As different as African Americans and Hispanics may look, speak and act, we all have something in common: for many of us, our ancestors have struggled immensely. These struggles have led to today’s increasing success evident in these two races. African Americans and Hispanics have a common point to prove. As minorities, we are often underestimated or even worse, thought to hold true to stereotypes. For this reason, minorities should work together to prove that like any one else, we are worthy of voicing our opinions and showing that we have an interest in this country and issues that exist within it. As citizens of this country, we should work towards addressing issues, whether they are political, cultural, community or communication issues. If we work together, there is nothing that can deter us from our path towards equality. We can make a great impact on our society and change the way things are handled and/or run if we put our thoughts together to produce one grand unified voice.
Knowing the variety of issues that the United States is facing today, there is no doubt in my mind that each and every individual minority can find an issue that they care deeply for or that directly affects them. Through my past experiences, I have seen that finding common interests with others is the ultimate catalyst to building a relationship. Many of us have faced situations where our skin color or race have held us back from a particular goal. My father, who is an entrepreneur, has been living in the U.S. for some 20 odd years and has faced racism himself. Nonetheless, my father is in my eyes a successful man who has not let his accent, skin color, nor race hold him back from anything he wants to pursue. Likewise, all minorities face a greater chance at proving stereotypes wrong if we stick together toward common goals.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities also play a role in the African American and Hispanic culture. They encourage and push minorities to become successful, educated citizens. The example being set by famous entertainers, media, and news mislead our youth’s thoughts of what their place and role on this earth should be. You may be of African American decent, but NO that does not mean you have to be a criminal, NO that does not mean you should disrespect women, NO you do not have to be in a gang. Historically Black Colleges give people with color a chance of lifetime; a chance to understand that YES it is more than "okay" to be educated and civilized, YES you can do something other than what people expect from your culture, YES you have the right to stand out and be different. In order to continue to encourage minorities to attend an institution of higher learning, our youth needs more models to look up to. There is a lot of competition with the entertainment industry and college simply does not offer the type of excitement and appeal that attracts youth. But I believe with enough advocates for the cause of promoting higher education within the African American, Hispanic, and afro-Hispanic community, we can achieve further greatness among our race and provide more examples for youth to follow. Studies show that humans naturally model each other’s behavior; from our birthday to death, we look at others and compare them to ourselves. Therefore, in order to continue to support the educational needs of minorities, we must first continue to increasingly provide strong examples.
It is hard to prove someone wrong, when everyone thinks that person is right; it is hard, but not impossible. Slowly, person by person, we can change the image that everyone has of minorities. And yes, there will come a day when America will think of an African American or Hispanic and see nothing but themselves. As I like to say, “Don’t let your skin, hair, accent or even your past define you. It is what you are doing now that defines you.” Together, Hispanic and Africans Americans can work to change our country and race for the better.
