There is a common belief amongst many Americans that race and ethnic discrimination is no longer an issue. The problem is many people are confronted with the problems caused by people who are ethnically or racially discriminating against others.

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Discrimination is a very hard problem to overcome because many people believe that it doesn’t exist in today’s society. By raising awareness and educating the public that discrimination is an issue, many people can be aware of the issue and work to come up with a solution. Here’s a look at some ways you can raise public awareness about discrimination.

Public Speakers

Public speakers are a great way to raise awareness on discrimination. Whether it is the Kazakhstan President or a local Congressman, public speakers can share their experiences with discrimination and really give people a chance to see how it affects people on a daily basis.

Create a Social Media Campaign

One of the most popular ways to raise awareness about issues is to create a social media campaign. Social media campaigns involve creating Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and websites that help give you a platform to spread the message you want. With millions of people on social media outlets, you can begin to raise awareness that discrimination is still an issue in today’s society.

By raising the public’s awareness about discrimination, either by hearing personal accounts from public speakers or by launching a social media campaign, you can help others become aware of the issue and hopefully work to overcome it in the future.

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A major part of the population in this world, do not prefer to play a role in active politics. The main reason for this type of response from the young generation is the number of problems that each one faces in their life when he enters into politics. In this world whenever there is a debate on politics, most of the youngsters often have a very bad opinion about this field whereas it’s the opposite.

Just like in any other business venture in this world even while entering into politics care should be taken so that we are prepared for all types of situations which life is going to offer to us. The onus of playing healthy politics entirely depends on the younger generation and that’s because it’s up to you that the whole community looks up to for making the changes which are good for the community.

Though we see many people talking negatively about politics and the ill effect it might have. But truly speaking, it is those people who don’t understand the very purpose of using politics and are often found to be in wrong place for taking the wrong decisions. Politics is a very cheap but a delicate game where you can end up being a winner or a looser. The important thing here isn’t the result but it is the effort which has been put and the effect it has among the people around which makes the difference.

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There is clannishness everywhere in the Animal kingdom. Even among animals you would have seen how animals from other tribes are repelled by other tribes. Clannishness is a biological tendency of animal kind. In human beings, this tends to be a serious problem. Clannishness is not the domain of the sophisticated human being. Yet it still exists. We don’t know why.

Human beings are fundamentally the same. It’s just that they are presented differently to the world. A race can have a very strong influence on a person. If you are a black, you are expected to be big, strong, and athletic. If you are Nordic, you are expected to be rugged, sophisticated, and charming. If you are Asia, you are expected to be accommodating, good-natured, and hard-working.

A race does tend to carry a psychological and physiological attributes. A person in a race tends to behave the same way as others of the same race. So you can say that the behavior of a person in a race is in no way connected to the race. We can safely segregate behavior from racial characteristics.

A race is a beautiful concept. But has gone terribly wrong. A race actually brings a lot of variety to the world. Unfortunately, some races have fallen back on certain things, while others have advanced with certain things. If Africans were born in Europe, you would have seen Africans dying on parched Earth. You would have seen them enjoying themselves amongst beautiful meadows, and green plains.

The race concept might be a divine concept. But somehow we have placed hierarchies on it and classified it.

As far as we like to think we have come—as free-thinking and racially diverse as America tries to portray itself in films and other media, racial discrimination is still a very real problem. Discrimination is often the only reason a person ends up struggling with a civil rights case.

As President Barack Obama has noted, civil rights are at the core of how our nation runs. If businesses don’t abide by civil rights laws when choosing whether to hire a black applicant, a white applicant, or a Latino applicant, it may seem like an isolated incident among individuals. It’s not. It’s affecting the way the entire country runs, and your civil rights case is, too.

Because discrimination and ignorance of civil rights is so far reaching, there are people you can go to just for this kind of case in court: civil attorneys. If you think a regular lawyer will do, think again — civil attorneys know the ins and outs of civil rights, and they can help you. If someone has discriminated against you and you’re not sure how to fight back, a civil attorney will help you form a strategy and get justice.

All Americans have equal civil rights—as an American citizen, and as a human being. Your skin color and ethnic background should play no part in how qualified you are for a certain job, or whether your salary matches that of your coworkers. It sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s astounding how many businesses will play favorites, coming up with insignificant “reasons” for why they didn’t hire a black applicant instead of a white one.

The legacy of African-Americans through the efforts of people like Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King has brought improvement in the lives of black Americans. To keep the legacy going, many charitable organizations have made educating and empowering black people their focus. Here are some charity organizations dedicated to advancing black people.

• Institute for Black Charities (IBC)

Also known as Black Charities for Children, Families and Communities, this non-profit organization founded in 1997 provides a broad range of services to African-Americans living in poor and underdeveloped communities. Services provided include emergency relief, funding to support community programs, educational workshops and public awareness campaigns. IBC currently has six affiliate chapters in Maryland, Washington DC, Virgina, Missouri, North Carolina and Texas.

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• National Black United Federation of Charities (NBUFC)

For over 17 years the focus of the NBUFC has been to generate funds for education assistance, health, economic and social development of African American communities and African countries overseas. The NBUFC is comprised of 28 non-profit organizations some of which are, the Black Women in Sisterhood for Action based in Washington D.C. and Georgia Black United Fund based in Atlanta.

• United African-American Relief Foundation (UAARF)

The UAARF was founded in 2005 by Marshall T. Hall who comes from a family of wealthy black entrepreneurs from the early 1900′s. Marshall’s grandfather Robert Houston Isabell was a Pullman Porter during the 1800′s who went on to become a successful business and land owner. This legacy of black entrepreneurship is embodied in the philosophy of the UAARF through its committment to raise funding for education and promoting high school and college completion.

It’s becoming common place in most states today, for schools to do fundraisers right and left to increase funding. These collected funds aren’t being used to fluff up the faculty lounge. They are being used to get basic necessities like paper, copier cartridges, and pencils. With the recent terrible recession, state funding and federal funding are down. States are scrambling to fund state education programs. As the end of a traditional school year approaches, many schools start finding their accounts are getting low. This means scrambling to find money in other accounts if possible or asking for funding from outside sources. Schools aren’t asking for money to buy ice cream cones for students every day. They need money to keep the lights on and the water running.

One of the greatest gifts America can give every generation is the opportunity for a basic education in grades K-12. Many people will say this education is free; however, this isn’t the case. Every taxpaying citizen in some form contributes to the public educational systems in our nation. In some states, the entire state tax goes to fund public education. So, the education that we provide our children isn’t free; however, it’s a wonderful blessing.

Our schools shouldn’t become charities in our society. The reality is that schools are going to continue to need money, because tax revenues are down and rainy day funds never existed or are depleted. The answers are difficult. Schools can get creative in finding ways to access outside funding. They can also be careful with the resources they have. However, there comes a point, where schools just need more money.

Do we live in a society where advancement is more important then ethics or honesty? Sometimes, its hard to tell when media and celebrities are considered. We often see those that are the most physically attractive, have the most money, or are the most popular gain in advancement in our society the fastest. However, in the workplace this isn’t uusally how it usually works. There are always situations that don’t follow this. But in the work place, most advancements occur when employees are found to be hardworking, innovative, money saving, and team players. Advancments in the workplace go to those who hopefully have earned them. Is this type of advancment that young people are learning, or is it the one they see enacted on television and internet websites? Are kids going to be shocked when their latest designer jeans, don’t get them a raise at work?

Its important for kids to understand the difference between the make believe world of advancement and the real world that exists for those of us who live in it. For most people, advancement in a career, academically, or otherwise comes after lots of work, creative thinking, team playing, and time. Its not somnething that is based on looks, cell phone ring tones, or hair color. Its based on skill, knowledge, creatvity, and lots and lots of hard work. One of the largest problems comes that many young people today think they will just be handed upward mobility on a platter. Everything has been handed to them so far, so why shouldn’t everything continue to be. They often feel backhanded when they come into the real world after high school or college and realise that it doesn’t work that way.

Have you ever meet a kid that doesn’t know how to obey rules? If you have, then you have a meet a child that’s never learned about obeying laws. This is the child that opens the candy bar at the store, eats one bite, throws it on the ground, and doesn’t look back. It’s hard to imagine meeting this child, but they exist. If you spend a few days in a grocery store candy aisle, you’ll probably meet one. This isn’t the exact situation you’ll probably meet them in, but just ask any kindergarten teacher, and they can tell you about the first day of school with such children. When children are raised in a home where rules or laws are not taught and enforced, they don’t know how to obey. This can lead to all kinds of problems in normal socialized settings.

Families can instill obedience to basic rules, and teach children about obeying them starting at a very young age. This doesn’t mean that children should be hurt or held to harsh consequences. But it does mean that very young children can be taught simple rules, how to follow those rules, and the consequences that occur when those rules aren’t followed.

Children become adults. Adults, who have never been taught to obey rules at home, often don’t know how to obey the laws that are enforced outside of their home. It isn’t just parents who can teach children about rules, laws, and consequences. Teachers have to enforce rules with children every day. Think how difficult it must be for both a teacher and a student when that student hasn’t been taught to listen to a rule, obey the rule, and benefit from it.

Discrimination is generally described in the American dictionary as prejudicial treatment of an individual based on their race. This can also include membership in a specific social category that is undesirable. There are many simpler definitions of discrimination. If we take it back to the preschool and kindergarten level, it can be not playing with someone because they are different. It can also be making fun of someone and using words as the form of discrimination. This early form of discrimination can also include verbalization that someone cannot do things that others can. So, the child doing the discrimination thinks they are better than the other child. It comes down to basic themes like I am better than they are, they look different, or they can’t do what I can do. It’s so easy for us to find what’s different even when we’re young.

Parents need to start talking about discrimination before their children can even speak. They also need to set the best example possible. If parents don’t want their children to discriminate, they need to not discriminate. They also need to talk about discrimination and what it is, what its causes are, and how to combat it.

It’s also easy to stop these early forms of discrimination if parents and teachers recognize and address them quickly. Schools try to do a good job at recognizing discrimination in all its ugly forms and addressing it quickly. Parents can do the same by having an open dialogue with their child about daily events. This includes not just asking what you learned today but asking about who children played with, what they play, what happened during lunch, and asking about friends. These simple conversations can lead to understanding situations that may arise where children need guidance. It gives parents the opportunity to talk about discrimination if they feel it appropriate in different situations.

Many American’s missed ever hearing about famous African Americans in history while growing up in my generation. It was a topic introduced into many of America’s public school curriculums only about fifteen to twenty years ago. We never knew much about Martin Luther King, Jr. just that he was assassinated before we were born or before we knew about life. We didn’t know that a staple in the American diet, the peanut, that is used in literally hundreds of different and products was really unknown to the United States consumer, until a young boy, born a slave, George Washington Carver became a scientist and agriculturalist and unlocked the peanut’s secrets. These weren’t people who we were introduced to us as making a huge difference to the nation or our world, but they really did.

Schools aren’t perfect at educating their students about the contributions made to our nation by African Americans but they are trying. In fact, many schools do a great job at using the month of February, Black History Month as a way to teach some important themes to students. Teachers are actually trying to teach students about some of the famous African Americans that have done so much for our nation. I’ve been impressed by teachers who build their entire curriculum around famous African Americans during the month of February. Now, when you walk down a school’s halls there are art projects and poems dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr. There are books about African American history and culture.

We are doing a better job at educating our children about the history of African Americans in our nation. But we still have a long way to go before we’re in the right place. We shouldn’t just be focusing on this topic during Black History Month. It needs to be something that we teach all year long and not just at school.

We live in an age of entitlement. It appears that we will get everything we want right now with little or no effort on our part. This view of entitlement is especially easy to see in the children and youth of the United States today. This is a gross aggrandizement, but many people are calling today’s generation of young people, ‘entitlement babies’. Many children have everything given to them before they are even old enough to express the desire to have material items. Parents, family, and friends are ready to hand out whatever a child needs and fulfill their every wish. So, how does this type of young person react when they come into contact with someone who is different? Someone who does not have all the materialistic abundance that they are so used to?

It’s great to remember that young people are very intelligent and quick to learn. Also, parents and families are not going out of their to raise entitled young people. We want to give our children the very best. However, sometimes in giving our children everything they want, we take away some of their greatest learning opportunities. We take away their opportunities to struggle and work for what they want. We take away their opportunities to understand what it’s like to not always get what you want right away. We take away their opportunities to learn that life is not always about getting things.

The anecdote to entitlement is charity. Take the opportunity to entitle less and teach your children the abundance of giving. Charities in a society are kept alive by the members of that society. If our societies cease to give, charities will cease to exist.

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Racism of all kinds seems to have existed in the United States from the birth of the nation. Many of the founding fathers pushed to have the practice of slavery abolished since it was quite popular at the time. They wished to make it illegal to own or trade slaves in the laws of the Constitution of the United States.

This means as early as 1776, the issue of racism and human rights were being raised. Many point fingers at Thomas Jefferson, who drew up the Declaration of Independence which states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” While these words stir the human soul, some had to wonder at Jefferson’s preaching versus his own practices since it is reported that he, himself, owned approximately 200 slaves. On the other hand though, it is also rumored that he inherited these slaves and did not want to trade them or sell them to free himself since the act of buying and selling was unpleasant to him. Whether this is true, it is unsure. We do know though that racism and slavery was an issue from the beginning and that Jefferson did feel a strong passion for the equal rights of all men.

It would be years though before “equal rights would start to be enforced. The Civil War was fought to free slaves and gives them there rights. Nearly a century later, Martin Luther King and his followers would be continuing the work of generations of African Americans and whites to make changes. Since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, there has been an awareness of minority groups and the rights of all individuals. This flame continues to burn as minority racial groups seek equal equality in all aspects of life.

Rosa Parks holds a name in the history of Black Heritage as a woman who took a stand for her civil rights and did not budge. On December 1, 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama.

She was arrested for her non-compliance with the Jim Crow laws of the time which legalized segregation on city buses.

It is interesting to note though, that this was not the first time this had happened. In March of 1955, Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old girl also refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus to a white man. Her case was reviewed by a committee. Martin Luther King was one of the committee members. It was determined though that this case should not be pursued since this school girl was pregnant and unmarried at the time.

So when the unfortunate occurrence with Parks happened, King and his followers were ready for peaceful action. Parks’ arrest gave birth to the Montgomery Bus Boycott which was led by King. This boycott changed the history of racial segregation in the United States.

In this boycott all African Americans in Montgomery were urged to not use the city buses in protest of the unfair laws which supported segregation. The boycott lasted for 385 days and caused much tension. In fact, Martin Luther King’s own home was bombed.

During the boycott King was arrested, but all these grievances did lead to change. In the end, the District Courts ruled that segregation on all Montgomery City Buses was no longer legal. King and all those who supported him were able to bring about change through peaceful means. This kind of action set a new civil rights law that influenced others around the country.

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Martin Luther King Jr. is a legend of heroism and a champion of civil rights. His cause was to overcome discrimination and racism and to strongly encourage the government to put in place laws that would guarantee rights to all Americans.

Americans, of all races hail him as one who was able to peacefully make a stand for right and influence the masses.

While many may know about King and his historical work, it is good to learn of the early influences in his life that shaped and molded him in to the great man the nation knows and loves.

One early mentor was Howard Thurman. He was a class mate of King’s father at Morehouse College and had done missionary work. King often looked to Thurman as a mentor while attending Boston University when Thurman was the dean of Marsh Chapel there. It has been said that the nation would not have had King without having Thurman, whose writings and work were very influential.

Mahatma Gandhi was also one who had a profound impact on King and the cause of Civil Rights. In 1959, King took a trip to India to visit the birth place of Gandhi. It was here that his understanding and appreciation for peaceful activism deepened. King became more committed to non-violent methods for change and grew in his unquenchable desire to move the cause of Civil Rights forward in America. He recognized that pin Gandhi that peaceful activists have a power and ability that can truly bring about change.

Bayard Rustin was a peaceful activist who mentored and offered counsel to King in the early years of the Civil Rights Movement. Rustin had studied and researched the writing of Mahatma Gandhi and was also influenced by this man’s ability to create change peacefully. Rustin supported King and urged him to maintain principles of peace throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Rustin is also known for his organization of the March on Washington in 1963.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King and all he did, we also celebrate those who influenced him and ultimately influenced the country.

Often when we consider Black heritage we limit it to the geographical location of the United States. This is not the true reality though. Black heritage encompasses world events that significantly shaped and determined the life of Africans world-wide.

It is important as well as edifying to recognize that other countries too struggled with racism and discrimination. They like the United States have made improvements to equalize rights and create fair laws over the decades. While some of these steps are just a beginning, it is hoped that this progress will mean a better world.

Below are a few international events that have affected blacks and shaped our world’s history.

WWII significantly marked change for Africans. In the desperate times of war, many started to overlook skin-color to focus on the better good of winning the war effort. President Roosevelt in the United States made an executive order which allowed African Americans to meaningfully contribute to there war effort.

In 1945, the Fifth Pan-African Congress assembled in England. This brought about the formation of independent states in Africa and the West Indies. Until this point African history was dominated by foreign rule.

In 1957, Ghana celebrated its independence. This was the initial event that got the ball rolling throughout Africa and started the end of colonial rule in Africa.

In 1962 the country of Jamaica declared its independence.

In 1994, Nelson Mendela was inaugurated into the office of President of South Africa. This officially ended the rule of whites in black Africa.

While Americans may only consider slave-trade and the Civil war when thinking of Black Heritage, there is so much more to learn about and celebrate. Many monumental events in countries such as England and Africa paved the wave for blacks’ independence. As the world strives to overcome racism and discrimination, it is essential to celebrate world-wide Black Heritage, and not just focus on American Black Heritage. This will better assist us in shaping a prejudice-free society that will no longer tolerate racism of any kind.

Although February is considered the official Black History Month, this important part of United States history should be remembered and commemorated all year long. Remembering the significant contributions African Americans have made individually and collectively is important for understanding our history and determining our future.

Below are some important dates of significance to African American history (Note: Dates are listed in chronological order as they transpired in history).

May 31, 1909. On this day about 300 African Americans as well as whites met in New York City to form the NAACP. James Weldon Johnson was the first African American secretary of this organization and took the position in 1920.

November 6, 1928. The first African American is elected to the United States Congress, Oscar DePriest of Chicago (Note: by the year 2000 there were 39 African Americans serving in Congress and 14 of them were women).

April 15, 1947. The Brooklyn Dodgers boasted the first-ever African American baseball team member, Jackie Robinson. This landmark debut on April 15, 1947 opened the doors for other African Americans to integrate into college and professional sports.

September 18, 1950. Ralth J. Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his successful mediation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He was named the United Nations mediator two years prior and was given this specific assignment. Bunche was the first-ever African American to win the coveted prize.

May 17, 1954. The Supreme Court of the United States unanimously voted to do away with legal segregation of blacks and whites in the school system. Although it would be many years before this law was truly applied and enforced, this date marks the supreme decision for legal change.

December 5, 1955. This day was the start of the bus boycotts in Alabama. Such individuals as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King gained fame through these events.

October 1, 1962. James Meredith entered the University of Mississippi as the first African American student. He was escorted by a large number of Federal troops.

While there are many more dates to remember in Black History, it is good to note some of them.

In 2008 when Baraq Obama, former senator in Illinois was elected President of the United States many applauded this monumental victory of an African American. For he is the first-ever African American President.

Considering all that has happened in the history of the United States with slavery, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and other national events, this historical election is greatly applauded.

One does have to wonder if racism still exists in the hearts of Americans. While it is definitely not politically-correct to make racist comments or display discrimination, is it possible that maybe Americans hearts have not entirely changed?

Now in 2011, a couple of years after the election, Obama is still identified as the first ever African American President of the United States. If race did not truly matter to Americans or if they viewed whites and blacks as equal as why is this huge deal?

It would seem that constantly pointing out Obama’s heritage and race is a sign that the national public still differs races and distinguishes heritages. It would seem that the amount of celebration and recognition focused on this one fact is an indicator that may be the country’s heart is not quite where it needs to be.

All Americans would agree both whites and African Americans that a President should be elected on the basis of skill and ability. The public votes a person in to this prestigious office because they feel that this person is the best one suited to the job.

It would be completely incorrect to vote someone in to the role of President of the United States based on skin color. If a white person were voted in on basis of skin color, it would be racism.

While President Obama campaigned on the chant of change and making Washington better, it is interesting to note that many media sources and critics emphasized his race. If racism and discrimination were truly obsolete in America, the media would not have made such a huge deal of this issue.

James McCune Smith was born in 1813 in New York City. He dreamed of becoming a doctor. He applied to medical schools in the United States and was denied acceptance. He did not give up on his dream. He was finally accepted to the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Dr. Smith earned his degree and returned to New York. He was the first trained African-American doctor. He was also an activist against slavery and a celebrated writer.

There have been several books written about Dr. Smith. Unfortunately, his descendents new little or nothing about him or his life. It seems upon his death; Dr. Smith was buried in an unmarked grave in 1865. Many of his achievements were hidden and left out of history as well.

Dr. Smith’s father was white and his mother was a slave. Dr. Smith had three children and scholars believe the children were able to pass as white. This was a common practice to escape racism.

During a class on a history of African-Americans in New York, Greta Blau recognized the name of James McCune Smith. Her grandmother had given her a family Bible and the name James McCune Smith was inscribed in the Bible. Greta Blau made a discovery of a lifetime. Even though she was white and always thought of herself as white, Dr. James McCune Smith was in fact her great-great-great-grandfather.

Greta Blau believes that Smith’s children may have passed as white and their children and grandchildren were not aware of their African-American heritage. His descendants purchased a gravestone and held a ceremony at the cemetery where he was buried.

Many African-Americans have passed as white to avoid racism and to have opportunities they would not have if their true heritage were known. So for many, black became white and has remained this way ever since.

Ursula Burns is the first African-American to become head of a Fortune 500 company. Her rise to the position of CEO of the Xerox Corporation turned many heads in the financial and global business markets. In 2009, this amazing woman ranked ninth in the list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business, according to Fortune Magazine. She was only three places below Oprah Winfrey who was number six on the list. It is important to mention that Ms. Burns is only in her early fifties.

Most people including African-Americans would believe she came from a wealthy family. Surely, an African-American woman could never achieve such success any other way. It surprises many people to know Ms. Burns was raised in a Lower Manhattan housing project by a single mother. Her mother made a living in childcare and ironing clothes.

Ms. Burns not only had to overcome racism because of the color of her skin, she had to overcome gender discrimination as well. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Polytechnic Institute of NYU in mechanical engineering and a master’s from Columbia University. She joined Xerox in 1980 as a summer intern. Her career at Xerox moved quickly and in 2000, she became Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategic Services.

She is a prime example of the ability of African-Americans to earn an education and earn their way to a promising future. Ms. Burns was not given a free ride. She earned her success every step of the way. She has raised the bar for African-Americans and it is important for her community to recognize her achievements.

Even in the most undesirable circumstances, people can succeed if they focus on an education and hard work. Handouts only keep people trapped in a never-ending cycle.

Dr. Otis Brawley holds one of the most elite positions in the country. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society. Dr. Brawley is a remarkable example of a determined African-American youth to take control of his own destiny.

He grew up in the 1960s and during this time, no one would have ever predicted his rise to the medical elite was possible.

He grew up during a time when racism was vocalized and opportunity was rare for African-Americans. He also grew up in the inner city of Detroit. Even today, Detroit is still one of the roughest and most poverty stricken inner cities in the country. He fought the odds and has now become one of the most respected medical doctors in the world. Not bad for a kid growing up during a time when African-Americans had little hope of success.

Dr. Brawley achieved a tremendous success in a field that few African-Americans think about as a career path. In the 1960s, only six percent of all physicians were African-American. That number continues to be low even today. His accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable to say the least.

Dr. Brawley is an out spoken man that continues to fight against cancer and works toward the efforts to provide fair medical treatment for all Americans. He is a champion for men and women that suffer from cancer. He is the voice for those who lack insurance to pay for costly cancer treatments.

Black History months is important to educate the country on the contributions of African-Americans to our rich history. However, many distinguished African-Americans are making history in our society today. These are people that have overcome poverty and racism to reach heights no one could have imagined. These distinguished people should serve as role models to the African-American youths of today.

This was a historic day for the African-American community. It was a day filled with excitement, determination, joy and deep emotions. Many thought that a new movement was born; sadly, it only turned out to be a small moment in time.

Monday, October 16, 1995 was the day of the historic Million Man March created by the Nation of Islam and Minister Louis Farrakhan. The event was held on the grounds of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This site was chosen because it was also the site of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.

The goal of the march was to call forth dedicated, sober, inspired and committed black men to march on Washington for a day of atonement. Many distinguished speakers used the phrase in their speeches and afterward the march was often referred to as the “Day of Atonement.”

The message of the march focused on being a responsible father and living a clean life. It did not address the social and economic issues that faced the African-American community. This is where most people believed the march failed and ended up just a moment in history rather than a movement.

The Million Man March was a day of inspiration and hope. However, the day quickly faded away in history. The march may have inspired many African-American men to become responsible fathers, but it did not provide the means for men to change their economic or social status.

The Day of Atonement is now a part of African-American history as a day of inspiration. That day has had little affect on the economic, educational and social challenges that continue to plague the African-American today. Little has changed since that day and African-American fathers continue to be absent from their children’s lives. The Million Man March was an inspirational moment in time.

The Labor Department announced that in December the unemployment rate dropped from 9.8 percent in November to 9.4 percent in December. Not much to celebrate and most Americans already knew that the economy is not improving.

The drop in the rate is not because people found jobs, it is because many have given up and have dropped out of the labor pool, which reduces the statistics. If one were to read further in the announcement, a disturbing fact emerges. The unemployment rate among African-Americans is 15.8 percent.

One would think this alarming rate would be a story worth telling in the national media. The reason this statistic goes unnoticed is African-American unemployment rates are usually double the rate of unemployment among white people. In December, unemployment among whites fell to 8.5 percent. One would also wonder when this difference in unemployment statistics became acceptable. So acceptable that it is not news worthy.

The unemployment rate of African-Americans should trigger some concern not just among African-Americans but the nation as a whole. Few people have time to read passed the headlines these days and even fewer bother to focus on issues facing the African-American community. It seems the nation is accustomed to the alarming statistics and no one bats an eye.

Meanwhile, poverty rolls on through the African-American community with little hopes of stopping. A recent study done in New York found that and estimated one-third of young African American men were without jobs between 2009 and late 2010. In cities such as Detroit, these numbers are probably much higher. Poverty continues to spread during this tough economy and most of the poverty can be found in many of the nation’s inner cities.

The nation seems to be divided and it is left up to the African-American community to find its own solutions.

Will Allen came from humble beginnings as a son of sharecroppers. Most African-Americans do not remember he played basketball for the University of Miami. They also do not remember he was the first African-American to play for the team.

He played professional basketball for a short time and he worked for Proctor and Gamble in the sales department. One day he decided to change his life and he bought farm in Milwaukee. His small 3-acre farm was successful and he received requests from the community to teach youths how to grow food, farming techniques and gardening techniques. His small farm quickly became a teaching center.

Before organic food became popular, Will Allen’s goal was to provide people with access to healthy food. He quickly became popular with advocates of health food for his efforts to promote healthy eating and to make healthy food available to people who could not afford it.

At age 60, Will Allen is the CEO of Growing Power. This organization is committed to bring about a change in eating habits. Will Allen is the driving force behind what he calls the “good food revolution.” The organization works with non-profit organizations around the country. Growing Power teaches people in urban communities how to grown their own fresh produce in small areas. The organization operates urban farms in the inner city of Chicago and has other farms in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Will Allen’s biggest concern is that people with little money cannot afford to eat healthy. He wants people to realize they can grow their own food even if they live in an inner city environment. Growing Power and Will Allen strive to make healthy food available and affordable for everyone.

Will Allen is a man with a big heart and he continues to be a driving force behind healthy eating and making healthy food available to those that are least able to afford it.

The Black Youth Project was launched in 2003 as a national research project. The goal was to examine the culture of African-American young people from ages 15 to 25. It is a project that investigates the attitudes of young people and how their environment affects their decision-making in areas including politics, sex and health.

Professor Cathy Cohen was the primary investigator and thought the data collected may be useful to educators, activists and African-American youths. She created the Black Youth Project online community.

Since then it has become a phenomenal resource for African-American youths to become activists in their communities and to reach out to other youths.

The site has created a popular Facebook fan page and youths are discussing and debating social and economic issues facing the African-American community.

The project is a valuable resource for community leaders and educators. It provides insight to the attitudes and behavior of African-American youths. It is important for communities to gain an understanding about how young people perceive their community and themselves.

Many schools, communities and politicians have lost touch with African-American youths and are struggling to find methods of connecting to this overlooked demographic. The Black Youth Project provides a wealth of research and information for those ready to reach out and gain an understanding of the struggles these young people face.

This project is a step in the right direction and it has found a means to connect with disillusioned African-American youths. This project also helps young people that are more fortunate help those that are not. It encourages activism and encourages young people to get involved in their communities.

The Black Youth Project is a valuable resource and it is succeeding in reaching and connecting with African-American youths. The project’s insights will help those that are out of touch find common ground to reach a population of young people that have been left behind.

There is no disputing the fact that African-Americans on welfare are the highest among all minorities. This is especially true in southern states. Many African-American families have been on welfare from generation to generation. The numbers continue to grow and it seems the community is traveling in the wrong direction.

There are millions of African-Americans that have grown up in poverty and have managed to avoid welfare. They have worked two jobs and managed to finish college. It is important to mention, many African-Americans that worked their way through college do not stop at a Bachelor’s degree. Many go on to earn Master and Doctorate degrees.

This causes one to wonder if welfare is a trap that few are able to escape. Housing projects seem more like a cage than Government assistance. Children learn form their parents and children are learning more about welfare than education. Millions of African-American children grow up in housing projects where drugs and violence are common. It is hard to say why one child will find the desire and courage to fight his or her way out of the projects and another child does not.

The numbers that escape the system are few compared to the numbers that embrace the system. Welfare developed during the great depression and was intended to help the poor. Unfortunately, for millions of African-Americans it has become a way of life.

Welfare is an issue the African-American community must address. It must consider that welfare may be more destructive than beneficial. No one should become accustomed to welfare as a way of life. Children should be taught they deserve so much more. They should also be taught that they are valuable and intelligent.

Children need to be nurtured, yet many African-American children are locked away in the welfare cage where they will remain.

Ernie Davis is the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. He was awarded the trophy in 1961. He played football for Syracuse University. He quickly garnered national attention during his first three years at Syracuse. He was voted Most Valuable Player in the 1960 Cotton Bowl and again in the 1961 Liberty Bowl. He was an admired athlete and even President John F. Kennedy requested to meet him.

Yet, during the Cotton Bowl, this beloved football player experienced southern racism and discrimination. There are two separate accounts regarding this particular part of his life. Author Jocelyn Selim wrote when Ernie Davis arrived at the banquet that was held after the Cotton Bowl, he was told he had to accept his award and then he would need to leave. He could not attend the banquet because it was a segregated facility. Ernie Davis refused and most of his white teammates left as well.

Here was an African-American man that was admired by the President of the United States and he could not attend a banquet. Many African-American youths have forgotten those that paved the way to equality and desegregation. Thousands of strong African-Americans manage to overcome discrimination and racism, and today all the efforts of these people have afforded opportunities to African-American youths that few use to their advantage.

Sadly, education is not a priority and too many African-American children grow up in violent neighborhoods with drugs on every street corner. It seems the efforts of those to advance the African-American community were in vain. Millions of African-American children still feel less than their Caucasian counter parts. It is time for the African-American community to acknowledge that the racism of the past is not responsible for the current issues facing African-American youths. The issue facing the community developed within the community. Too much time was wasted on rehashing the past instead of promoting a bright future.

Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad is a well-educated African-American man that has been awarded the position as the new director of the Shomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. He has been a history professor at Indiana University since 2005. He also wrote the book “The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America”. This once in a lifetime opportunity has come his way and he is only 38 years old.

His great grandfather, Elijah Muhammad was a leader in the Nation of Islam. His father Ozier Muhammad was a New York Times photographer. Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad is the proud father of three children. He is passionate about African American issues and is very involved in his community.

He is a prime example of the benefits of education for the advancement of African-Americans. Unfortunately, African-American youths do not emulate African-American men that are educated, intelligent and successful. Youths tend to emulate rappers and drug dealers and view them as heroes. It seems that success through education is for those who wish to emulate “white” people.

Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad is a man that is passionate about his culture and the issues African-Americans face. He has worked tirelessly to bring African-American history to the American public. He plans to use his position at Shomburg to promote this rich history to educate and to stimulate intelligent conversation.

African-American children need to be taught that they too can experience success and be empowered to change the world in a positive way. They also need to be taught that education is important and that it can provide the bright future they deserve.

Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad is a champion of a great cause and brings a voice to African-American issues. He provides an example of hard work, family values and achievement.

African American youths continue to have a highest high school drop out rate. Many will eventually turn to illegal means to make a living. They will become either a prison statistic or a death statistic. Many African American children fail in school due to a bad home life. In addition, they are often told they will never amount to anything. It seems education in the African American community is only for those who have managed to move avoid poverty.

The poor African American communities do not seem to value education. Nor do they believe that the children can succeed in school. With poverty and poor community support, the odds are stacked against these children. Every child deserves a chance and every child deserves encouragement. However, most children receive little of either.

The African American community can no longer blame external sources for the lack of education among their children. The community must change its attitude toward education. Many African American youths accuse others of trying to be “white” because they are seeking an education. This notion is ridiculous; however, many successful African Americans have experienced this attitude growing up. They struggled to finish high school while they were ridiculed for trying to be “white”.

The attitude toward school and education needs to change. The African American community must make it a priority to encourage children to focus on education. Children need to hear positive reinforcement from adults in the community. Children need to hear they are smart and can achieve any goal if they work toward it.

In poverty-stricken communities, guns and violence are a part of life. Imagine trying to learn and study in such a stressful environment. So many intelligent children are at the mercy of poverty and violence. For many of them, an education is simply a dream that will never be achieved.

It is 2011 and the United States has a bi-racial President. It seems some parts of the country have made progress in combating racism. Yet other parts of the country are reminiscent of the 1960s and early 1970s.

There are many areas in the south where racism is as strong today as it was 50 years ago. To be fair, the racism exists on both sides. African Americans despise Caucasian Americans and Caucasian Americans despise African Americans.

You would like to believe racism is only in the back woods of the south. Sadly, it flourishes in some of the South’s major cities. Most people do not express their racial hatred at work or in school. People are not holding up hate signs and using racial slurs. Both sides just cannot seem to find a way to work together.

Some cities cannot seem to make any progress. If you build a new school in a predominantly Caucasian area, then the African American population becomes enraged. If you build a new school in a predominately African American area, then the Caucasians become enraged.

You would think that in 2011 everyone could agree that all children, regardless of skin color or economic background, deserve the best education possible. It is said the races need to seek and meet on common ground. The common ground should be a commitment to all children to provide them with a safe and proper education. Every child should have the dream of a higher education. Yet, even today, you will find predominantly African American public schools without air conditioning, broken plumbing and outdated textbooks.

Racial relations have not improved, they have only been masked by the perfume of political correctness. Everyone is thinking it, no one is saying it. Racism is the large elephant in the room which everyone chooses to ignore.

Being a mayor is a big deal. Regardless of your color or you ethnicity it’s a big deal being asked to lead a city is a honor and one that you should take lightly, but for former Chicago Mayor Harold Washington being the mayor meant something more. It meant change and change in a city that wasn’t all that used to change.

From 1983 to 1987 Harold Washington resided over the city of Chicago. His rise to office from was one that bred social change. In order to understand the significance of the social change it’s important to know just where the city had been. Chicago had been a place where social change was slow moving. It was the same place where the former, long time Mayor Daley had built the projects as a way to keep the poorer African American in the same place. It was a place where they rioted after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. It was the time when Mayor Daley proclaimed "If they’re looting, shoot em." So the idea that some 15 years later the city would have it’s first African American mayor was a little too far fetched.

However, Washington and his supporters did what they could to move the masses. During the campaign they were able to register 100,000 new black voters and swing the votes in their favor. The white vote was going to be split between the incumbent Jane Byrne and former Mayor Daley’s son Richard M.Daley. With Washington’s likeable personality and him being the face of change in a city that was long overdue for change, he was able to take over the office. Sadly Mayor Washington only served one term and tragically died in office, but he left a legacy of change and hope that cannot every be forgotten in a city that desperately needed it.

Black Cultural Archives is an initiative to preserve cultural remnants of black history. Black people have made numerous contributions in various capacities to the world. Most of these might be even during times when black people bore the brunt of blatant racism. This archive library will focus more on how the blacks made an impact to the heritage and culture of the United Kingdom.

BCA will have historical artifacts that will be an eye-opener for people. Some of these historical heritage remnants of blacks may have been hidden from racist propagandists. But now all these things are in the open for people to feel and realize the atrocities of racism, and how the spirit of humanity still created contributions from black people at those times.

A certain section of people still can’t reconcile to the fact, that a large part of the cultural backdrop of blacks was created in Britain. Most people would like to believe that black heritage and history was created in places like Africa, and so on. But this is not true. And the Black Cultural Archives will do just that. Reveal the truth. Even if it is not palatable for certain people.

The attempt is to trace the experience of people of African descent in Britain. By displaying facets of history, a bygone era of racism and hate crimes are uncovered again. What can be said as opening a can of worms that is not suitable for today’s times, the initiative will yet strive to make people understand the qualities of egalitarianism.

What started off as an attempt to create a black museum eventually carried forward into an archive gallery. The archives will show people rare and authentic manuscripts. Historical incidences, plans, and propaganda will be evident from these manuscripts. Even oral versions of historical events are recorded, along with rare photographs. All these materials run back at least 5 centuries backwards. Indeed, BCA will in itself be a landmark in black heritage.

African Americans have exceeded is many areas like science, sports and other sectors were only the whites were better at. This is in comparison to the condition of the African Americans at the beginning of the 19th century. They have improved considerably after 1968 after the struggle by Martin Luther King to get equal rights among the whites. This looks great when seen from an optimist’s point of view, but when seen with the view of a pessimist, the glass is half empty and the improvements are still too less to consider it good enough. African Americans are still the majority of the population when it comes to the bottom part of the lowest income families. Even when viewing the literacy rate among the various groups, the African Americans come below that of all the other minorities.

There are many reasons for this backwardness. The reason might be the psychological thought that black Americans are only good at illegal means of wealth generation which does not require studies. These illegal means of wealth generation can be drugs, smuggling or even stealing. There are only a few African Americans who set a good example for the other blacks to follow. If you think the black rappers are any good at setting any example, they are extremely bad for the future generation because of the future generation of African Americans wanting to follow in their footsteps. The black have a sub conscious hatred for the white society in a whole because of the past and present racism issues. Hence they behave like they don’t care for anything and wear clothes that are different from that of the whites and behave differently. There is still a long way to go before blacks pull them selves out of the bracket of the poor minority and start being counted among the improved sections of the society.

Black heritage in America is a long and storied history, one that has much sadness behind it. On the bright side, black Americans have come a long way in a few short generations to hold offices varying from alderman all the way to the President. The tenacity of a few have benefited many. No more Jim Crow laws, no more separate but equal, no more overt discrimination.

All it took was one tired and obstinate woman, Rosa Parks, to fire the shot that was heard around the world. Overnight the US took a good look at itself and did not like what it saw. Things began to change. Whites marched with blacks in the South, an unprecedented event. No longer did the black man or woman have to go to the back of the house to enter. They could now walk in the front door, proud. No longer did disenfranchisement hold sway, preventing blacks from being able to vote as they pleased.

There were those who tried civil discourse in the first half of the 20th Century. They should not be forgotten, even though their efforts are by and large unknown today. Early Civil Rights pioneers led the way to the civil discourse that brought about the large changes leading to equality.

Black Americans cannot afford to forget the lessons of the past. For they will be doomed to repeat it if they do. These rights were hard won in recent memory. To dismiss what Martin Luther King did for equality is to deny the entire Civil Rights movement. Draw upon the past to find strength for the future, and to solidify the hold for the next generation. Each generation finds it easier and easier to survive in America as racism fades, but they should never forget.

As Barack Obama begins his quest for re-election it’s important to look back on his journey. The truth is that the country isn’t sure about the effectiveness of his presidency and so, like any incumbent in this economy would be, his job security is in jeopardy. However, if he is a one and done president it might be easy to look forward and forget what he did to get where he was at, but if you do that you are missing out on a great moment for a man and the nation that believed in him.

When he started out he started out with a flurry of "will he, won’t he." He responded with the typical "i will, i might not." But once he got going he did something that very few politician know how to do effectively in this day and age. He was able to connect with the people. It’s a tremendous gift to be able to speak and no matter what anyone flung at him about his inexperience or his lack of stance on some issues, the truth was that no one could take away the fact that he was a brilliant orator.

Barack had captivated the attention of a nation. But he had to do something that no candidate had been able to do before him. He was able to mobilize a nation. They ran a campaign as organized as possible and geared toward the younger vote. A vote that is often incredibly difficult to get. But still they were able to get voters to come out in massive numbers. It was the biggest election for young voters in the history of the country. It won’t matter if Obama has another run at office because what he did to get an entire nation involved is already a permanent part of his legacy.

Being influential in any culture doesn’t mean that you have to have a big name behind you. As a matter of fact, you don’t even need to be in the spotlight. Being an inspiration should start at home.

It’s no secret that crime with our youth, especially in the African American community, is on the rise. This possibly could come from many homes not having the foundation to nurture our youth, by having a role model. One thing that is voiced by broken teens especially is that they never had a father figure to love them. Now by know means is this to say that women don’t play a major role in the home, but when African American men step up and take charge, there is a bigger impression that is place in the child.

African American men play an important part to teach, lead and to bring correction when needed. It is so imported that black men fill the gap because of all the hidden dangers that plague our youth. Drugs, crime, and school dropouts, being at the top of the list, children need that voice to put them on the correct path. It gives children a sense of pride and feeling as though they are protected. Most important children are lead by example as well! You have to look at youth as being a blank canvas; the picture that is painted inside of them is what they will display.

Not being a father doesn’t rule black men out of being a leader. There are other ways to lead the youth, such as volunteering at clubs, mentorship programs, or organizing events to bring youth together to empower them. If our children don’t get influenced by men in their own race, then how can they know about their identity? It was once said that if you don’t know where you have been, then how will you know where you are going?

The Tampa Bay Black Heritage festival is a ten day event celebrating black heritage and culture. It features artists from various areas come and perform at the event. The event is a great platform for exemplary orators, musicians, performing artists, dancers, and talented craft persons to come and show their abilities.

The festival generally takes place in the month of January. After beginning in mid-January it concludes sometime after Martin Luther King holiday. The event is an attempt to make people understand the diversity and cultural variety that exist around them.

Often, people dwell ignorantly cocooned in their own private worlds. Not knowing the colors of culture around them, they are caught in their mundane madness. Events like the Tampa Bay black heritage festival seek to dispel this ignorant darkness in the minds of people. This event is about supporting the cause of black people, and also enlightening people about black heritage and culture.

Every day of the event is a day to understand the African culture. Not only that, it also shows people the many facets of black American culture. The Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival’s main aim is to promote the cultural aspects of blacks all around the world. By providing them a platform, blacks will be able to communicate with everybody in their own style of expression. All these things create a sense of inclusiveness and better understanding of black heritage and culture.

The festival has a backdrop of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who fought for the black society. It is built on the foundation of the principles essayed by this great man. The event’s concluding around Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday makes it more special. It acts as a memorial event in honor of the outstanding philosophical contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Started in 2001, the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival has grown in popularity. And it looks like it is going to be that way in the coming years.

Although there were many African Americans in United States politics it wasn’t until the late 1960s that an African American was able to take the office of mayor in a major United States city. This person was Carl Stokes and he became major of Cleveland Ohio in 1968.

Carl Stoke’s educational accomplishments are amazing. He grew up in the first government low income housing in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Due to the hardships of the economy and finding work, Carl Stoke’s dropped out of high school in 1944. Although he was a great student the appeal of a job and money was higher then achieving an education at the time. He worked briefly in a local factory and when he reached the age to enter the military joined the army. After his discharge he returned to Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from high school. From there he went on to graduate college from the University of Minnesota and eventually the Cleveland-Marshall School of Law in Cleveland where he received his law degree.

If Carl Stoke’s educational path was amazing, his time as the mayor of Cleveland was even more impressive. Elected as mayor on November 7, 1967, Stokes had a lot of amazing accomplishments as mayor of a major US city. During his time as mayor of Cleveland he was able to help aid in the ability to open all city hall jobs to African Americans and women, which was a huge accomplishment for the time. He worked effortlessly to revive many historical neighborhoods in Cleveland, even starting and funding a private sponsor to work on helping to restore these neighborhoods. Stokes was elected for one more term after his first term as mayor but choose to not rerun for a third term.

After his time as mayor, Carl Stoke’s briefly traveled the country giving lectures to various college and universities talking about the major impact that being the first African American mayor of a major United States city has.

Many persons feel that learning more about black heritage and racial history will not help tackle racism. Well, there can be different opinions on this issue. However, there is no denying that racism has its roots in myths and unreasonable fears in the minds of those who practice it.

Many persons considered colored individuals as inferior. This is merely an expression of fear that perhaps colored individuals might be more powerful and more influential. Over the years, racism has adopted different methods and techniques to stay alive.

In some cases, politicians have made use of racism to stay in office. In other cases, a society that did not have the courage to face social issues sought to hide things under the carpet of racism. There is no doubt that history repeats itself, especially in case of social evils like racism.

That is the reason why knowledge of racial history and black heritage will be very useful. In fact, one should not stop at merely learning more about black heritage. It is important to give equal emphasis to all races. As on date, colored individuals have suffered more from racism. Hence, efforts to know more about black heritage may make more sense today. However, if racism is to die, society will have to reach that stage where all races are considered equal and all individuals study all races in detail.

The biggest advantage of adopting this approach is that even you can become an expert in tackling racism. Mere black heritage knowledge and racial history may not suffice. However, there is no denying that it is a start. You have to start somewhere and it is best to begin with gaining more knowledge.

If you want to do your bit to tackle the negative racial influence present in our society, you can start by learning more about others. As you learn more and as you pass on more, the fight against racism will automatically become easier.

While other surrounding cities were all embracing African American political figures, the largest and most well known city in the United States was stalled. New York City with a populations of millions of people and even more visitors a year was stalled in an effort to elect the first African American mayor for this huge city. In 1990 that goal finally came, nearly 25 years after the first African American mayor was elected to a major city in the United States. In 1990, David Dinkins was elected the mayor of New York City.

David Dinkins grew up in Trenton, New Jersey where he was able to graduate from the top 10 percent of his high school class. Shortly after his graduation, Dinkins met his first racial roadblock in the political area. He went to join the United States Marine Corpse but was denied on the basis that they had already enlisted enough "African Americans" for that year. The year was 1945.

After graduating from Howard University, David Dinkins quickly became known throughout the Democratic party in the Harlem area. He served brief terms of office in the New York State Legislative Branch as well as the city Clerk for New York City. He was up for nomination as deputy mayor of New York City but was overlooked for the spot.

In 1990 David Dinkins became the 106th mayor of New York City. His mayoral reign was not without problems and issues. He was elected as a time of great racial unrest in the city and many people believed that he would be able to completely eliminate all that. He is often blamed for high rising crime rates, although the rates were similar or stable to those of previous mayors. His accomplishments as mayor include that of working to increase jobs in the police force by passing and enforcing a 25% increase in the New York City’s police force.

On speaking of his progress at the G-20 Summit in Seoul, South Korea, President Obama said, “Instead of hitting a homerun, sometimes we’re going to hit singles, but they’re really important singles.” The same sentiment can be applied to the surprisingly quiet inroads African Americans have made in small towns across the United States.

William Sheckles became the first African American mayor of Bardstown, Kentucky in November, 2010. Sheckles’ win is significant because he is the only African American ever to win an elected seat in Nelson County history. In Kentucky, black politicians tend to win elections only after serving an appointed term. Sheckles is a life long resident of Bardstown, long-time business owner and a Western Kentucky University graduate, who served on the Bardstown City Council for 12 years prior to running for mayor. The fact that Bardstown is one of the oldest cities in Kentucky and an early center of Catholicism west of Appalachia and home to a majority white constituency, Sheckles’ win is a testament to shifting attitudes in American politics.

In 2010, Ludmya “Mia” B. Love became the first elected African American mayor in Utah. Love won the Saratoga Springs mayoral election bid over her challenger in a vote of 861 to 594. Love, who is the daughter of Haitian immigrants, was born in New York City and graduated from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Love served on the Saratoga Springs City Council and has said in local media reports that she did not think race played a factor in the election. But considering the most recent census figures say the population of Sarotoga Springs is 95 percent White and 0.6 percent Black, Love’s history making win may qualify as an important “single” hit in America’s political scene. Love has said she considers it a positive if her win changes peoples’ attitudes about Utah and Saratoga Springs.

What steps should you take if you want to stop instances of racism from happening around you? The first step is to find out whether you are, even inadvertently, promoting racism. This often comes as a shock to many. However, the truth is that most of us indulge in some form of racism without any conscious thought. Call it racial influence or call it influence of behavior seen in childhood and accepted without question but it is the truth. There are instances where we resort to certain negative practices and have negative thoughts attached to certain races for no rhyme or reason.

Most persons deny that they may be supporting racism. However, you should understand that it is possible for even a perfectly educated and civilized individual to unconsciously tilt to effects of racial influence.

Just find out how people react when they take a look at crime statistics. The fact that the most criminals happen to be black is what will stand out in your mind. Some persons might even mention this in casual conversations. However, the fact that the individual who commits crime also happens to be
- poor
- from broken families
- without any social support and
- invariably without any opportunity to become somebody in life
will never get the same importance.

If one is to tackle racism, one must adopt a completely sterile approach towards issue. If you do not bother to learn about black heritage and understand racial history, you may not be the position to counter the problem.

If the best that you can come up with is sympathy and empathy, then you must understand that this is nothing but a positive form of discrimination. Effects of affirmative action is a debatable issue. However, it is pertinent to note that the current President of United States did not enjoy any advantage over his opponents irrespective of whether the advantage would have been justified or not.
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The man who is attributed to being the first black mayor in a major US city is controversial. Most widely cited is Carl B. Stokes. Mayor Stokes was the mayor of Cleveland, Ohio for the years between 1967 and 1971.

His political success began in 1962 when he was elected to represent his area in the state House of Representatives. He stayed there for three terms and then went on to run for Mayor. His first try was unsuccessful. The second attempt was successful when he defeated the grandson of President William Taft. Mr. Stokes began the black power rise in political America.

Mayor Stokes term was marred with controversy that was mostly about violence in the predominately black neighborhood of Glenville. The riots were actually put together and funded by Cleveland Now. After these revelations were learned, Mayor Stokes did not seek a third term.

Mayor Stokes was devoted to many facets of life. Although a controversial figure, he worked to make life better for the black community. After his mayorship ended, he moved to New York City and became the first television anchor in New York City to be black. He remained in the groundbreaking position for over a decade. After that he went back to Cleveland and was appointed as a city judge. Though most men would have been satisfied with the accomplished life, Mr. Stokes accepted an ambassadorship to Seychelles from President Clinton in 1993.

Though some people recognize Mr. Stokes as the United States first black mayor, others feel it is Floyd J. McCree. No matter if he was the first or the second, there is no doubting the contributions of Mr. Carl B. Stokes. Today’s youth should utilize lessons from the work ethic of Mr. Stokes to understand the US heritage and ways to move it forward.

Unless you have been living under a rock in the recent months you should be aware that Lebron James is a basketball villain. After 7 productive but ultimately disappointing seasons as a member of his home states Cleveland Cavaliers, Lebron James took his talents and the hopes of many Cleveland fans down to South Beach to team up with fellow free agent superstars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

The backlash for the other two players wasn’t even a tenth of what James felt. Jerseys were burned, angry hate mail flew to local and national columnists. Every seemed to have an opinion and the consensus was that Lebron James was a bad guy. So the question remained: was Lebron James a bad guy because of what he did or because of the color of his skin?

The truth is that Lebron didn’t do anything that hadn’t been done before. He isn’t the first high profile free agent who signed with a different team. He’s not the first player to want to play with his friends. He’s not the first guy to leave his team for a more attractive city(at least from a national perspective). And he isn’t the first guy to go somewhere where he thought he could win a title with much less stress.

So then race had something to do with it? Well, maybe not. It’s true that LBJ wasn’t the first to do those things but it might be the manner in which he did it that set him apart. Having aired a special on ESPN called the decision he effectively chose his another city over his hometown on National television. This couldn’t have gone over well and it seems to be that and that alone that is drawing the ire of the fans. It may not have anything to do with race, but to rule it out completely would be ignorant in it’s own right.

The struggle of African Americans in the twentieth century is a widely known topic that has shed light on humanity’s seeming inability to accept diversity and or change. However, while the worst of it may be over, the heritage of African Americans inherited from those rough times still plays a role in how race in general is perceived in society today.

Generally, the inheritance of a family as well as the ideals, principles, and beliefs are handed down throughout the generations. While in fact a great deal of racism has been filtered out over the past decades from one generation to the next, there are still prevalent aspects of stereotyping and the discrimination that persists as a result.

Unfortunately, the key origin of this stereotyping comes from the difficulty that African Americans have had in being allowed to play a role in American society. While in fact there are many distinguished, viable, and reputable African American professionals, leaders, and Presidents; there are still many individuals that have been robbed of solid basis to begin their life due to the heritage that is tied to their family.

As a result of this, many African Americans are raised in environments that are not as equally opportunistic as many other areas of the country; they inherit the struggle to succeed and pull themselves out of the life that was passed down to them from the generations of their families before them who lived during the vastly discriminant era. This is an ongoing epidemic that results in stereotypical assumptions that relate crime and poverty to African American citizens while in fact it is strictly based off the psychological affects of environmental factors.

This is something that needs to be realized and then remedied. Due to this epidemic, racism still persists; while in fact it is a more subtle and a more passive form, it is equally as harmful.

African Americans have endured many struggles through the years, but thanks to their perseverance and hard-fought struggle for equality, they are accepted into modern society and no longer have to deal with segregation obstacles as in years past.

November 2008 marked a major period in black heritage, and in overall American history as Barack Obama, the nation’s first black president was elected into the White House. His message of unity and an attitude of change resonated with the nation, but particularly with black voters, many of whom were overjoyed that such a day had come.

For people who are interested in learning about black heritage beyond what is taught in grade school classrooms, there are numerous museums and heritage celebrations throughout the country.

New Orleans, Louisiana plays host to an annual Black Heritage Festival. Held at the Lake Charles Civic Center, attendees can look forward to a celebration of all the cultural aspects that have defined African Americans. Past festivals have centered on music, art and cooking exhibitions.

Additionally, Arlington Virginia is home to a black heritage museum that was founded in remembrance of freedom journeys that took place near the area. The museum offers opportunities for the public to provide their support through volunteerism, and provides information about a walking tour. Although the museum does not currently have a physical location for exhibits, many of the geographic locations of the walking tour can be toured online in a virtual environment. This is an excellent learning exercise for educators who wish to teach their students to have a deeper understanding of black heritage and the events that gave momentum to the movement.

These are just a couple of the many options available to those who wish to explore black heritage. Many major cities pay tribute through exhibits and festivals, and there may even be one in your hometown.

In today’s society, when we think about racial influence, our minds immediately move to life struggles and victories of African Americans. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, Fredrick Douglas, and Wilma Rudolph, (to name a few) have contributed to the changes made in America and around the world. Were these influential leaders targeting at a small range of individuals or where their intentions much grater then we recognize? If times have changed, why is there still racism today?

If we look at the meaning of being a racial influence, it is to simply look at ones culture or tribe letting that impact the way we view each others lifestyles. Since the beginning of time, civilization has always voiced and expressed their heritage. Influencing is not about competition, but educating to teach others about identity. This could be a key to why so many countries, including the United States, are still pledged with racism. When we choose not to accept ones social class we divide ourselves creating a discrimination hedge. Refusing to comprehend originality causes us to be limited to what we have to offer humanity.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as a Civil Rights Leader to assist with equality. Even thought the 1960′s was a pivotal time for African Americans, Dr. King believed that all should be equated. Regardless of where a human being originated, no one should be excluded from having opportunities to strive for a comfortable life. Freedom marches and speeches that were organized by King and the Montgomery Improvement Association proved that this was a concern that needed to be altered. A prime example of how racial influence is to address awareness to others abroad.

Understanding who we are and where we come from, will enable us to have a stronger since of pride. Thus, charging us to become influential and holding each other accountable.

Slavery in pre independence America was illegalized by 1890’s, by this time the number of blacks in America was pretty large. These blacks were brought largely from African countries and a few from South America by slave traders. They mostly worked in the fertile lands of the Southern part of United States. It was said that the whites kept dying in the fields doing hard labor, hence the blacks were used instead to do the work for the whites. Black were made to work on agricultural fields and could trade their freedom for crops. A few black became wealth by growing crops of their own. These backs were only allowed to marry between other blacks of the other minority the Indians. After the illegalization of slave trade, there was a steady inflow of the Black population into America till the 1970’s from the Central America, Caribbean, Africa and South American countries. It was believed by the blacks that North America is the famed Promised Land where they could better lives that what they had then. This is similar to what is happening now with the Mexicans sneaking into America. Unofficial estimates show that about 250,000 blacks moved from land in 1890 and the beginning of the nineteenth century. After 1910, the number of blacks migrating to America increased rapidly where guesstimates suggest that more than a million blacks settled in America. This led to the questioning of the place blacks hold in the completely white society which gave rise to widespread racial intolerance.

The blacks were part of American Independence and fought alongside the Americans. Black were part of the World War I and World War II. They played a major role in all of these wars but were still rejected the basic human right and were treated like outsiders.

There are more black mayors are in charge of U.S. cities today than ever before. During the civil right movement black leaders started to increase. Black leaders were becoming more involved in the political spectrum. Many of the early mayoral races were won on racialized platforms. Some people saw this as being part of a larger black struggle.

In the 1990′s there was less than 350 black mayors throughout the United States. According to The National Conference of Black Mayors there is over 500 black mayors representing United States cities. A large majority of those mayors are representing cities with a population of over 40,000 residents.

Black mayors address a wide range of issues, including the role of education in the city and health concerns of their residents living in poverty, the state of black leadership, and the crisis facing young black men in America today. Since the day the first black mayor was elected they have fought to provide a better life for the African-Americans in their community. They also work hard in making their cities safer and rebuilding the education system.

Black mayors are enthusiastic, but face special problems. They are normally Mayors in a economically challenged community. They are faced with the issues of high crime and low education marks. Bringing up the education marks and lowering the crime level can be a tough challenge. Thankfully there are more black mayors today than ever before and they are rising to the challenge like never before.

Educating yourself on the civil rights movement and the progress African Americans have had is something everyone should do. Understanding the struggles that they have faced might help some respect what African Americans have accomplished. The number of black mayors is increasing every year. We are also seeing more blacks move up through other parts of the political arena.

American black heritage is a long and storied history. So many people have struggled to bring African-Americans to where they are today. To be sure there will be those who say that we as a race still have a long way to go. And they’re right, to a degree. Take into consideration the accomplishments of those individuals and groups of the not too distant past. It becomes clear that we, as a race, stand proudly on their shoulders.

Martin Luther King stands out to many as being the largest bringer of change in modern times. His accomplishments were the completion of what many before him had started. The move for black freedom starts back in 1831 with Nat Turner. He brought about a successful slave revolt which ultimately resulted in his death. However, Nat Turner did not die in vain as his actions started the slow but steady falling of the dominoes that was the slavery system. 1831 was the year that the first evidence of outright activism began with a weekly newspaper called the Liberator. Its publisher regularly called for the abolition of slavery.

Big movements have small beginnings, and the movement for black equality in America was no different. The actions of Nat Turner started a wheel slowly turning. Frederick Douglas started publishing his own newspaper 15 years after Turner’s death. From here on out, the voices for abolition grow stronger. In 1849, Harriet Tubman escapes to the north and eventually founds the Underground Railroad. From here on out, the momentum to abolish slavery gets louder and louder. It still took more than 100 years from the time Harriet escaped to the ultimate goal of equal rights for all, but the efforts of those who came between should never be forgotten.

Black heritage in America is a long and storied history, one that has much sadness behind it. On the bright side, black Americans have come a long way in a few short generations to hold offices varying from alderman all the way to the President. The tenacity of a few have benefited many. No more Jim Crow laws, no more separate but equal, no more overt discrimination.

All it took was one tired and obstinate woman, Rosa Parks, to fire the shot that was heard around the world. Overnight the US took a good look at itself and did not like what it saw. Things began to change. Whites marched with blacks in the South, an unprecedented event. No longer did the black man or woman have to go to the back of the house to enter. They could now walk in the front door, proud. No longer did disenfranchisement hold sway, preventing blacks from being able to vote as they pleased.

There were those who tried civil discourse in the first half of the 20th Century. They should not be forgotten, even though their efforts are by and large unknown today. Early Civil Rights pioneers led the way to the civil discourse that brought about the large changes leading to equality.HRB

Black Americans cannot afford to forget the lessons of the past. For they will be doomed to repeat it if they do. These rights were hard won in recent memory. To dismiss what Martin Luther King did for equality is to deny the entire Civil Rights movement. Draw upon the past to find strength for the future, and to solidify the hold for the next generation. Each generation finds it easier and easier to survive in America as racism fades, but they should never forget.