Joshua Packwood, hmm...before this morning that name certainly didn't ring a bell. But after perusing the headlines, I found that Mr. Packwood will be named the first white valedictorian in the 141 year history of Morehouse College, in Atlanta, Georgia. With notable alums like Dr. Martin Luther King, Morehouse prides itself on its steadfast commitment to "produce academically superior, morally conscious leaders for the conditions and issues of today, whether “today” is post-Civil War or turn of the new millennium." Joshua is an alum of the new millennium indeed.
Packwood is no stranger to "minority" company. Raised in the poor neighborhoods of Kansas City, Missouri, Joshua found himself gravitating toward the black community, and its willingness to embrace him. Wanting to foster his growing interest in African-American Studies and to the dismay of his parents, Packwood declined a full scholarship to Columbia University to attend Morehouse. Stating that he considered "it in terms of 'study abroad'", Joshua cited that "if [he] really want to learn [about the black experience], if [he] really want[ed] to understand it - maybe it's best if [he] immerse[d] [him]self in the culture."
Initially, well received by his peers, Packwood began to feel the strain on his relationships when word spread that he could be the school's first white valedictorian. Tensions flared as one student even blatantly stated that Packwood did not belong there. After all, this was an HBCU, meant to educate and inspire African American students, not white.
Saltiness and trepidation were the corner stones of their less than favorable remarks, I would imagine. I, personally, do not have an issue with Joshua Packwood attending Morehouse University, nor is his apparent success a cause for concern. What I do find unsettling is what does this instance say about higher level black institutions in this country? Are we not properly preparing our black graduates for the real world that lies ahead? Are HBCU's just giving away diplomas? Morehouse is one of, if not THE most prestigious Historically Black College/University in this nation. So how is it, that a white minority student raised through the ranks to become valedictorian? 3,000 black male students and he has managed to best their efforts? You should be outraged, right?
Now lets imagine the scenario is a little bit different...
His name, Alexander Lucius Twilight. The year, 1823. 39 years before anyone would hear Lincoln utter the words "Emancipation Proclamation" (Lincoln himself was hardly 14), Twilight became the first African American graduate of an American institution, as he received his baccalaureate degree from Millbury College. He would later become the principal of the Orleans County, Vermont Grammar School in Brownington, Vermont. While there he was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives, making him the first African American elected to public office. *basks in the wonderfulness* Certainly makes you feel proud.
What doesn't make me feel proud...the black students who would dare to say anything disparaging against Joshua Packwood. Newsflash: Affirmative Action works in more than one direction. There is something so disheartening about black people utilizing this 'Talented Tenth' entitlement to forge ahead. It's nonsensical and it just isn't fair. As a black woman, I am well aware of the fact that my race will always supersede my gender. But I am tired of having to fall back on seeing the world monochromatically. The color of my skin speaks to the wealth of my cultural heritage, hardships and history. It is in no way, an indicator of my intellectual aptitude nor does it warrant unearned restitution. No one wants a hand out. And no one wants their achievements brushed aside. You have to give credit where it's due, so I leave you with this:
“True humility is intelligent self respect which keeps us from thinking too highly or too meanly of ourselves. It makes us modest by reminding us how far we have come short of what we can be.”
-Ralph W. Sockman
til next time I bid you adieu...Stay Positive, Stay Political and Stay in the KNOW!
b.
