African-Americans and Education

Education is a key component of life and it is essential if you intend on being successful; especially if you are an African-American. African-Americans must always work over and beyond to prove that they are just as intelligent and sufficient as the next person.  It is unfortunate that in this day and age, black people are still stereotyped in such a demeaning manner, but that’s just the reality of it. Instead of complaining about the faulty accusations of Blacks, why not do something about it?  As a community what can we do to change these stereotypes? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once stated “Intelligence plus character- that is the goal of true education”. As a race, we are constantly frowned upon for our style, vernacular, actions and our motives; especially when they are negative.
 In order to change the perception that African-Americans are ignorant, uneducated or inferior we must change and enhance or own individual character. But not only should we attempt to change our own character, we should also aid one another in the process of doing so. If we see a brother or sister doing wrong, we shouldn’t condone or ignore the absurd behavior. Instead, we should acknowledge it and help that person change for the better. 
I feel as if African-Americans have the same mentality as lobsters in a bucket. We pull one another down in an attempt to make it to the top. It isn’t enough to make it to the top yourself. A true successor brings someone along with them. We need to support and help one another. It just doesn’t make any sense to degrade and keep each other down. Why can’t we assist and uplift? As a community we need to stand together. If more of us were to reach out to others I could almost guarantee a positive change in the black community. Education is something that you have a right to obtain. Our ancestors fought for us to be able to sit in a classroom and learn. Don't let their sacrifices go in vain. It baffles me that many African-American don't take education seriously. Its perplexing to say the least. The way I see it, going to college, making good grades, helping others and earning a degree is satisfying. It's an accomplishment that everyone should want to achieve! I just can't seem to understand why some people just don't take education seriously. 
We fight for the wrong things. A few weeks ago I came across a video of black males in a shoe store fighting over Jordans. Why are we allowing materialistic aspects to consume us and make us act as if we're ignorant barbaric animals? That video really made me think. Why couldn't those same young men use that same passion, anger and drive to get an education? If we applied as much energy into our education as we apply to minute aspects change will arise in the black community.
 One day, I'm hoping that African-Americans will stand up and state that they are tired of being stereotyped and judged as a whole. I hope that more people will understand the importance of education. I'm hoping for people to help others succeed and I'm hoping that African-Americans will begin to take the necessary steps in order to change for the advancement of our people. Hopefully, this will occur sooner as opposed to later, but a great man once stated, “Rather late than never”.