Where's My 40 Acres and a Mule???

On July 29, 2008, Congress formally apologized to Black Americans for the institution of slavery and the subsequent Jim Crow laws that systematically kept blacks in unequal standing with their white counterparts. For weeks the news surrounding Congress' decision to make amends to the descendants of slaves has led many black groups to bring up the question of the promised reparations for slaves and their descendants. However, one prominent black leader that is opposed to the idea of issuing reparations to blacks is Barack Obama. Citing the flexibility of the word reparation, Obama wants Congress to look into combating issues in inner city schools, health care, and economic hardships for all as a way to resolve the issue of reparations.

I personally agree with Obama. To actually think that the government will give every descendant of slaves reparations is both unfeasible and a step back from all the rights we fought for during the Civil Rights Movement. The value of 40 acres of land today is well over one million dollars and with the state of our economy, the idea of receiving this promised land is unfathomable. Secondly, in the wake of all the drastic changes that are taking place in Black America, to actually want to receive government handouts for something that occurred in the past is a step back from what we have accomplished. Just the idea of Congress apologizing for slavery and of there being a Black presidential nominee proves that we as a united Black America should not want to dwell on the horrors of slavery, but learn from our ancestors and do for ourselves without that 40 acres and a mule and uplift ourselves form bondage. With that being said, I agree that the way to make up for the damage of slavery and Jim Crow is to properly educate Blacks so that we will be able to compete for the top jobs, know how to take care of our bodies, and how to deal with those who wish to destroy our way of life through gangs and drugs. It is time we stop blaming Whites for everything and it's time we take our life, community, and destiny in our own hands.

I leave you with a quote "A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes." Mohandas Gandhi
I think it's time we starting thinking that we shall overcome, instead of just singing about it.
(Source: The Associated Press)

The Intellect