(ThyBlackMan.com) African American’s Power To Dream
This blog was written while listening to:
”God Favors Me”, by Hezekia Walker
Proverbs Chapter 19:20 KJV
“Hear counsel and receive instruction that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end (years).”
The 50’s, 60’s and 70’s were tumultuous times in American/African American history with socio-political, socio-cultural and socio-economic events that affected African Americans and changed the thinking of many Americans both Black and Whites.
The laws of Jim Crow and segregationist of the past still affect our racial and cultural interaction and future expectations in our society for racial equality and acceptance.
Someone had a Dream to change the way of thinking from segregation and racial prejudice to cultural unity and national equality. Those born in the eighties and after were probably never exposed to direct affronts of racism; 
generation (50’s/60’s/70’s) and the generations before do remember and bear the scars. Those scars are emotional and psychologicalthat will be carried unto death. Some even have physical scars from violence inflicted upon them. Those reading this that participated in the “Movement” or “Civil Rights Movement” remember and understand the power of a Dream.
The acts of segregation, intimidation, violence, racism and various forms
of social degradation, that were imposed upon minorities, regardless of these those in the “Movement” were inspired by a Dream.
A Dream towards equality in education, political equalization and employment, a Dream to equal rights that are in the Constitution of the United States that focused on social modification that would allow for African Americans to be treated as Americans, to be given an equal chance and equal opportunity in the United States of America. To be treated fairly and justly with no hint of prejudice or bias.
“We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”
Declaration ofIndependence
These words rang true from a Dream and apply to all men and women regardless of color, creed, race, religion and age. Having a Dream and the courage to follow it against supposedly insurmountable odds takes prayer, passion and purpose. How many dare say today we have such commitment to a cause? Where are these traits in today’s youth, for the fight for equality is still beingfought. Where is the commitment, where is the drive and where is the willing to sacrifice? With that said many youth of today need to refocus their direction to having a Dream that does not involve instant self-gratification, but a long term Dream of educational and career success for themselves first, their families and their culture.
There is a generational gap that has grown from Dr. King’s Dream of equality and cultural unity. Even the Dreams of Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey of educational obtainment to the highest order seem to be dying among our Black men. Too many are satisfied with mediocrity and quick to complain, but think they are owed something even though they do not contribute to anything.
A quote about Dreams that demands inspection.
“During your life, never stop dreaming because no one can take
away your dreams” Tupac Shakur
Even in his lyrical raps that talk about his journey into manhood from poverty, loneness and his love of his mother Tupac had dreams that went beyond where he currently was to a better life for himself, his family and his race.
There was a powerful Dreamer that united a people to reach for a perceived impossible Dream. To lead not just HIS people to a promised land, but others of different races that believed and followed the Dream. This Dream was not just a Negro Dream, although it directly affected Negros, but it brought about a change in thinking.
One quote that rings true today…..“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance
and conscientious stupidity.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This translates to the inability of people to act in the face of injustice and unlawful legislation. Dr. King had a monumental impact on all our lives as a result of one Dream. We all know the power of a single Dream. His Dream was not a selfish Dream. His Dream was not for self-gratification, inflated ego, building a ministry for self promotion. Dr. King’s Dream was not influenced by the entertainment industry in gangsta rap, his Dream was not driven by drug induced hallucinogens from crack, crank or cocaine, nor liquid courage of the latest drink .
This Dream was powered by prayer, humility, faith, and what many believe the just power of the spirit of God. Dr. King’s Dream, and those of his followers worked for a future where there is respect, trust and peace. Looking past the color of skin, judged by the content of character and the generosity and love in a person’s heart. As we celebrate a Culture and Heritage let us not forget the Dream and how it extends into Black History Month.
We must recognize Black achievements and share them with childrenso they know they are more than athletes, entertainers and puppets in a entertainment industry that only sees them as a dollar symbol.
The Dream is for all of us throughout the United States; regardless of race, political association or religious convictions. Let us not forget the sacrifices that were made to achieve the reality of a Dream. Blacks not only benefited from this Dream, but other nationalities and women. Unless we continue to act upon it, work towards it, and sacrifice for it there will only be Dreams, Blacks have not arrived yet, but the goal is closer.
This quote of dreams rings true, “Nothing comes to a sleeping man
but dreams”.
Tupac Shakur
If we do not continue to take action we are destined only to Dream of what could be. Just as for education, Blacks should be excelling in all educational pursuits not statistically at the bottom. It is a travesty to the history of Slavery when Black people used to fight tooth & nail just to get into school when slavery was over. Now many play hookie, make excuses for not studying, not turning in homework, being late for school, disrespecting teachers. There are plenty of excuses, but the results are still the same. Blacks are not taking ownership, responsibility and accountability for their own education.
Dr King, Juilan Bond, Shirley Chisolm, A. Phillip Randolph, Andrew Young, Jessie Jackson, Rosa Parks, Carter G. Woodson, Malcolm X, Homer Plesey, and others were powerful in their quests to follow a Dream. Each different in their execution, but all were important in the struggle and the cause for acceptance in a country they were born in, but rejected them because of their color.
The powerful quote by Heavy D (Dwight Arrington Myers) stated, ”I will say that if you or anyone you know has a “ridiculous” dream remember, it doesn’t take much to encourage someone to go for that dream.” This is the power we as African Americans should show to each other. The respect and dignity to Dream and support the Dreams.
African Americans should allow Black History Month to reinforce their dreams of economic and educational success; cultural growth and understanding; family unity. African Americans should continue to honor a Dream, and work to better themselves because of THEIR DREAMS.
As a united people let us remember the men and women who fought and died for this Dream, let us continue their work towards achieving a Dream that can still slip away from us. Youth of today rethink your Dreams, refocus your efforts to serving your community, participate in your ministries, become better educated, redirect your energies that help build up your brothers and sisters not tear them down.
Heavy D, “Black people are tired, especially amongst black people. Tired of us seeing us kill each other, us go through that situation of lack of love for our race and for ourselves.”
This Black History Month let Love, Respect and Pride carry over to the rest of the year and beyond. Respect Yourself, Respect Your Culture, Love Yourself, Love Your Culture Honor Yourself and Your Culture and let it grow not just in Black History Month, but beyond.
Staff Writer; William D. Jackson
Find out more about this talented writer over at; OCS For Education.
Also check out; http://www.About.Me/WilliamDJackson
