Because if the answer to every criticism of our present condition is to point backward and talk about what somebody who looked like us accomplished hundreds of years ago, then history has stopped being an inspiration and started becoming a hiding place. We begin using old glory to excuse present failure, and once that happens, the past becomes less useful, not more.That is what I mean when I say inherited glory is worthless if it becomes an excuse to avoid present responsibility.I can respect what somebody built a thousand years ago and still ask what we are building now. I can admire an ancient kingdom and still ask what kind of schools we are running today. I can appreciate a great ruler from history and still ask why we tolerate incompetent leadership now. I can celebrate the accomplishments of Black people who came before us and still ask whether we are producing strong families, safe communities, educated children, successful businesses, and responsible adults today.
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