Two Worlds Tracey Lynn Cooper

I am proud of my African-American heritage. As a teenager in modern-day America it is easy for one to lose touch with the rich culture of their history in an effort to blend into the fast-paced, forward-thinking, modern American culture. But it is not a matter of forsaking one for the other: I believe that the two can be balanced, to the benefit of every American. It is the duty of every African-American to keep alive the passions that burned in the hearts of those who fought and died for our progress, never forgetting the history that has brought us so far. However, to stay mired in the past can hinder the voice of the present-day activist, possibly stifling the potential of our assimilated cultures. In my own life, I try to stay connected to both worlds, learning from the past and projecting the influences I find there to my betterment in the future. As an African-American teen, I endeavor to represent my race well and with pride, and I hope to prove through my efforts in school, the community, and in my collegiate and professional goals, the specific significance of the Black community in contemporary America.

In school I have always been a member of the minority. I scan the faces of my AP classes and find that I am one of...