Part One

The Mission of the Hip-Hop Generation
-by Jontae' Grace

While I was reading a masterpiece titled The Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey, it occurred to me that we are at a crucial point in African-American history. With the rapid advancement of technology allowing access to unprecedented amounts of information, modern American society is evolving exponentially. Just as computer technology doubles with every successive stage of development, so our society progresses by leaps and bounds in industry, science, and politics.
But what does this mean for Black people- especially Black youth? We who continue the heritage, the bloodline, the struggle of our ancestors must recognize that as the population grows larger and opportunities grow smaller, competition for higher education and jobs becomes keener. Thus we must devote every ounce of our energy to bettering ourselves and our people through education, economics, and health. We cannot afford to be apathetic towards the affairs that dictate our quality of life.
The one thing that has always weakened the effect of African-American movements is the failure of political groups to unite across social lines, thereby gaining mass appeal for the cause. Conflicting ideologies, such as Booker T. Washingtons industrial education versus W.E.B. DuBoiss higher education, undermine the fact that both sides desire the same outcome: racial progress. I believe that the roadmap to prosperity for Black people is a synthesis of several ideals introduced by prominent Black leaders. We need Black people to work with their hands, as well as their minds. I will try to do my part in whatever way is deemed necessary, stay tuned for Part 2.