Every African American should __________

[ziasha07]

Originally Posted by Dionysus

I'm talking about pre-college, especially in the elementary years. Not just sending your child to a private/parochial school, but also purposely moving into an all white (or almost) school district. I hear one horror story after another. I understand that some schools provide more educational opportunities, but because of the isolation that many kids may experience, I'm not sure if it is worth it.

I agree with this statement completely. I have attended predominately White schools my entire life. Not necessarily because of my parents choice but just because of zoning. I definitely feel isolated at times. It is hard for students like myself to fit in, in social situations with African-American or White people. As much as it pains me to say it, I find it hard to identify with some of my African-American peers. On the other side of that stone, they don't want to deal with me because I act too White or I speak too proper or some such statement. Yes I have African-American friends but sometimes there is a barrier. Being identified as "gifted" doesn't aid either because in most of my classes I tend to be either the only African-American person or 1 out of 4 or so.

Originally Posted by BlueReign

Should know that Africa is a large, diverse continent comprised of many different countries and cultures.

Yes! Africa is a beautiful continent! There is more to it than what people see on the "Feed the Children" commercials. Unfortunately I know a lot of people who don't realize that.

Every African-American should: Travel outside of the US at least twice.

[tld221]

Originally Posted by ziasha07

Yes! Africa is a beautiful country! There is more to it than what people see on the "Feed the Children" commercials. Unfortunately I know a lot of people who don't realize that.

go ahead and fix that miss... im sure it was a typo

Every African-American should: Travel outside of the US at least twice.

shoot, every black person should travel off their BLOCK at least twice (a week)!

[ziasha07]

Originally Posted by tld221

go ahead and fix that miss... im sure it was a typo

Thanks! I reread that twice before I posted... I thought I'd fixed it.

Originally Posted by tld221

shoot, every black person should travel off their BLOCK at least twice (a week)!

ROTFLMAO

[PearlRuby]

Originally Posted by ziasha07

Every African-American should: Travel outside of the US at least twice.

I totally agree with this! Travelling outside of the U.S. can really broaden one's perspective. Among other things, you learn that there is SO much more out there than being Black, or even being American.

Originally Posted by Dionysus

think twice before sending their child(ren) to an all white school.

While I understand the sentiment behind this statement, I disagree with it. I went to a predominently white school, and my son currently attends one. Just as my parents did, my husband and I provide other opportunities for my child to form bonds with other Black children (church, community and extended family activities, etc.). We also heavily emphasize Black history and culture in our home. Our goal is that my son learns how to adapt to being a "minority" in this country, while still not losing touch with who he is. As is the case with many Black professionals today, it is very possible that our children will grow up and be the only, or one of few Blacks at their place of employment or in other situations, so I believe it is vital for them to begin learning how to adapt to this early on.

As a side note, my son's teacher sent me an email the other day, complimenting my husband and I. Apparently during a science experiment on electricity, after the teacher reminded the class that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, my son reminded his teacher that, "Lewis Howard Latimer, a black man, invented the filament within the light bulb that causes the bulb to have light." Talkin' 'bout a PROUD momma moment!

[KSUViolet06]

...should understand that you are not "acting white" if you choose to speak the English language properly.

...understand & teach their children that you are not "acting white" if you do well in school and enjoy learning.

...should teach their children that they can be anything that they want to be. No occupation is restricted from you because you're Black.

...SLAP the next Black woman who tells them that "Little Man Man" doesn't need to get good grades because he is going to be a rapper, basketball player, or football player.

I work in a tutoring center in a mostly Black neighborhood and yes, my high schoolers have said that they don't want to get an A on their project because they don't want to be like "those white nerds in class." Seriously?

[ziasha07]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

...SLAP the next Black woman who tells them that "Little Man Man" doesn't need to get good grades because he is going to be a rapper, basketball player, or football player.

Oh God. I'm DYING!

[1908Revelations]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

...SLAP the next Black woman who tells them that "Little Man Man" doesn't need to get good grades because he is going to be a rapper, basketball player, or football player.

I work in a tutoring center in a mostly Black neighborhood and yes, my high schoolers have said that they don't want to get an A on their project because they don't want to be like "those white nerds in class." Seriously?

I told one of my students (who is failing, but plays ball well) that NBA (or MLB & NFL) recruitment is not comming to HS anymore (I don't think so), so you at least have to get to college to be really scouted.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by ziasha07

I agree with this statement completely. I have attended predominately White schools my entire life. Not necessarily because of my parents choice but just because of zoning. I definitely feel isolated at times. It is hard for students like myself to fit in, in social situations with African-American or White people. As much as it pains me to say it, I find it hard to identify with some of my African-American peers. On the other side of that stone, they don't want to deal with me because I act too White or I speak too proper or some such statement...

Ditto!

...Should teach their children black history at home. They sure won't learn enough of it at school!!

[jojapeach]

^^^ and although Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman are monumental figures in our history, we need to teach our kids that there is more to our past than those three individuals. Our contributions go back to far, and we're still contributing to the world today. I would just love to hear or see a black child have pride in a prominent figure other than a rapper, actor, or athlete.

@ Soror PearlRuby: Your son makes me proud with having and sharing that knowledge.

*back to the thread*

____ should embrace some technology instead of shunning all forms of technological advancement. It's a totally different world in 2007.

[Still BLUTANG]

... should share an activity with their children. not just drop your kids off at the rec center, but take arts & crafts together or go to museums and learn something new, or participate in a sport/academic endeavor as a team.

[laylo]

:::snap snap snap::: to this whole thread.

Every African American who speaks "correct" English should understand that language is nothing more than symbolic communication, and Blacks who speak differently from you are not stupid or wrong, they are just limited in their opportunities. Don't get mad at others for boxing you into stereotypes based on your speech if you're doing the same thing to them.

[NinjaPoodle]

..know simple basic rules of etiquette. I'm not saying be the love child of Emily Post, but young adults and children have NO decorum in public. I see it ALL OF THE TIME. Harriet Cole would be mortified.

Men, remove your hat in a place of worship. Period. It doesnt matter if it's your religon or not. Respect.

[KSUViolet06]

... understand that R rated movies mean 17 & ABOVE! No "Little Man Man" CANNOT come with you to see "Saw 3" because you can't find a babysitter. You need to select an age appropriate movie!

...have their priorities in order. If your electricity bill is PAST DUE, you don't need that new set of rims. If your kids eat ramen and cereal every day & have been wearing the same pair of shoes since last summer, you probably should skip getting your nails done.

[GoldenGlow2000]

Be proud of who you are!!

[Jill1228]

Amen, sistah!

Originally Posted by christiangirl

Amen and Amen!!!

Stop discriminating against EACH OTHER. There's enough people out there trying to play "divide and conquer" with our people without us doing it to each other. It doesn't matter if I'm light and you're dark, or if I'm from Cali and you're from DC, or if I shop at Wal-Mart and you shop at Macy's. Our great great great grandfathers were probably seatmates on the same ship, so it really doesn't matter.