Email Article

Printable Page

Hey, Students, There's a Presidential Election!

By Ali Omar
Black College Wire

If I hear the phrase, "the problem with black folks is . . ." one more time, I am going to scream! From my perspective, I can tell you that one problem with some black folks is that they wait until it is too late to be informed.

Photo credit: Andre Buckland/Tiger News Activists, like this protester holding a sign against same-sex relationships at a campaign rally, were visible during the primary season.

I recall South Carolina's primary weekend in February.

All of the Democratic presidential candidates were in Columbia, S.C., the Friday before the Feb. 3 primary. Political activities were happening all over town. Two of the candidates -- Al Sharpton and Wesley Clark -- even came to the Benedict College campus to talk personally with those willing to listen.

I was surprised when more than one of my fellow students asked me, "What are all these people doing on campus?" and "Who are they?"

My mental reaction was, "Where have you been for the past year?"

I don't know about you, but for past eight months or so, I haven't been able to pick up a newspaper or enjoy my favorite television sitcom without seeing something about the upcoming presidential election.

Politics doesn't have to be your hobby for you to hear the latest news, but this particular event has great significance in our history.

How could you miss it?

I guarantee you, the same people who have not been aware of the latest political issues are the same ones watching the videos on BET and MTV, with no regard to the local 11 o'clock news or to CNN. It is like the joke comedian Chris Rock tells about N*****s and books. "N*****'s hate to read!" he says. I'm beginning to wonder if it's just a joke.

Most of our parents chastised us regarding our homework: "You can't add 2 plus 2, but I bet you can tell me all the words to the latest rap song," they said, smirking. (I understand now, mom and dad.)

Adults should not have to be reminded that the caliber of their next four years will be determined by what happens at the polls in November.

I don't write this to belittle the uninformed, but as a word of caution.

Those who need to read this probably won't. Can the rest of us get the word out?

Ali Omar is a student at Benedict College who is editor of The Tiger News.

Posted March 15, 2004