Retunda Jackson wrote about unity for the NAACP
Special to The American
Black people must first respect themselves before expecting others to hold them in high regard, said an SIUE East St. Louis Charter School senior.
“The ‘N’ word is the most degrading stereotype we carry around to this day,” wrote Retunda Jackson. “This word is unacceptable and unjust for anyone of any race to use.”
The passage above was taken from the essay “Power Beyond Measure . . . United We Stand,” which won second place in the Second Annual East St. Louis NAACP High School Senior Essay Contest, open for high school seniors throughout St. Clair County.
Jackson received an NAACP Scholarship of $1,000 and a year membership to that organization..
The 17-year-old was honored recently at the 53rd Annual East St. Louis NAACP Freedom Fund Life Membership Banquet at the Millennium Hotel in St. Louis.
Jackson’s essay placed emphasis on ways the black community can act effectively. Jackson proposes that: “dropping the ‘N’ word out of our vocabulary, ending the degradation of women in rap songs and instilling better values in our children,” are ways that the black community can gain power.
Also, Jackson placed importance on instilling moral values such as self-respect and self-esteem, specifically within youth.
She wrote, “It’s time for us to teach the children that what they do not know will kill them. We should be role models, setting examples and not just giving directions.”
Jackson said her essay content was inspired by a deep compassion for her community. “I like helping people, and I want to see my community get better,” she said. Jackson takes that conviction personally. “I plan to be an OB-GYN, so that I can help heal African-American women.”
Fortunately, Jackson is surrounded by educators who support her. “Retunda Jackson is one of the most dedicated and diligent young women that I’ve come to know,” said Sharon Joiner, English instructor at the East St. Louis Charter School.
There is a lot of promise in Jackson, according to Anthony Neal, East St. Louis Charter School principal.
“Retunda is an exceptionally hard working student and is an example of what every student in the school can do when they are focused,” he said. “She is willing to go the extra mile, and she has a sincere desire to be successful.”