“They made us think that Africa was a land of jungles, a land of animals, a land of cannibals and savages...they were so successful in projecting this negative image of Africa, those of us here in the West of African ancestry, the Afro-American, we looked upon Africa as a hateful place...Why? Because those who oppress know that you can't make a person hate the root without making them hate the tree. You can't hate your own and not end up hating yourself. And since we all originated in Africa, you can't make us hate Africa without making us hate ourselves...And what was the result? They ended up with 22 million Black people here in America who hated everything about us that was African.”
—Malcolm X
Morehouse pictures say more than words
Im reading comments and a few blog posts where people are criticizing the pictures from the Morehouse commencement where it rained and the grads got wet.
Criticisms about Morehouse not having a “rain plan” in place for the ceremony. Criticisms about how the institution was not worthy of having the President deliver the Commencement Address.
Is it just me, or do I think something entirely different when I see this imagery?
I feel proud, I see determination and resilience. I see a symbolism for what it means to be a black man in America right here in these pics… and I wouldnt have it any other way.
Rain, hail, sleet, snow… those of us with the right perspective still prosper. Been that way for some 400+ years. Even when the only way to walk a stage or take the next step in life is through worse conditions than those with more easier paved roads or sheltered paths in this society.
I see a KING adjusting his glasses looking determined to hear his name called and receive the recognition he has earned on this day.
I see myself, as I would do the exact same thing, drenched, heavier in a soaking robe, head held higher BECAUSE of the pouring rain.
Looks like the best commencement photos that I have seen from this past weekend yet.
To me
