Flying with one less excuse

Now that we have an African American president-elect, it is time to stop using the excuse of color as a reason why we cannot get ahead. I am not naive enough to believe that color is never the barrier, but it is not always the reason. If we have learned anything from the recent election, it should be that opportunities exist for everyone. One must apply herself to achieve great moments in life.

My mother sent me this. It is from 12 Things The Negro Must Do For Himself by Nannie Helen Burroughs (Circa Early 1900's). It is very appropriate today.

7. The Negro Must Stop Charging His Failures Up To His 'Color' And To White People's Attitude. The truth of the matter is that good service and conduct will make senseless race prejudice fade like mist before the rising sun. God never intended that a man's color shall be anything other than a badge of distinction. It is high time that all races were learning that fact.

The Negro must first QUALIFY for whatever position he wants. Purpose, initiative, ingenuity and industry are the keys that all men use to get what they want. The Negro will have to do the same. He must make himself a workman who is too skilled not to be wanted, and too DEPENDABLE not to be on the job, according to promise or plan. He will never become a vital factor in industry until he learns to put into his work the vitalizing force of initiative, skill and dependability. He has gone 'RIGHTS' mad and 'DUTY' dumb.

Is color really holding you back or is it something else? Dig deep, discover the truth, and then fly high!