Imagine the mother who gave birth as a teen that has now become the root of a perpetuated cycle of teen pregnancy, poverty and underclass status within her family and community. Imagine the middle- aged drug dealer who, as a teen, was a high school basketball star dreaming of the major league.

Spartan Echo

Deborah Goode

Life is about choices and, within each decision we make, we must look back to make a move forward. While sitting in classes listening to the discussions of other students as they regurgitate the information learned year after year, learning seems to have created a natural social divide.

 African-American students describe themselves as being different and/or separate from those within the lower or underclass status.

Public domain photo

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The reality is, that we are all one day, one check, one decision away from the life of a drug addict, homelessness or poverty. Life is about choices and within each decision we make, we must look back to make a move forward. In looking back, we recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. in his “I Have a Dream” speech. He spoke to the nation and promoted the goal to stand together. He stressed the idea of the American Dream where all men would be treated equal. As citizens of the United States, all are entitledto life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

He spoke of the dignity or labor stating that “all work that serves humanity has dignity and therefore has worth.” Thus, a man should always be treated as a man and not judged by the position he holds in society. In his words, it is every man’s desire to be judged by the content of his character.

Now, make your move forward. Grasp what you have learned to use as a key to promote success for mankind. Maya Angelou says that once we have learned, we must teach. Success lies in how we choose to use our education. Look back and evaluate where we should be as a family, a community, and a nation. Decide that you will make the difference – teach, if only just one.

Debra Goode is editor-in-chief of the Spartan Echo, the Norfolk State University student newspaper, which originally published this article.