This month marks my 2year anniversary as a blogger for the Black Youth Project. When Dr. Cathy Cohen suggested that I share my thoughts with the world on this digital platform I was a little apprehensive to say the least.  I wasn’t quite sure if anyone would care to read, nor was I sure if my words could actually impact someone’s life. However, over these past 2 years I received countless emails, letters, and even phone calls from loyal readers who have expressed to me how my blog posts have enlightened, challenged, and even changed the way they think about certain issues.

I’m a true believer that the pen is a powerful tool. It has the power to end wars, inspire minds, and change lives. For close to 14 years now, I’ve been using my pen to breath life into ideas and causes that needed a platform.When I was I 8 years old I wrote a Letter to the Editor of my hometown newspaper, Sarasota Herald Tribune, urging the former Director of Middle Schools to apologize for her statement about calling Black children monkeys. As a 3rd grader with no political influence or sponsor, I went before the Sarasota County School Board and also demanded an apology. I was not skilled, nor experienced in the political process, but I knew that if I spoke loud enough people would hear me. I found that the best way for multiple people to hear me was through the written word. After the Director of Middle School’s apologized for her comments I knew that I had found my gift.

Heading into my senior year of college at the University of Chicago, I have written well over 100 published pieces in local newspapers, magazines, and blogs. However, the platform that I enjoy the most are blogs. For the past 2 years I have written a blog post about pop culture or public affairs every Tuesday for http://blackyouthproject.com The power to produce content and disseminate it at the speed of light has transformed the game of politics and I love it. In fact, I’m currently writing my honors thesis on how African-American youth use social networking sites and blogs as discursive spaces for political deliberation. Continue to speak up and do what you love!

On another, more important note: Please sign the petition to District Attorney Larry Chisolm today. Tell him an innocent life hangs in the balance, and he has your support in preventing Troy Davis’ execution by coming forward to ask the Judge to withdraw the death warrant against Troy.