There can always be people in your academic career who will doubt that you can do anything productive in your life. It's that level of underestimation that motivates some people to stare doubt in the face and say, "Watch me." Black excellence goes far beyond a trending social media topic. It is a notion that is indicative of who we are, our fortitude and extraordinary accomplishment that is recognized by everyone.
Frankly, I instantly wanted to talk about Black Excellence after seeing news of black students being lashed out at or punished for their hard work and achievement. The two that have appalled me those most were the stories of Andrew Jones and Mari Filer. Jones was a student athlete at Amite High School; he had a 4.0 grade point average that put him at the very top of his graduating high school class. Yet he wasn't able to participate in his graduation, which included giving a speech, because his facial hair. Seriously, what is this?!
Filer, on the other hand, was lashed out at on social media after receiving the highest accolade at her high school. She popped up on my Twitter news feed several times. She is following the footsteps of her father as he also graduated valedictorian of his high school class. Mari Filer is prepared to attend Florida A&M University with, yes indeed, a full scholarship. Why is it so hard to understand that this can happen with today's generation? There are actually some people who want to do more with themselves than be a passing face in the world.
Also, I was inspired to write this by the academic excellence shown by the seniors this year at my alma mater. Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology is a school that provides a challenging curriculum in a safe and positive environment to develop future leaders. I was so proud to see those who were my junior marshals and ushers highly decorated walking into their class night and even more throughout the night.
Each year, ten seniors are inducted into the school's Hall of Fame. This group is selected by their character, integrity and performances in and out of the classroom. Chelsea Jacobs was awarded Heart of the Phoenix, the highest accolade that a graduating student of the class can receive, because she is a well rounded individual that is confident in her personal growth along with expressing her talents in the community and on the state level. It is so beautiful to see black students wanting to break the cycle and support their fellow students instead of losing confidence under the circumstances. This is where the school's motto is illustrated: hard work pays off.
It feels like some people do not get the picture. There are several black students in this one school, let alone this nation, who are trying to do something that matters, say something different, something that sets the whole world on its ear. They're breaking records, and schools are giving them scholarships because they believe that they can reach their goals. Celebrate the HBCUs! No, not every black student attends them, but that should not take away the impact they have to their potential graduates.
Black excellence is us having to push that door to make sure we’re engaged and involved. Motivating people of all ages that we are and always have been much more than "just a statistic."
