Use of the “N” word has often been a contentious topic among many African-Americans. But now there appear to be strides among the up and coming generation to eliminate the word from common speech altogether.
The “N” word was used frequently by comedians and many African-Americans during the psychedelic 1970’s era. Use died down during the ’80’s, but made a resurgence during the ’90’s, which still exists today. But it appears some 20-30 somethings who spent their youth flinging the word from their mouths on a consistent basis, are now having second thoughts.
Jarrett Mathis is one such example. The recent Dartmouth graduate, who was born, raised, and still lives in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, NY, says he grew up in an era and neighborhood where the word was about as common as maybe saying the word “the.” But now through his website as well as a series of seminars targeting today’s youth, Mathis is on a personal mission to eradicate the “N” word from our vocabulary permanently.
For more information regarding Jarrett Mathis and his efforts, and to see a documentary detailing his work to educate young people against use of the “N” word, visit his website: empoweringourselvesnow.com.
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