We must be the difference.

My heart is heavy for the city of Pittsburgh, but I want that feeling to move me to action. I want to be the difference. My plan is to protest with my vote. I’m going to make it my business, this November 6th, to make a change. My vote will be cast for those who are also tired of extending thoughts and prayers for senseless tragedies. It’s past time for us to be the difference.

If we are the nation that we say we are, we don’t mind that folks pray and worship differently than us. If we are the nation that we say we are, we appreciate that folks skin color differs from our own. If we are the nation that we say we are, difference is what makes us, US--the United States.

It’s up to us to be fed up, not just today, but from now on because too much is at stake. It’s our generation that has to carry the torch and hold our elected officials accountable. No more saying “My vote doesn’t matter.” That can no longer be an excuse. Use some of the five minutes that you are mindlessly scrolling Instagram to ensure that you know who you should be voting for in just a matter of days.

There are a myriad of other ways that you and i can shift the culture, but this is where it starts.
Be the difference. Our time is now.