To every negative mind it is seemed impossible...........

By M Yohannes

Having been born from Ethiopian parents in the States, and I have been privileged to live in a great neighborhood and attending a well-to-do school and live in an area where predominately consists of many races from many backgrounds. Since I live in a diverse society, I noticed because of the unity in my community, I have learned also about the division that still ceases to exist. I ask myself now, what makes us united? Is it that we share a common goal? Or is it that we realize though we have diverse backgrounds, we find that we are not so different as it appears?
To be black does it mean that we must be the urban street-gangster who makes a living out of drugs? To be black does it mean that we set our standards low? Being black— does it mean that we ask ourselves who are we to be brilliant, gorgeous, intelligent, strong, powerful and competitive? Truly, the question is who are we not to be? Does being black mean we don’t strive to be better, stronger and happier? We must ask ourselves, what are we proud of as Ethiopians and in general— blacks? Ethiopia has a long history to be proud of, but a famous quote from former President Kennedy states: “Change is a law of life. And those who only look to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” It’s time to make a great future, and one to be proud of when we look back, and can’t look at our differences to find a solution.
If it is only our vastly different cultures that divide us, then why does other countries, like America, are able to come together despite of their differences? Why can’t we do that— as blacks? We don’t hear a British telling an Irish they won’t associate with them because of their differences. We don’t hear a Chinese telling a Japanese they won’t associate with them because of their differences. One doesn't hear an Argentinean saying the same to a Brazilian because of their differences. Why can’t we say the same with Ethiopians among ourselves and other Africans/African descents?
Because we spend our time squabbling among ourselves, we fail to notice how the world is growing around us. We fail to notice that while we debate over trifle issues, the rest of the world is going full speed into the future. For the rest of the world, their future has started yesterday. Where does our future begin?
I suppose that now I should end with something painfully corny, but being corny can be the truth at times. I am an American, and I’m proud to be one. But I’m also Ethiopian, and proud to be one. I’m talking to every African and African descent now. Let us be leaders. Let us show that we can change and we can grow, though secretly in every negative mind it is seemed impossible. The Wright brothers were told that if man were meant to fly, they’d have wings. They said that could never reach the moon. They said that black slaves who voyaged to the New World when America was sprouting from oblivion would never be free, yet now we see a black president as America’s leader. If all this can happen, why can’t we? If they could do it, why can’t we?

****** M Yohannes is 14 years old girl an eighth grader who loves to write********