The Right Message After All of These Years

President Obama gave a wonderful speach as the keynote speaker at the 100th anniversary celebration of the NAACP. The President's message was one of personal responsibility and motivation. He encouraged minorities to pursue higher education and achievement irregardless of their current situation or obstacles.

The President's outlook is refreshing and the message to the NAACP is clear. No more playing the victim card. Playing the victim card has not advanced the cause of any minority in this country. Unfortunately, past leaders of the NAACP were more keen on keeping their constituents 'needy' than giving them lofty goals, a vision, and a path forward.

I give the President a standing ovation for his speech last night. He displayed the courage to demand personal responsibility of his own people. Similar statemments by other Black leaders, such as the comedian Bill Cosby, have caused them to come under criticism by the Black community. Had work, education and success are powerful tools to combat discrimination. The power is there for any willing to grab those tools and make them work.