A lack of communication in our country dates date back decades before slavery. My parents and grandparents often shared with me there stories of hardship growing up during the fifties, sixties, and seventies. During my elementary and secondary school years I attended predominately white schools. The only time discrimination or slavery was brought up was during the month of February. After the brief “black history” lectures, I can remember my naïve mind thinking, “Boy, I’m glad things have changed.” There is a serious lack of communication in the world today. Starting high school I moved from the country to an urban and diverse city, this was an eye-opening experience. As a woman and African American I am constantly reminded that even today I have strikes against me. I see neighborhoods that are filled only with once race, and I find myself pondering how nothing has really changed. We are still segregated, we have segregated ourselves. It would be beneficial for Blacks and Hispanics to integrate. Although, it seems that each individual race has been hurt and neglected for so long, that the overwhelming response has been to bind yourself to your own. This was done in the beginning as self preservation. It is now time to heal. The strength of our communities will start with the strength within each individual. Black colleges are need to continue to give guidance, especially to those in areas where poverty rules. Opportunities are hard to recognize when survival itself becomes a challenge. Black colleges do a superb job of breaking the stereotypes, and passing the message that we are a people of great value. Other peoples of color need encouragement and I believe black college’s unconsciously gives such encouragement. Joining together our two strong and proud cultures would show there is strength in numbers. Drawing together, learning from each other, no longer feeling hopeless, and appreciating that we are not alone will help to infuse that needed true sense of respect. Love is the answer; we need to love our neighbors, family, and most importantly ourselves. The world is unique and valuable due to its diversities. African Americans and Hispanics can not do it alone. The issues drowning our society are not racial, there is a global problem. We must start a new chapter, a whole new book with a new fresh title and fresh pages. Pen to paper will tell of the glorious achievements yet to be reached. Always writing of memories, but using these memories as a forward stepping stone. We were not made to walk the earth and live alone. There is an unknown that is laid out before us and one nationally will not make it alone.
