American Diversity America’s Strength

One of the primary reasons that American developed into one of the leading nations of the world is the tremendous energy, intelligence, determination, courage, and skills brought to America over the years by its millions of immigrates.

Most of the immigrates came to America of their own free will. They were either courageous people seeking to improve their lives, people seeking freedom from religious persecution, political refugees from countries that oppress freedom, in some cases scoundrels seeking to evade the law, and in other cases prisoners who were “exported” to the new America to get them out of Europe.

It all made for a colorful, at times explosive, mix of inhabitants who gave America an unmatched level of energetic, ambitious folks who were willing to work hard to improve their families fortunes. In doing so a great and prosperous nation was developed with a democratic form of government that gave a voice to all.

Well, nearly all.

There was another class of immigrants that America to this day doesn’t enjoy discussing. These were the dark skinned people from Africa who were brought to America against their will as property, to be bought and sold, and to provide a source of cheap labor for American farms and industry.

They were transported to America in slave ships under the most horrific of conditions. Only the strongest among them survived the journey. This was one of Darwin’s theories put to an unwitting and cruel test by those involved in the slave trade.

The use of slavery was a shameful period in American’s history. A civil war, the most destructive conflict in the history of America, was fought largely due to differences of opinion between the states as to the right for one man to own another. In America, this was a black versus white issue and the legacy of confrontation versus mutual respect and cooperation remains even today.

In spite of incredible hardships the African American community have made many sacrifices and contributions to America, from being brave warriors in the armed forces, to being valued members of the scientific and academic communities, to serving on the Supreme Count and as Secretary of State, to developing a high worldwide profile as accomplished talented musicians, entertainers, and sportsman.

Fortunately, relationships and acceptance between the African American and White communities in American, have gradually improved over the years. It has taken some strong, brave, and committed leaders, like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to move the issue forward and to pave the way for greater opportunities in America for the generations of African Americans who follow.

In 1968 Dr. King paid the ultimate sacrifice for his courage in telling America that discrimination against any people based solely on race is wrong and unworthy of a great nation. In 1968 America still had a long way to go in providing freedom in equal measure to all citizens.

America still has work to do to realize a truly nondiscriminatory society. There are still divisions and misunderstandings between citizens of different backgrounds and skin colors that need to be addressed and corrected.

Black in Business is a blog that will help those in the white community to better understand the concerns and aspirations of those in the black community.

Hopefully, with a better understanding of the issues and concerns still faced by African American citizens, by citizens of all colors working together, further progress will be made in improving America so that the promise of equal opportunity for all is fully realized.

I recommend Black in Business as a good informative read for anyone committed to creating a better America.

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