Letters From Your Chairs
Letter From Your National Chairperson, Calvin Phelps
Black History Month
In Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s penultimate book, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?”, he explores the Civil Rights Movement in multiple facets, and he talks about where the movement need go in the future. It is a phenomenal book that holds meaning even today, and it reminds us that our generation stands largely on the sacrifices and dedication of those who came before. It is for this reason, this debt we owe, that I believe Black History Month to be of critical importance to us all, both as a Society and as individuals.
Although it is vital that we remember where we come from and how we got here, I believe our duty only begins with this. We have been given many opportunities, but it is incumbent upon us as a people to act on them. It is we who shape our destinies, and if we want greatness out of this life then we must be willing to put greatness in. In the words of Dr. King, “And so we shall have to do more than register and more than vote; we shall have to create leaders who embody virtues we can respect, who have moral and ethical principles we can applaud with an enthusiasm that enables us to rally support for them based on confidence and trust.” Our responsibility only begins at the voting booth and only starts with our completion of our engineering curriculums. For us to leave a better world to the generation that succeeds us, a world more just and more complete, each of us must become the leaders Dr. King spoke of, men and women who will uplift and inspire a nation.
Black History Month is a time to reflect upon those who have directed the course of our nation in a more positive direction, but I submit that it is also a time for us all to create our own history. I believe NSBE shapes its leaders to perform this critical act.
NSBE leadership positions for 2011–12 are now open. I encourage all members to consider seriously what contributions you can make and what types of leaders you may be. Now is our time to become the leaders and organizers of our communities. Now is our time to create a legacy to pass on to future generations. Now is our time to serve.
Calvin Phelps
2010-2011 National Chaiperson
nebchair@nsbe.org
Letters From Your Chairs:
National Chairperson - Calvin Phelps
National AE Chairperson - Thzaira Charles
Region I Chairperson - Ricardo Theodore
Region II Chairperson - Matthew McFarland
Region III Chairperson - Yael Monereau
Region V Chairperson - Paul Nguyen
Region VI Chairperson - Ogugua Agu