We are winding down another month into the year of 2007. This month of February is pivotal to many people in America. In this month, people who still believe in romance celebrate Valentine's Day. Patriotic folks celebrate Presidents Day, honoring our nation's forefathers. Some of us, who are really tired of the winter, look forward to Punxsutawney Phil rearing his head up for Ground Hog's Day to determine if our winter will end soon. It is also the month of that celebrates Mardi Gras/Ash Wednesday. But for me and others of African American descent, it is Black History Month.

During this month, African-American's start looking at PBS and other stations for programs about famous African American's in history, such as Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, etc. Our recent slave history is brought to the forefront on how we overcame some of the atrocities of the past, including Jim Crow laws, beatings and lynchings.

One of my heroes (and a hero for many) was Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Most of us know his history. We know about his marches and stand for civil rights. We watch the "I Have a Dream Speech" and try to relive it as he is speaking it on the grainy black and white tape, with the poor audio. It still brings chills, but it also saddens me to think how far away we as African American's have strayed from our roots of what made us strong.

During the 1960's, with the introduction of desegregation in housing and affirmative action in employment, we felt the opportunities for the American Dream were enhanced. The family unit was diluted with the welfare system and the feminist movement, etc. We stopped reading the Bible and church was no longer a Sunday tradition. Eating dinner as a family has become a rarity.

The rules of engagement have changed. There are those of us that have and will achieve success(i.e. getting a higher education, gaining employment in corporate America or owning our own businesses, living in the suburbs, driving luxury vehicles, belonging to elite clubs, etc). We only visit our old neighborhoods briefly to visit our families left behind. Those good folks left behind, who stay behind closed/locked doors, afraid to venture out into our violent and drug infested neighborhoods.

For those pulling the triggers and pushing the drugs, they will "achieve" their dream by 'any means necessary.' They do not mind the sacrifice of going to prison or receiving a death sentence because living without hope is still a life in prison sentence for them.

We who have "achieved" success do not reach back and mentor in our school systems, grass root organizations and community groups to explain to our youth that education and hard work are the ticket to success. Mentoring is the key to showing the youth that there is hope, but we cannot be afraid to reach back and volunteer our time and efforts. We (African Americans) must each do a little to help us get back on right track for the American Dream. Stop being selfish and start living selfless to receive your blessings.

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