GETTING THE PRIDE BACK INTO OUR COMMUNITY
During a recent discussion with a very good friend of mine, I was asked a definitive question, “Reggie, what has happened to us?” She was specifically referring to us within the black community. Needless to say, I was caught off guard and did not at that time, have much of an answer. But what it did do was force me to have to wrestle with this big and serious concern.
How do we get the pride back into our community? Growing up in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, we had leaders from the national to local level who instilled in us a consciencnceness of black pride and unity. Of course things were not perfect, but we had a community that cared more. Our churches looked out for our youth and the elderly. Even in the midst of all the serious issues surrounding us including segregation, racial discrimination, etc. a sense of pride to be a black American was born. Remember these songs, ”Say it loud I’m black and I’m proud” or “To be young, gifted and black”?
In 2012 the fragmentation that has engulfed our communities including our sacred churches has touched us all regardless of whether you live in an urban setting or rural area, the issues are the same. The only difference is the magnitude to which they are. So how do we get the pride back into our selves thus our communities? When did we lose it and how did we lose it? How do we get it back? It is my belief that we need more community dialogues on this issue rather than race. I believe with responsibility comes accountability, not mere excuses and blame to others for our shortcomings.
What do you think?
God Bless,
Reggie Herndon, President (Campbell County NAACP)
