A step for racial equality in education will be taken when a 21-year-old black woman becomes the first valedictorian at the University of Notre Dame this spring.
University officials say they don't keep such records of achievement by race but don't recall ever having a black valedictorian at the school. Therefore, Katie Washington, a Gary, Ind., native and biology major, will get that distinction next month.
Washington has been accepted to five schools but plans to pursue a joint M.D./Ph.D at Johns Hopkins University.
It is great that Washington has been able to to go through school with her 4.0 GPA and follow in the footsteps of her father, who is a doctor, and mother and sisters, who are nurses.
The cynical part of my brain, though, can't wait for the day when we don't have to proclaim every "first" as a racial milestone. It would be nice if, as a society, we weren't surprised that a young black woman of high intellect and drive could represent the best her university has to offer academically.
But then the realistic part of my brain kicks in and says that we still have to note every "first' as long as people are judged by their skin color and ethnicity in this country.
We as a society are constantly beat down by images of black inferiority, and, no, we don't always achieve like we should but no people, no matter the skin color, are perfect.
We spend so much time examining, reviewing, talking and passing on stories about folks who act the fool. Unfortunately, that's human nature, like watching a car crash.
On the other hand, we spend too little time talking about black people who do good and great things like Washington.
So until the scales are a little more balanced, let's celebrate Katie Washington and all those like her who counter the popular image of black people as constantly underachieving.
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Anthony Hopkins was a God-fearing Christian. As he traveled throughout the rural South, preaching the word of the Lord, he would always have his Bible in tow. Folks who would gather to hear him preach stood in awe. Many even referred to him as a "prophet." This preacher did more than spread the Holy word, though. Little did Hopkins' followers know that he was a possible murderer, rapist and child molester.
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I am so sorry to hear of your unfortunate educational upbringing, but its obvious from what you have said you were a bright and respectful student, therefore I must say you already do have the foundation to be successful,at twenty years old, and with now world experience you are poised to become a person to be celebrated in our community sooner than you think,if you forget who to blame, and be resolved to work hard academically to be that person you want to be. As I post this, you have become someone who I will be praying for you each day that you will achieve your goal. ONE LOVE !!!!!!!!
Congratulations! It amazes me how so many black women are breaking barriers over and over again but we are still considered substandard by the media and our own.
I very proud of her and think this is a wonderful accomplishment, but in no way am I SURPRISED that she was able to earn this distinction. Why would I be? AS a people, we can certainly be proud of every "first" we accomplish. Nothing is wrong with that. But when we start acting like it's NOT supposed to happen to us, then we need some enlightenment. This girl has been set up for success her whole life. Her father is a doctor and her mother and sisters are in the medical profession. She's seen nothing but success. So...what's there to be surprised about again? My point is, I don't think black achievement is so unusual that we have to make an issue of it. My group of friends include doctors, lawyers and Ph.D candidates. We don't sit around and say "Wow D, I surprised you got this far in life. Yo massa must be a real nice man to let you go to school like dis."
The reason there making a issue of this girls achievements( NOT SURPRISED), is she the first afro american on the planet to achieve this honor.She is the first black woman since the big bang to be valedictorian at the University of Notre Dame. I would think thats a big deal.Being the first is always the hardest.Your circle of learned friends may not think this is a big deal but to many others her achievments are a beacon of light to follow and emulate.That said, i agree with you that people of color are achieving great things in every field every day but dont you think this beautiful intelligent young representitive of america deserves being mentioned for this milestone in black history? joe caprio
Joe Caprio, I don't think you read my post correctly. I said "AS a people, we can certainly be proud of every "first" we accomplish. Nothing is wrong with that. But when we start acting like it's NOT supposed to happen to us, then we need some enlightenment." So, I didn't say it wasn't a big deal. I said it's not surprising. This would certainly be a big deal to my circle of friends as we celebrate every milestone in each other's lives, we just don't think it's such a crazy idea that we're educated and successful. Also, you may want to re-read the story. She's not the first Afrian American on the planet to earn this distinction. She's the first at Notre Dame.
I understand the point u were trying to make, but it sounded defensive. We have to celebrate, and yes, announce our successes whenever & wherever they happen. Were you not impressed that Obama was the first as editor of the Harvard Law Review? Or that Dr. Mae Jemison speaks 4 languages in addition to being a "first" in the U.S.space program? I want my daughter and every other child of color to know that there are NO limitations to their achievements. Applauding this young woman for her achievements gives them one more reason to believe, in a world that tells them they should not.
Again, I was not saying this was not a remarkable achievement. You mentioned that you want your daughter and other children to know that there are no limitations to their success, and she very well should know that. But I don't believe she should be surprised (that's the key word here, I don't know why people think I'm not impressed)when she does achieve high success. Being impressed about Obama and Mae Jemison is not the same thing as being surprised or wowed that 2 intelligent black people were able to do great things. I am abundantly impressed, however, not dumbfounded as to how they were able to achieve greatness. There is a huge difference.
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By: J walker on 4/14/2010 6:16PM
I am so sorry to hear of your unfortunate educational upbringing, but its obvious from what you have said you were a bright and respectful student, therefore I must say you already do have the foundation to be successful,at twenty years old, and with now world experience you are poised to become a person to be celebrated in our community sooner than you think,if you forget who to blame, and be resolved to work hard academically to be that person you want to be. As I post this, you have become someone who I will be praying for you each day that you will achieve your goal. ONE LOVE !!!!!!!!
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By: Tiffany on 4/13/2010 1:03PM
Congratulations! It amazes me how so many black women are breaking barriers over and over again but we are still considered substandard by the media and our own.
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By: coast cooker on 4/13/2010 1:04PM
I'm so happy for katie washington.
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By: shritha on 4/18/2010 2:44PM
Look at God, how he has blessed and showed this wonderful woman of the Lord what he can do. This is Great.
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By: Not SURPRISED on 4/13/2010 2:16PM
I very proud of her and think this is a wonderful accomplishment, but in no way am I SURPRISED that she was able to earn this distinction. Why would I be?
AS a people, we can certainly be proud of every "first" we accomplish. Nothing is wrong with that. But when we start acting like it's NOT supposed to happen to us, then we need some enlightenment.
This girl has been set up for success her whole life. Her father is a doctor and her mother and sisters are in the medical profession. She's seen nothing but success. So...what's there to be surprised about again?
My point is, I don't think black achievement is so unusual that we have to make an issue of it. My group of friends include doctors, lawyers and Ph.D candidates. We don't sit around and say "Wow D, I surprised you got this far in life. Yo massa must be a real nice man to let you go to school like dis."
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By: joe caprio on 4/14/2010 7:44AM
The reason there making a issue of this girls achievements( NOT SURPRISED), is she the first afro american on the planet to achieve this honor.She is the first black woman since the big bang to be valedictorian at the University of Notre Dame. I would think thats a big deal.Being the first is always the hardest.Your circle of learned friends may not think this is a big deal but to many others her achievments are a beacon of light to follow and emulate.That said, i agree with you that people of color are achieving great things in every field every day but dont you think this beautiful intelligent young representitive of america deserves being mentioned for this milestone in black history? joe caprio
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By: NOTSURPRISED on 4/14/2010 9:02AM
Joe Caprio,
I don't think you read my post correctly. I said "AS a people, we can certainly be proud of every "first" we accomplish. Nothing is wrong with that. But when we start acting like it's NOT supposed to happen to us, then we need some enlightenment."
So, I didn't say it wasn't a big deal. I said it's not surprising. This would certainly be a big deal to my circle of friends as we celebrate every milestone in each other's lives, we just don't think it's such a crazy idea that we're educated and successful.
Also, you may want to re-read the story. She's not the first Afrian American on the planet to earn this distinction. She's the first at Notre Dame.
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By: ncynthis on 4/14/2010 11:36AM
@notsurprised. I agree!
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By: Cornelia on 4/15/2010 6:52PM
I understand the point u were trying to make, but it sounded defensive. We have to celebrate, and yes, announce our successes whenever & wherever they happen. Were you not impressed that Obama was the first as editor of the Harvard Law Review? Or that Dr. Mae Jemison speaks 4 languages in addition to being a "first" in the U.S.space program? I want my daughter and every other child of color to know that there are NO limitations to their achievements. Applauding this young woman for her achievements gives them one more reason to believe, in a world that tells them they should not.
Report This
By: not surprised on 4/16/2010 8:57AM
Again, I was not saying this was not a remarkable achievement.
You mentioned that you want your daughter and other children to know that there are no limitations to their success, and she very well should know that. But I don't believe she should be surprised (that's the key word here, I don't know why people think I'm not impressed)when she does achieve high success. Being impressed about Obama and Mae Jemison is not the same thing as being surprised or wowed that 2 intelligent black people were able to do great things. I am abundantly impressed, however, not dumbfounded as to how they were able to achieve greatness.
There is a huge difference.
Report This