Ignorance is Bliss

One phrase from my childhood that I will always remember is, "Ignorance is bliss." I first heard this phrase from my librarian at Sallye B. Mathis Elementary school when I was in 4th or 5th grade. It has stuck with me throughout my life. Another phrase that I have heard countless times is, "Knowledge is power."

There are so many unexplained trends in the African American culture that young people don't understand or research. The phrase "Ignorance is Bliss" applies to the young African American teenagers sagging their pants. It applies to the countless individuals, who decided to plank and post pictures of themselves for the world to see. There are other examples of individuals, who participate in activities and say things without knowing the full context of their words. I would encourage my fellow friends and young people to research and learn the history behind popular trends before getting involved.

In elementary, I learned "Ignorance is bliss." In middle school, I learned that being smart made you a nerd. In high school, I learned that education was my number one priority. In college, I learned to be a skeptic.

Take the time to learn and research the history of African Americans before being an active participant in what's the latest trend in society.

Belonging At The Table

For years, women have set the table and cleared the table. It's not a mystery that every woman is accepted at the dinner table. There are mothers, who teach their daughters to follow the ritual of femininity. There are mothers, who teach their daughters to break the monotony.

Women are now accepted at the board room tables, conference tables - even on panels and podiums. Belonging at the table for women means more than being present in the room and fetching water for individuals. Belonging at the table for women means having your voice heard and valued by others. It's an inner sense of awareness that every woman feels when they're in a room with others. The quiet voice that whispers, "Why am I in this meeting?" or "I don't have anything to contribute." As women, we must silence that quiet voice.

We belong at the table because we have a different way of thinking than our male counterparts. Let's face it... men need us. Women belong at the table as active participants. Women should feel empowered to voice their opinions - start at the table!