Just as we exit an era of massive turmoil and political unrest the task of rebuilding awaits us. Suddenly the changes appear so drastic that many of us have unsuccessfully regrouped and sorted through the piteous tenants that claim us. Fear has become as common as the barometer on a wind meter pointing in a direction unfamiliar to us but yet we pretend to proceed with a sort of normalness that is as discomfited as the Svengali who briefly interrupted our way of life. And although permanently scarred by the loss of security that we once took for granted, the lesson has taught us that beyond our hard stares and whimpering opinions of those who stand opposite in views and expression we bear in nature one specific thing, “We are Americans.”

Being an American despite its racial unrest allows a level of freedom that can only be described as imperative to the longevity of a prospering democracy. A place where the people matter and their services are commended and recognition is given. Those very things give us the drive to accomplish feats well beyond imagination and make us tolerant for others who although appear different in facial texture resemble the kind of excellence we expect. Growth and Prosperity is what has separated us from others and now as we prepare for a new way of life we must exploit those components and apply them to our move forward; we must continue to ignore the color line and prepare our world for the dawn of a new day.

This kind of focus has added significantly to the preparation of Enterprising Black Men; an avenue less traveled by many but driven by few and those men have successfully drawn us in to their standards, which exceedingly describes our future generation. And based on those standards we appear to be headed in the right direction.

In short what is being suggested is that we no longer pretend that on September 11, 2001 our lives had not been changed much but in fact embrace the atrocity and allow it to lift us past our old way of thinking and integrate our minds. Dr. Martin Luther King once said. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” We are at a critical turning point and as things shift we must also. God bless and welcome to EBM.

Sincerely,

Troy D. Washington