President Obama Tells Black People To Change Their Attitude
Written by: Kim Sawyer
“”We need a new mindset, a new set of attitudes — because one of the most durable and destructive legacies of discrimination is the way that we have internalized a sense of limitation; how so many in our community have come to expect so little of ourselves.”
Yesterday, President Obama spoke at the NAACP’s 100 year anniversary celebration and pretty told Black people there is no excuse not to be the best and expect the best! In a nutshell, here is what President Obama told Black people:
To Black parents, he advised them to force their kids “…set aside the video games and get to bed at a reasonable hour, and push them to set their sights beyond such iconic figures as NBA star LeBron James and rap singer Lil Wayne.” He also said, “Our kids can’t all aspire to be the next LeBron or Lil Wayne. I want them aspiring to be scientists and engineers, doctors and teachers, not just ballers and rappers. I want them aspiring to be a Supreme Court justice. I want them aspiring to be president of the United States.”
To Black people, in general, he stressed the importance of education. He said Black people need to recapture the spirit of those civil rights pioneers — committment, urgency and sacrifice!
In my opinion, truer words haver never been spoken! Now, some Black people may be offended. The reason I say this is because a few years ago, Bill Cosby pretty much said the same thing, and Black people were upset that he would “air our dirty laundry.” In addition, there are other races who have tried to convey the same sentiments, but the delivery hasn’t been quite right, if you know what I mean.
Well, let’s see how it’s received coming from the President of the United States, who just so happens to be Black!
Tags: Bill Cosby tells Black people to get it together, NAACP's 100 year anniversay celebration, President Obama Has Tough-Love for Black People, President Obama tells parents to help their kids aspire to something other than a sports figure or rapper
July 17th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I love it! Some blacks may be embarrassed by him singling us out. Embarrassing or not, and I personally am not in the least bit embarrassed by it, we – blacks – needed it! I have a couple of smaller degrees and a bachelors and I am still seeking more education. I think education should be stressed AMAP! (as much as possible). We, my husband and I, have gone out to eat. When we come across a waitress who is mannerly and carries themselves in an impressive way (right now I am speaking of black young ladies) we ask, are you going to school. Many have said yes. They tell us their goals and dreams; in return, I tip them way over what they should get. I have tip them $20.00 at IHOP! (not that $20.00 is alot, but it is more than the $4.00 or $5.00 I would typically tip) Why? Because I have to put my money and support where my mouth is! If I scream education, education, education, I need to sow into the lives of those aspiring to make more of themselves by getting that education!
A little girl (a co-worker’s daughter) is going to school to be a graphic artist. She needs Photoshop. It is expensive. I asked her the cost and told her to let me know and I would try to help her get it. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not patting myself on the back because I could certainly do more than I do, and I don’t just mean financially, but I am trying to let these young people know, we believe in you and we want you to succeed and have the education you need to be the most marketable person out there! I hope Obama says it over and over and over! Way to Go President Obama. One more reason to love Obama!
July 17th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
@Kathy Curry – I think that’s great – that you’re supporting where you can! Some of these kids need encouraging from others because they may not be receiving it at home.
President Obama has said what a lot of people (White, Black, Hispanic, Chinese, etc.) have said before him. I only hope we take heed this time.
July 17th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Let me just add to one thing I said, $20.00 tip is not a big tip, but it is more than the $4.00 or $5.00 I would normally give.
July 18th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I like this story. Every since he was a serious candidate, I thought a time would come like this. As historic as his election was, black people – minorities in general – couldn’t hang their hat on his election for four years. Yes, he is a shining example of what is possible for every minority in the world, but he isn’t going to come to all our houses and look after “Little Johnny” every night. That is up to parents, teachers, neighbors, etc.
Now, if we are going to talk about putting our money where our mouths are, I have to plug We Embrace. We Embrace (www.weembrace.com) was created to aid students with technology/computers. If we could get that same $20 and multiply it by 10,000 think how many students would be helped. If you are reading this and are interested, ask me how you can donate and I will give you the information.
July 21st, 2009 at 5:54 am
Yes, tell us how to donate! I will also run a story on kleverkathy.com on We Embrace and how to donate.