February is Black History Month, so it is fitting to read a letter to the editor regarding the newly appointed president pro tempore of the Senate and a letter she wrote herself many years ago regarding racial tension in her dorm.

In her letter, she asked for students to “understand the struggle of the black community,” among other things.

This is an honest request because for many of us, it’s hard to imagine that many of our fellow Huskies return home to a world far different from our own. Most of us are unfazed by the constant reports of violence within the inner city, but to some of our students it’s not a news bite, but rather their reality.

As we begin this month dedicated to our black brothers and sisters, let us take a moment to pause and reflect on those who have given up so much.

There are countless examples of people who didn’t allow the color of their skin to keep them from reaching their God-given talents.

Our young nation has many blemishes where minorities were treated as such, these moments in time seemingly unimaginable to most of us today.

Let us unite, ensuring that we learn from past generations’ mistakes. I encourage the NIU community to take an active role in trying to understand those who don’t share our same backgrounds and racial makeups.

Black History Month is a point on the calendar to remember the plight of the black community, but every day should be used to celebrate what makes us unique and special.

We have a powerful reminder of how far we have come in that the same White House that was built by slaves is now inhabited by a black family.

That said, we still have a long way to go to achieve the goal of a truly colorblind society. Not one where we forget our heritage, but one in which we don’t judge people by how they look.

In the end, it’s up to our generation to leave this world better than we found it.

Austin M. D. Quick

senior political science major

SA Senator