[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




VIRGINIA'S FOURTH DISTRICT BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST--1ST PLACE 
                   HIGH SCHOOL WINNER, ZAHARA FLOWERS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JENNIFER L. McCLELLAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2024

  Ms. McCLELLAN. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following 
essay by 1st Place High School Winner, Zahara Flowers:

       As a student and a future voter, the words of Barack Obama 
     resonate deeply within me. In a world that constantly calls 
     for transformation, it is crucial that we do not wait for 
     others to usher in the change we desire. Instead, we must 
     recognize our own influence and seize the opportunity to 
     become active participants in shaping the future of our 
     communities and our nation. Through a combination of 
     education, advocacy, and civic engagement, we can harness our 
     collective power to effect meaningful change.
       Education is the foundation of empowerment. As students, we 
     have a unique opportunity to expand our knowledge and 
     understanding of the pressing issues facing our society. By 
     immersing ourselves in subjects such as history, civics, and 
     social sciences, we gain valuable insights into the root 
     causes of inequality, injustice, and structural barriers. 
     Moreover, education equips us with the critical thinking 
     skills necessary to analyze complex problems and develop 
     innovative solutions. As such, I encourage my peers to 
     prioritize their education and to actively seek out 
     opportunities for learning both inside and outside the 
     classroom.
       However, education alone is not enough. We must also 
     translate our knowledge into action through advocacy. This 
     involves raising awareness about key issues, amplifying the 
     voices of marginalized communities, and holding our elected 
     officials accountable. One way to do this is by engaging in 
     community outreach efforts. Whether it's through volunteering 
     with local nonprofits, participating in protests and 
     demonstrations, or simply having conversations with friends 
     and family, every action we take has the potential to create 
     ripple effects of change. Additionally, we can utilize social 
     media platforms to share information, mobilize support, and 
     build solidarity around important causes. By harnessing the 
     power of our collective voices, we can create a momentum that 
     compels policymakers to take meaningful action.
       Furthermore, civic engagement is essential for fostering a 
     culture of democracy and social responsibility. As future 
     voters, we have a responsibility to participate in the 
     electoral process and to exercise our right to vote. This 
     means registering to vote, staying informed about candidates 
     and ballot measures, and turning out to the polls on Election 
     Day. Moreover, we must recognize that our civic duty extends 
     beyond casting a ballot every few years. We must also 
     actively engage with our elected officials, advocating for 
     policies that reflect our values and priorities. Whether it's 
     writing letters, making phone calls, or attending town hall 
     meetings, our voices have the power to shape the political 
     landscape and influence decision-making at every level of 
     government.
       In conclusion, the journey toward meaningful change begins 
     with recognizing our own power and embracing our role as 
     change makers in our communities. Through education, 
     advocacy, and civic engagement, we can harness the power of 
     collective action to address the pressing challenges of our 
     time. As students and future voters, we have the opportunity 
     and the obligation to shape the future we want to see. Let us 
     heed the call to action, knowing that the power to create 
     change lies within each and every one of us. As the first 
     Black President of the United States, Barack Obama, once 
     said: ``Change will not come if we wait for some other person 
     or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. 
     We are the change that we seek.''

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