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Exploration of Race
In search of the Talented Tenth:
The downside of Black colleges
It’s all good! The positive side of
historically Black colleges
By Angela Young
Contributing Writer
I came to America looking for the
“Talented Tenth.” But, DuBois, where
are they?
Attend an Historically Black College or
University, HBCU, you will find the
answers there - right? Wrong.
Studying at Clark Atlanta University
has exposed me to two very popular
concepts: (1) demanding professors are
often viewed as infectious diseases and
(2) lengthy reading assignments are
hazardous. Then, there is wonderment at
the success rate of international students.
Oh the irony.
However, I do admit that to every rule
there are exceptions, but it’s scarcity is
frightening. I will go even further to say
that passivity runs rampant throughout
CAU’s campus. It is during these mo
ments that I reflect upon the attitudes of
some of my African-American sisters and
brothers who complained bitterly three
semesters ago at the suggestion of pur
chasing a New York Times- an aide sug
gested by the professor to strengthen their
writing. Of course, these are the same
students who are covered in ‘Tommy
Hilfiger” gear, but are unable to purchase
required textbooks. And you are probably
reading this saying, ‘True’. Then, you can
understand my reason for asking: What is
priority- an earned grade or short-term
satisfaction?
Few students, if any, challenge the sys
tem, the professors and more importantly,
themselves. In others words, the smoother
path versus unpaved roads is the preferred
choice.
Commonly referred to as the ‘Black
mecca’ or the ‘new South,’ Atlanta is
filled with surprises. As the largest
conglomerate of historically Black
institutions, one would assume that the
Atlanta University Center would offer its
students a unique experience - perhaps
solutions to the numerous obstacles that
are plaguing our people today. But, is the
responsibility of the education of blacks
the sole responsibility of HBCUs?
I would argue that if not the
responsibility of providing a resource for
Blacks, at the very least serve as a
springboard in which the fundamental
principles of upper mobility - political,
social, and economic are encouraged.
After all, only a strong economic base will
lift the Black race to a state of supremacy.
Although this is often argued, this is where
the uniqueness of CAU is no different
from its white counterparts. In fact, CAU
fails to place strong emphasis upon entre
preneurial skills. Ironically, if it were not
for the few professors who stressed its
importance, many CAU graduates would
set their aspirations to members of
corporate America, instead of owners of
corporate America.
Hence, the shift of the paradigms. Then,
again, I should not be surprised since Af
rican American history courses are not
mandatory! The challenge remains: How
can a people detect progress if they are
clueless of their origin?
As direct descendants of Africa, each
student should have an idea of his or her
responsibility to the survival of the Black-
race and more importantly, do not allow
the efforts of our forefathers to be in vain.
As we embark upon the 21 Century, it
appears as if the existence of the Black
race is doomed. There have been some
accomplishments but the success stories
are far and few in-between. Today,
opportunities for Blacks are numerous.
Yet, the burning desire emanated by our
ancestors to succeed is only but a flicker
with today’s youth. If the behavior of the
students at the AUC is an indication of
tomorrow’s leaders, the Black race is in a
serious state of deprivation.
If I am lying, then witness the parade
outside MacPheeters Dennis when the
weather climbs to 70 degrees. Then, listen
to'brothers call their female colleagues
‘bitch’ as casual as a first name. What is
even more frightening is that some sisters,
to say the least, are not offended. Where is
the respect? Where is the love?
Instead, the prevalent practice at CAU
is reflective of crabs in a bucket - each
individual pulling the other down. Why
does intimidationexist, if we are all fighting
the same battle?
My existence on this racial earth is as
equally dependent upon you as yours is of
mine. The time for games is over. We can
no longer sit on the sidelines looking for
handouts: bribing teachers for grades,
requesting extra credit to assist failing
grades, and grunt at the suggestion of
challenging ourselves to think outside of
the box. Professors, too, must cease
chasing the popularity award and be
accountable for their actions. Furthermore,
we must discontinue criticizing our col
leagues who strive for excellence; instead
we should glory in their efforts.
The implications of DuBois’ statement
are real. Our hunger for knowledge must
permeate any negativity and dispel rumors
of our inferiority. We are products of a
great race. Consequently, great things are
expected from us. According to
motivational speaker Les Brown, if success
if your goal, then you must be hungry.
Mediocrity, not hunger is what I visualize
at this historically Black university. Then,
I pose this question: “Don’t we have our
homework to do?”
Editor’s Note: Miss Young is a native of
Bermuda
By Monica Williams
Contributing Writer
Attending a Historically Black College
and University, HBCU, is one of the most
valuable experiences for a Black student.
Many students come from high schools
where there was not even a mention of
Black History month, let alone the teaching
of Black history in an everyday classroom
setting. Most students at Black colleges
and universities find they can socially
learn more about themselves by being in
an all-Black society.
There is much to learn from the faculty,
who often times are graduates of
historically Black schools. Students find
there is a relief in knowing that there is no
racial prejudice among teachers and
students in the classroom. For many, this
is the first time they are taught by Black
faculty, which does tend to have a
difference in the way that class is handled.
The mere fact that students are able to
learn about their ancestors in English as
well as in history is an obvious benefit.
Many remember the high school days
when the small chapter on Africa was
either skipped over or reviewed as the
“white” Egyptians creating the format for
civilization. Those problems do not occur
at a Black school, because we are
encouraged to learn about who we are and
where we came from.
There is a feeling at Black schools that
you would not sense anywhere else. People
seem to be more willing to help if there is
aproblem. There is also a high educational
standard among most of the student body.
Students are better prepared to go out into
the work force when they leave a black
school.
It’s almost like attending a vocational
Commentary
Continued from P9
other groups.
By dividing people into separate races,
they were better able to control and define
the societal structure of all humans
existence according to theirinterpretations.
Therefore, they could set the standard
school when one attends a Black school
because of the guidance by prominent,
Black, career-minded individuals.
Black schools receive information re
garding minority-scholarships, internships
and programs that many other schools may
not even make available to students. Many
Fortune 500 companies send out represen
tatives to HBCU campuses to recruit the
students. This advantage is not found on
such a large scale at other institutions.
Likewise, culture and environment,
whether we believe it or not, are huge
influences on one’s daily actions and
outlooks. What better to have influence
you than the culture and the environment
that is received among one’s own people.
A Black college campus is also like an
extended family. Those who have
graduated in prior years always felt
connected to someone who attends their
old school. It’s a different feeling when
you speak about attending an HBCU and
often times people are surprised to learn
what type of environment exist on a black
college campus.
There is usually a sense of tradition at
any place of higher learning, but the
traditions that are carried on at HBCUs are
definitely one of a kind. Organizations
such as the American Missionary
Association helped to start many HBCUs
for the blacks who were being freed from
slavery. Ever since their efforts, the
continuing tradition of institutions devoted
to the education of Black students has
lived on. This strong sense of culture could
not be found in a multi-racial environment.
Obviously, the world is not inhabited by
one single race; however, students from
HBCUs are better prepared to go out into
the work force with a cultural background
that will help them get ahead.
by which all the other groups should live.
They were able to redefine our intellectual,
and moral attributes, based on their
standards to suit their purpose for control.
While we may benefit in some way from
being placed into racial categories such as
through scholarships, internships andjobs,
ultimately we are simply pawns in a bigger
game.
When you control a man s thinking you ’do not
have to worry about his actions. You do not have
to tell him not to stand here or go yonder He will
find his “proper place ” and will stay in it. You do
not need to send him to the back door He will go
without being told. In fact, if the re is no back door,
he will cut one for his special benefit.
— Carter G. Woodson