Are You The Next Black History Maker?

Younger generations of African Americans should work to avoid feelings of entitlement

When I reflect on my life, I think about the historic moments I have been witness to and it boggles the mind to know that I lived through them. Just yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI retired, the first Pontiff to do so in nearly 600 years. On Wednesday, Rosa Parks was the first African American and woman honored with a full size statue in the Capitol and the first black president was there to unveil it. These are moments that will be reflected on over time and I lived through them.  Looking back on this most current Black History Month though, it has been evident to me that we need more history makers.

During the month that we reflect on the contributions of African Americans to the building and improvement of this great nation, it has started to rub me that too many people are content to watch history, to remember it and even honor it. But the wonder is there; how many are willing to make it? A quote by Dr. King says, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle, the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”  At times it feels like many people have become tired; they are tired of fighting and they’ve never really fought. The benefits that this generation has won on the backs of those who have made history have made us expectant, self-absorbed and ungrateful.