to understand, if you really want to fix this problem, if you really want the protests to bring sweeping change, if you really want to make a change in society for the better, you need to start with an understanding of what is it like to be Black in America.

In a column I penned just under a year ago, entitled "CARIBBEAN SUSTAINABILITY", I posed the question “When are we going to open the Caribbean parachute?”

This year, our nation – our world – has been faced with unprecedented challenges. From a global health crisis to civil unrest and the reminder of inequalities for people of color, our strength, our faith and our wills have all been tested. As we enter the eight month of 2020, I gain strength from the opportunities before us. The opportunity to listen. To grow. To mend. And to change.

Tallahassee, Fla. — The State of Florida’s 2020-2021 budget was signed by the governor. As COVID-19 cases increase, and the pandemic causes state revenue shortfalls and funding needs for response efforts across the board, $1 billion in cuts was announced from projects for affordable housing, education, social services, and more. Commissioner Nikki Fried offered the following statement:

What happens in prison does not stay in prison. The cell blocks and bars give us a false sense of containment. Nothing could be further from the truth. According to the Justice Department, "The average time served by state prisoners released in 2016, from initial admission to initial release, was 2.6 years, and the median time served was 1.3 years."

"Sir Everton (Weekes) was … a most amazing pioneer in West Indies cricket - a gentleman and quite simply a wonderful human being. I got to spend a couple hours with him last year just sitting at his home and talking with him, at a time when he was recovering from a serious illness. I have never known a more humble and gentle human being. I grew to appreciate his sense of humor and his love of people, and witnessed the love and respect that so many held for him in Barbados and across the entire region. I am so privileged to have known this amazing West Indian legend and gentleman.” - Ricky Skerritt, President, Cricket West Indies

Most of the time in America, when you break a record, you are congratulated for a job well done. During the reality of Covid-19, breaking a record generally means that the numbers are going in the wrong direction. In the last week over 56,000 Americans on a daily level are being infected by the coronavirus pandemic.

As President Trump and Vice President Pence tell lie after lie, it is time for the truth. When there are catastrophic problems in every industry, and the country is being held together with stimulus money, it will eventually crash. President Trump has been a failure and criminal in business, and as President of the United States, he has been incompetent, a criminal, been impeached, and has contributed to thousands of Americans dying with the Covid-19 pandemic.

With three and a half more months before the presidential election, President Trump will become more desperate and dangerous as he fights to win a second term. As he becomes more arrogant and assertive, the rule of law becomes less significant and important to him. At this point in office corruption is more overt, and not secret or hidden.

African Americans knew that Donald Trump was going to be a problem.  Nearly ninety percent voted against him, voicing their strong opposition. That vote was higher than any other ethnic group in the nation.

On 6-4 and 6-10-2020, “The Concerned Citizens of the Unsung Essential Workers” gave two parades at Carver Middle School and McCoy Elementary School in Orange County - also Wicklow Elementary School Midway Elementary and Sanford Middle School in Seminole County. The purpose of these parades/events was to show our appreciation for the workers, whose heartfelt dedication has kept us safe and serving food in their community during a worldwide pandemic.