Shields discusses cultural awareness
Campus Times
February 21, 1997
In an attempt to explore the role of African-Americans throughout history,
Valerie Shields, pastoral associate at St. Mary of the Angeles in New Orleans,
addressed the La Verne community on Thursday, Feb. 13, in La Fetra Auditorium.
The theme of her discussion, "A People Without Knowledge of Their Culture
is Like a Tree Without Roots," covered a number of issues.
During her presentation, Shields discussed stereotypes imposed upon
minorities, primarily African-Americans and the role they play in today's
society.
"For many years, we [African-Americans] did not name ourselves...someone
else was allowed to define us as Negroes or Niggers," Shields said.
"Society associated us with the 'Negroland' or 'Blackland' because
of our roots. They never recognized that these lands ceased to exist, or
that we truly are a part of America."
Like many individuals who currently reside in the United States, Shields
commented that African-Americans also have the right to call their motherland
'America.'
"Although their roots originated from Africa, they, too, were born
in this country," she said.
With this point, the pastoral associate introduced the true name 'African-American,'
and how it has symbolized a significant part of the nation's history.
She demonstrated that in the term "American," the phrase "I
can"is present. Likewise, in the name of other minority groups who
were born in America, the phrase, "I can" is also evident, only
twice.
"It is this which makes our country so beautiful,"Shields
said. "Every person is classified as 'I can' two times. No one is pure-blooded
in culture, because each of us is the product of at least two cultures brought
together."
Shields helped the audience understand that every individual, whether
he or she was born in the America or not, belongs to more than just the
American culture.
Aside from this beauty, Shields said she believes some people remain
weak in personal strength. She mentioned the fact that people are afraid
to say what they believe, and, as a result, limit their ability to advance
in society.
"Individuals continuously try to assimilate themselves to be accepted.
It is through history that they have learned that acceptance is found in
being white,"she said. "Therefore, minorities deny their own background
in order to feel that they belong."
As a sense of improving from this weakness, Shields introduced several
guidelines followed by the African-American culture. Known as the Seven
Black Principles, four include Umoja (unity), Kujichalia (self-determination),
Nia (purpose) and Emani (faith).
In addition, Shields proposed the idea that "I am because you are;
you are because I am."
In this manner, she stressed that without each other, our nation would
not exist.
"If as a united nation we learned first about ourselves and our
background, then made the effort to understand the background of others,
the tension among our cultures would end."
"The only means of making this dream possible is if we learn to
share and accept who we are realistically," said Shields.