Opinion Talk

By edj

May 23, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

Goes to show you never know… oh ya, first!

By Ray

May 23, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Mr. Grigsby, quit walking back and forth over Selma bridge. These are your ancestors, not you. Get over it and move on. A lot of mistakes were made by a lot of people but living in the past and fanning the fires of victimhood is a self defeating process. There is not one slave in this country and there are no slave holders. Have you read Larry Elder’s book(who happens to be black), “Stupid Black Men”? It should be required reading for every male in this country over the age of 15 regardless of race. Elder has some advice for black males who find themselves in your mind set. You might pick up a copy.

By TC

May 23, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

AWESOME! Congrats Joshua!

By Aureliano Jose

May 23, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Congratulations. By the way, Joshua, you are a hottie.

He should encourage other white males to attend Morehouse. It would be a good to have diversity at the school.

By kwb

May 23, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

It goes to show the hypocrisy that abounds in this country. Mr. Grigsby wound not give an African American valedictorian of a predominately white school another thought. However, when a white is the valedictorian of a “traditionally” black university. All of a sudden we have a problem! Also Mr. Grigsby needs to stop playing the victim/race card! Get over it! I am in my 30’s and had no part in what happened in the past but had to pay for previous generations mistakes…………busing, affirmative action, etc. Barack Obama wants this country to have a dialogue about race. I know as a white man I cannot speak openly how I feel without have the R word thrown at me. Until this changes nothing will change. The R word is used all the time and will get worse as this election year moves on. Have you notice all the hardcore Obama supporters are throwing out that you must be a racist if you do not support Obama.

By HP

May 23, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Okay…

First of all, congrats to Joshua!

Second, he is NOT the first white man to attend and graduate from Morehouse, just the first valedictorian. In case folks didn’t know.

Third, the only people “questioning why Joshua would attend Morehouse” are those looking to stir the flames of controversy with race baiting articles, news stories and blogs, much like this one.

And sorry Mr. Grigsby, as a black woman, I did not have a momentary pause about Joshua and his accomplishment or his attending Morehouse. I did have a momentary pause because I thought he was incredibly good looking.

Why is this a topic of ongoing discussion? Joshua chose Morehouse because it is a good school and because he would be comfortable there, just like every other college student does! I do see the news angle as the first white valedictorian - fine. But any other discussion beyond that is just trying to start trouble. Grow up!

What’s horrible is that people attribute these thoughts to all black people, like we share one collective mind. I am very aware of the world we live in, and racism is REAL and very alive in 2008, but I am also very aware - and proud and fortunate - of what I have personally been able to accomplish in my life because of the HUGE sacrifices of others before me. And I will not disgrace their legacy by playing victim. I will celebrate their legacy by being all that I know they wanted me to be. And I feel darn lucky to have been born in America in the 20th century. People who don’t have a very myopic view of the world around them. Would you like to have been born in Darfar?

And again, congrats to Joshua!!!!

By HP

May 23, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with AJ - he is FLY!!!!! That gave me momentary pause - looking at his gorgeous face!!!!

By HP

May 23, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with AJ - he is FLY!!!!! That gave me momentary pause - looking at his gorgeous face!!!!

By Ray

May 23, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Kudo, HP. You are my kinda woman.

By Margaret

May 23, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Congratulations Joshua. This is indeed a great moment in history and an example of what our country should be built on. God bless you and keep you in all your future endeavours.

By Hugo

May 23, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

To Ray: Simply by mentioning the history of race in this country is not fanning flames. History never changes it will always be with us. We must all remember where we have come from to appreciate how far we have traveled. We have made tremendous strides in this country in terms of race which we can all be proud. You should not feel guilty or defensive simply because someone mentions that history but also fell pride in a nation that has advanced this far. I was born in 1953 and attended school in the Atlanta University Center which Morehouse is a part. I see the white valedictorian as another example of the walls of racial intolerance crumbling. However, we must always remember that we have miles to go. As far as Larry Elder is concerned I see him as a race pimp. Someone who is looking to slam African-American’s for profit because it sells books. What has he contributed or suggested that can be remotely seen as helpful. His writings are only meant to incite.I view him in the same light as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Different sides but the same coin. I congratulate Joshua Packwood and Morehouse College for helping to further advance the reality of today, that we are all Americans and we are in this together. We will no longer be divided and hopefully we will become comfortable with the current dialog on race enough to know that any mention of past race relations in this country is not an automatic attack on whites. The racial changes that have occured can be attributed to a nation that made it possible through a Constitution by giving citizens the power to address grievances and the ability to challenge decisions like Plessy v Ferguson by having a Fourteenth Amendment. To pass a Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1968 and to pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965.This was achieved by whites and African-Americans together. Ray you should also be proud of that history. You sound like a good guy Ray. Maybe we can get together and have a beer.

By Keng

May 23, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Most people don’t know that “Morehouse” was a white Republican aand that he was instrumental in starting the school

By dw

May 23, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Congratulationss Joshua that is a major accomplishment regardless of race, don’t let any one try to diminish that, good luck.

Bold: this text will be bolded*=Ray

“Prosecutors said Celestin is one of thousands of Haitian children, known by the Creole term “restaveks,” who are forced into involuntary servitude both in Haiti and in the U.S. UNICEF has estimated that up to 17,500 such people are brought to the U.S. each year to become slaves.”

There are slaves inthis country.

By Get It Right

May 23, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Mr. Packwood’s race is not, and should not be, an issue. Prejudices exist because all humans prejudge others based on their upbringing and personal experiences. Mr. Grigsby proves this. I could not care less that a valedictorian is male, female,black, white, etc. Theirs is a great achievement that doesn’t need to be tainted with ignorance.

By dumbajcwriters

May 23, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

never ceases to amaze me how stupid the ajc believes it’s readers are. every article has a racial component to it. there is nothing newsworthy here.

dumb journalists are killing the city as well as the country

By STOP RACISM

May 23, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

As an older black man and a graduate of a predominately “white” jesuit school, Georgetown University, I think Mr. Packwood’s accomplishments are not only noteworthy, but serves as a clear signal that racism in this country is fast becoming an archaic symbol of a flawed American past. Mr. Packwood surely has gained an appreciation of the spirit of young driven black men that his contemporaries will never attain, nor understand. His future, I’m sure, will be paved with curiousity, from both his peers and persons he shall encounter along the way. How will he be received? In the Morehouse fraternity he has earned the right to be called a “Morehouse Man.” To the majority his is and will be an oddity. A white man with a pedigree that is not normally or readily accepted in the corporate mainstream. That, in my opinion, will be the test for Mr. packwaood and very well to the graduates of HBCU’s everywhere. Racism will be revealed and hopefully elimated. I have experienced the reverse of that spectrum. A black male who graduated from an Ivy League school who has endured racism and exclusion. An interesting journey to be sure. It will be fascinating to hear what Mr. Packwood says about his journey in say 20 years. I pray that it will be significantly different. Not only for Black America but for America as a whole. I have faith in our youth, both black, white and brown. Much success to him.

By Emma

May 23, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Congrats to Joshua!!!!! It’s your merits and integrity that makes you the person you are today: an asset to society. Morehouse and Spellman are the Ivy League schools of the HBCU’s. You should be very proud of yourself no matter what others may say. Also, congrats to your brother who will be falling in your footsteps by attending Morehouse in the fall as well. I wish him the best of luck. Remember we are all humans that are different shades of color but if you were to cut us open we all have red/blood flowing through.

By Ray

May 23, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Hugo,

There are others with Elder’s message, namely Bill Cosby, John McWhorter, Juan Williams, William Sowell, Shelby Steele, W.E. Debois, William Rasberry and Booker T. Washington, to name a few. I really can’t say that all of the above are “race pimps”. I have read and re-read all of these authors because, as an old white guy, I wanted to understand something besides Cornell West’s whining in his “black studies” program and Jesse’s and Al’s rants about victimhood. Virtually all of these authors seem to have the same message said in a different way, quit whining and get to work. Cosby says it very well. You can get a good job talking and dressing like that. McWhorter is the head of the linguistics dept at Berkley and what an articulate scholar. His book, “Loosing the Race” is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the academic side of black education, at least at Berkley.
Yeah, I live in Macon, and a beer would be nice.

By KDH

May 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Becoming a Val is a wonderful accomplishment no matter what school or race. The fact that this man was chosen by this prestigious institution based on his merits before even the recruiter (who was speaking with him via phone) knew of his race goes to show that this was where he should have been! This is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

By Ms. Educator

May 23, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Who was the valedictorian at Morehouse last year? Someone Black perhaps? Why didn’t the world know him or his existence through AJC the local paper? Who really cares about the sensationalized media stories? It’s all PROPOGANDA! Tune in the National Action Network to be educated!

By Allison W.

May 23, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Congrats Joshua!

By HP

May 23, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

This blog is turning into a Love and Peace Fest, the AJC is about to shut this down quick, ya’ll. They will only keep it open if someone posts something ignorant to get the pot boiling again. So, before it gets shut down, everyone have a good, fun, safe holiday weekend!!!!!

By Fulton

May 23, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I wonder if ya’ll read & understood the whole article? Everyone seemed to ignore: “And why not?” The comparison from 3/5ths human to a white valedictorian @ Morehouse was only made to show how much things have changed. He closes with: “It’s clear that the call for ‘change’ is at the heart of this political season,” he writes. “And it’s a beautiful thing to watch play out…” So again, I wonder did everyone read the whole piece? Or are these just knee jerk reactions to certain ‘key words’?? Congrats to Joshua but there was nothing inflammatory in Mr. Grigsby’s piece. C’mon folks, reading (& comprehension) is fundamental…

By Thomas

May 23, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

As a graduate of Morehouse College in 2007 I had an opportunity (class) to get to know Josh a little bit, and I must say he deserves all the accolades that he has received. What some outsiders have to realize is that Josh has been around African Americans most of his life; he feels comfortable around us, so Morehouse was an easy transition for him. It’s unfortunate and sad that the media still has to play to race game when it comes to disseminating information to the public. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that Josh is the first white valedictorian, but as usual the media has twisted this great accomplishment in effort to further divide us by race once again. There have been countless accomplishments by Morehouse men too long to list, but this is just another. Last year when I graduated we had co-valedictorians with perfect 4.0, a first, but that didn’t get any coverage as you see. I just want people to know that we (alum) celebrate Josh and every Morehouse Man that graduated this year who will go on to have very bright futures which is just par for course for Morehouse.

By CRAIG SMITH

May 23, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

I am happy to see that this young man is exemplary. I am very proud of him and his accomplishments. To hell with the naysayers who swim in racism black and white

By ms. simms

May 23, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

I applaud Joshua!!!! I’ve heard many negative comments regarding his being valedictorian of a historically black college and am appalled at some of the archaic thinking of some people.(but i guess i should remind myself the south hasnt changed as much as i would like to think it has) With a 4.0 GPA and as accomplished as the young man is he DESERVED IT!!!! Who cares if he’s white! He could’ve been a combination of “bla-whi-jap-talian-mexi-rican” (and nothing racist intended) for all i care ANYONE with those accomplishments that had the HIGHEST of all other students would be deserving of the award. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

By Soulfinger

May 23, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Way to go Josh! Knock ‘em dead!

By CJ

May 23, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

YOU GO BOY!!!!

By Not unepected

May 23, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

As posters have noted, the topic should be why the AJC continues to create issues to fill their print and blogs!!!

By Patricia

May 23, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks for and insider’s perspective Thomas@11:03am

By Makes you wonder...

May 23, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I thnk the real test of how far we’ve come in this country will show when Joshua begins his career and starts sending his resume out. With Morehouse College on his resume, will potential employers think they are going to increase their diverse employee numbers, only to be surprised when a normal white guy, albeit with great grades, shows up for the interview? Or, on the flip side, will his resume be wrongfully rejected because of the school he attended? I’d be curious to hear back from Josh in another 10 years.

By Duchess

May 23, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Joshua! I hat that this blog is posted because I know it’s going to cause soooo much venom to be spewed by racism. I have one thing to say to those who wan’t us to ‘just get over it’…not ONCE in my life have I ever heard anyone tell the Jews to ‘get over it’. If anyone else has, please tell me…BUT I HAVE NOT!!!

By Goldman-Sachs

May 23, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Resume?! this dude interned at Goldman/Sachs during his summers and he is now a full-time employee - someone of his acumen will do very well on Wall Street and he may never have to “rely” on a resume ever again - ask anyone who is familiar with Wall Street how much talented investment bankers earn and you will get my drift

By Chris

May 23, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

As kwb mentioned, I’m always hesitant to discuss racial matters as a white male. Whether perceived or real, I feel as though I’m running a knife’s edge. I actually fine it easier to talk about such things with my past roommate from Kenya or my past co-worker from Jamaica. But hey, it’s a slow process. A great book for me was Patricia Raybon’s “My First White Friend”.

To Ray, I would disagree fully with your statement, “There is not one slave in this country and there are no slave holders.” Are you from the U.S.? Do you live in Atlanta? Are you aware that Atlanta is the #1 city for human trafficking? Here’s a good site for you to start reading: http://www.state.gov/g/tip/

By Sherri

May 23, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

All I have to say is first a white valedictorian at Morehouse next a black president of the United States… I’m loving it… Congrats to Josh, there was an excellent story on him at cnn.com, the young man was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and for him to make it this far is amazing. Black, white, or red, it deserves the praise…. Not to mention he is a cutie and I definitely didn’t see him during my four years at Clark Atlanta University (class of 07) lord knows I wouldve said HELLO. LOL Congrats Josh

By nicole

May 23, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

I’m a graduate of CAU and personally I think “Morehouse Men” are overrated, so this should be a nice wake up call for them. Congrats to Josh. He seem to be the most humble Morehouse man I’ve ever encountered.

By Chris A.

May 23, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

What I am waiting for is a white male valedictorian from Spelman!

By One Chris

May 23, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Joshua you are a great American! Good luck on Wall Street. Help spread the word that Atlanta is a fine place to study. New York should be excited to have you in the mix. Your article was an inspiration to the world we should embrace as an American!

By catlady

May 23, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

In the original article several days ago, the young man is quoted as telling about when the recruiter/admissions person told him to show up the white boys at the race, and Josh told him he was white. The admin did not believe him. I wonder if he would have been recruited if they had known he was white? Just made me wonder….

By add14jazz

May 23, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why everyone is blaming the media and saying they are twisting this story to divide the black race! I’ve not seen one negative story about this! It’s actually a great story that should be told. And we as black people should DEFINITELY not complain because we are ALWAYS trumpeting the first black this, the first black that…The fact is the only higher education institution mainly for black males — seen as the bastion of black male development in this country — has a white valedictorian for the first time. It’s a VERY interesting that should be told everywhere. Lord knows that the first African American valedictorian at the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech or any other traditionally, predominantly white institution is, or would be, celebrated and trumpeted by us black folks and would garner lots of attention too. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’ll be a story when it is NOT the norm at Morehouse, just like it wouldnt be a story if there were many, many black valedictorians at traditionally, predominantly white institutions.

By Constitution Man

May 23, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but the US Constitution does not contain any mention of a 3/5 citizen anywhere. You apparently missed that class at Morehouse!

By dbeasley

May 23, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

The three-fifths compromise is found in Article 1, Section 2, Paragraph 3 of the United States Constitution:

By Andre

May 23, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Congrats and Good Luck Josh! Much Love from your fellow AUC Alumni

By Correction

May 23, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

As to the comment on slaces being counted as three-fifths human in the Constitution:

First, the original language of teh Constitution read:

“Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.”

Meaning slaves (non-free persons), not blacks, would only count as three fifths of a person. There existed before the drafting of the constitution some free blacks in the North. If today’s leaders understood the intention of the language they would instead complain that slaves should have counted for even less or not counted at all.

The north correctly considered that enumerating slaves for apportionment among the southern states would have given southern states inflated representation in congress. With greater representation and the stubbornness to continue slavery it would be easier for the south to block any move by northern states to criminalize or restrict slavery. Had slaves not counted at all it is possible that a northern-led congress may have eliminated slavery legislatively, avoiding a costly civil war—in both lives and treasury.

Blacks were counted as “three fifths” of a person as a compromise between abolitionists and slave holders. Northern delegates to the constitutional convention argued that blacks should not be counted at all, because they were not allowed to vote and therefore their numbers shouldn’t count toward boosting Southern representation in Congress. If slaves were counted, slave states would be able to control the legislative branch and expand the hateful institution into the new territories. Meanwhile, slaveholders wanted blacks counted on par with whites for exactly this reason.

In other words, if the racists had their way, blacks would have been counted as 100% people and if the abolitionists won the day, blacks would be invisible to the constitution. The three fifths was a procedural compromise included in the Constitution because so many of the nation’s founders were opposed to slavery

By Sincere from Belly!

May 23, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

nicole @ 2:25. Don’t hate because you weren’t chosen by one of us. You sound like a woman scorned. Most Morehouse Men are just as down to earth as anyone else. Your comment makes you seem like you’re holier than thou. Get over it. You’re out of college now.

By Sincere from Belly!

May 23, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

nicole @ 2:25. Don’t hate because you weren’t chosen by one of us. You sound like a woman scorned. Most Morehouse Men are just as down to earth as anyone else. Your comment makes you seem like you’re holier than thou. Get over it. You’re out of college now.

By Cant stop lovin' U

May 23, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

This is nothing new. Hitler graduatied Vale-Dictator from Tel Aviv University in 1928. Mussolini and his wife Pussolini both graduated Magna Canoli and Vale- Delicioso at the hairless institute for the unshaven, moustachio’d pizza-faced women.

The point is that black men and women face the white man’s callousness every day, even on graduation day, and I for one am sick of it.