The primary goal of the Million Man March was to promote atonement for oneself and culture. The motivation of this letter is to continue in that spirit of promoting respect for self and culture.

There is an epidemic circulating through the African American and other communities. This disease coerces men, especially African-Americans into calling their brothers by the racially derogatory name, n-. This practice has gone on far too long and must be stopped.

Many brothers deny even being an unfortunate carrier of this dreadful disease, yet in the same breath, the first word from their mouth is n- this and n- that. Some brothers even have the audacity to say, Man, I’ve been saying that since I was a child. Why should I stop now? It is helpful to stop ignorance whenever possible. Because one happens to have been ignorant as a child does not mean one should be ignorant throughout life.

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Other brothers have become philosopher, convinced that using the term is not merely referring to the African-American, but to any ignorant individual, whether he be of European, Asian, Latino, Native American, or African descent.

Well brothers, I gave this to say, the term is man made. Not so many years ago, man committed a despicable atrocity with the sole intent of degrading and humiliating a nation of proud people. Use your common sense to decide what people.

So my fellow Africans- that is our true nationality- join in the campaign to put an end to the self-inflicted humiliation and degradation to ourselves and our heritage. Don’t look the other way when you hear a brother or sister say that word, politely ask them not to.

Remember:Understanding is the fruit of knowledge.

Misconception is the spoils of ignorance. Positive communication always corrects errors.

As-Salaamu Alaikum (Peace be unto you.)

Grad student, social work

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