“This is our moment. This is our time to put our people to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and affirm that fundamental truth — that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope; and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can!” —President- Elect Barack Obama, Grant Park, Chicago, November 4, 2008
The above words were spoken by our first African-American president upon winning the presidency of the United States. Barack Obama’s words are a true reflection of the greatness of America and its promise of equal opportunity for all. So, as we celebrate the contributions of African-Americans during Black History Month, it behooves us to reflect upon the journey of African-Americans in this country.
It is one that started with the forced migration of a people from a motherland to an unknown world, to subsequent slavery and the ensuing struggle to become free of the chains that bound, to the new taste of freedom and a thirst for learning.
That journey was the result of courageous, well-educated leaders such as Frederick Douglass, whose influence and eventual friendship with President Abraham Lincoln helped to bridge the great divide between White and Black and set a new course for this nation.
Along that journey were three great forces that became the cornerstones for the spiritual, academic and social development of African-Americans: the African-American church, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and African-American media. These three forces made a significant difference—and continue to contribute—to the growth of our people today.
The African-American church
The formation of the first churches was out of necessity –to maintain faith while enduring the most severe challenges, ones that often led to forced hardship and premature death.
