The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave
November 02, 2011
So often, like other Americans, I have stood with my hand over my heart and sung the words of our national anthem placing special emphasis on the words "for the land of the Free and the home of the Brave."
Also, undoubtedly, though most of us stand proudly when we sing the Star-Spangled Banner," the song ushers forth a range of diverse memories, dreams, and expectations in current day Americans who have emerged, one way or another, from a nation that was built by diverse immigrants. Nonetheless, as a nation, we are still defining Freedom. I often wonder—just how does defining and defending freedom relate to our daily lives?
As I come to grips with another birthday, watch the developing millennium generation, and imagine America in 2052, I have definite hopes and dreams that we will truly build a nation that is free to care about each other. I hope we are building a nation of people who are courageous enough to fight for the tenets in which our nation was built. I also hope we build a nation that cares about the development of personal character and the well-being and security of the least of us.
Before you go there, I am not naive. Steeled by the broad shoulders of Chicago where I was prepared for a life of the mind and nestled by the dreams of my southern, and depression era, mom-- I think I see us for what we are.
I guess that is why I enjoy higher education-- especially higher education at Cheyney University. In many respects our students, most of whom are first generation students arrive on campus as survivors of K-12 systems that were not really designed with them in mind. These students arrive on campus as immigrants to a new, broader, and more complex world with a depth and scope they could not imagine before arriving. The transition into an academic environment that prepares for a more independent and ambiguous global work environment is daunting for many students-- even those who come with a quest to live the American ideals.
What we hope to do through programs such as the University College, athletics, the Keystone Honors College, and our STEM scholars is to acclimate these students through their affinities to a world of possibilities. Moreover, through student engagement activities which include leadership seminars, introduction to American s/heroes, internships, and mentorships, we hope to grow some resilient Americans who will proudly move forth with their hands over their hearts representing the land of the free and the home of the brave. We owe them that!
Michelle.
Michelle Howard-Vital, Ph.D.
President
Cheyney University
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P R E V I O U S P O S T S
- President's Blog - April 2013 - CU Transforming to Produce A Quality Education for the 21st Century
- President's Blog - March 2013 - Our Daughters and The Broadening of The Talented Tenth
- President's Blog--January 2013--Our Collective Action is Required
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- Thoughts for a Really New Year
- HBCUs – A Village of Choice for Some
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