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Tonight, NCCU's gymnasium, as expected, was FULL to capacity! People from all over were there - it was beautiful. You would have thought JayZ was giving a free concert!
He strongly emphasized the subject and actions of 'people with courage'. The effects thereof, examples of people with it, examples of people who don't have it but should, examples of how we can have 'courage' in our daily lives.... courage to fight poverty, injustices, inequality. Courage to stop 'sleepwalking' through life.
He challenged students to stop walking around with Ipod's jammed in their ears and start doing something that requires critical thought about social inequalities. He stated clearly that 'satellite TV, with its 500+ channels, offers a way to pacify our people', in contrast to those in the civil rights era who had fewer distractions. He clearly stated that there is so much more NOW that is fighting for our time and mental space.
He discussed why he can't teach full-time at an HBCU.
He told us that he spent all day Monday in jail.
He discussed 'hip-hop culture' - its potential to be a medium for dispersing information within the black community. We don't have a CNN, or CNBC - why not use music! Allow rappers to teach leadership skills for social empowerment to black youth through their lyrics in song. That's what courage could be for them.
He discussed 'mega church religousosity' - herein, people only think 'black people getting rich' is equated with 'success'. True success is equated with 'greatness'. Greatness is achieved by doing something [with or without richness]. We need to do more.
More... join and start organizations that are dedicated to the aiding in the plight of keeping Black Americans informed, organized, aware, educated, intolerant to injustice... He spoke Socratically. The following question wasn't raised by him (though he hinted at it), "why haven't black people protested in a more visible form as a result of the injustices that have recently been served to some of our people after Katrina?" If that doesn't make us angry enough to riot, what will? He didn't ask that question either - CW can't stand in front of thousands and say the word "riot" - but he came close to it.
About 25 people asked him questions, and he took time to answer every one. The last guy to ask a question was a white guy. stop and think for a minute that a white guy had the 'courage' to speak to CW at NCCU amidst all those young black people... Imagine what kinds of stuff CW was saying to us. You could confuse it for "anti-white" (vs. 'pro-unity within the race') if you weren't listening well. Under those circumstances, I'm sure the white guy was reciting his words - whether or not he did, they came out earnestly. He (young white guy) asked: "Dr. West, all white people are not insensitive to the plight of America's poor minorities. How can I aid in uplifting communities in need? Are there specific organizations for me to join? Where can I be trained on how to make a significant impact? How can I train others - other white people who are compassionate towards aiding poor minorities?" Sean, after he asked this question, everyone stood up and clapped for him. Of course, CW gave him some sources to contact.
The spirit was high in the place. CW can get slightly wordy at times if you don't have the widest vocabulary, but always comes back home with clear messages!
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