Johnson C Smith University - Golden Bull Yearbook (Charlotte, NC)

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THIRD CENTURY BLACK AMERICANS: THE UNIVERSE IS CALLIN6 YDU BY LARRY SMITH Our theme this year takes on new dimensions together with deeper meanings. In the past we have sought to motivate our Brothers and Sisters to rise to their utmost heights. Now that these heights are becoming more foresee able than in the past, we must regroup and rededicate ourselves to the cause of our people. We cannot afford to funeralize the Struggle yet. Our struggle is to fulfill those goals that will make a better tomorrow for future generations. The Universe is calling you! We hasten to ask, what is the Universe calling for and is it our duty to answer the call? The answer is simple. The Universe is calling for American Black men and women who are highly motivated; thus able to motivate. The celestial bodies are calling for energetic Blacks with new ideas. . .Blacks who are self-reliant but not self-serving.... Blacks who are willing to rededicate themselves to help their people. The stars are crying for Blacks who are looking for the true meaning of love, but more importantly, those who are able to give love. Yes, it is indeed our duty to answer this call, first because we are men and women of the Universe, and secondly, because we are Black men and women of the Universe. In the past, the Black man has answered the call by helping to shape the American way of life. Willingly and unwillingly, it has been a strong and determined answer. The American Black has been to this country ' s culture and heritage what the Nile River has been to the soils of the Fertile Crescent of Africa. Long, deep and wide, brar out and as it annually floods the lands, it fertilizes and enriches the soil that brings forth new life. The Black r a river, strong, determined and Black. He has proved himself to be a great river - a river never to t to be sailed by those sailor who are willing to give of themselves for the betterment of their fellow man. This Black man, with one knee bowed, both hands reaching for a universal inspirati on, head held high with tear filled eyes has proven himself to be a great inventor, scientist, historian, teacher, doctor, lawyer, businessman, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. This is a picture of our forefather, the American Black man; his beauty radiates around the world. He has answered the call of the Universe. Now the third century for American is here, and the Black man must respond to the call for a third time; but how? Remember that the first century American Black man came in chains, and in spite of his bondage, he was able to show a mental and physical strength that the world around him could not understand. The Brother that emerged during America ' s second century showed added courage that was unparalleled in the history of this nation. In their own ways these Americans responded to the call of the Universe. To the third century Black American, the call is even stronger. His answer must combine the strength of his slave-driven grandfather and the courage of his non-violent father with a never-ending vigor and stamina with which he can amaze the world. The third century Black man must answer the call with a never-ending thirst for truth and knowledge. He must become Man Thinking . Not only must he continue to prove himself scholarly to a nation and a world that once thought that all he could do was pick cotton and manufacture children, he must prove that he has the ultimate answer. This answer is the ballot box. This box will speak in a voice louder and stronger than any orator. In 1965, there were only six Black mayors in the nation. Today, two million registered Black voters later, there are over 92 Black mayors in the country. In 1965, there were only 600 Black elected officials of any kind, anywhere in the nation. Today, two million registered Black voters later, there are nearly 3,000 Black elected officials across the nation. Where have all the marchers of the 1960 ' s gone? They are marching to the ballot boxes. Rufus featuring Chaka Kham in the album entitled, RUFISIZED, recorded a tune called, PACK ' D MY BAGS . His words are appropos to our theme: THE UNIVERSE ISCALLING YOU, YOU ARE ONE OF THE CHOSEN FEW, YOU ' VE GOT TO PAY YOUR DUES. Will you respond to the call? You ' ve got some dues to pay in the Struggle. THIRD CENTURY BLACK AMERICANS; THE UNIVERSE IS CALLING YOU.