The Human Genome Project

Dr. Dunston’s speech about the human genome project was more than just inspiring. Inspiring lacks movement. Her speech was liberating. Not only did her speech make me as a young African-American research it more, but it also filled a void in my mind that questioned my role in this world. I learned that it was embedded in my genes from my African ancestors to become an innovator. My history, from the prominence of my race, to the road bump of slavery, to our continued success is all embedded in my genes. Dr. Dunston used words from Dean Donaldson to describe our class as “phenomenal,” an adjective that is defined as “remarkably and impressively good or great.” We as young African-Americans have to live up to the description because of the opportunities that have been given to us. Everything that we need to survive and prosper is within us. It’s within our DNA. Our culture has achieved excellence for over 12,000 years. There is no reason that we can’t. Because we have an innate connection with our African ancestors, it’s our job to continue to turn the pages of prosperity that has been set forth as a bare minimum for our race. The human genome project solidifies the notion that civilization started in Africa, and none should take more pride in that than my own race. In closing, I relate my ancestors to my father teaching me how to play basketball. With direction, and with the prior knowledge of my father’s success in the sport, I had an incentive to excel in the sport. I will take the prior success of my African ancestors in all areas unbounded, to excel in the sport of academia at Howard.