Dr. Cornel West’s Challenge to the Black Community

Written by Crystal Washington, BME CEO

Photo Credit:  RM Photography

In a Houston panel discussion on Friday, November 2, Dr. Cornel West issued a challenge to Houston’s black community; choose greatness over success.  Dr. West and a panel of eight Houston community leaders discussed the difference between success and greatness.  According to Dr. West, success involves personal security while greatness involves personal integrity.  Success vs. Greatness can be compared to Having vs. Being.

Central to the theme of the conversation was the fact that American’s definition of “making it” is based on individualism and material possessions.  Dr. West stated that we are a people “intoxicated with individualism” and argued that we are a very successful society, but not a great one.  A success-centered rather than a greatness-bound society operates strictly on the eleventh commandment; thou shalt not get caught.  This explains our current business, social and political climates.  Pastor Remus Wright explained that greatness involves asking the question, “Who are you when no one is watching?”

Oftentimes in our community, we urge our children towards financially safe careers while discouraging their dreams of becoming great teachers, pastors and musicians.  We encourage our children to get a good education and find a good job rather than giving them the tools and encouragement vital to becoming entrepreneurs.  Over the last forty years, the black community has shifted their focus from being great to merely being successful.  What could account for this severe shift in paradigm?  One word: fear.  While success normally requires some degree of hard work, greatness requires sacrifice, self-control and giving of yourself to others.

Great people inspire and empower those around them to attain greatness.  A successful person is easily identified, as they are me-focused.  Most of our present-day entertainers fit into this particular category.  Still, amidst all of the ego and self-centeredness, greatness is still visible.  A shining example of a great musician would be Bono who not only lends his talents through music, but also has proven instrumental in human rights campaigns all over the world.

This leads us to Dr. West’s main point; greatness cannot tolerate indifference to inhumanity.  Martin, Malcolm and Garvey were all great due to their love for humanity.  While their ideology and policies may be debated, no one can dispute their genuine love and willingness to lay down their lives for the betterment of others. 

We do not all have to be prominent civil rights leaders or musicians.  We can be great in our everyday lives by empowering others in our community through mentorship, supporting black businesses, and acting to ensure that others are not subject to degradation.

Prior to exiting the state, Dr. West challenged each of us to do three things:

1. Go out and tell others that there is an awakening taking place in our community. 
2. Become more bold and courageous at work and in worship.  Mentor everywhere you go.
3. Join and organization and be active or become active in an organization that you already hold membership in.