Black History Month is coming to a close, and we are concluding this annual ritual of reflection and recognition of heroes past and present. What's apparent to me is that there is no shortage of examples of achievement and perseverance in overcoming the obstacles we have faced in this nation. What once were unifying actions have faded into our memory, and replaced with "flash card Black History" rituals that have little meaning to our children. In the words of an old Negro spiritual song, "... My soul looks back and wonders, how we got over."
We hail individual accomplishments, while questions are raised about the relevance of our venerable institutions -- the NAACP, the National Urban League, the SCLC -- while others have long faded from memory. Some even question the need for Black History Month.
The recent impact of the economic recession has shown just how tenuous the progress is that we have made as a people. While many have escaped poverty and moved into the middle class, we have not heeded the advice of W.E.B. Du Bois to build our own bridges between the "talented tenth" and our less fortunate brothers and sisters. What is needed is a renewed focus on the unity of purpose that our past has taught us us about building bridges within our own community.
In the 21st century, we need to build new bridges that are available to us in a Virtual Black Community. We are able to hold virtual meetings, conduct virtual commerce, teach virtual classes, employ virtual workers, and develop our virtual Black community. We can take advantage of virtual tools to build real wealth and prosperity.
As we move beyond another Black History Month, we should not forget how we got over past hurdles -- by working together within our own communities. Now, our community is as much a virtual community as a physical community.
It is time we built new bridges to help us get over our current challenges. Here at www.izania.com we are working to develop new bridges for our community. We welcome your input.
CLICK HERE to share your ideas about ways in which we can help each other in our Virtual Black Community.
Our History is in our memory. We should never forget. Our future is in our hands. Let's build new bridges now.
Roger Madison
Founder and CEO
iZania, LLC
