Black History Month / Today’s Voices : Perspectives on the Past--and the Future

From the African American who owned much of what is now the San Fernando Valley in the 1790s to the high school student who has devoted himself to keeping his peers out of gangs, people of African descent in the Valley have a long, proud history.

In this special report, we look back at some of that history and--with the help of several voices from the present--turn to the future.

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BARBARA PERKINS /’Work Together for the Greater Good’

Barbara Perkins, 35, is president of San Fernando Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women and mother of two young children.

“One of the things that is really important is bridge-building among and within the African American community. There seems to be a lack of cohesiveness in the community that has to do with the way we are located geographically--we don’t seem to have a master networking system. The geography is such that we don’t represent a large piece of the population. It’s crucial that the people in leadership positions like the clergy and social service organizations work together for the greater good. We don’t have the luxury of working together in pockets. I think we got caught up in the ‘me’ society and it’s sometimes easier to take care of your own group, your own self, your own church.

“The legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune (founder of National Council of Negro Women) was to build an organization of other organizations--a catalyst organization that brings people together to the table.

We need to reshape how we think about our own particular groups and look broader--as an entire community. It is our responsibility to look beyond and see the community as one.”