In my career, I network and build relationships with many professionals in the commercial real estate industry. As an African American in the real estate industry, I am often the only person of color at the luncheons. My friends often ask if I am ever discriminated upon when I try to go out and get business. I always reply, “If I have been, then I did not know it.” They never fail to look back with a puzzled stare. I go on to explain, if you look for prejudice behavior, then you will find it. We are all prejudice towards one another in one way or another. I am convinced no human being intends to harm another, but instead we are victims of the very traditions that comprise our culture. We practice the behaviors that were taught to us with no regard for their origination or purpose. I choose to look for what is good in all human beings and engage everyone with a reckless disregard to color.
Many African Americans have been held back in life by the very mental limitations they place on themselves. They feel powerless by what they have come to know as the “white man”. I have been told stories of declined loans, failed businesses, and lost opportunities. All of these experiences being controlled by a “secret” conspiracy against African Americans and being orchestrated by the “white man”. I was born in the “hood’ surrounded by drugs and violence to a teenage mom and no father. Daily I choose to ignore my past experiences and search out the American Dream through hard work, creativity, and commitment. In exchange for my efforts I have been able to build some invaluable relationships, own a thriving business, and provide abundantly for my family. Why did the “white man” give me a pass?
Lately, the “white man” must be feeling generous towards African Americans. On June 3, 2008, Senator Barack Obama did what most believed impossible. Senator Obama became the presumptive nominee for the Democrats battle for the White House. No African American in history has ever been nominated by a major political party for President of the United States. Senator Obama attracted more new voters to the process than anyone in history and withstood scrutiny from a formidable candidate, Senator Clinton, and the media. Senator Obama had long been a success before June 3 as a graduate from Harvard Law, leader of the Harvard Law Review, a community organizer, State Senator, and U.S. Senator. All of these achievements from an African American with no head start in life. Senator Obama is emerging as an inspiring figure to those who are ready to abandon the divisive and old era of thinking. We must recognize our ability to succeed and achieve our desired outcomes in spite of all challenges. All African Americans should now awaken to the new realities in our country, put down any excuses, and passionately pursue their purpose and dreams.
I firmly believe Senator Obama, Bill Cosby, Bob Johnson, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Jay-Z, Armstrong Williams, and myself all encountered obstacles and continue to take on challenges today. However, we cannot focus on external factors and make excuses for failures. We must assume responsibility for ourselves, embrace change, and commit to excellence. We achieve successful outcomes when we focus our energy on positive behavior and effective action towards our goals with disregard for what others may think or say. After watching Senator Obama’s skillful capture of the Democratic Party’s nomination for the White House….all African Americans need to join together and sing, “Yes we can!”
