Most of my adult life I have yearned for The People to take a stand. A few weeks ago I mentioned to a friend - "I am in the right place - but my mentality and drive are seated in 1960’s rebellion...therefore I am in the wrong era. I should have been on the front lines with the Black Panthers of the world."
When I saw thousands of students shutting down highways, sitting-in at state capitol buildings, and taking over university administration buildings I was pleased. Wanting to be there! And, thinking that the social indictment of today's young people is not completely true e.g. socially irresponsible.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/03/03/education.protest/?hpt=C1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfDlogicX1o
This is what we need: Men and women standing up for what no one can take away, Education. Fighting for what was once considered a crime if you were black, Trying to be Educated.
The recent multi million dollar cutbacks in the United States’ government educational system is an onslaught on the future of this nation.
"What are you without a well-fed brain?" –Mary McLeod-Bethune
It is evident politicians from all walks of life are forgetting where they started:
At a House of Learning
I am proud. I am pleased with the student rebels:
http://s2.webstarts.com/saveuog/uploads/Student-Protest-at-UC-Berkeley_1.jpg
I have said time and time again, "Only in America." Only in America is education devalued so much so that it is sliced and diced up to the point of intellectual bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy is where several HBUC’s have been heading for years. Thankfully, some may have been saved by Obama to Sign Executive Order Supporting HBCUs. Another commitment our president has made to black people. However, what disturbed me as I watched the news last night was the lack of black students in the protesting crowds. To help support my observation I called A & T State University, Howard University, FAMU, Hampton University, and Morehouse College this morning to verify if a student protest occurred on yesterday’s magnificently orchestrated nationwide Day of Protest. As I figured, after I asked, “Were there any student marches/round tables held on campus yesterday to protest state and federal educational cutbacks?” Response: “No”.
Jay-Z concert was well attended by black students nationwide…
These men are so unpleased:
http://paxarcana.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/dubois.jpg
http://www.africawithin.com/bios/booker/booker_washington5.jpg
Brian E. Payne loving meaningful civil unrest, deploring my people’s 21st century collective attitude toward education.
7 comments:
Reader Response:
Unfortunately, this attitude isn't only toward education. Name a facet of life that requires a change in thought and action, and I'll name black people as the primarily disinterested group. Some might try to argue that, but the truth is an obvious presence.
-Nandi
www.juswritinlife.com
www.eklectiksinc.com
www.ruggedworks.net
Muata responds to Nandi:
Nandi-
I disagree…We wanted “a change” in the most recent presidency. Went out in record numbers to elect the first black.
-Muata
Nandi responds to Muata:
Yeah, but even in that, a great many wanted that elected person to make the changes. To open the gateways. With that thought in mind they jumped behind him, but a year later we can honestly ask, where's the continued collectivity?
We are short-termers. We do things in spurts, usually dependent on some type of activity taking place and forcing us into action. Again, always with a short-term outlook absent long-term dedication. The thought for them was that now that we got a black man in the house, we can relax a little 'cause he'll have our best interests at heart when they should have known full well he wasn't elected to solely serve blacks. That's why he's called the president of the united states.
Considering the lack of any real action to make the "change" they voted for, I'd say the majority are back to disinterested. The moment is over. The emotions a fading memory. They got a black man in the house. The change ain't as important. The image is all that matters.
FYI: This is not about those who do not see the election of Obama this way, but for those who do, so don't go getting offended if the shoe doesn't fit.
Nandi
www.juswritinlife.com
www.eklectiksinc.com
www.ruggedworks.net
Muata responds to Nandi:
Ditto!!!
Black folk get offended big time when you talk about their pastors...president. Be careful. LOL.
-Muata
Nandi responds to Muata:
And that's why I had to let them know from the giddy-up. I am not about to get involved in a no-win tit for tat about someone's personal experience that has had little effect on the greater condition. This will not be a my pastor, my president day, if I can help it. LOL
-Nandi
Reader Response:
I am also proud to see students standing up for their beliefs. However, I've also known many of my fellow students during my time at Morehouse to protest against things they felt were unjust. According to the article: "Budget cuts have resulted in canceled classes and class waiting lists doubling or tripling in California." Most of the protests took place on the campuses of public universities where they could see the cutbacks in action. In all fairness, these students were probably protesting because they were directly affected. Most HBCUs are private, and federal funding makes up a small percentage of their overall funding. Although we should all be our "brothers keeper", I bet most students at HBCUs didn't protest because they aren't feeling the cuts. What they need to protest is that crap that T-Pain put on TV last weekend. I know this is off topic - but I was personally disgusted and appalled.
Also, Obama's executive order is really just an extension of a bill already created by non other than ole "W". I'm definitely happy for it - especially in this day and age of federal cutbacks!
-MJ
Muata responds:
Some Good News in the Education arena:
http://www.bvblackspin.com/2010/03/09/urban-prep-academy-for-young-men/
Hope these bright young black men do not get complacent. It is easy to while in the comforts of college.
Great NEWS!
-Muata
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