American History X
I am reminded of a lyric I heard from the movie Sister Act 2, in which it says, “If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you better wakeup and pay attention.” The lyric speaks to the heart of knowing your purpose in life. Seeking to understand that there is a world out that waiting for us all to conquer. We must take advantage of the resources that are afforded to us. One of the key elements to living is education. We must read constantly, staying abreast of the world around us. As we look to propel ourselves for success it is important to be well-rounded.
We are in the first week of February, and it marks the celebration of a people that in the United States had to overcome adverse conditions. A people who are often seen as uncivil and savage. The people I speak of are African Americans. We have all heard the stereotypes, the jokes, the references of how black is not beautiful. How black is a symbol of hardship and/or mourning. The only time you hear black in a flattering manner is if you are speaking of clothing, as it is supposed to be slimming. I want us all to dare to be different, and to erase the status quo. Regardless of what we may all think, everyone is judged before they even have a chance to speak. Many may say they provide others the benefit of the doubt; however, we are shaped by our experiences. We are shaped by our perspectives and the images we come across daily. What we must strive to have is an open mind, to think outside the box, and look at the world and the people in it with a pure heart. It may sound cliché but the best thing we can do as humans is have compassion for our fellow man. We must understand that no one come in this world choosing to be a particular race, nationality or ethnicity. Therefore, we must not seek to pigeon hold anyone into what one may think is the idea person that fits a specific mole.
I believe it is important for us all to trace our heritage. I remember growing up in Chicago, and attending Crispus Attucks Elementary School on the Southside. We use to sing a song that said, “Trace my roots back to Africa, find out who I am. Proud that I have a heritage. One that is rich and strong. Take a look at what we done. The accomplishment we won, proud that I am black”. It was a reminded that regardless of the negativity that is associated with our race, that we are a people who are valued, that come from rich soil and hard work ethic. It was too remind us as students that we could strive to reach the highest mountain. That is what I want us all to have, whether we are rooted in Africa, Europe, or Asia. It is to understand that several people have discovered their passions and have made impacts that we all benefit from today.
Therefore, the mission is critical, and the vision is paramount, to ensure that as we leave our mark on earth, that our voices are heard. No person should feel devalued and think that they have not contributed to the foundation of America. America is the land of immigrates. No one particular group is better than the other, and no one group can proclaim to have contributed more to the success of the country. We are each other’s brothers and sisters, and like it or not, our African American History, is America’s History.
Tactful Talk Tuesday with Taneka