Unity
As we continue to reflect on the accomplishments and endurance of our people, let us look further into the characteristics that have shaped the character and attitudes of their ideals. Another characteristic that has transcended through time is Unity.
Unity can be defined as the absence of diversity; oneness of mind; as well as harmony and agreement. During the times of slavery, unity was the glue that held together the operation of the underground railroad. During the civil rights movement, unity allowed for successful boycotts against public transportation. Unity within our culture has the ability to strengthen our communities, establish a unified effort to overcome institutional prejudices, and allows our people to provide a corporate response to break down adversity.
However, during recent years, there has been a breakdown of unity within our race that greatly differs from that of the civil rights era. Selfish ambitions have ran rampant, and looking out for our fellow brothers and sisters has become an "old school" mentality.
Because of this gap between then and now, I want to pose two questions. First, what is your opinion to why there is a decline within our race regarding unity? Second, what are some ways in which we can continue on the course of equality, in all respects of life? While you ponder on your thoughts, consider this scripture which encourages unity:
"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought".(1 Corinthians 1:10)
~Toni H.
I have often wondered why African Americans are not as unified as other ethnic groups in America. The lack of unity among African Americans is the major reason for the many ills that afflict our people and our communities. I think the biggest problem that lends to our disunity is our weak belief for the need to unify. We are not up against the same struggles; we don't battle the same issues as our forefathers. Consequently, we disregard that have so much further to go, inside and outside of our race. It hurts to know that we have all but given up on the idea of strengthening our bond to go beyond the "Dream" of MLK. There are a ton of things we can do to be in the same place. But my hope is that one day we are of like mind, like motive and like motion.
ReplyDeleteGreat topic of discussion! I’ve had a heavy heart about this. We do not support each other as I have seen in other communities (Asian, Hispanic, Jewish etc.). Our generation and the upcoming generations have experienced a great shift. First we have to recognize that we have generations of very young parents that are born from very young mothers and fathers. Somewhere along this line, spiritual and family values and morals that our forefathers worked hard to instill have been lost. This problem is multilayered. From lack of spiritual foundation, lack of male role models in the home, education to lack of unity in THE HOME (in my opinion where the foundation begins). In addition, the focus of “us” has shifted to “me”. It seems like everyone is for self. We witness the wide use of the term “doing me” which basically tells others, “no matter what the cost or what anyone else says or thinks, I’m going to do what I want to do.” Or are we just too busy with our own lives to worry about what’s going on in the lives of others until something happens that directly affect us? I have the same hope as Leray…..to one day have like minds, motives and motions. Jesus help!
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