Slavery

There was a man, who like most blacks of his time, was sold into slavery. He was placed on a plot and sold like property,...a piece of meat, like an animal. This man eventually bought his freedom, and went right back to the plot he was sold on. Now, having some education and money, purchased the very land that held the plot he was sold on, and put a school on the property. This school is now known as Alabama A&M and the man's name is Dr. William Cooper Council. Yes, Dr. William Cooper Council. He was an educated man.

This story is fascinating on many levels. He bought his freedom, educated himself and developed the ability to purchase land during the time of, or a little after slavery, and purchased the very land that sold him into slavery.

I am fascinated about something else. I would argue that slavery is in the mind. It is said that this man vowed once he was sold that he would return, buy this land and put education on it for African-Americans. This had to be almost impossible during this time period, but this man was obviously determined. He may have been a slave physically, but not mentally.

You know... How many are physically free, but mentally and spiritually a slave. I look at some of our students in school who have all the potential in the world, but will not step out, push themselves, and pursue their destiny. How some of us let society, and an old system, define us into mental and physical slavery defies reason.

Young people! Wake up! and stop becoming slaves. People fought hard and died for our freedom, but we still have not taken off the chains. We have the keys, but will not use them. There are many adults in this same situation. What is the key? Education, determination, confidence, faith in God, perserverence and much more. What are the chains? Low self-esteem, black-on-black crime, laziness to name a few.

Young people you are free!

You see two pictures. The plot he was sold on, and a statue of him with a suit and tie surrounded by our students. People lets get off our lazy plots and put our royal clothes on. Yes, not only are we free, we are royalty.
Act like it!