Letter of the Week: Change without destruction

I am a 41-year-old African-American woman. I was raised under less-than-desirable conditions, and no one understands the frustrations that are bred out of neglectful conditions better than I do.

Yet, when do we as African-Americans, and as people in general, realize that we are the destructive force that needs to change?

What troubles me most is when people use race to fuel violent behavior, and worse yet do not take personal responsibility in how and why “things” haven’t changed.

How many people will show up to vote out corrupt officials who perpetuate the demise of communities?

And how many will stop excusing their lack of participation by remaining willfully ignorant of what it takes to bring real change into existence?

Change in anything will come only from changing ourselves and how we actively participate for change.

Natesha Renee Oliver of Kansas City was born in Greenwood, Miss., and raised in Chicago. She attended DeVry University in Chicago. She is active with the political organization Missouri Independents Stand Together.

This story was originally published December 7, 2014 at 9:00 AM with the headline "Letter of the Week: Change without destruction."