The Panther

Issue date: 11/2/05 Section: Over Looking The Hill

There is a communication that routinely occurs among African-Americans in professional settings. This non-verbal communication occurs in the presence of outsiders, yet they are usually oblivious to either its occurrence or meaning. Their inability to detect a most powerful communication is fine as they were not the target of the communication anyway. Outsiders would be surprised that this unspeakable unspoken communication manifests itself in nearly every setting that African-Americans are found: Fortune-500 companies, barbershops, poetry circles, night clubs, and unemployment lines. This form of communication which is best termed "the nod" is commonly used by a diverse population of African-Americans: Colin Powell, Michael Jordan, Debbie Allen, Young Jeezy, and me. My "nod" conveys a personal determination to uplift the race while simultaneously validating the humanity and inextricable linkages holding African-Americans together.

"The nod" means different things depending upon the context in which it is issued or setting it appears. "The nod" was often the only form of assistance that African-Americans could offer one another in the midst of troubles. Put simply, "the nod" was the race's only 'bridge over troubled water.'

Unfortunately, it appears that this unique communication has become a thing of the past. The greatest support for such feelings is found right here at PVAMU. I routinely witness African-American students, faculty, and staff failing to acknowledge one another via "the nod" or any other greeting. The failure to acknowledge each other's humanity is not only inexcusable, but also holds a deeper meaning that indicates something is amiss among the PVAMU community. As the descendents of a people who were bonded, beaten, disenfranchised, segregated, and currently experience unprecedented politico economic marginality there should be little doubt that we are inextricably bound together. Although many may consider "the nod" inconsequential, it remains the best mechanism to close the occupational, educational, and social gaps found among a diversifying African-American community. So the next time you have an opportunity to greet someone on the PVAMU campus who you may, or may not, personally know, simply smile and nod; I am sure that they will understand exactly what you are saying.

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