Dr. Richard Wright mentioned something that really changed the way I looked at ignorance in the African American community: "There is no such thing as a black, ignorant person unless that person willingly acted as an accomplice to the oppressor."
I fee that Dr. Wright meant that ignorance is a voluntary action. I also believed he proved it when he told us about an event that happened in the fall of 1961.
Malcolm X, a voice for the people, came to Howard University that same day to argue the point that intellectuals hold the responsibility to educate and motivate the less educated and politically unaware. Malcolm X stated, "It is your [student's] "responsibility to use your intellect for the liberation of our people." Malcolm X's statements were poignant enough to influence the actions of all Howard University and turn the student body until political activists.
The lasting point that Dr. Wright made was the importance of activism in our everyday lives. Dr. Wright encouraged us to "include activism as a part of your education," and do not wait until you have graduated to become active, "drop your bucket where you are."
-Britni Cuington
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