The Savannah Tribune announces the third in a series of articles written by guest columnist Taqwaa Falaq Saleem. Taqwaa is a 2008 honor graduate with the B.A. in English Language and Literature from Savannah State University where she was also awarded the coveted President's Second Mile Award at the commencement ceremonies. She is currently a graduate student and teaching assistant at Georgia Southern University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

On my drive back from Atlanta a few weeks ago, I was pulled over by Statesboro Police. My sorority sister was in the car with me, and when I noticed the flashing lights, we both wondered why he was pulling me over. The officer cited me for speeding in an area I travel daily and know very well. He would not entertain my questions as to whether he was sure it was indeed me he thought was speeding but he did inform me that if I refused to sign the citation, he arrest me. Steaming with anger, I signed a citation for an offense I knew I had not committed and listened to this officer rattle off a speech on when I could go to court to contest the ticket should I choose. His tone and demeanor with me were not of a person speaking to another human being. I was nothing to him beyond the number at the top of my citation. Contesting the wrongful speeding charge was not an option for me as the officer advised, it was the only decision to make. Nothing may come of my contest in the local municipal court but I will be present, nonetheless, to let my voice be heard and defend for myself.

Being Black in America means using our voices to speak against injustice and wrongdoings. My mother raised me to speak up. Even if nothing changes, at least I have the peace of knowing I was not silent in the face of wrong. To simply pay a citation without argument for something I know I did not do would be my conceit to the injustice. Being black is using the same vitality and motivation we use to celebrate exciting, positive news when speaking out against something we feel is wrong. We need not accept poor service in restaurants or stores. We need not be silent when we feel we've been disrespected on our jobs.

Being black in America means having the zest and zeal to be comfortable in our opinions and intuition. If something does not seem right, does not look right, or just does not feel right, something is not right. When your instinct gives you a signal to speak up against what bothers your intuition, do not hesitate. Be like the late Rosa Parks who was amongst countless others speaking out against the unjust segregation on public transportation in Alabama. Change did not come instantly from those taking a stance but change eventually came. Being black is being like legendary dancer and choreographer Katherine Dunham who took on a hunger strike protesting discriminatory policies against Haitian people. Being black is being like Nelson Mandela, spending years in prison because of his passion to end apartheid in South Africa. Being black in America right now means possessing the grace and humility of Sidney Portier and Cicely Tyson who base their lives on uncompromising principles and believe in the power of their voices and places in humanity. Being black in America is about being heard. Speak!

Taqwaa Falaq Saleem