Work was interesting yesterday. Since the Senate Finance Committee voted against the Public Option amendment for the Health Care Bill, our phones were ringing off the hook. Congresswoman Lee has been an avid supporter of a robust pubic option so calls came from all over, either expressing disgust or support for the failed amendment. It is always interesting to hear both sides of the spectrum. I received calls from some extremely liberal constituents and some conservative ones too.
While many may think that answering phones is a senseless labor for interns, I think it is helping me build my character. When I leave here, I'm going to know how to be cordial to even the most unruly citizens.
Though my day was mostly answering phones and filing papers, I did have a highlight. I had a discussion about slavery with my colleagues.
One thing you must know about my co-workers is we are very diverse. While most of them attended Ivy League schools, I was very excited to hear their perception on the issue. You can imagine how interesting it was to hear people from from all over the U.S. state their opinion about slavery, reparations, and even civil rights. As we were sitting there discussing slavery and it's affects on the black community, I realized how ignorant I am.
I haven't read as many books or studied the black culture as much as I should. I haven't taken the time out of my life to study my heritage and really analyze the ideas of scholars who have been debating the scars of slavery for over a century. As my co-workers had a educated debate over slavery, I felt bad because people who didn't have that connection to black culture knew more than I. And that's sad.
Coming from a state funded Historically Black University, I should know more about black culture and the black struggle. Shouldn't I? To me, that's a problem. How can I ever try to understand my people or help my community if I can't identify with the struggle?
After my epiphany, I immediately felt charged to do a little more research and learn a bit more about myself. So I have offically begun my search for books that will enlighten me.
I've gotten my three things down, now my new project is to read more.
I've been searching for books on the Internet. Do you have any suggestions? If so, let me know.
Working on Capitol Hill is teaching me more about myself than anything. When I get back to UAPB, I think I'm going to start a book club. ;)
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I have had the same exact desire as you, which prompted me to take an intro. to African-American studies class last year. It has been the most enlightening experience of my college career. I also took a class about the history of African-American women. We read a lot of good books in both classes, and I still have them if you decide you want to borrow them. I just have to find them first. I also bought a few books on black history and civil rights that I haven't gotten around to reading. I'll come back and write the names of a few of the books when I find the ones I have here now so you can look them up and see if you're interested. And don't let the fact that you haven't been exposed to African-American history as much as you'd like or as much as others have make you feel ashamed. What matters is that you have the desire to know, which is a lot more than most others can say. What were they saying, by the way? I'm interested to know.
ReplyDeleteBlack Like Me -John Howard Griffin
ReplyDeleteYou might of already read this...I just ordered it. It is written by a journalist.
-Tbaby
Byrhonda,
ReplyDeleteI just read your blog and I enjoyed it tremendously! Although I cried and rejoiced ...all is good. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. Thanks for sharing and encourging others. Please consider, The Mis-Education of the Negro by Dr. Carter Woodson
Take care!
Shirley Cherry