Less We Forget!

January 21-2008:

Less We Forget!

Preface:
An individual can only comprehend where he or she is, if he/she knows where he/she has been. And therefore, should be able to charter a course or destination. As Black Americans or (People Of Color), today is a time for reflection on our historical experiences in this land we call home. And the role or roles we intend to forge for ourselves as a people in the future!

The Struggles:

The first Black American to graduate from West Point military academy was Lt. Benjamin Davis in 1878. As the first Black Cadet Officer on campus, none of his fellow (White) Cadets spoke to him for the entire four years at the academy. Not even his instructors, unless it was official instructions. He eventually graduated, and subsequently became the Commander of the academy, as Lt. Col. Benjamin Davis.

Sojourner Truth:

She was allegedly born in 1797, and died in 1883. An abolitionist, freedom fighter, a member of the underground railroad, that worked secretly to help slaves get away across the Mississippi river, into Canada, to freedom. She was caught several times by White bounty hunters, raped several times, but was never deterred from her strong will and belief in Freedom!

Mary McLeod Bethune 1875-1955:

Started the first Negro women's college from a SHACK, with cardboard boxes used as tables and benches, with seven girls. Poor, jobless, no immediate prospects, no money, and no formal education in such matters. She sold cakes and other goodies on the roadside, took in washing and scrubbing, and anything it took to get her dream started for her people. With a little luck, and providence, she was discovered and helped to realize those dreams eventually. Today from $1.50 and faith, the Mary Bethune-Cookman college celebrates this legacy of courage and hope.

Cassias Clay alias Malcolm X:

Born Cassias Clay, became a Moslem, and changed his name to Mohammed Ally. He was notorious for his outspoken views against the Draft. He felt that African Americans had no right fighting and killing Viet Cong fighters in Vietnam. To further America's interests, when they could not sit in any seat on a public bus, or train. Eat at any table in any restaurant, or stay in most hotels in this country, even if they could afford to do so. For these reasons and many more, he resented the war in Vietnam, and the draft.

As you may know, several other pioneers followed. Martin Luther King jr, Malcolm Little alias Malcolm-X, Angela Davis, Stokeley Carmichael, Rap Brown, and the list goes on. Albeit, today many of our brothers and sisters in the entertainment industry, the sports industry, Film, TV and theater industry, got their cue from those pioneers. And should always acknowledge them. Because they are themselves today's pioneers for those who will succeed them in the future.

We have come a long way, the goals are still to be achieved, and is attainable. With resolve and fortitude, we must forge ahead and never loose focus.

Whatever the Human Mind Can Conceive-Could Be Achieved!

Derryck S. Griffith.
Educator-Advocate & Blogger.