College program brings awareness of black history
by James C. Roundtree Jr., reporter

    I was elated about James Meredith’s speaking on TCC campuses. Every year the arguments begin at this time about whether a Black History Month is really necessary.

    I believe it is not only necessary but crucial as well.

    I remember an absence of black studies in the lower-level textbooks. I did not find out much about black history until I was in college, and even then, most of what I read was on countertops in the school library during Black History Month.

    As a black man, it seems I was (am) always fighting against stereotypical stigmas associated with being a black male. I was (am) supposed to be in jail, on drugs, a pimp or involved in some other negative type of activity.

    No one seemed to give a darn about my ability to think, dream, learn and generally strive for excellence. Most of the things I read in the papers about black men were negative, such as drug busts or fathering children out of wedlock.

    I always wanted to be a good husband, father and citizen. I have never believed in making excuses for anything.

    I believe that if you work hard and are honest and trustworthy, your efforts will eventually be rewarded.

    I believe America can one day become a great nation because of its diversity, not in spite of it. In order for this to occur, we must, as different races, begin to have meaningful dialogue and communication on a regular basis.

    Isn’t it amazing that less than 33 years ago, President Kennedy had to order 30,000 troops from the elite 101st Airborne Division to occupy the whole town of Oxford, Miss., as well as the University of Mississippi to ensure Meredith’s safety?

    When something such as the racist and brutal murder of James Byrd takes place, everyone scrambles to find out what happened and why. The reason is simple. Something so senseless can happen because we really don’t respect each other as full, first-class citizens yet.

    Some people are uncomfortable with Black History Month because it forces us all—black, white, brown or yellow—to look back on our history. It forces us to look closely at the painful issue of slavery.

    The issue of past slavery in the United States is not going to just go away. Martin Luther King Jr. once said we must learn to live together as brothers or perish as fools. In a land that is as technologically advanced as ours, we can and must do better in relating to each other as human beings. This attitude was also one of our country’s earlier problems since, at one time, blacks were presumed to be only three-fifths human.

    This rationale is absurd. Unfortunately, these are the issues that have confronted blacks in the United States since its early days, and it seems as though it’s still an attitude that remains lodged in people’s minds.

    However, we can change people’s behaviors by changing their minds. Sometimes, most of the problem lies in vastly different perspectives. Thus, it is critical that we begin to teach children about the notable achievements of all Americans. History should be a valuable teacher in all of our lives. While it is true that some blacks have done very well as athletes in America, what about the other millions of black Americans who haven’t?

    I’m amazed that as a 40-year-old black man, I am still learning about black history in America, little by little.

    It is great that I can ride in any seat on a bus without having to get up unless I choose to do so. I can drink out of any available water fountain or enter the front door of any restaurant and be served. I can vote and choose the candidate of my choice without fear of reprisal.

    Yes, we have made some tremendous strides in the United States as far as race is concerned, but many more hurdles remain to be conquered.

    We should continue to invite bright individuals such as James Meredith to get their personal perspectives, not just relate what someone said or wrote about them. Then we are on the right track.
College is about learning, discovering, dreaming and putting those dreams into reality.

    I must applaud Tarrant County College for being so open-minded over such sensitive issues as race and race relations. TCC is really making a difference in the lives of its students.