Charles Fuller

On Tuesday, September 28, 2010, Charles Fuller graced Howard University with his presence in the Ira Aldridge Theater. To be honest, I have never heard of Charles Fuller or his famous work, “A Soldiers Play”. I sat in Ira Aldridge Theater patiently waiting to see what the big to do was about. Once Mr. Fuller took a seat, the hostess, whose name I didn’t catch, began reading off his bibliography. I was amazed at Charles Fuller accomplishments. Charles Fuller said that, “growing up back in his day was very stereotypical, especially when he would go to the movies. The directors would embarrass black folks by having an ignorant black man or a big black woman in the kitchen.” This inspired Fuller to show the independents of African Americans. It was imperative for African Americans to show the world that they were just as capable of being a doctor or the hero as whites. In the 70’s, there were many black exploitations movies that thrived on black power. Charles Fuller also spoke about his complex of the south. Fuller stated, “It is really hard for to go pass Washington D.C. Back in my day, once we were passed D.C., blacks had to get in the back of the bus.” I don’t think Fuller is the only person with that problem. African Americans have a hard time going back to a place that caused so much stress for their people. The South if full with tension and hurt; I don’t blame Fuller for not wanting to go. After hearing Charles Fuller speak, I realized that we all have a purpose out here. And we must fulfill our purpose so that we can help the next generation. Charles Fuller paved the way for us, now we must pave the way for upcoming youth. Therefore, what is my purpose in life?

Texting and Driving

Over the past decade many accidents and deaths have been caused by the use of a cell phone, specially, texting. Drivers must pay attention to everything that is on the road. In a split second anything could happen to cause an accident. Therefore, if you are not paying attention your car could be towed or even worse you could end up died. So why do we text and drive? I say we, because yes I am guilty. I have, on occasion, text and drove. While I am doing it, I think to myself, “Wow this takes so much attention off the road.” Many young people are losing their lives because of this issue. We have to stop, trust me that text can wait until you reach your destination. Over the past couple of years, Oprah has raised awareness about texting and driving. The Kardashians have also raised awareness with about this epidemic. Over the summer, the state of Michigan passed laws stating that if caught texting or on the phone there is a $200 fine. I believe that more states need to pass laws about this issue. We need our young people here because we are the next generation. So people please, stop texting and driving. I promise you it is not worth the consequence.

Total Contol

   “Africa has political power but lacks economic power.” Every Tuesdays and Thursday, I attend Afro American Studies taught by Dr. Greg Carr. This Thursday, our class had an interesting discussion on Africa. I thought it was very appropriate since I had just finished reading Barack Obama, “Dreams from My Father”. Dr. Carr stated that even though Africa can make its own laws, they still cannot control their economy. I believe that if Africa was totally independent they would not be a poor nation. The Europeans came over to Africa and observed that they could make a profit off of them. This issue is holding Africans back tremendously. As Americas, we should fight for Africa seeing they don’t have the finances to fight for themselves. In Africa, they have many gold and diamond mines. Europeans are making Africans dig up their own land and taking the fortune back home. Americans have known this for many years and yet, we have done nothing. When does this non-sense stop? When will Americans, especially African Americans, help stop violence in Africa? It is imperative for America and the rest of the world to end the issues of Africa. Many Africans are mistreated and abused every day. This is completely unacceptable. We must have world peace to be able to prosper and move forward. Over all, many people suffer every day because their country to being controlled by another. It is time for us to help others fight for their FULL independence.

Moving Forward

On September 11, 2001, America took one of its hardest blows. I remember I was in the gym class that day and my teacher kept coming in and out of the classroom. People were frantic but I didn’t think anything of it because I was just a child. My father came to my school and took me home early. I didn’t know what was going on but I knew something was wrong. Later that evening and days after, I would see cruel images on the television which is now known as 9/11. A few months ago, there has been speculation of a Mosque being built on ground zero. Many Americans are very angry at that decision. Even though ground zero is a touchy place, I believe that Muslims have a right in America just as anyone else. Since 9/11 the Muslim race and religion have been discriminated against and persecuted. The event that took place on 9/11 was horrendous. Americans all over were hurt and mad and had every right to be. However, all Muslims should not be treated badly. In the world, good and bad both exist. Therefore, all Muslims are not bad people and should be entitled to every right like I am. I believe that as Americans we can all come together and work together so stop violence against other nations. No race or religion is superior to any other race or religion. Moreover, Muslims should be able to build their Mosque at ground zero because it’s their right as American Citizens.

Time to Pass the Torch

African Americas are known to be very resilient ever since they were brought over to this country. Even though they were treated with injustice and disrespect, they still overcame their obstacles. In fact, over 100 years ago, they were freed and were able to transition from slaves to American citizens. Today, African Americans can walk down the street with pride knowing that there is a black president of the United States. African Americans have climbed their way to the top and they fully understand that the sky is the limit. Furthermore, African Americans can embrace all of America and not just their own race. They have fought for their rights. Now it is time to fight for the rights of other Americans that are being persecuted. Barack Obama stated, “I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together.” Therefore, as individual races, we can try to improve America on our own. However, if we want to move forward and end our issues such as, racism, discrimination, poverty, Iraq, and so much more, America has to fight as one union. Overall, as a citizen of the United States and I proud African American, I believe we can all come together in peace and conquer some of the most deadliness diseases that are slowly killing the American people today. We have to put away our differences and fight for what is ours. It is now time for African Americans to protest for Latin Americans, Native Americans, and Homosexual Americans rights just like they protested for their own. If we can come together and fight for each other, I believe that America would on its way to becoming a “perfect union”.
Work Citied
Obama, Barack. “A More Perfect Union.” National Constitution Center, Philadelphia. 18 Mar. 2008. Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU