While realities of the world, traditional media outlets and happenings in our neighborhoods often paint the picture of a destitute and unthriving Black community, it’s important for us to acknowledge the tremendous strides that we’ve made as a people.
As Black History Month nears its end and we reflect on the history of our people, it’s essential that we too, recognize our evolution. Though there are many things that we need to improve on as a community, there are also many things that we’ve excelled at in modern times that would surely make our forefathers proud. Let’s reflect on some of the accomplishments of Blacks and simply take it all in.
Two strong minority front-runners for the Democratic presidential nominee — As the first African-American contender for the presidency who actually has a shot at winning, Barack Obama has elevated Blacks to heights many thought we would never reach. In addition, his opponent Hillary Clinton deserves a tremendous amount of respect as well because she is the first woman to forge such a strong campaign in her attempts to win the presidential nominee.
A female media conglomerate who is one of the most powerful women in the world — Oprah Winfrey owns Harpo Studios which consists of The Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah and Friends on satellite radio, O Magazine, and most recently OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network. In addition Winfrey is the founder of a girls’ school in South Africa and donates to countless charities in the United States and abroad.
When Winfrey first launched her television show, critics said she wouldn’t make it. They felt this way not because she wasn’t qualified, but because she was an overweight Black woman on television and critics felt that was unattractive. Despite her naysayers, Winfrey climbed her way to the top and has been there ever since.
Skilled African-American entrepreneurs in Indiana with companies that provide services nationwide and beyond — Vop Osili is the owner of A2SO4 architecture firm that is internationally recognized for its multidisciplinary design.
Bill Mays is the owner of Mays Chemical Co., a fully integrated chemical distribution company with offices throughout the United States and beyond. In addition Mays is a tremendous philanthropist who continuously gives back to the community.
Dr. Mercy Obeime is the founder of the Mercy Foundation, an organization that works to prevent premature deaths in vulnerable populations and restores hope for those who have lost it from the burden of society, diseases and illnesses. The Mercy Foundation works extensively throughout Nigeria as well as in Indianapolis to combat a variety of conditions, including obesity.
Osili, Mays and Obeime are only a few of the many talented Blacks in the city who have excelled in their respective fields.
More Blacks in the U.S. attending and graduating from college — Studies show that an increasing number of Blacks in the United States are not only attending college, but also graduating from post-secondary schools. This fact is especially rewarding because it speaks to the potential we as a people have in the future. With more education and training, we’ll be better equipped to be top executives, run our own companies and be in decision-making positions.
Two Black head coaches making it to the Super Bowl — While Super Bowl XLI was last year, it was truly a defining moment in sports history as well as the history of African-Americans. To have Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and the Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith lead their teams to the Super Bowl was historic. It was the first time a Black head coach made it to the big game as well as won it.
The accomplishments of the aforementioned as well as so many others are things that we should all be proud of. Who would have thought 50 years ago that Blacks would be presidential candidates, media moguls and qualified entrepreneurs with companies that span the United States and beyond? I encourage you to reflect on the history of our people, but also the present state of us and relish the fact that as an entity, we finally have a seat at the head table.
