Each day we find ourselves receiving more and more information confirming this country is trying exponentially hard to make people of color continuously fight for freedom. Whether it’s the freedom to unapologetically be ourselves or trying to maintain the right to freedoms previously won, the mission is the same: to distract us, dismantle us, and disparage us from all hope.

The recent Supreme Court decision effectively ending race-based affirmative action policies in American college admissions and another decision discharging some or all federal student loan debt for tens of millions of Americans leaves an unsettling feeling for many of us. Before this recent affirmative action decision, nine states had implemented affirmative action bans for years. And despite the fact that data shows efforts to maintain or increase diversity at those state institutions dwindled significantly, here we are.

It’s a substantial hit on our ability to receive higher education on somewhat of a level playing field. These challenging changes are following the anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, making it a trifecta of civil rights reversals. None of it leads in the direction of a more perfect union. Historically, Mississippi has always been a central part of the fight for democracy, and today is no different. We need civic engagement more than ever.

There is a deliberate attempt to stop the progress of Black people, and we must, unfortunately, keep breaking barriers. Historically Black Colleges and Universities weren’t created because we wanted them. We needed them. And they are still just as instrumental today. We must continue to support them and fight to get the funding they deserve, BUT we should also have the right to go to any college we desire.

Get motivated. Get involved. Get out and vote this upcoming election season.