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One who is African, American, and well-educated has a SERIOUS responsibility to the rest of US. We must be that representative; we must show those who haven't accomplished what we have that success is attainable without degrading yourself or playing "dumb" to soothe your "overseer".
What I mean by that is, too often the stereotypical view of "African-American Success" is someone who has attained by lying, stealing, rapping (God help us) or "cooning" for the lack of a better term.
There aren't many examples of accomplished African Americans that are really positive. You ever took a look at the list of the richest Black people in this country? There is your prime example of each of those categories I mentioned.
Those of us who I consider to be a part of the TRUE talented tenth, the college educated, the successful, and the rarity even across races; have a responsibility to lead our brothers and sisters. Too often we forget that the cameras are always own. If you're of African descent with a little money and a little education in this country you HAVE made it, you have nothing to be ashamed of. What's wrong with being a representative when you lead by example? The problem is, too often only our negative representatives are seen.
Anyone ever heard of Patricia Hills Collins? Imhotep Alkebu-lan? Sanford Cloud Jr.? Leading African-Americans, but they are overshadowed by P.Diddy and Ludacris. I mean come on. Let us be representatives, and when we see that we are being misrepresented, let us speak on it. It's funny that we can convene for your annual Black Bike Week, but can't make it to a rally or heck, an election box for that matter.
We owe it to US. Let's for one moment stop concerning ourselves with how everyone else see's us, how do WE see us? If we fixed that image, our image with those outside of our commnity would change as well. Don't only be on point when others are around, ALWAYS be on point.
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