By Chairman Darnell Fisher

The power of your vote has been recognized by our people’s oppressors as far back as 144 years ago. Prior to the 1868 election, one historian estimated that 150 blacks were killed in the weeks before the election as a way to dissuade black voting and regain control of state legislatures. Even more recently in the 1960’s, “Mama ED” (NSBE Executive Director Carl Mack’s mother) and other Black Mississippians paid $2 to vote for a candidate that did not care anything about her or her people’s rights or needs. Nonetheless, she went every year to cast her vote knowing that one day her vote will allow for her sons “Bud” and Carl to witness a world that will change for the better. A world where both of her grandsons and my two sons will see a Black man be elected to arguably the most powerful post in the world – twice; a world where her strength and determination is seen in our beautiful First Lady - Michelle Obama.

Now, 50 years after James Meredith successfully became its 1^st African American student, 400 students again riot on the campus of Ole Miss after the 44^th President and 1^st African American President is re-elected by the “united” citizens of this country. Even more, sexist men cringe at the thought of 20 women being voted to the U.S. Senate and the House with nearly 77 women after this year’s election. While the racism and oppression is in less obvious forms in comparison to the 1860’s and 1960’s, it is still very prevalent. However, in spite of it, we continue to make strides as a people. The perseverance of our ancestors has afforded us the ability to shape this country, our educations, and our communities via our voice in the voting booth.

Let’s not take this opportunity our President has for granted. Let’s do our part as professionals by becoming technical experts in our field, getting advanced degrees made available by government programs, serving as mentors while encouraging students to pursue S.T.E.M. based degrees and being better stewards within our communities. President Obama can’t do it by himself. Remember, we are the only members of this organization that all facets of the mission (“…excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.”) touch. Our history, all the Mama ED’s of our past and my grandchildren are depending on us to drive our community forward. Let’s take a cue from our historic past and not let them down.

Did you know that every time a NSBE corporate sponsor posts a career opportunity, the NSBE Alumni Executive Board gets 70% of the paid fee added to our budget? What that means is more money for programming and conference planning for Alumni Extension events. However, the only way we can truly reap the rewards of this budget policy is for you to upload your resume to the NSBE Career Center.  Even if you aren’t looking for a job, your resume counts towards the number of resumes in our database for our companies to choose from.  They are willing to pay for this variety in selection. Also, don’t worry if your employer is a NSBE corporate sponsor and you don’t want them to see that you have posted your resume. There is a feature that allows your resume to be in a “ghost” status until you apply for a job. So what do you have to lose?

Visit http://www.nsbe.org/Career/Welcome.aspx today and start job hunting!
 
Yours Truly,
Darnell Fisher, National Chairperson
NSBE Alumni Extension
chair@nsbe-ae.org
Twitter @NSBEAE_CHAIR