For centuries, Black Americans have been a foundational force in shaping this nation, often without receiving the recognition they deserve. Every step forward in civil rights, immigration, labor justice and social progress owes a debt to the resilience, creativity, and courage of Black Americans.
Through the Civil Rights Movement, we fought not only for our own liberation but also for a more just and inclusive America. In doing so, we set the table from which everyone eats today. From fighting for freedom to pushing for equity, our contributions helped define the democracy we all share. This was the motivation behind Dr. King’s dream, a dream that remains deferred. The struggle for racial justice is far from over. Every January we reflect on the dream of Dr. King and a few weeks later in February, public officials, councils and corporations make proclamations celebrating Black History Month.
Don’t get me wrong, we are honored with speeches and symbolic gestures, but, too often, these words fail to translate into real, lasting change. In San Mateo County and across the country, while we celebrate our diversity, Black Americans still face the same systemic inequalities we have fought for decades to dismantle. These inequities … poverty, political disenfranchise-ment, health, education, environmental and criminal justice disparities are deeply rooted in the systemic policies and practices directly aligned with the continued badges and incidents of enslavement.
It’s time to move beyond empty gestures. We can no longer settle for recognition without transformation. We must demand more.
I too have a dream. A dream of a county where poverty no longer keeps people down, where homelessness is eradicated, where food insecurity is a thing of the past and where every person has access to health care, and wealth building, regardless of their race or background. A dream of a future where we work toward a democracy that truly represents all its people.
This dream will only be realized if we unite. We can overcome poverty, but only if we implement policies that create economic opportunities for everyone. We can end homelessness, but only if we invest in affordable housing and community-based solutions. We can eliminate food insecurity, but only if we ensure that every person has access to high quality nutritious, affordable food. We build a more just society, but only if we recognize the humanity and redemptive qualities of our incarcerated and justice involved community. We can fight health disparities, but only if we make health care accessible to all and act to acknowledge and act to recognize the medical injustices facing Black women and infants today. And, yes, we can resist the threat of an autocracy, hate, disparities and injustice, but we must protect our democratic rights and stand against those forces that seek to divide us.
My vision of a more just San Mateo County is one where all voices are heard, all needs are met, and all people thrive. But we can’t get there unless we do so together, recognizing our shared humanity and by lifting one another up.
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Our fight for freedom has always been at the core of the storied Black struggle in America. But today, we must expand that vision of freedom. It’s not just freedom from bigotry and hatred, but freedom from the false promises and gaslighting that tell us things are improving when they’re not. We must demand real freedom; the freedom to live without fear of discrimination, the freedom to love without restriction, and the freedom to dream without limits.
We must stop waiting for someone else to act, it’s time for real, transformative change.
San Mateo County has the potential to be a model of what’s possible in this country. We can overcome the challenges we face, but only if we unite in purpose and action. As we celebrate Dr. King and prepare to honor Black History Month, let’s not just honor the past; let’s commit to shaping a future that reflects the ideals of freedom, justice and equality for all.
Where there is despair, we must show hope. Where there is fear, we must show resolve. Where there is hatred, we must show love. And where systems are broken, we must come together to build new ones that work for all of us.
Together, we can create a San Mateo County that is for all, by all, and representative of all. In recognizing that our shared humanity is the glue that holds us together in this global gumbo we call home, we can truly transform our county. Let’s rise to the occasion and be the change we wish to see in the world.
Maurice Goodman is the president of NAACP San Mateo.
Thank you President Goodman and the NAACP for lifting up the vision of a just and thriving San Mateo County for all. We are one of the wealthiest counties in the country, we can be leaders in showing how to lift people out of poverty, provide housing and health care, and make our justice system work for all.
Nancy, your empty words do nothing, move nothing and your so called vision does nothing. How about espousing a real formula for success for the black community. Stop getting pregnant in high school, stop having multiple children when single, go to high school and graduate, go to college or a trade school and graduate, attain a well paying job prior to getting married or getting pregnant. No amount of excuses will make things better, it's up the the NAACP, LeBron, and other black people with large platforms to tell the back community they are not victims, they just need to make better decisions.
Nancy, "we can" does nothing... I provided real examples and formulas for lifting blacks and all people. The history that matters is the last 60 years of blacks being enslaved by the crumbs the democrats have left on the corners of Chicago, SF, Oakland, St Louis, Baltimore etc.. with ZERO progress. Crime and poverty runs rampant in these cities because of your way of thinking and the democrats approach of keeping blacks enslaved. In November 2024, blacks voted in record numbers for Trump because they have had and seen enough of YOUR empty words and the democrat promises. Nancy, your words are as false as a toupee and your way of thinking the problem.
Thanks for your guest perspective, Mr. Goodman. You’ve detailed a great dream we can aspire to but I’d like to remind you that this dream should be applied to all people and not just black people as per the sentiments expressed by NancyG. I wish you good luck in your efforts.
Mr. Goodman - I truly wished you would start addressing the progress that we as a country have made since Martin Luther King's speech. "From fighting for freedom to pushing for equity, our contributions helped define the democracy we all share. This was the motivation behind Dr. King’s dream, a dream that remains deferred. The struggle for racial justice is far from over." At what time and by what measure would you be satisfied with realizing that the struggle that you highlight will be resolved? Don't you get that we as a nation are still evolving and that includes Black America, as well as everyone else? Certainly, there have been significant progress in the relations that prevailed in the 1960s and you can't keep on pushing your race baiting on those of us who have made honest efforts to foster inclusivity in various forms. It seems that the NAACP would like to adhere to a past that is no longer relevant. To some degree we all struggle and we don't let it get in the way of looking forward as Dr. King admonished us to do.
"As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.... We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one... We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
Nancy - you live in the past. Sorry, but there are no more Negroes in this country. It took a while but now we have colored folk, some black, and some other colors. I take it that white is not a color. The white ones, like me, are now in a minority and we are not screaming for justice and clamoring for what once was. Your anecdotes are hopelessly dated but I understand you have a need to cling to the past so that you can express your frustration about not haven taken the opportunities that were made available to you and those who still believe in Mr. Goodman. Then, there are millions who are now living the Dream that MLK spoke of.
People of color in the United States of America have more opportunities than 99% of the world's population. It is what the people of color do with their opportunities and at this point in history, it's time to stop complaining, making excuses and accept the fact that the people of color have done little to move forward. The Democrat party has used blacks as pawns and have fought to keep blacks enslaved, and yet blacks have continued to vote for their slave masters for 70 years. Consequently, Blacks only have themselves to blame
I will keep it 100% - the only racism I have ever seen in this world is from Black People to White People. You are the hateful one Mr. Goodman. I had an employee of mine tell me after one year of being friends - "the minute you were born with that white skin - you got 1 Million dollars - and don't you dare tell me otherwise". I couldn't believe that people actually feel this way. Its pathetic - and its ubiquitous. You are mad at your mom and dad for not taking care of you - you are not mad at me - and you cant get over it. Thats why you can't do a real job and have to go the nonprofit route - because you are incapable of getting along like a normal person.
"In San Mateo County and across the country, while we celebrate our diversity, Black Americans still face the same systemic inequalities we have fought for decades to dismantle. These inequities … poverty, political disenfranchise-ment, health, education, environmental and criminal justice disparities are deeply rooted in the systemic policies and practices directly aligned with the continued badges and incidents of enslavement."
With all due respect - you are out of your mind. Let me quote Thomas Sowell here “the victim's ploy, which says: "I am a victim. Therefore, if you do not give in to my demands and let me walk over you like a doormat, it shows that you are a hate-filled, evil person.” That is you. And its not going to fly anymore.
"It’s time to move beyond empty gestures. We can no longer settle for recognition without transformation. We must demand more."
What are you "demanding"? Why is it always so militant? What are you going to do if I don't give into your "demands"? You don't get to legislate peoples minds - unless you want to do it by force - which we all know is what you really want to do.
"A dream of a county where poverty no longer keeps people down, where homelessness is eradicated, where food insecurity is a thing of the past and where every person has access to health care, and wealth building, regardless of their race or background. A dream of a future where we work toward a democracy that truly represents all its people."
He says it all here. What a horrible thing to say about the working poor - that poverty is what breeds negative behavior. I have met countless people that grew up in poverty and that did not define them. First generations college kids that can now take care of their mother. And you say "Wealth Building" is a "right"? I think you are a Black Supremacist to be honest. You say just enough "nice" things until you can say I want white people to suffer. Black Women are the majority of getting abortions - you need to go check your own community. Killing a child is not "health care" . Imagine seeking guidance from this loser. A moron wrote this.
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(10) comments
Thank you President Goodman and the NAACP for lifting up the vision of a just and thriving San Mateo County for all. We are one of the wealthiest counties in the country, we can be leaders in showing how to lift people out of poverty, provide housing and health care, and make our justice system work for all.
Nancy, your empty words do nothing, move nothing and your so called vision does nothing. How about espousing a real formula for success for the black community. Stop getting pregnant in high school, stop having multiple children when single, go to high school and graduate, go to college or a trade school and graduate, attain a well paying job prior to getting married or getting pregnant. No amount of excuses will make things better, it's up the the NAACP, LeBron, and other black people with large platforms to tell the back community they are not victims, they just need to make better decisions.
Words matter amd so does history.
Nancy, "we can" does nothing... I provided real examples and formulas for lifting blacks and all people. The history that matters is the last 60 years of blacks being enslaved by the crumbs the democrats have left on the corners of Chicago, SF, Oakland, St Louis, Baltimore etc.. with ZERO progress. Crime and poverty runs rampant in these cities because of your way of thinking and the democrats approach of keeping blacks enslaved. In November 2024, blacks voted in record numbers for Trump because they have had and seen enough of YOUR empty words and the democrat promises. Nancy, your words are as false as a toupee and your way of thinking the problem.
Thanks for your guest perspective, Mr. Goodman. You’ve detailed a great dream we can aspire to but I’d like to remind you that this dream should be applied to all people and not just black people as per the sentiments expressed by NancyG. I wish you good luck in your efforts.
Mr. Goodman - I truly wished you would start addressing the progress that we as a country have made since Martin Luther King's speech. "From fighting for freedom to pushing for equity, our contributions helped define the democracy we all share. This was the motivation behind Dr. King’s dream, a dream that remains deferred. The struggle for racial justice is far from over." At what time and by what measure would you be satisfied with realizing that the struggle that you highlight will be resolved? Don't you get that we as a nation are still evolving and that includes Black America, as well as everyone else? Certainly, there have been significant progress in the relations that prevailed in the 1960s and you can't keep on pushing your race baiting on those of us who have made honest efforts to foster inclusivity in various forms. It seems that the NAACP would like to adhere to a past that is no longer relevant. To some degree we all struggle and we don't let it get in the way of looking forward as Dr. King admonished us to do.
MLK said in his speech, :I Have a Dream:"
"As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.... We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one... We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream."
Nancy - you live in the past. Sorry, but there are no more Negroes in this country. It took a while but now we have colored folk, some black, and some other colors. I take it that white is not a color. The white ones, like me, are now in a minority and we are not screaming for justice and clamoring for what once was. Your anecdotes are hopelessly dated but I understand you have a need to cling to the past so that you can express your frustration about not haven taken the opportunities that were made available to you and those who still believe in Mr. Goodman. Then, there are millions who are now living the Dream that MLK spoke of.
People of color in the United States of America have more opportunities than 99% of the world's population. It is what the people of color do with their opportunities and at this point in history, it's time to stop complaining, making excuses and accept the fact that the people of color have done little to move forward. The Democrat party has used blacks as pawns and have fought to keep blacks enslaved, and yet blacks have continued to vote for their slave masters for 70 years. Consequently, Blacks only have themselves to blame
I will keep it 100% - the only racism I have ever seen in this world is from Black People to White People. You are the hateful one Mr. Goodman. I had an employee of mine tell me after one year of being friends - "the minute you were born with that white skin - you got 1 Million dollars - and don't you dare tell me otherwise". I couldn't believe that people actually feel this way. Its pathetic - and its ubiquitous. You are mad at your mom and dad for not taking care of you - you are not mad at me - and you cant get over it. Thats why you can't do a real job and have to go the nonprofit route - because you are incapable of getting along like a normal person.
"In San Mateo County and across the country, while we celebrate our diversity, Black Americans still face the same systemic inequalities we have fought for decades to dismantle. These inequities … poverty, political disenfranchise-ment, health, education, environmental and criminal justice disparities are deeply rooted in the systemic policies and practices directly aligned with the continued badges and incidents of enslavement."
With all due respect - you are out of your mind. Let me quote Thomas Sowell here “the victim's ploy, which says: "I am a victim. Therefore, if you do not give in to my demands and let me walk over you like a doormat, it shows that you are a hate-filled, evil person.” That is you. And its not going to fly anymore.
"It’s time to move beyond empty gestures. We can no longer settle for recognition without transformation. We must demand more."
What are you "demanding"? Why is it always so militant? What are you going to do if I don't give into your "demands"? You don't get to legislate peoples minds - unless you want to do it by force - which we all know is what you really want to do.
"A dream of a county where poverty no longer keeps people down, where homelessness is eradicated, where food insecurity is a thing of the past and where every person has access to health care, and wealth building, regardless of their race or background. A dream of a future where we work toward a democracy that truly represents all its people."
He says it all here. What a horrible thing to say about the working poor - that poverty is what breeds negative behavior. I have met countless people that grew up in poverty and that did not define them. First generations college kids that can now take care of their mother. And you say "Wealth Building" is a "right"? I think you are a Black Supremacist to be honest. You say just enough "nice" things until you can say I want white people to suffer. Black Women are the majority of getting abortions - you need to go check your own community. Killing a child is not "health care" . Imagine seeking guidance from this loser. A moron wrote this.
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