Welcome to the first of many columns related to issues concerning the African-American community. The purpose of this column is to motivate, inspire, educate and empower black Americans to realize our true value and self-worth.
I’m writing this column because I want to talk about our culture and our history. I want to uplift, inspire and motivate. And, in the process, I might learn a few things myself. To tell you just a little bit about me, first and foremost, I’m a black female, married Christian who fears and reverences God. This is not a column about religion, and I won’t force my religious beliefs on anyone, but I will be writing from that viewpoint and perspective. Now, with that said…I do care deeply about the state of African Americans in this country, and if just one person can be helped by reading this column, then that is one less negative statistic in our beloved community.
African-Americans, in general, are perceived among whites and other nationalities and ethnic groups as a race that just can’t get it together. They say we have no unity and no loyalty. That’s harsh, but for the most part, true. Our children need education, discipline and mentoring. Our women and elders need respect, love and honor. Our black males need to be esteemed, empowered and embraced. It’s not that we don’t know what’s plaguing our communities – we do. We’re lagging behind in education, and employment opportunities. AIDS, poverty, drugs and violent crimes are on the rise, and to put it plainly, our value system is just messed up. We are the nations biggest consumers, yet our net worth is diminutive.
How can we change directions, improve our reputation, and amend our global image? I don’t have all the answers, but bringing real issues to the forefront and promoting dialogue is a start. However, we must do more than talk. That’s when the motivation piece kicks in. I hope to motivate you to do something in your communities. Help the poor, feed the homeless, mentor a child, or buy some young boy a belt! Let’s lift each other up. Let our mantra be “Each One, Help One.” That’s how we can change things.
In the future, you may see articles about tattoos, grills, baggy pants and bandanas. I might go from writing about tight-skirt-wearing hoochie mamas, to old folks trying to be young. One article might be geared towards single parenting and another on daddies who do pay their child support.
There are so many topics of concern to write about and discuss – the sky is the limit. I want this column to be fun and humor-filled, but also serious and forthright. I want to help bring some dignity, style and class back to the black community. But, most of all, I want to keep it really real.
Until next time, lets keep it really real!
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