African-Americans and Hispanics are two often-degraded minorities in the U.S. today. Stereotypes of the two races are plentiful, and both groups desire proper respect. In order to advance our standings in the eyes of prejudiced societies, we must work together, strive to strengthen our relationships, and try to get minority aid organizations, such as HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to meet the needs of both groups. In order to stop the stereotypical attacks that are directed towards Hispanics and African-Americans, our races must work together. We must stop discriminating against each other in subtle ways and realize that race is only the color of one’s skin; it does not determine what one is like as a person. Anyone can do anything to anyone else at anytime regardless of race. As African-Americans and Hispanics, we must realize this ourselves before we can ask prejudiced societies to see this. In order to be able to work together more effectively, our races must be willing to mingle with each other, not choosing groups, excluding people, or staying away from places because of race. Secondly, we must strive to strengthen our races’ relationships with each other. We must not become angry because one group receives governmental aid that the other doesn’t. Remember, the purpose of aid is to get a group started, people are not supposed to stay on it. In order to strengthen our relationship we must reach outside of our own race’s community. This will broaden our horizons and make us much wiser. One who reaches outside of his comfort zone will come to learn the senselessness of some common practices, such as racial stereotyping. Also, if we reach outside of our own races, we can learn about other cultures. This will also make you smarter and is quite enjoyable. Strengthening the Hispanic and African-American relationship will allow the racists to see that both races are capable of doing everything that anyone else can. Lastly, strengthening our relationship will allow us to work together in the business world; making it possible for us to advance much more than if we only gave business to our own races. Certain organizations, such as HBCUs provide services to a single ethnic group. If we as African-Americans and Hispanics could get more of our organizations to provide services to the other race (Hispanic or African-American), both groups would benefit. This would also serve to strengthen the relationship between our races. Since both groups have similar needs; it should not be difficult for an organization dedicated to the needs of one to serve the other. Furthermore, some groups could combine to form African-American and Hispanic aid groups. These would be best able to serve the needs of both communities, and even plan cross-cultural events to help in the bonding of our communities. Aid groups and programs for all minorities are a step towards the goal, but only specialized groups can best cater to the needs of both groups. The above are ways that Hispanics and African-Americans can work together to gain respect in the eyes of the prejudiced communities. First, we must learn to stop discriminating against each other and not to consider race a factor for anything. We must do this before we can start so that we can trust each other. The above points are intertwined, as illustrated by the aid groups for both of our races strengthening the relationship between us, so it is almost impossible to do one without doing the other two. However, in trying to gain the respect we deserve, we must remember that not everyone is a racist; it is only a certain segment of society.
