I have been taking a class in this
semester titled African American Family. I wasn’t sure how this class would be
because I knew it was the first semester that this class has been offered.
There are many aspects that have resonated with me but one thing that we
covered that really caught my attention was when we went over wealth in the
African American community. It was interesting to me because I have been, in
the last year or so, looking for ways to increase my families’ wealth not just
the income. I have gotten involved with a couple businesses that encourage
training and changing the way we think about obtaining wealth.
One thing that really stood out to
me was this idea: To obtain individual wealth, it requires community wealth. I
had even asked one day in class why was it important to that African Americans “reach
back” when they become successful and then something was explained. The reality
is somebody who has become successful did not do it without the help of someone
or many people. An example that was given: If Tom, a successful Caucasian CEO,
has a position available within his company, he will most likely tell his
family and friends before he tells a stranger or even releases it to the
public. But if James, a successful black CEO, has a position within his
company, he is more likely to release it to the public so that a complete stranger
will have the opportunity to get the job before someone he knows will. At
first, I was a bit offended by this statement but when I sat down and really
looked at this objectively it turned out to be true. Of course, not in all
situations but it occurs quite often. Why do we (African Americans) feel that
it is not appropriate to help our own?
Do we think it is showing favoritism?
Tom is not worried about how it appears so why should we? Why not give someone
you know the opportunity to better themselves or provide a better living for
their family? I mean really is that so wrong? I don’t know but I can be honest
and say that I have thought sometimes about not helping someone in my race
because I felt that they wouldn’t appreciate it or capitalize on the
opportunity. That is so wrong but I can honestly admit that I have thought it.
So I know its cliché, but I am
going to say it. I am starting with me. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want
to see in the world.” So I am making the effort to volunteer and work to
actually improve my community and not just complain about the problems. It is
easy to sit and say that there needs to be some improvement within the
community but it would make more sense if I contributed to the solution. I am
not real sure how I will do this but I do have some leads and will make the
effort to improve my community and not just my immediate family. I want to be
an example and provide my community with a true role model.
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think!
