The Gazette

Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: Opinion

In an effort to embrace the change that Obama promises, Americans-particularly young Blacks-are faced with the task of actually doing something with the milk and honey we inherited. Blacks have fought tirelessly for more than 50 years in this country to gain civil liberties-like equality and the right to vote. Meanwhile, we seem to have fallen off track and lost our identities along the way. According to the Bible, the children of Israel fell prey to idol worship and false Gods. Too many young Black Americans have fallen prey to materialism, selfishness, greed, divisiveness, and self-destructive behaviors. We have gone from being freedom fighters in the 50s and 60s to fighting to survive in our own communities against drugs, gangs, AIDS, and other self-inflicted threats. But we have a choice: we can continue being part of a generation ridiculed because of these things, or we can choose to see ourselves as part of The Joshua Generation.

Being a part of The Joshua Generation means we must now make real the promises of our ancestors. We must now make good on the hopes and dreams of this country for all Americans.

I encourage you to ask yourself, "What do I stand for, and what is my personal contribution to my country?" I am not telling you to become a politician, but be and remain involved, and be the best "you" possible.

We as people of color can look to our country, to the White House, and finally see a shining example of ourselves reflected back at us after 200 years.

I challenge you to let the world look at you and see a president, a first lady, an international figure of hope, progress, and intelligence-not just a source of entertainment, a fashion statement, a good joke, a danceable groove, or a grim statistic. We no longer need the "hood" façade to demand respect. We can rest on our intelligence, wisdom, creativity, and inner-beauty. Pull up your pants, leave the gold in the ground, and the diamonds in the rocks. We no longer need such adornments. It does not have to be "hard out here for a pimp" because you do not have to be a pimp-you never had to.

Let this moment inspire you to be the change you were seeking. Make a vow to be and remain an active member of the Gergen-penned "Joshua Generation."

The excitement of a Black president can end even before Obama is actually inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2009, or it can sustain itself until we see the next Black president.

If we stop or slow down, we are already defeated. Let us move swiftly ahead with measured intent and wise leadership. I want to see us take wings and soar. If we still are not motivated to do so now, we never will be.

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