Monumental Inauguration

January 20th, 2009 is a day in Americas history that will never be forgotten. On this day the first Arican American President was sworn into office. I witnessed the event on television and the experience was just as electrifying as if I was standing in the blistering cold in our nations capital. Early this morning President Bush and the first lady welcomed President elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle into Washington. Michelle brought a gift and they all spoke over coffee. The moral was high among all who call themselves Americans and we rallied behind our future President as he spoke straight forward with truth, wisdom, and vision.

Washington D.C has been the center of attention this last week because of the antisipation of the historic inagural day. People from all around the world went to celebrate the rise of America's new leader, President Barack Obama. The day was complete with the swearing into his position, a parade, and many elite balls that commemorated this special moment. The thrill that came along with the first African American being President is something that blacks around the world have felt since his win over Senator Clinton. African Americans are proud and joyful to speak about the great change that has come to America and our potential as a people to become whatever we dream big enough to be.

I have heard and seen things in the past that have helped African Americans get to this level in society but to be able to witness first hand the swearing in of the first African American is something I will never forget. I was never taught to limit myself to what other blacks have done before me, but instead to use there progress as stepping stones to create my own dreams. This day in history will forever be cherished.

M.L.K Jr.- The Price of Freedom

Back in 1994 there was a special done by WTVD on News channel 11 about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact on America, and African Americans as a whole. Miriam Thomas was the host of the panel and four successful African Americans spoke on the topic. Ben Ruffin, Maceo Sloan, Melanie Wilson, and Warren Harrington were the panelist that spoke highly of M.L.K and rendered there opinions on what African Americans can do to empower themselves once again.
The Montgomery Alabama bus boycott was referred to during the special and it was portrayed as the first pivital civil rights movement. At that time in history blacks stood together for the purpose of equality. Ben Ruffin stated that blacks in America aren't sure where we want to go because we aren't sure where we came from. His statement holds truth simply because the majority of blacks in America have no legit ties to their ancestors. It is said that if you dont know your past then you may repeat it in your future. They also expressed the idea that the American people were allowing the media to become babysitters and neglecting the responsibilities of parenthood.
After watching a portion of the special I realized that many things haven't changed since 1994 and it is now 2009. There are still many blacks unemployed, the media is over compensating for irresponsible parents, and the fight for equality is still fought daily. Hopefully the words of the panelist didn't fall on silent ears but more so empowered all those who tuned in.


And thats the Real Truth*

Tales from he who came before: Byron Pitts

Back on October twenty-fifth at a TABJ banquet Byron Pitts spoke encourement and hope into the hearts of others in the media field, and into this great country we call America. His speeh derived off of comments made about the future success to come if Obama was to become president elect. People were saying, "With Obama in office everything will get better", and "Blacks are finally on top, because the president is black". Pitts disagreed totally with all the comments and rumors stirring because of the potential of a black president. He leaned towards each individual American taking a stand and creating a better life for themselves and therefore up lifting the American society. He pointed out that the future is up to America and not solely on the shoulders of the hopeful president Barack Obama.
As a black journalist Byron Pitts spoke highly of "our" potential in the media industry. Obviously there will be people and obstacles that will try to interfere with your goals, but he insisted that we continue to strive for what is important to us. His speech had a similar vibe as a sermon, and his words rang inspiration into all who were present. Appropriate for the occasion, Pitts spoke about the need for African Americans to be more than average but actually twice as good as the rest. Its evident that black faces aren't seen as often as white faces, and for that fact we work harder and become better. No one can take your knowledge from you, and what you know is what holds the key to where you go. Byron repeatedly mentioned that God fought his battles and he planned his work, and worked his plan. He also suggested that as African Americans we remember that every one that is our color is not always our kind.
As an aspiring media representative his words not only held truth but inspired me to continue to chase my dreams. He suggested that we B.E.G., begin, endure, and gain. I want nothing less than to succeed and Byron's words spoke truth into my mission. And thats The Real Truth*

Why am I taking Mass Media and Society

Education is the key to my future. I can't imagine life in the future without a college education; Therefore, I am enrolled in this course to further my eduation in the field of media. Something has drawn me to this field and this course will help better my knowledge on the ins and outs of the intriguing course of Mass Media and Society. Starting this course with the end in mind brings me to my main reason for taking this course. I need this course to fulfill my credit requirements and obtain a bachlors in English.


And thats the Real Truth