The "Power of Community" Essay Contest, sponsored by Hill Motor Corporation, is available to: 1. Graduating High School Seniors 2. Undergraduate College Students 3. Graduate College Students Scholarship Rules:You must write an essay that is at least 500 words addressing the following points(Remember, the more you can say with the fewest words, the better): 1. Why is it important for Black Americans to re-build a sense of community that transcends socio-economic boundaries? 2. What can be done to connect the fragmentations we have allowed to divide our race?3. What are some of the characteristics of a growing and thriving community?3. How can on-line social networking platforms such as HBCU Connect, Facebook and My Space best serve to aid in establishing the community that closely mimics the natural communities to which we were accustomed to growing up? Deadline For Essays:* June 1st, 2007 Scholarship Payout:* Winners will be contacted no later than September 15, 2007 * $1,000.00 * Must prove enrollment in a college or university in the United States prior to award Submitting Your Essay:First create a user account: http://forums.hbcuconnect.com/register.phpAll essays need to be submitted as NEW THREADS here in the HBCUCONNECT user forums under the "Essay Contest Forum". You can edit your submission as many times as necessary before the deadline... All essays will be made readable only by you until our deadline for submissions has been met. Once the deadline has been met, we will open up all threads for PUBLIC viewing while we select finalists. Once finalists are selected we will post a poll to allow for public voting for winners. Winning submissions to this contest will be posted on www.hillmotorcorp.comIn order to manage your submission you will need to create a user account and post your essay using the following link: http://forums.hbcuconnect.com/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=53(Report Obscene Photo)
Communities are the sustenance of a healthy and prosperous society; they provide the foundation for the moral and behavioral tendencies of the corresponding populace, while also establishing the image that will be acknowledged by the world. Each community produces individuals who will contribute to society in generally negative or positive ways. However, in the African-American community, the balance of malefactors to law-abiding citizens has been skewered primarily by the discriminatory attitude toward minorities. While there is a residue of bigotry today, it is no longer a direct hindrance on the African-American community’s success, particularly given the overwhelming backlash on racial insensitivities propagated by Imus and Richards. In this decade, Black people are open to a wealth of opportunities that were unprecedented 40 years ago. Furthermore, the community is exhibiting characteristics of growing into a reputable force. An indicator of the African-American community’s potential to truly thrive in American society is the increase in Blacks graduating from high school and attending a university or college. An education not only enhances the likeliness of attaining high-income jobs, it also increases the probability of civic/political involvement. This is particularly important for fostering a thriving community because legislation as well as volunteer projects can be organized and funded to benefit the community’s needs and guarantee improvements.The pivotal element in a community’s success is economic strength and independence. Entrepreneurship within a community encourages development and keeps the circulation of revenue inside the community. However, economic achievement should not have the sole responsibility for connecting a community. African-Americans must utilize other forums to promote and cultivate unity because establishing ties based on wealth and social status provides superficial bonds that are easily broken. In order for Blacks to have a genuine and lasting sense of unity, there must be a foundation of trust and understanding that will not disintegrate during trials.Online networking platforms are perfect outlets to establish kinships between African-Americans. The online sites can mimic real life communities without the threat of **** and ****. These safe havens allow members to communicate commentaries about hardships and joys. These experiences are shared and can be used as tools for guidance and amusement. The online networks can also promote positive African-American role models that discredit the stereotypical and negative images prominent in the media and impoverished areas. People who idolize the drug dealer and gang member can participate in communities where illegal and dangerous activities are neither supported nor typical.Furthermore, online networking platforms can assist in strengthening bonds between African-Americans. They provide perfect opportunities to institute communities that do not discriminate. Yet the formation of these communities is dependant on African-Americans’ determination to not let differences within the community cause fragmentation. Skin tone, clothing, hair texture, and social status are irrelevant issues that only impede the advancement of the community. Strong leadership can eliminate some of the division that is plaguing African-Americans. The leaders of the community can reinforce the importance of unity in accomplishing goals and help delineate the order in which each the major issues afflicting African-Americans are addressed. However, the effectiveness of strong leaders is governed by the motivation of the community to escape fragmentation and ignorance. It is up to African-American people to decide when fragmentation dies and the community thrives.
Historically, many scholars have noted that Black Americans have occupied the position of almost a “caste minority.” In effect, African people were involuntarily integrated into the American colonial society to be permanently considered by the dominant class as inferior by nature of innate characteristics.[1] As the years have gone by, although many Black Americans have been able to escape from these limitations, most still are economically and politically disenfranchised, turned away from opportunities because of their race. Nevertheless, it is clear that the Black American community has been become fragmented due to socioeconomic differences, reinforcing the stigma and inferiority attached to the socio-economically disadvantaged Black Americans. Bill Cosby spoke out in 2004, blaming individuals for society and community pitfalls; he proclaimed in reference to the solution for the problems in the Black American community: “Talking. Talking. Parenting. Correctly parenting. That's what it's about. And you can't blame other things. You got to -- you got to straighten up your house. Straighten up your apartment. Straighten up your child.”[2] This breaks down the Black American community at large, creating a ripple effect of disadvantages throughout the society.
It is absolutely imperative for Black Americans to re-build a sense of community despite the differences that have surged in recent years, because, without it, Black Americans as group cannot and will not fully cease to be a caste-like minority. Those Black American people who have overcome their historical discrimination and subordination are seen as exceptional, unique and extraordinary cases. Barack Obama’s rise to political power draws on the idea of outstanding individualism; however, his merit is recognized publicly and subtly as being at odds with his race. Until this power is socially acceptable for all within the same race with similar “merits,” our progress remains limited. However, the question remains, “what can we do to re-weld these connections?”
The answer to that question lies in how achieving “merit” can equally available for all minority group members, barring inherent, individual “abilities.” The first thing that comes to mind is the acquisition of knowledge and social skill sets that can only acquired through an appropriate education. Unfortunately, in this country where the areas with low property taxes do not provide sufficient funding for the area schools, our current public school system is in shambles. The education is not sufficient to provide the necessary life and social skills for the students, on a whole, to succeed. The funds are overstretched, the teachers are overextended and the students generally do not receive the level of attention and encouragement they need. Bussing, charter school and voucher programs are temporary, isolated responses to these problems; the more permanent solutions must be systemic. Until the Black American communities can remain socio-economically diverse, providing funding to the area schools, and more socio-economically thriving families send their children to the area schools, ghettos will become increasingly entrenched. If more members from the Black upper and middle classes invest more into the areas rather than using wealth as an escape hatch, Black Americans would have a better chance of collective progress.
Second, drawing on common historical and cultural experiences will help Black Americans of different socioeconomic groups to truly identify with one another and promote one another’s well-being. A growing and thriving community is one where most individuals are socially integrated and can call on “social capital” within the community to promote joint success. It is one where children can play on the street without being concerned about their safety. It is one where children have equal access to education regardless of socioeconomics. It is one where resources can be accessed without judgment or condescension. A growing and thriving Black American community is what we should strive for in this country.
In this innovative, technological age, the Black American community no longer has to be constrained by physical/residential boundaries. The internet, which has been influential in the globalization of goods and ideas, is another key to restoring and/or maintaining a strong Black American community. In this way, online social networking platforms, like HBC Connect, Facebook and MySpace, allow Blacks to surmount socioeconomic class barriers and build on their historical and cultural commonalities and provide users with a virtual social network. To be most effective, these platforms should not be used solely as forums for potential love interests. They should provide each individual an outlet to call on “social capital” within the online community. This community will thrive through equal access, resource-building and genuine exchange of information. With these acts, these social networking platforms can mimic a physical community on which to depend.
[1] J. U. Ogbu, “The Consequences of the American Caste System,” In U. Neisser (Ed.), (The School Achievement of Minority Children: New Perspectives, 1986).
[2] Bill Cosby, Interview on “Paula Zahn Now,” “CNN.com – The Outspoken Bill Cosby,” (11 November 2004) <>.
The Hill Motor Corp. Power of Community Scholarship.
As an African American man growing up in many communities with people predominantly of the same ethnicity, I know how important it is for African Americans to rebuild a sense of community that transcends socioeconomic boundaries. It is important in the sense that as individuals African Americans are almost powerless alone, with no voice, nor any idea of self worth. As a community there is always someone to have your back, someone to tell you that you are a greater person then what you might think or despite what everyone else say. Even back in the day when one of the neighborhood children were acting unruly, the whole neighborhood got involved. Besides the great unity that was, there was also power. With that power the people kept out drug dealers and addicts, minimized **** and harassment by authorities, which led to the uplifting of the children, hence our future, also letting people know that together we are somebody. When I think of a community, I think of a team. A team where everyone has a specific role to play. Lately with the degradation of the community values in the black neighborhood, there is no team. Instead a fragmentation of division amongst our race has formed. The only way to mend these fragments is to give our race what we have lacked for so long, which is a true leader. Someone to uplift the people with his/her words, urge our people to do better, try harder and stop settling for less. One thing that I have learned is a few African American living in one the same block does not signify an African American community. A real community has characteristics that makes it what it is. I believe there are four main characteristic. One being heart; it is where you pull your strength and courage to govern yourself as well as neighbors. The second is involvement; getting involved with the community keeps you busy by keeping everyone else busy. Third is concern; be concerned with your surroundings. If there are changes that you are unhappy with or that the neighborhood is going in the wrong direction, let everyone know so you all can come up with a solution together. The last one is value; value your neighborhood and everything about it. With these characteristics it is not hard for an average neighborhood to grow and thrive on an unimaginable levels, the reason being the community atmosphere causes everyone to think outside the box. Besides the people in the community, we can also use social networks such as HBCU connect, Facebook, and Myspace to aid in the mission to re-establish a community that we were accustomed to back in the day. Using large social networks, we can spread the message of unity on a national even international level, making a once acute message into a bigger better message with many parameters. With it being on enormous social networks like Facebook, and Myspace, it gives of a real community tangibility. With the help of the social networks and the involvement of the neighborhood people, we can get back to African American utopia which we once called the African American Community.
Black Americans have been known for their sense within the community to protect, honor and provide for their own. Coming up in a hostile world were Blacks are still forced to provide for there own, the solution to resolve detrimental conflicts till this day rest on the hands of the black community. In a time were we still witness the social and economical deprivation of Black America on the local news, unfortunate matters from within our own community that haunt our children and divide our families have to be enforced to ensure that our children’s children legacy will be stabilized and secure. The communities influence over the generations of newborns sons and daughters are paramount to the survival of Black America. To guarantee that we are able to prevail in this country, it is up to Blacks to go beyond the minute boundaries of selling the latest fashion designer clothes to our children. We have to wake up and realize that, as a people, we have come from horrendous conditions, and barred insurmountable odds to attain the ounce of freedom that we have taken advantage of. A community can never intellectually expand with hi-tech devices or clothes. Ideals rooted in knowledge, self-esteem, leadership, and family can only be passed down by individuals from who the community has established as leaders to guide the community. Women must transcend above the ideals of becoming the next video girl on BET, degrading their bodies to underpaid men who’s idea of treating women with respect come second to none, when the latest jewelry or rims for their cars out shine the values placed on the mother of their child. Men must see themselves as future leaders of tomorrow rather than on the local street corner from 10pm-3am.In order raise above hardship and poverty lines that daily plagues our community it is the responsibility of the community to take charge and educated our children. In order to re-build a community, one must have the courage to acknowledge that the community is unhealthy, to often one can watch on the local news as evidence of the deterioration of our community and read for themselves on local newspaper, desperate cries of attention, love, and affection our children spill their bloods for. When daily homicides and suicides provoked by our children become the center of attention nationally, a problem has occurred within the community. Effort and determination must be present to try to solve the problems that affect our community. These efforts come from the individual, who will lead the community. Na’im Akbar once posed the question “How do we get from being a “boy” to becoming a “man”? The same question can apply to the community when we ask How do we rebuild a community that has for too long repressed it’s inner desire to succeed, strive, and make changes for it’s generation? How do we re-teach a community, who once stood tall, protective of it’s children, self assertive and demanding it’s inclusion into society, but is now hunched on it’s lower back, indifference to it’s children actions, begging to be included and valued? Na’im Akbar states “Learning to exercise control over one’s self is transformation energy. The force that transforms the person from being a boy to becoming a man is knowledge. The family, once honored and beloved within the decades have now become discredited and disgruntled. Over the last 500 years our sense of community has been displaced and disassociated. The only way to retrieve our sense of community is to instill within our minds principles and ideals rooted in the perspective of Africentrism. Though these ideas are founded under an Africentric belief system they are not limited to African Americans. Broken and withered a community must first come together (Umoja). By uniting a community a purpose (Nia) is established. Through unity and a decisive purpose, work and responsibility (Ujima) are shared amongst a united community. In order form a community to decide it’s fate its must first decide what kind of community it well be (Kujichagulia). A Creative (Kuumba) community seen for it’s aesthetic beauty holds among its highest value faith (Imani). Believe in a community requires that man, woman, child, and teacher will rise to any occasion because that man, woman, child, or teacher believes. These characteristics provide the essentials for a thriving community to expand beyond its boundaries and develop a sense of cultural pride within a community.In conclusion with all open lines of communication, one must first think of an idea. Once an idea has been formulated a network of like minded individuals must be established. In a world were vast amount of technology are being generated, some utilize to build a network of individuals from 800 miles away, this new line of network can be seen as a platform to manifest a community. I believe that similar to ideals of a newspaper that is transmitted locally within a state, social network such as Facebook and Myspace and be positively utilized to express or establish a community geared towards re-building a community. Where boundaries were constrained because of regional locations, social networks like myspace and facebook can connect individuals with ideal purposes. The establishment of a community is not and idea that will progress overnight. It will take dedication, like-minded individuals to promote and advertise an idea and above all patience. With the age of digital technology upon us, it is up to communities to utilize these networks and expand beyond states to bring forth a transition, served by a united community with the intensions to resolve a resolution crisis plaguing our community.
The divide that separates Black Americans from one another is an entity that is insidious and takes on many forms. It may pose in our modern day as racial discrimination, profiling and stereotyping, poor media representation, a keeping-up-with-the-Jones' mentality, gang warfare, intra-racial discrimination, and from a historical aspect, intergenerational breeding that has caused Black Americans to be suspicious of one another and dependent on a system that by design, was intent on dismantling us. Let us not be so quick to forget Willie Lynch’s writings on the way to make a **** that compared and equated the breaking in of a horse to that of a black **** (Spann, 1970). Even doll studies by Kenneth and Mamie Clark revealed that black children viewed the black dolls as bad and they determined that if the minds of children are molded negatively in childhood, the effects would be destructive and long-lasting (Goodwin, 2005).It is so important for Black Americans to re-build a sense of community that transcends socio-economic boundaries because to not do so will further contribute to the **** of Black Americans. It is an issue that bridges the expanse of socio-economic status due to the burden of stereotyping and its nationwide and global effects on the Black male, specifically. Because the fragmentation that divides our race can be traced back to the psychological conditioning and treachery of slavery, the process of making the fragments meld into wholeness must begin with a mind-shift in each individual Black American; a revolution of the mind, if you will. Division amongst mankind is a manifestation of disunity and discord, but the power of shared belief can heal even the greatest wound. The power of shared belief can move mountains! Just as slavery and segregation were not rectified over night, we could reasonably expect that a nationwide mind-shift would be the impetus to change, even if that change occurred over time. It is the power of intention and the good examples we set for our children today that are the seeds we sow for the future generations to reap and benefit from. It is imperative that Black Americans activate the changes we wish to see, now, at this very moment. The characteristics of a growing and thriving community are based on its members, a collective of people with positive attitudes. Such a community is imbued by its members with integrity, kindness towards one another, and respect. This community nurtures the minds of its children and cares for their well-being. Positive values are instilled in the children and they are provided with the knowledge that they need to navigate their way through life. For with knowledge, they are empowered. It is a community that is productive because its members contribute to its upkeep. Children are taught from childhood that for every action, good or bad, there is a consequence, which too shall be positive or negative, depending upon the action. For this reason, crime is greatly reduced. There is also a deep, abiding sense of responsibility for the community that is possessed by all its members. Simply enough, responsibility is built on the foundation of authentic love and therefore a growing and thriving community is also nourished on the strength of that love. There is an adage that says that the Universe rewards action and so to allude to the theme song from the Civil Rights Era “We Shall Overcome,” we must realize that it is our calling to effect change. By providing forums that encourage positive input and provide positive feedback, promote activities that foster creativity and personal growth, disseminate information that leads to the betterment of black communities as a whole, and reinforce values that inspire others to become self-actualized and evolved thinkers are some of the ways that HBCU Connect, Facebook and MySpace can best serve in establishing communities that thrive and grow. Perhaps even something as simple as creating a daily forum that asks its contributors to post five things they are the most grateful for on any given day. On-line social networking platforms have the ability to become the matrices that may replace decayed mental concepts held against Black Americans and possessed by Black Americans and generate healing within communities. If people in positions of power provide models of the behavior they wish to see and reinforce that behavior, they become the catalyst that prompts the healing to begin and thus, establish communities that closely mimic natural communities. Goodwin, CJ. (2005). Linking Psychology’s Past and Present. In R. Flahive (Ed.). A History of Modern Psychology, (pp. 440-441). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.Spann, K. (1970). North Tulsa: Full Text of the Willie Lynch Writings. Retrieved May 31, 2007 from http://www.northtulsa.com/willielyn.htm.
The need for community and the sense of security that it provides is something that the African American community is lacking but desperately needs. The unspoken bond that a community provides and the idea that you do ‘belong’ is irreplaceable. The network and support of the black community in many areas is a memory, or simply a shadow of what it once was. For some reason many of us have come to the conclusion that ‘making it’ is getting where we want to be on our own. Many people do not realize the reality that this mentality creates for those who are left behind, or the fact that no one makes it on their own. This mentality and form of division also applies to creating separation along economic lines. As a race we cannot afford to divide ourselves because our strength comes with our unity and the idea that those who have ‘made it’ should look out for those who are still trying to make it. A community is essential for many reasons, one huge reason is that it creates a foundation that can be built and improved upon by generations to come. Eventually with commitment and work communities reach the point where everything you need is right in your community and there is always someone willing to help you get it. This is the type of support African Americans need as a race if there is ever hope that success in our neighborhoods and schools will become commonplace instead of something new and unusual.To begin creating unity within our race we must begin we must begin with individuals taking responsibility for the position our race is in now, and these individuals must also agree to share in the work that is ahead of us. This work begins with ridding ourselves of the barriers we have allowed to be created whether they are defined by age, occupation, skin tone, economic status, or anything else. We have allowed groups outside of our race to capitalize on the differences between us to the point where we have been convinced they are downfalls of are race when they are truly assets. The diversity of our race offers the chance to create an environment where we can grow. Once individuals begin realizing we are responsible for more than just ourselves and by judging each other harshly we are simply falling into a trap it will result in a victory for our race, and change in our country. With the development and placement of organizations, businesses, and individuals who are prepared and eager to create projects and initiatives focused toward the actual enrichment instead of the dependency of the African American population, especially the youth change will begin to take place in our neighborhoods and communities.Finally there are certain signs that will begin taking place once the African American community begins to transform that will be notable. Proof of a thriving community can begin with the presentation of a community. The way citizens take care of their neighborhoods and property (including themselves) reflect how invested they are in their future. Also thriving and prosperity will point towards the youth. Individuals who are positive about their lives and their future will impress the importance of commitment and change upon their children. Youth who feel they are important and have a future are more likely to work hard towards their own goals and plans. To get to this point I believe that forums and places such as myspace, facebook, and HBCU connect are very important. They can be used to create discussion and engage conversation and thought on topics that are very crucial and relevant today. The great thing about these sites are that they involve the younger generations who will soon be faced with making the decisions but aren’t likely to always be involved in the discussion of their future. The masses who use these spaces have power in their numbers because if decisions are made they can be influential in enforcing their ideas and addressing their concerns.
It is very important for African Americans to rebuild a sense of community that transcends socio-economic boundaries for the reason that it will stop the stereotype of our community and make a huge difference in the lives we live. We need to establish a new attitude toward the world and take advantage of the opportunities around us . It was left up to ones of the future to rebuild the strength once started by our former leaders, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Striving to succeed is the attitude needed to breakthrough boundaries and set high expectations. Yes, African American communities have role models, but a lot of individuals are not fully aware or confident that everyone can succeed. It is important that hope is not lost ,or opportunities are not left waiting, because of common hardships in a community.
In order to connect the fragmentation that divides our race we need to declare that doors are opened to the underprivileged ones to start a better life. In this world it is common that minorities have to work harder to pursuit dreams. This common assumption should only strengthen our endurance. We need to show that we are not weak or ignorant, but that we can take what is offered and run with it to make a successful impact. Hard work is the only way we can appreciate success. It is only up to the choice of each individual that we can collectively build a bridge that unites us with other races. We do not want to repeat the same mistakes that keep us stagnant. By watching the success of others we should be motivated to pursuit goals of higher prospect and anticipation.
We need change in our communities that can rebuild self-assurance. Characters of a young and thriving community are; endurance, strength, and confidence to succeed. With the listed traits there is no reason one has to fall when knocked down. We need communication to share our thoughts on the world. The uplifting of each other should build us up. One way we can make friends who are educated, experienced, and have role model traits are through on-line networking. It helps ones to meet people that may share similar goals and interests. By being a part of the cyber community is may be easier to find someone who can share a word of encouragement. For the reason that maybe there is no one close that can help us on a certain subject, we have the opportunity to turn to someone else on advice.
In conclusion African Americans of any age, who have gone through any variety of hardships, should only use their negative experience to make a positive change. It is only left to the future that we can make a difference in the community we live in, and as a whole, that would stand out to the world. We need to take the responsibility to do better. Though we have a list of accomplishments, enough has not changed in the world around us.
My name is Ashley and I will be a college freshman next fall. I believe that it is extremely vital for Black Americans to rebuild a sense of community that transcends socio-economic boundaries. As a people we will never collectively reach a state of dominance, if we do not learn to look past status. We have to realize how much we are alike and that we have risen from the same dark past. We shall never demolish the ignorant and destructive theories of Jim Crow if we continue to degrade each other. The Black community is screaming for help. If we continue to slowly eradicate the foundation of what has been established by civil rights advocates and millions of black people who fought for freedom when no one wanted us to prevail, we will continue to hold ourselves back. We are **** the village that raised us with our selfish acts and eagerness to tear down on another because of certain circumstances. Black Americans are loosing their sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. Therefore, we must take it upon ourselves as a community and individually to improve the Black nation. We must take advantage of every opportunity to remove the "walls" that we have so willingly built.
There are several things that can be done to connect the fragmentations that we have allowed to divide our race. But, it will not be easy to fix the hole in our community. First, it will take a large percent of black Americans to actually accept that there are several problems in our village. Next we must become a united people again. We can not point the finger at someone else; we must take responsibility for our actions. You always take care of home, before you move on to other issues. Next, we have to forgive those that can not come to terms with accepting their negative impact on the Black community. Then, we must take them under our wing, instead of looking down on them. In order to make our community function properly, we have to effectively communicate with each other, learn to solve our issues in more effectively, and we must learn to take advantage of each opportunity. The Black community must revive the hunger and passion to attain and education and as much knowledge as possible.
A growing and thriving community consists of several characteristics that range from economic and political standing to even deeper issues such as unity and family environments. In my opinion, in order for a community to be prosperous in their economic standing, they must first show potential and progress. For instance, during the times of racial discrimination and segregation, Blacks did not have a choice when it came to shopping and establishing businesses. The money stayed in within the community because we were not allowed to shop and start businesses outside of our community. Now that we can establish businesses and spend our funds wherever we choose, we must expand our businesses and give back to our community from time to time in order to amplify the economic standing of the Black community. In order to thrive politically, the community must be represented by leaders who will work to better the community by standing for things that will improve their communities. Recently, Black representatives are steadily increasing their numbers in the branches of government and hopefully the next leap will be an African American in one of the most important political positions, President of our country. I also believe that a thriving community works together. We have to become one united team in order to advance. We must realize the significance of networking, which can determine a great deal in the direction of one’s life in today’s society. So, when deciding if a community is growing and thriving I believe the community must display progress in education, the workforce, politically, socially, and the ability to network.In my opinion, if used properly, websites like HBCU Connect, My Space and Facebook can be impactful platforms for social networking. Away from the “cyber world”, most people have their own network of people. But, by having access to more people who have the same careers, goals, issues, question, or lifestyle can aid in one’s slight, and in some cases, tremendous advance in their field of work, study, or some part of their life. Networking is extremely powerful and is sometimes the difference between taking advantage of an opportunity and earning what you want and losing out on an opportunity. So, if we choose to utilize these networks to help us and not just for socializing, there is a great possibility that we could improve many aspects of our lives through simply networking.
Minorities face numerous hardships throughout life. For example, statistics show that minorities are less likely to graduate high school and less likely to advance to college than Caucasians. Several movies in the past decade have depicted inner-city schools’ lack of concern for black, low-income students. Movies like Dangerous Minds, The Ron Clark Story, and Freedom Writers show that school systems are not always concerned with the quality of education these students receive. When people watch “inspirational teacher” movies, some of them acknowledge the sad reality of the movies, but few people actually think they can make a difference. Another thing people may not realize is that racist treatment does not occur exclusively in large cities, but also in schools and organizations across the country. Black Americans must come together as a community to ensure that our youth receives the same opportunities as other young people. Often times, our society does not realize the power of a strong, healthy community. A growing trend in our society, especially in the black community, is the lack of a stable home. As a result, many of our young people do not receive guidance, encouragement, and support to help them excel in life and to help prevent them from making bad decisions. The black community needs to create an environment in which young people will receive the discipline and guidance necessary for them to become successful. Not only that, but these young people also need confidence and support to become the best they can possibly be. The black community needs a wake up call. The future of our nation is in the hands of the youth. Therefore, our youth needs upstanding black mentors to help them find a path that will lead to a successful future and help them stay on that path. As black Americans, we have allowed so many things to divide our community, whether it was having a different economic status, or simply living in different parts of a city. But it is not too late to reconnect these fragments among our race. All we need to do is actually care about one another and realize we are not really that different.In a thriving community, people care about one another and want the people in their community to succeed. In addition, they realize the success of the members of the community reflects on the community as a whole. As a community grows, more and more people will benefit from their strength and compassion, and even more people will be able to prosper. One of the major characteristics of a thriving community is simply being connected to one another. With all of the advances in communication and technology, it is quite possible for black Americans across the nation, and even black people around the world, to support and guide each other and to form a closely knit community. We can listen to one another online and offer support and advice. Our generation is fortunate to have numerous social networking sites such as HBCU connect, MySpace, and Facebook, just to name a few. Our generation must learn to utilize these resources to improve the black community. One way we can do this is to start discussions about the things that are occurring in our separate communities. By allowing other people to voice their encouragement and advice, a connection will form between these separate communities, bring us all closer together.
Tupac and Biggie both black entertainers, both male, both rich and famous, both loved and cherished, both **** and gone, and why? Because of envy, because of pride, because of greed, because of fame, because of gang affiliation; forgetting along the way that they were brothers with the same goal and purpose, whose forefathers had toiled the same earth, and were both forced out of their country, bought and sold like animals, and placed in a country foreign to them. However time and circumstance has forced these brothers apart, nature and mankind has played a gruesome joke on them, placing them as opponent in the ring of life. In order to prevent annihilation through self destruction it is important for Black Americans to rebuild a sense of community that transcends socio-economic boundaries through the use of online social network to connect the fragmentation black Americans have allowed to divide the race.It is imperative for Blacks to rebuild a sense of community that transcends socioeconomic boundaries because the survival of the black race greatly depends on team effort; support systems where help is given to aid those in need. However with the current breakdown of the Black community, growth, progress, and innovation which are all characteristics of a thriving community are impossible to attain. We have to be cognizant of the fact that tearing a fellow brother down, tears down the whole community, thereby ensuring our retardation and the stagnation of the black community which is what we have been experiencing for the past couple of years. In addition to aiding one another unto greater heights, online social networks platforms such as myspace, facebook, HBCU, and others that aid the establishment of community that mimics the natural community something which here are accustomed to also **** in connecting the disintegration of our race. By creating a sense of harmony and friendship, where people of similar interest and purpose can meet or connect and where friends and colleagues can easily communicate and remain in contact. Thereby creating a sense of community to which we are already accustomed to. This sense of community, which is greatly needed then, slowly but surely bridges the gap that exist among blacks giving them a common goal and purpose; removing the insignificant differences, and accommodating a spirit of compromise, harmony, friendship and companion that is something which unanimous within a community.Although Black Americans have allowed a drift to occur amongst ourselves, however by developing a spirit of community, with a help of online platforms such as facebook, we would be able to eliminate the gap which leads to self-destruction, and realize that we are fighting on the same side, were are not opponent but proponent, and the real adversary is poverty, crime, gang **** and the rest of the plagues we face. When we realize these truths we as a race will experiences growth, progression, and happiness which are indications of a thriving community. Studying the history and experience of our fathers, and examining the health of our race through research it came to me in an epiphany that only by supporting each other and lending our shoulders as a pillow and ladder, would we as a community can climb out of the box of limitation that slavery and our color has placed us.
