The easiest question on my Graduate Record Examination (GRE) was in the Analytical Writing section. I had the choice of addressing one of two “Issue Topics.” The statement I choose to respond to read something like this: "We can usually learn much more from people whom share similar lifestyles as us, as opposed to people whose lifestyles contradict our own." To gather my thoughts I wrote phrases like, “learning from similar viewpoints limits creativity,” “playing it safe,” “not effective in problem-solving,” “prohibits the understanding of different cultures,” “creates close-minded people,” and “comfortable with friends.” These ideas helped formulate the body of my paper and ultimately guided me to conclude that knowledge gathered from people with homogeneous cultural, social, and economic backgrounds is very valuable, but there are also educational benefits when information is shared with diverse groups of people. I believe that African Americans and Hispanics in the United States should work together as minorities to address political, cultural, communication, and community issues because both populations have the potential of helping each other understand and appreciate their cultural differences, as well as assist in diminishing their communal handicaps (ie: lack of education, high unemployment rates, low entrepreneurship and business initiatives). In working together, a stronger sense of community between the two cultures has the potential of developing and providing a greater influence on policies that promote positive social change, nationally, regionally, and locally. Ultimately both communities can provide support for the other in their quest for success and a better quality of life.Based on the statistics found in the 2000 United States Census reports, more Hispanics can be found in the farming, construction, and production/transportation occupational groups, whereas African Americans represent a larger population in the management, sales, and services jobs. These figures are likely to reflect the cultural differences, skills learned through educational attainment, and/or the region in which the majority of these groups live. What’s most important to note, is that between these two races there’s a great depth of knowledge and skill in a variety of professions. Strong communities have strong foundations which are built by the people that live and work in them. To have two major groups hold knowledge in fields that are needed to develop communities is beneficial. With the right leadership, cooperation, and planning there are numerous possibilities in applying these skills to revive the African American and Hispanic communities on a local level.The poverty rates among both the Hispanic and African-American population are significant, with 23% and 25% respectively living below the poverty line. Furthermore, the median household income of African Americans is $29,423 and for Hispanics its $33,676.* To help improve these figures, both communities can use their skills in management, construction, service, and sales to develop industrial-style businesses. These businesses will provide opportunities for investment, minority entrepreneurship, employment, education, and networking within the African American and Hispanic communities. If the quality of the business and its surrounding area is maintained, these structures can add overall value to the neighborhoods within these cultural communities. Examples of a thriving community or one with potential can significantly affect the migration of businesses and investors to that area, and ultimately help in further revitalization initiatives. While advancements have been made throughout history to improve the educational opportunities of African Americans and Hispanics, more can still be done. The knowledge and support gained and held within the African American community can and should be shared with other disadvantaged groups, such as the Hispanic population, and vice versa. For example, after-school initiatives in both communities should be made available for all disadvantaged youth. Not only can the students receive tutoring and help with the college admissions process, but they’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people from different cultural, economic, and social backgrounds. This will help expand their thought process and make them better-rounded individuals. Other educational initiatives can be offered though high school or middle school exchange programs, where students can attend another school for a week, mouth, or semester to gain knowledge in a class not offered at the original school they enrolled in. High school students can participate in internships with local business leaders in both communities. These opportunities can help promote the idea of entrepreneurship, and introduce students to corporate American. Peer-tutorial language classes can be offered between the two communities to help teach and develop students’ bilingual abilities, while presenting a comfortable, social atmosphere. With a steady increase in the Hispanic population, being able to communicate across boarders is a great attribute to have and can help with future collaborations between communities.It is the responsibility of all educational institutions, not just Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to provide a culturally rich, safe, and supportive learning environment to its’ students. These institutions should help students understand, appreciate, and respect American diversity, rather than tolerate it. Providing more opportunities to work, study, and volunteer abroad is one way to counteract negative stereotypes linked to different cultures. More specifically, HBCUs can collaborate with international universities in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America to offer exchange programs for their students. Just like any other abroad program, students can receive credit for their work, volunteer, and/or research while visiting the “sister” school. Not only will this help students learn about the various traditions of other cultures, but possibly encourage them to pursue an occupation on the international level. Simultaneously, HBCUs should focus a significant amount of their recruitment initiatives in Hispanic communities throughout the United States. Further integration of the two races on campuses will initiate more conversation, collaboration, and friendships across cultures. The students that take advantage of this atmosphere will graduate with a deeper appreciation for their culture and the worlds’. The African American Studies curriculum has become very popular among students of all races, and specifically those of color. Thus, I think it’s important to offer Latin American and/or Caribbean Studies curriculums as well. Not only will students of other nationalities benefit from these courses, but students whom identify themselves with these cultures can come to better understand the structure, history, and uniqueness of their own community.Community involvement is also important. HBCUs should offer opportunities for students to interact with different communities. Not only will their experience shape their lives and understanding of themselves, but their participation will positively affect the community they serve. Opportunities for employment, networking, and leadership roles may also derive from their hard work and dedication.With the help of HBCUs, the African American and Hispanic community has the potential of joining together to find solutions to their similar social, economic, and political issues while learning about other valuable characteristics of both communities. Furthermore, working together will build a stronger sense of community, and a deeper understanding and appreciation between the two cultures. The opportunities for success in both communities will increase, as well as the potential of developing and providing a greater influence on policies affecting urban areas. This success and influence will ultimately change the overall quality of life within the African American and Hispanic community.*2000 United States Census Report (http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs.html)
