The Description Enslaved Africans

There are various words that can be used to, however, perseverance is the most suitable to express both the pain and prosperity of their past. In saying that, this word goes beyond the simple definition as we know it; perseverance flows through their veins bolder and more priceless than the blood contained within their bodies. Oprah Whinfrey: a little country girl from Mississippi who was abused by her own family, yet managed to become a mogul for millions and a media legend. Barack Obama: an ordinary man from Chicago who earned an Ivy League education and went on to become the most popular president since John F. Kennedy.

There are a plethora of men and women who have had to learn to cook as soon as they were able to reach the stove. Men and women who work three jobs, yet still find the time and money to make their children’s dreams a reality. Men and women who strive for a more progressive tomorrow, not just for themselves, but for the generations to come: it’s in their genes. Success and perseverance goes hand in hand more so than it does with a person’s innate qualities. That is not to say that talent does not matter, it is just that it can only go so far without sacrifice and effort. History is littered with people who have failed repeatedly before their eventual triumph.

Vincent van Gogh is a perfect example of this; an outstanding artist he was, however, it was only until after his death that his pieces were recognized. His large collection of art was sold by his wife, Jo van Gogh-Bonger, following his passing, which is what activated his popularity. Without her dedication, van Gogh would never have become as famous as he is today. His talent created the art, but her perseverance created the attention. To ensure that the African American culture is being preserved, multiple museums have been constructed in order to remind all Americans of this elaborate cultural history and teach people the importance of perseverance. As Barack Obama once said, “Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure…It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.”