In Honor of Black History Month
So much of where we are going as a nation, where we are as a (hip hop) generation hinges upon our knowledge and understanding of our history. There are great examples of people, historical figures who even today are changing the world. The more I learned about the struggle of our ancestors to combat oppression, injustice, racism, sexism, hatred in general, the more I was motivated to do the same, albeit in my own way, dealing with a different context, hoping that one day I might defeat the forces that continue to obstruct the hopes and dreams of people like me.
I question whether it was something that was naturally a part of my personality or was it something that I learned along the way. I am partial to the latter because it gives meaning to the work that I do now. I can get up and go to work if there is just that sliver of a chance that my influence might encourage my students to achieve at the highest levels, despite the difficulties and see the world as it is both full of detractions and full of opportunities, and to "be the change" that they want/need to see in the world.
I question whether it was something that was naturally a part of my personality or was it something that I learned along the way. I am partial to the latter because it gives meaning to the work that I do now. I can get up and go to work if there is just that sliver of a chance that my influence might encourage my students to achieve at the highest levels, despite the difficulties and see the world as it is both full of detractions and full of opportunities, and to "be the change" that they want/need to see in the world.
