Why black people should get involved in politics 

             As a young black child growing up in the United States America in nineties, if you are asked to mention a role model or an icon you look up to, there are certain names that one is expected to hear. These names cut across majorly music and sports. The average child sees Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, Terrell Davis, Frank Thomas, Michael Johnson, Lionel Ritchie and the likes as role models.

             A role model is basically a person who has qualities or achievement you look up to and tend to want to be like. These kids saw their future in these stars. Many of these kids did strive hard to achieve equal success or better that of their icons and it is quite evident in the sports and music world today. Music from black musicians is staying longer on charts and they are having a wider reach. Most artistes are paying more attention to the professional aspect of the craft rather than dwelling squarely on talents. In sports also you have the likes of Serena Williams smashing records at will. There are no limits to what they can achieve in their mind.

            Now coming to the political arena, there was more of a defeatist mentality. Blacks have been associated with inability in this terrain from the inception of politics. A black man can run, dance or sing, but he can't think. After what is politics, other than “a game of wits”. This was generally accepted as the norm. To make matters worse there were very few people that one could point to as example of black excellence in politics. This is a white dominated Zone. Considering the fact that voting when race is involved is quite sentimental, most just lacked interest. With the exception of one man, Obama!

            Barack Obama represents not just a beacon of hope and chance at equity; he also brought about a new type of dream in black children. The black child now knows that he can achieve whatever he wants to achieve in life. He has ability to not stay confined to a societal stereotype. A black man occupying the apex political office brought about a new type of belief.

The blacks complain of being marginalized and suffer from subjugation and hardship. The only way to effect a change is through laws and acts. The elected leaders are the ones who have that responsibility bestowed upon them. Only when blacks contest for offices can Healthcare, schooling, infrastructure and other amenities which will further improve the quality of life of the next black generation be provided. Protest and public campaign will go a long way to state the problems of the black minority, but only black politicians really have the power to change the accepted status quo and provide better Living conditions. 

The blacks in the United States are not up to ten percent of the population, but make up 51 percent of the penitentiary population. Education reduces crime and social vices as it provides light in any tunnel, not just at the end. Blackanarchy001 Better and cheaper education means job opportunities and less crime. Safer streets and home are the result. Poverty rates will drop and accepted norms will be history. These are the ripple effects of more black in politics.

A better nation and world at large awaits the ambitious colored generation who know that they are not bound by their race or color, but are rather driven to be the positive change that is needed in the society and community they chose to serve.