A man in control of himself has infinite power.
Ultimately, we make decisions which govern our lives and opportunities. When we are born, there are others who have advantages over us, and those with less advantages than we have.
I believe that yes, Blacks too often are born into disadvantage financially and socially. However, I refuse to believe that we are incapable of facing any challenge which is set before us.
We are too often represented negatively in film, music, and TV. However, we also have so much talent to offer in art, music, literature, poetry, and acting. We must make a conscious choice to support the artforms which advance our community, and reject those which harm us mentally and spiritually.
Black people are often victimized financially. But in many cases, we can avoid financial traps by spending and investing wisely, obtaining a good education (or educating each other when this is not possible), and putting our entrepreneurial minds together. Many lives and families of all races are destroyed by poor decisions, apathy, and ignorance with regards to finance.
It is time for us to stop buying into "the ghetto mentality", consumerism, and other behaviors which rob us of our ability to work together productively. Imagine what could be accomplished if twenty Black college students get together and support each other in positive behaviors.
Our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and ancestors faced clear obstacles to their progress, as we do. However, they were determined to "find a way" whether it was teaching each other to read in barns and basements by candlelight, or saving for years to own a home.
We need to speak up against those who are destroying us from within, through drugs, crime, and ignorance. We cannot expect any hope for the future until we start having some honest talk in our homes, our schools, our churches, and our communities.
It's time for true leaders to stand up.
Posted By: Jon C.
Wednesday, April 18th 2007 at 9:23AM
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