Dr. Pollard's Presentation

Shareef Abdul Malik

Walking in with the African Attire, I already expected someone who appreciates the history of his ancestors, someone who knew and cherished the information of knowledge and stories that were passed down for centuries. My hypothesis was more than correct. On September 21, 2010 Dr. Pollard told a spiritual yet educational speech on our society as African Americans and the issues that are deep rooted with in us. He explained different techniques that he uses in order to keep his focus to maintain the legacy of our ancestor’s ei: He explained how he would keep a piece of cotton on his desk and how this would remind him of his ancestors who had to pick cotton during slavery. He mentioned that if a slave was enslaved in Carolina or Virginia and was sold down the river to Mississippi then that slave was headed for the worst enslavement. During this presentation there were a few great and influential pioneered leaders who existed during the times of enslavement, and their courage. Jarena Lee was the first African American to write an autobiography which was published in 1836. Dr. Pollard explained how Jarena Lee was suicidal but had a spiritual awakening and a social change. As a female activist she challenged male leadership, while raising two children as a widow. Dr. Pollard mentioned Sojourner Truth, Howard Thurman, and a few others who decided to stand against the violet oppression and left a significant mark across the world. At the end of Dr. Pollard's speech he quoted a quote saying "know thy self" and "If you know yourself then you will know your lord." This quote was first said by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over Fourteen Hundred years ago.