Black History Month–February 23–#BHM2011–Condoleezza Rice

This is installment 23 in the Black History Month series. This series contains inspirational quotes from Black Americans that are good for all people. While some friends will want me to use “African American History Month”, I will use the traditional name to identify it with American born and raised leaders.

The blog post is to give a little background, while my twitter @davetravis – will get regular updates of the posts.

The first week’s theme was historical figures, last week, Civil Right’s Leaders. Last week was entertainers and politics week. We wrap up the month this week with Educators.

For many generations the leaders of the Black community were its pastors and school teachers and officials.

Today’s twitter for #BHM2011:

Race is ever present, like a birth defect that you learn to live with but can never cure. Condoleezza Rice

The full quote: America is not color-blind and likely will never be. Race is ever present, like a birth defect that you learn to live with but can never cure.

I return to California and Stanford to bring up Secretary Rice. Raised primarily in the deep south in the 1960’s she started her career as a university teacher, professor and later provost at the prestigious Stanford University. Her skill as a Soviet specialist brought her to the attention of President George H.W. Bush where she served on his staff.

Later of course she served as the National Security Advisor and as Secretary of State during the President George W. Bush administration. She is now back at Stanford and the Hoover Institution teaching and lecturing.

I have just finished her book about her upbringing and parents. Both of her parents were educators beginning their careers in segregated schools but helped to lead positive change through school integration. (Her father was also a pastor) It is well worth your time to read.

Comments

[Change My Name]

It was such a stunning article. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I've been following this Black History month since then. I haven't read this series yet. Thanks for providing a little background regarding this.

[cheap jerseys]

This is amazing brother - you are blessed. It seems so outlandish that you would think it is satire - esp the part about Jerry 'having his facts a little off' - that can't be true!

[cheap jerseys]

This is amazing brother - you are blessed. It seems so outlandish that you would think it is satire - esp the part about Jerry 'having his facts a little off' - that can't be true!