In a country of increasing political tensions, it has become incredibly difficult for many citizens to be comfortable living in the only land they know. Torn by controversy, many Americans pray that the all-too-consistent terrorizing events cease to continue. Once a foreign act of hostility, these events now seem to be happening every other week. Charlottesville, the latest act of animosity, created a new low for the country as violence and terror broadcast right into our homes.
Chants such as “White lives matter,” and “blood and soil,” were a few of the many phrases heard that night, and they were ignited and fueled by the counter-protesters, who came to demonstrate that actions such as those were not acceptable in a country that should embrace freedom and diversity. Over the past year, I believe race relations have been decreasing in toleration, and it has become “normal” to see the back-handed acceptance of hate derived acts.
In a place where people have begun to fear, it is important to provide a sense of unity, to provide a place where voices can be heard, and to create a sense of community built from positivity and love.
At Collins Hill High School, and in 43 other schools across Georgia, a certain club makes this their goal. HoPe, the Hispanic Organization Promoting Education, strives to create an environment where its members can rely on their community to uplift and support them. Impacting over 2,500 students across the southeast, HoPe trains high school students to become leaders in their community through its pillar of leadership, education, and community service, and provides them with resources to continue their education in efforts to create a better world. In the words of HoPe’s co-founder, Angela Hurtado, this organization urges us to, “Be the Hope in the World.”
