Jackson Free Press

Looking into our past prepares us for the future.

It is evident that concept has become a cliche, but very rarely is it easy to interpret the parallels and patterns that history has laid out for us. It isn't impossible to figure these things out with resources online or in journals. It is an invaluable resource, however, to have leaders present who can serve as primary sources to navigate young people through their own understanding.

One of these resources is Bob Moses, who very often teaches the concept of "constitutional people." The idea begins with the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Those who framed it, participated within it and had the power to change it are the constitutional people.

Those who were not able to benefit directly from it are considered "constitutional property."

In a recent interview with TheRealNews.com, Moses explains this idea further. "So we began with white male property owners who were the constitutional people," he said. "But over two and a quarter centuries we have expanded the reach of who the constitutional people are in the country, and the Civil Rights Movement, right, opened that up, right?"

Although the institution of slavery has been defunct in our country for generations, and minorities and women have gained the right to vote and participate in constitutional equality, there will always be work to be done. As long as people can read the Preamble of the United States Constitution and feel as if their voice isn't valid, there is work to be done.

Dr. Moses believes that the next step to creating true freedom is giving more voice to the young people of America. "I mean, I think the kids now who are between 10 years old and 40, they will be running the country 30 years from now," he told TheRealNews.com.

Many of the contributors and subjects of the articles in this issue fit into that category. Many of us, for other reasons, whether it be special needs, sexual orientation, financial standing, religion or interests feel as if our constitutional voice is drowned out. When these cases persist, it is impossible to act as a bystander when individuals with constitutional rights choose not to exercise them. When history leaves behind the audio of the pain in Fannie Lou Hamer's voice, as she detailed the consequences of her persistence to vote to the Democratic National Convention in 1964, rendering a ballot becomes a necessity. Her words serve as a reminder of how it feels to have no voice at all.

With so many tools to influence and inspire today, we can't make excuses for leaving others behind. Look around. Can we all say "We the people," and mean it? Now, it is the responsibility of the millennial generation to take actions daily to safeguard and expand our freedoms.

The 2014 JFP summer intern class brainstormed and wrote this editorial.