African Americans and Hispanics struggle with common issues: broken homes, poor education, poverty, crime rates, and discrimination. It makes no sense for us to struggle through these things on our own. If the African Americans and Hispanics unite, if we are organized and proactive, we will be much more effective in tackling the issues that we face together as minorities. We would be wise to heed King Solomon’s words, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Pity on us if we do not unite and we do not help each other up when we fall!I believe that an essential element in uniting the Hispanic and African American communities is education. We must teach our children to respect not only other cultures, but all human beings. Instilling these values in our children is essential for peace and unity between the next generation of Hispanics and Blacks. Kids should be taught these values in school, church and most importantly, at home. Also, we must emphasize, preserve, and nurture the family unit in Black and Hispanic communities. If we want healthy communities, we must have healthy families. We must provide safe, loving environments for our children. There is a prevalence of gangs in our communities which perpetuate rivalry between the Blacks and Hispanics. Many young men and women in gangs grew up in fatherless homes, in an unsafe environment, without education, without purpose, without discipline, without love or a sense of belonging. If parents could emphasize providing their children with education, love and safety in the home, many youths would not search to have their needs met through gangs.Another way to promote unity among any individuals or groups of people is to work toward a common goal. African American and Hispanic communities already share common goals: to be accepted, valued, treated with justice, and to have a fair shot at living a successful and fulfilling life in America. We must raise up leaders from within and work toward the goals together. In the process, we will inevitably develop better relations with each other.HBCU is an outstanding example of leaders organizing for the betterment of our Black and Hispanic communities. Providing scholarships is one of the most practical and impactful ways HBCU can contribute. HBCU should continue to improve our communities by empowering younger generations to get a good education, set ambitious goals, and ultimately, become leaders. HBCU could have successful Black and Hispanic figures going to our high schools and motivating our youth. Our youths need to be told of the opportunities and potential they have. They need encouragement and role models. They need to be molded into good leaders. Another wonderful idea is for HBCU to have a mentoring program. Thank you, HBCU for the support and opportunity that you offer to me and all of us Blacks and Hispanics!
