Historically black colleges should continue to support the needs of African Americans students and the also the needs of growing Hispanics because it give adults another chance to educate themselves for the better. From the ones that does poor on test, low income, young parents, drop outs, and the ones that contain a criminal record. These are all people that are seeking for another chance in life and HBCUS are here to provide forgiveness. Horace Mann said, “Education, then, beyond all other devices of human origin ... the great equalizer of the conditions of men - the balance-wheel of the social machinery. It does better than to disarm the poor of their hostility toward the rich; it prevents being poor.” Sadly a Degree is the only thing that African Americans and Hispanics can contain to compete in the real world to be considered eligible for a job. Education is the equilibrium in United States and Historically Black Colleges and University has proven that fact plenty of times with the success of having alumni’s that accomplished the unbelievable and unthinkable. HBCUS knows living life not being white in society is arduous in especially in modern times because during this generation we are undergoing an open racism society. Not only against whites but every ethnic group even our own. I say this because Blacks and Hispanics are being degraded and Historically Black College and Universities give us an environment for the moment to not be reminded that Blacks and Hispanics are considered the inferior and make us superior in mind, body, and soul. Hispanics and Blacks need to come together because we are the race that people point their finger to when things in society are wrong. For example we are the race with the highest drop out rates, pregnancy, and the highest race in jail. We need to change these statistics by working together doing more community services and become a role model for the young and get involved in the Big Brother and Sister Program especially in college to show them that college. Because if we reach out to the young ages and becoame a role model they will view life and education as a requirement for gaining money and not stealing and ****.We must give confidence and love back that we have lost through the struggles and the constant battles of failure. Furthermore remind us that we are the youth of progress and were can change even more then our ancestors. When Blacks are Hispanics graduates it give them a purpose and send them off with a mission. A Mission that All Historically Black Colleges and University supplies, which is not to forget your past because you’re past will make the future and is the instigator of your life work. With the ambition of Og Mandino saying, “I will act now. I will act now. I will act now. Henceforth, I will repeat these words each hour, each day, everyday, until the words become as much a habit as my breathing, and the action which follows becomes as instinctive as the blinking of my eyelids. With these words I can condition my mind to perform every action necessary for my success. I will act now. I will repeat these words again and again and again. I will walk where failures fear to walk. I will work when failures seek rest. I will act now for now is all I have. Tomorrow is the day reserved for the labor of the lazy. I am not lazy. Tomorrow is the day when the failure will succeed. I am not a failure. I will act now. Success will not wait. If I delay, success will become wed to another and lost to me forever. This is the time. This is the place. I am the person.” A person that A Historically Black College had made and craft to perfection.
On May the 2nd I turned my television on to images of police brigades firing foam and rubber bullets into a crowd of people of color. Men, women, children, and even reporters were shoved to the ground by batons and threatened with rifles. Everyone was the enemy. Perhaps this is Iraq, I thought at first glance, or images of a turbulent rebellion in South America or maybe even footage from a bygone era of activist and political suppression. It couldn’t be America. It couldn’t be today.I was wrong.It was dubbed the The Los Angeles May Day Mêlée and the **** was adminsisted by the LA police department on to a crowd of mostly Hispanics. These LAPD attacks reminisced the **** 1960’s beatings of black civil right activists. Yet, what was most disturbing about these attacks was the lack of empathy by Americans nationwide. At most the event became fleeting images on the news left to be ignored. African-Americans know all to well of mainstream society’s willful ignorance.Since the beginning of time unity between people has been the key to strength and growth. Unity among African-American and Hispanic will help both communities flourish and progress in a society that continually tries to suppress them. Not only is it because I was taught to believe I was both African-American and Hispanic that I advocate the call for unity but because a harmonic interdependent relationship between the two peoples will serve as a symbol of what people of color can accomplish when they rise to help one another. African-American and Hispanics share the burden of being the two central groups in the U.S. overrepresented in prisons and underrepresented in educational attainment. These disparities within our communities reflects the need for cooperative African-Americans and Hispanic leadership to address issues that affect both our cultures deeply. With more hands we can accomplish more things.In order to accomplish these feats African-Americans and Hispanics need to realize and embrace their similarities and differences. To look at the contemporary and past contributions African-Americans have had on Hispanic culture and how Hispanics have influenced African-American culture. Active political unions should also be created in college and higher education settings to promote awareness. These unions will allow younger generations of Hispanics and African-Americans to work together to tackle current issues from the quality of inner city education to immigration laws.It should also be noted that bi-lingual education for younger African-American and Hispanic students is important and beneficial. Studies have shown the effectiveness of a second language if learned when young. It can also prove helpful when older, especially when looking for a career in a competitive atmosphere. A second language holds social advantages and enhances understanding between people as we expand our capacity to communicate with one another.The role of the HBCU is critical in this endeavor to unify the two communities. HBCU’s historically were created to serve the needs of minorities who could not attain a proper education elsewhere, this included Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asians and Jews. HBCU’s have the ability to act as this stronghold by incorporating aspects of Hispanic culture in the curriculum. HBCU’s also have the duty to educate Americans about different cultures, information that is lacking in a majority of the predominantly white schools. Knowledge about different cultures is essential to understanding humanity and ultimately ourselves as individuals.African-Americans understand the struggle in America for the pursuit of happiness and are aware that the American Dream is easier for some to acquire than others. Blacks in America should apply this understanding to help our Hispanic brothers and sisters as they now face more and more difficulties and prejudice in U.S. Both Hispanics and African-Americans have many more battles ahead to achieve full equality and opportunities yet this struggle will be greatly lessened if we work together.
African American & Hispanic Unity
Working Together
As the number of black immigrants in the United States increases, “a new African American community is being forged…in which culture and nationality are becoming more important than skin color. It is as diverse—and as divided”—as the Hispanic community which “includes persons from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central and South America,” and other Spanish cultures, regardless of whether they are Indian, Black, or White. (1; 2) The persistent tensions and divisions along cultural lines within these respective communities block effective communication and ultimately undermine their mutual pursuit of equality. Furthermore, the majority—in sometimes willful ignorance—often discounts these internal differences, narrowly defining both groups along stereotypical lines and relegating them to the most menial positions of society. It is thus that African Americans and Hispanics face similar challenges with identity and realizing full potential.
With regard to socio-economic status, ”the net worth of African-American and Hispanic households is less than 10 percent that of whites. Pew reports that the median net worth in 2002 for Hispanics was $7,932 and only $5,988 for black households. In contrast, white median net worth was more than 10 times higher at $88,651. ” (3) The overall rising inequality means fewer opportunities for upward mobility, as the prospects of college, home ownership, and wealth expansion are eclipsed by the reality of day-to-day survival. The socio-economic peril of these two communities thus stands in tandem with threatened political agency, as "ultimately, economic power begets political power." (4)
African Americans and Hispanics should work together to address these issues because as the old adage states, “There’s strength in numbers.” A concerted effort—in the absence of presumed competition and the resulting hostility—would increase morale and resilience as small gains in one community instill the hope of ultimate success for all. Additionally, the syncretism of each community’s differing perspectives and culturally endowed ideologies is certain to give rise to more innovative and comprehensive strategies than if they were to attack their issues in isolation. A stronger relationship and united front will empower both communities to make the kind of waves necessary to rock the majority boat and effect lasting change.
Strengthening the Relationship
The proliferation of joint cultural exhibitions and celebrations could help strengthen the relationship between African American and Hispanic communities by building a bridge in the gap of mutual understanding and acceptance. This type of exchange will foster an appreciation of differences and most importantly the identification of inherent similarities unto a greater level of unity and affinity. A greater level of unity and affinity, would in turn beget the partnering of existing and new social organizations and the creation of new alliances within the currently budding social movements. This would strengthen the relationship by providing forums for much needed discussion and increasing the opportunity for widespread involvement. Such entrenched collaboration would also allow for the alignment and expansion of goals, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of initiatives as the movement grows in audacity.
The Contribution of Historically Black Colleges & Universities
Historically Black Colleges & Universities should continue to support the needs of African-American students—and Hispanic students—by affording them greater educational opportunities through scholarships, a competitive and broad curriculum, and diverse enrichment programs. This preparation in tandem with further career counseling and internship opportunities will empower students to compete and increase representation in various sectors of the American juggernaut. The creation of mentor programs and community partnerships with the local populations of both groups will also help to invigorate ongoing initiatives with the unique blend of tenacity and idealism that is endemic to collegiate youth. HBCU’s can address the needs of the growing Hispanic population through such initiatives that seek to inform and empower. Additionally, HBCU’s should actively encourage students to pursue careers in education as teachers, professors, and administrators. Increased minority representation in all levels of education will only further increase the opportunities for minority students in the future.
HBCU’s were established on the premise of providing a space for the celebration of black history, the preservation of black culture, and the development of black society. The initial vision must continue to expand to accommodate Hispanics and other minorities, as the numbers of multi-racial individuals increase and shared experience blurs racial lines. The contribution of HBCU’s is paramount because they have the power to change the tide of political, economic, and social complacency by molding the minds of new generations to walk along the paths laid by past generations. HBCU’s, in their very existence, continue to ask the why’s—or “y’s”—of yesterday and today in expectance of an answer to justice tomorrow.
By: Nnenna Ukwu
Yale University, B.A. Theater Studies 2005
New York University: Tisch School of the Arts M.F.A. Candidate 2009
______________________________________________________________
Works Cited
1. Fears, Darryl. “A Diverse -- and Divided -- Black Community.” Washington Post. February 24, 2002. URL: washingtonpost.com: A Diverse -- and Divided -- Black Community.
2. Gines, Venus. Hispanic vs. Latino. School Of the Americas Watch. SOA Watch.
3. “Wealth Gap Widens for African Americans and Hispanics.” Center For American Progress Action Fund. October 18, 2004. Wealth Gap Widens for African Americans and Hispanics.
4. Kvicala, Jim. “U.S. MINORITIES SPENDING MORE ON EATING OUT AND ENTERTAINMENT AS BUYING POWER INCREASES, SAYS UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA'S SELIG CENTER.” Terry College of Business. August 4, 2004. Page_title.
The Power of Unity
There is an ignorance, an ignorance that plagues many of us. It is an ignorance of ourselves and of the identity of our neighbor that constantly prevents us from recognizing and attaining our own greatness.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities are at the forefront of helping minorities, both African Americans and Hispanics achieve a level of self respect otherwise denied to us through the media and sterotypes. Historically Black Colleges have been instrumental in allowing minorities to recognize and bring out that inner greatness in us all. They allow us to dispel the stereotypes brought upon us, those stereotypes which even we fall **** to at times and mimick. The only way that we can break the chain is through education and through finding pride in who we are thus making us true role models for future generations.
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities are sadly one of the few institutions who have raised awareness of our Afro-Hispanic counterparts and their contributions in the Americas and the United States. Whether we are dealing with the influence of Hispanics on Jazz music and the Harlem Renaissance, the Hispanics playing in the Negro baseball leagues or influence of Africans speech patterns into dialects of Spanish, we find a connection between African Americans and Hispanics. It is truely a bond, a similar experience of the people and their origins.
Due to the similarities and bonds we can determine that is crucial to our mission of progess for minorites to find this brotherhood and exploit it. Historically Black Colleges and Universities must continue this tradition of raising the awareness so that we may one day be one huge movement working towards the same goals. This relationship between African Americans and Hispanics can be further strengthened through education and raising peoples awareness of the issue. We must not allow the beauracracies to separate us through their classification systems. Why is a hispanic with mostly pure african lineage forced to check off "hispanic" and is disqualified from "Black (non-hispanic)" when he is just as African American as anyother person from the Carribean of the United States? We must begin to gather our similarities instead of focusing on our differences.
As a collective people, Hispanics and African Americans hold incredible power. Combined, Hispanics and African Americans hold one out of seven dollars in the United States. That is huge purchasing power. We also become a major political force that will not be ignored among other strengths.
In many states such as New York, African Americans and Hispanics have been working alongside for many years but it is ignored on a national level. The reverend Al Sharpton regularly shows support for Hispanic issues such as his protesting of bombing in Vieques, Puerto Rico and for Hispanics victimized by the police. Similarly, Hispanic activists can always be found doing the same for African Americans. This is the direction our country needs to be moving in. When we can look at each other equally, Hispanic and African Americans and be able to recognize each other as brothers and sisters we have made a huge stride. It is then, at that moment that we can capitalize on an idea and begin turning it into a reality. A reality full of promise, progress and equal power for us in all aspects.
Historical Black Colleges and Universities are already on the successful road to support African American students and Hispanic (and Afro- Hispanic) students. I speak on this topic first hand because to my peers I am considered a Blatino, meaning I am Hispanic and Black mix. In addition, I attend one of the best HBCUs in the south. Living life in today’s multicultural society is never as easy as the movies and television make it seem. Having the special opportunity to attend a Historical Black College or University and to have a chance to educate my fellow student body and some of the faculty on the issues we face. Especially since the modern day statistics show that Hispanics of all origins and Blacks of all origins have some if not all the same issues and need to combine together to express the aspects of the environment as a whole.
Getting the involvement of the different Historical Black Colleges and Universities to incorporate the community to discuss the struggles in life, ranging from cultural heritage to racism in the nation today. No one ever said the road would be easy, but the ambitions of all youth will go head through the politics.
Norman Vincent Peale once said, “One of the greatest moments in anybody’s developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determine to get acquainted with himself as he really is.” Now switch the nouns with the word minority and you can notice that the quote is for confidence. Having the ability as an individual to look inside yourself and realize that we are all the same; leads to a community of scholars to achieve balance. To elevate all people to gain education no matter if you dropped out of college, high school or even middle school, or getting certified in your profession, or coming from another country will bring unity closer. Through gainful practice of communication and selecting the best role model for today’s younger generation to progress and acknowledge that the world is not perfect.
Historical Black Colleges and Universities hold and cherish the commitment to do what is necessary to allow all the college students the opportunity to learn the Bill of Rights and eventually the conditions may become better and circumstances may change and discrimination may end.
“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look at the world straight in the face.” Helen Keller may not have been African American or Hispanic, but she was a minority because she was a female. Just the outside characteristics make everyone different. However, HBCUs do not look at appearance, they look at what you as a person can achieve. Most of today’s leaders are not white and slowly the minority is becoming white. No matter which way people execute their career paths, everyone is entitled to the power, and the ability to collect life lessons is the responsibility of all. Education is the path all races and ethnicities need to optimize and to catalyst the opportunity to equal the playing field of professional studies and work force.
I am an individual proud of who I am and what I represent as a person that attends a Historical Black Institute, I will fight for equal opportunity.
Historical Black Colleges and Universities are already on the successful road to support African American students and Hispanic (and Afro- Hispanic) students. I speak on this topic first hand because to my peers I am considered a Blatino, meaning I am Hispanic and Black mix. In addition, I attend one of the best HBCUs in the south. Living life in today’s multicultural society is never as easy as the movies and television make it seem. Having the special opportunity to attend a Historical Black College or University and to have a chance to educate my fellow student body and some of the faculty on the issues we face. Especially since the modern day statistics show that Hispanics of all origins and Blacks of all origins have some if not all the same issues and need to combine together to express the aspects of the environment as a whole.
Getting the involvement of the different Historical Black Colleges and Universities to incorporate the community to discuss the struggles in life, ranging from cultural heritage to racism in the nation today. No one ever said the road would be easy, but the ambitions of all youth will go head through the politics.
Norman Vincent Peale once said, “One of the greatest moments in anybody’s developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determine to get acquainted with himself as he really is.” Now switch the nouns with the word minority and you can notice that the quote is for confidence. Having the ability as an individual to look inside yourself and realize that we are all the same; leads to a community of scholars to achieve balance. To elevate all people to gain education no matter if you dropped out of college, high school or even middle school, or getting certified in your profession, or coming from another country will bring unity closer. Through gainful practice of communication and selecting the best role model for today’s younger generation to progress and acknowledge that the world is not perfect.
Historical Black Colleges and Universities hold and cherish the commitment to do what is necessary to allow all the college students the opportunity to learn the Bill of Rights and eventually the conditions may become better and circumstances may change and discrimination may end.
“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look at the world straight in the face.” Helen Keller may not have been African American or Hispanic, but she was a minority because she was a female. Just the outside characteristics make everyone different. However, HBCUs do not look at appearance, they look at what you as a person can achieve. Most of today’s leaders are not white and slowly the minority is becoming white. No matter which way people execute their career paths, everyone is entitled to the power, and the ability to collect life lessons is the responsibility of all. Education is the path all races and ethnicities need to optimize and to catalyst the opportunity to equal the playing field of professional studies and work force.
I am an individual proud of who I am and what I represent as a person that attends a Historical Black Institute, I will fight for equal opportunity.
