By: Mabshurah Naware of Edison, NJ
3rd place in ICNA CSJ-NJ’s BHM Essay Contest 2025
Topic: Creating a Fair World: How We Can Continue the Fight for Justice (Grades 7 & 8)
Justice is a necessary, persistent, and continuous fight against oppression and discrimination. It means to treat others fairly and with respect no matter their race, color, beliefs, or background. Often, it’s hard for us to notice injustice unless we are personally inflicted by it. Media censorship and silencing of the oppressed can prevent us from becoming aware of injustice happening around the world. We must acknowledge that injustice is not confined to history books; it continues to be deeply embedded in today’s society. Palestinians and other oppressed groups face injustice daily, being denied basic human rights. Achieving justice requires active effort; it cannot be accomplished passively.
We can’t just sit around and daydream about a better world while we do nothing to help improve this one. You might think an individual’s efforts are useless and never enough to turn the tides of history, many people share this belief so they never even try to fight injustice. But you would be surprised at the impact one person can have when willing to make a small sacrifice. One tiny sacrifice or effort put in by millions of people causes major shifts in the world. Change is not always visible or linear and is often slow but what matters is that we are moving forward towards a world with less injustice.
For example, the ongoing boycott of Israeli products requires little sacrifice; consumers can easily choose brands that uphold and support justice. Purchasing products involves more than just the items inside the package; it reflects your support for the morals and ethics of the brand. Are you comfortable with supporting companies that contribute to genocide and injustice? We must acknowledge that every choice we make impacts the world around us. History has shown us that economic boycotts can be powerful tools for change. For instance, during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1950, African Americans refused to ride buses to protest segregation. This proved successful in 1956 when the Supreme Court ruled segregation on buses was unconstitutional, demonstrating the power of collective action. Another example is the boycott against apartheid South Africa. People boycotted South African products, nations imposed economic sanctions and people refused to engage with the regime. It was a key factor in ending apartheid, leading to Nelson Mandela’s release and South Africa’s first multiracial elections in 1994. We seek justice through our choices—attending protests, signing petitions, donating or volunteering to justice-oriented organizations, or raising awareness on social media.
The Palestine fight for justice isn’t some intangible reality but a possible future if we remain consistent and persistent in our fight against oppression. The struggles seen in Apartheid South Africa and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States show us that change is possible. Let us continue to strive for justice by standing up for Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and all oppressed people around the world.