"I consider myself a crayon; I may not be your favorite color but one day you'll need me to complete your picture." -Lauryn Hill

Homicide has been reported as the number one cause of death for African American men ages 15 to 34. One in five African American women have beenraped at some point in their life. In 2015, the African American race suffered the biggest population loss making up 40 percent of all deaths in the United States.

Many individuals talk about the immense progress the United States has made since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was made effective. Although progress has been made since the dark days African Americans had to endure, in reality not much progress has been made. Many African Americans are portrayed in the media as either “intimidating,” “thugs,” or “the victim.” Many of the headlines regarding them talk about death or fights, rarely showing them in a heroic or strong position.

In 2016, Viola Davis became the first African American actress to win an Emmy for a leading role. Although this is a huge achievement and a pivotal moment, it happened over 50 yearssince the Civil Rights Act was passed. It took over 50 years for an African American to accomplish something that many white individuals achieve every year. The rate of unemployment for educated African Americans is almost doublethe rate of educated Whites. Yes America, there has been SO much progress.

Throughout everything the African American race has had to endure for the past centuries, one would think they are owed a stable and respective place in society. African Americans are given such minimal credit for their influence and impact in history. In fact, much of the history the world knows includes many African Americans and their impact. Why are African Americans given so little credit for many of the wonderful things they have contributed?

It is the job of the individuals of America to help African Americans feel more a part of this society. It is the job of the individuals of America to instill the "yes you can" or "you can grow to do anything you want" into the minds of African American children because if not, they will grow up to think they are not destined for greatness. There are numerous amounts of African American individuals who have proved their color of their skin is no retraction in their greatness.

BLACK GREATNESS:

Martin Luther King. American Hero. Pivotal Figure during the Civil Rights Movement. 1964 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient

Nelson Mandela. One of the Most Admired Political Leaders. President of South Africa. 1993 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient.

Barack Obama. First Black President of the United States. 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Recipient.

Jesse Owens. Considered “The Greatest and Most Famous Athlete in Track and Field history.” Won Four Olympic Gold Medals.

Michael Jackson. King of Pop. Most Awarded Artist of All-Time. Has the Biggest Selling Album of All Time, "Thriller."

Oprah Winfrey.Enough Said.

Maya Angelou. Critically Acclaimed Poet. Has Received Over 50 Honorary Degrees. Recipient of Three Grammy Awards.

Wangari Maathai. Kenyan Environmental and Political Activist. First African American Woman Winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

Serena Williams. Regarded as “The Greatest Female Tennis Player of All-Time.” Has Won 21 Grand Slam Titles. Recipient of Four Olympic Gold Medals.

Beyoncé. Considered “The Greatest Performer Alive.” One of the Best Selling Artists of All Time. Second Most Awarded Artist of All-Time. Recipient of 20 Grammys.

To all the future Barack Obamas, Oprahs, Jesse Owens, and Beyoncés of the world: Keep pushing and working hard because one day all these hindrances and destitutions will be history. You will no longer be a Statistic, a Headline, or a Misconception.

So to my black brothers and sisters, as the amazing Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter defeat, but you must not be defeated.”