Essay excerpt from Thurbert Baker

The challenges for America are great, but times are especially challenging for those of us who happen to be African American. We are still trying to find our collective, unified voice among ourselves and the rest of this country’s three hundred million people. The search for our collective voice must begin with recognizing the importance of education. It’s never too early or too late to learn. In order to be competitive in this global economy, a good education is a must. I tell our kids that not everyone will be a basketball player, football player, or rapper. They need a backup plan: “E,” a plan for education. Read more…

OTHER ESSAY EXCERPTS
1. The Family Must Stand – The Honorable Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI)
22. Soul Survivor – Isaac Hayes
25. Bridging the Divide – Otis Moss
29. Love, Marriage, and Struggle (from With Ossie & Ruby: OTLT) – Ruby Dee
39. Actionable Pride – Cathy Hughes
53. Something Extraordinary, Something Unique: It’s Up to You – Thurbert Baker
54. The Psychology of Beauty – Beverly Johnson