Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth. -Muhammad Ali
As I get older it has begun to dawn on me how many blessings that I have in my life. I think about all the young adults and children who are less privileged than I have and I am overwhelmed with the desire to give back.
As privileged, young, black college students I believe it is one of our duties to in some way, shape or form reach out and give back to those in communities that are less fortunate than us. Think back to 60 years ago,when we had to learn in the shadows, out of sight of racists who would beat slaves for reading.
We had to literally fight for our lives every day just to get an education and now we have over 100 Historically Black Colleges/Universities across America.
In order to be examples of success, we must try our hardest to not only give back to our communities but work as mentors for the generation of young black leaders to come after us.
There are so many tainted messages being broadcasted in the media that is important we set positive images for our younger generation to look up to and that we show them by example that they can excel in all areas of life. It is vital that we provide them with role models not solely in the entertainment or sports industry. We must help improve our cities, high schools, elementary schools, orphanages and nursing homes in any little way we can, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, intelligence and servitude.
It is important to remember that we are blessed to be a blessing and that as this generation moves forward we also reach back to pull somebody else; by doing so we will pay homage to those who fought so that we may have the rights that we have today. What better way to honor their sacrifice than continuing to carry the torch through service ?
