With Black History Month coming to its end, I just had the privilege to attend my campus' first annual Black Excellence Gala. I was inspired beyond measure to bring light to subjects that matter to me. This topic is so important to me. Black lives matter; black excellence is to be embraced and recognized and social justice will always be important to me. Now I may not be black and I may not know the real struggle. I may only know what I know based on my surroundings when I was younger, or by the things I read or by the things my friends said countless times. I may not know the answers to all black history questions, but it still matters to me and to others, and I can recognize that. I think it takes more than a black person to stand up for this kind of thing. You don't have to be black to care.

To those that think this movement is just a fad, I'm sorry you're so close minded. We're here to create greater standards, instead of conforming. We're here to speak up about the issues that have oppressed thousands over the years, and you won't be able to shut us up.

Dear black person, this whole concept of having your life predetermined for you because of where you grew up, or how much money you have, or what job you have, needs to go. You are just as capable and qualified, and perhaps even more qualified to do what you have in your heart. Don't let anyone bring you down from that thought of success, and don't you dare conform to something that's just good, when you can have great. You hold excellence within you just by existing and dreaming. You can defy odds. Dear black person, don't you know that you are chosen to be extraordinary?

Our guest speaker Kwame Rose spoke about the bumble bee, how it defies the odds just by flying. Scientifically, it shouldn't be possible, but it flies, and it collects pollen, and it creates honey. Honey, you are a bee. You defy odds, you produce, you don't let anyone tell you what you're limited to, because you're not. You're not limited to anything. The only person that can hold you back is yourself. Radiate that excellence, be greater than a standard that has already been made for you. Be a change. Glorify your maker for giving you extraordinary ability.

To those who aren't black like myself, we can't stop speaking up. Issues are ongoing, and definitely not a fad. It's time to encourage black excellence wherever we go.