There is a natural, slow temperament in the body of those who are not themselves being harassed, imprisoned, segregated, or abused. And there is a rapid temperament which inhabits those who are aware of social and political discrepancies, whether those discrepancies affect their own condition or not.

The fact that people become heroes and sheroes can be credited to their ability to identify and empathize with “the other.” These men and women could continue to live quite comfortably with their slow temperament, but they chose not to. They make the decision to be conscious of the other—the homeless and the hopeless, the downtrodden and oppressed. Heroism has nothing to do with skin color or social status. It is a state of mind and a willingness to act for what is right and just.

If we don't say enough about these heroes—those who went before us and acted in a heartfelt way—our young people will be discouraged from trying to do what is right. It is important to claim as part of our heritage the good action and the victories they engendered.