Black Is Right Enough
Who do they say we are? Who do we say we are?
It is interesting to reflect on Black American wonder at electing a Black man to the highest office, President of the United States. Those of us who were born and raised in the culture were shocked despite working hard to get Mr. Obama elected and voting for him. Consider the widely misinterpreted words of his wife, Michelle. "For the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.” Her words reveal our truth about who we are reflected in decades of marginalization in spite of personal and racial excellence.
Believing that we can is essential to achieving goals. In a country that draws dreamers from around the world in pursuit of the "American Dream," belief has manifest results. Black Americans have also won that award despiete institutional racism that told us that Black was not right enough.
American Dream In Action This Is Who We Are
The American Dream is alive and well in the Black community evidenced by the follow stories. These are just a few examples of how we own Who We Say We Are.
CEO of $150,000Business
By Jolie A, Doggett October 17, 2014
Mziah Bridges was just nine years old when his grandmother taught him how to sew scraps of material to make bow ties. Today, the 12-year-old is the CEO of "Mo's Bows," his own bow tie business that's employing five people and bringing in over $150,000 in sales.
"I like to wear bowties because they make me feel good," Bridges wrote on his website.
"Designing colorful bowties is part of my vision to make the world a fun and happier place."
The business has gotten a lot of attention after being featured in Vogue and on ABC's Shark Tank, an appearance that resulted in mentorship from Daymon John, creator of FUBU, who Bridges says is his role model.
Breana Britt started her baking business nearly five years ago when she 12 years old. Now 16-year-old’s Bree’s Sweet Treats has grown from a little Web cupcake-and-cookie business to a brick-and-mortar bakery in Accokeek, Maryland in 2013, to a full-service bakery plus café that delivers to the entire Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area as well as ships online orders nationwide.
“I love doing this,” says the junior at St. Mary’s Ryken High School. “And I just think, if I’m doing something I love, I may as well make money.” Charmaine is thrilled with what her daughter has accomplished. “I’m really proud of her,” says the mom. “Over the years I've gotten a chance to see her mature and become a leader as far as the business is concerned and I’m so impressed with her dedication, especially for someone her age. To be a part of building something with her feels great: it’s been an amazing journey.” Read More
An Elderly Man Was Shoveling Snow Alone, Until This Teen Stopped
To Help Him
When Tommy Adams noticed an elderly man with a walker clearing snow, he knew just what to do.
According to WTVR CBS 6 News, the Nottoway High School senior was on his way home from the DMV when he told his mother to stop the car. He then approached the man and proceeded to shovel his driveway for him.
"I told him to get back into his car because it was cold," the Virginia teen told WTVR. "Other people who saw him in the snow should have had the decency to stop."
Tommy's mother, Teresa, captured the sweet moment on camera. "I was so proud, I started to cry," she said to WTVR.
Work Ethnic
The story of Mr.James Robertson
"I can't imagine not working." .
”I wish my parents could see me now.”
This Man Walks 21 Miles To Work
And Back Every Day
-
The Black high school drop out rate has plummeted faster than the national average. In 2013, the 24 percent high-school drop out rate declined to just eight percent, compared to the national average’s seven percent.
-
The number of Blacks aged 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree increased from 7 percent in 1976 to 22 percent in 2013.
-
As for electoral progress, the last presidential election reeled in the highest Black voter turn out ever exceeded whites for the first time (67 percent vs. 64 percent)
-
The Black-White voting gap was the widest in 1992, with percentage figures of 59 percent vs. 70 percent. The gap in turnout rates between whites and Blacks has been closing over time.
-
Black women have made big leaps in the voting booths. In 2012, they voted at a higher rate than any other group across gender, race, and ethnicity. Black women in the U.S. House, according to The Huffington Post, increased from 17.7 percent in 2014 to 21.4 percent in 2015 (compared to all women).
-
On the economic side of things, there has been a decline in poverty rates for Black Americans. In 1976, 31 percent of the Black population were below the U.S. poverty line. In 2014, that number dropped down to 27 percent.
Giving Back
2013 BLACK GIRLS ROCK! M.A.D. Girl, Brooklyn Wright, community action hero with her organization EARTH SAVER GIRL
It takes James Robertson, 56, who lives in Detroit, eight hours to make the 46-mile commute to and from work. For the last 12 years he has maintained a perfect work attendance record at Schain Mold & Engineering in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
"I can't imagine not working," he said.
An outpouring of support, more than $350,000 was pledged for Robertson through a crowdfunding campaign launched by Evan Leedy, a 19-year-old college student who read the story and wanted to help.
Robertson, unable to afford to replace his car when it broke down more than a decade ago, was surprised with a new $35,000 Ford Taurus that was donated by a suburban car dealership.
When asked if he liked the car Robertson said "I don't like it, I love it."
The Huffington Post | By Cavan Sieczkowsk : 02/02/2015
Caitlyn Smith is a Honor Roll student, community activist, and public speaker. She is also just 9-year-old. Caitlyn has launched a new initiative for homeless individuals in the Chicago area,
“The Got A Lot, Give A Little Blessing Bag.”
Black American Facts
Pew Research Center
By Kimberly Gedeon February 25, 2015
All Videos
All Videos
6 O'Clock News
