We have to quit apologizing for being Black.

As I listen and read about the challenges we face as Black people, I am amazed that each step we take forward is accompanied by at least one apology for Black unity. We have to quit doing that. Perhaps we are affected by post traumatic stresses of slavery, or suffering identity crises, or feeling guilty about our “affirmative action position,” or feel we are the undeserving beneficiary of a set-aside program, or that we don’t belong and just got over because of a handout. Whatever the case, we need to examine our situation and formulate a way to move more of us forward without apology.

Among the factors militating against our unity are the countless apologies. We don’t want to seem to be too militant; we don’t want to be accused of reverse discrimination, or racism; we don’t want to seem ungrateful to our mainstream supporters; we don’t want to appear to be separatists; we don’t want to be accused of the same bias of our oppressors; we must treat others equal, even though we are treated unfairly. Often we make these apologies in subtle ways that we don’t even recognize, and therefore, our progress is limited. Instead of aggressively pursuing gains, we apologize for asking for too much, and make exceptions for the high achievers. So, when Blacks make progress in corporate America, they don’t aggressively seek to mentor and develop other Blacks. They view themselves as “first achievers” and as exceptions, not as

Believing or Expecting

I "believe" that if I take certain actions, a predictable result will follow. Most belief is built upon facts that have been proven by previous results. Until I act on that belief, I have no reason to expect the result. I may be hoping for a positive outcome, or even praying about it. When I take those prescribed steps, my belief matures into expectation, because I now have a basis upon which to build my expectations.

Not just any steps will do. When I take the proper steps, my belief becomes expectation. With repeated success, my belief in the actions I take come closer to faith (now faith is being "sure" of what we hope for and "certain" of what we do not see). So, when one of our clients says, "I have faith in you to deliver what you say," those are powerful expectations, because they are saying they are certain about the outcome.

I believe in the marketplace where my expectations for 2007 will materialize. I am not certain of the outcome. But I have high expectations. My "faith" is based somewhere else.