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With that in mind, I want to share a few thoughts with you about our organization, our purpose and our future.
First, our organization is commissioned to serve in an advisory capacity to the Commissioner regarding the enhancement of employment opportunities for African Americans and for the improvement of service to the African American community. However, while we may offer input to the Commissioner on matters that may impact largely African American employees, as an organization we do not represent employees. Lest there is confusion, representation of employees is solely the right granted to the union(s).
I restate our mission statement only to emphasize its broader value. While commissioned with a specific focus, we assess and advise from a more comprehensive view. This is an important distinction, as it can be argued, what is good for African American employees is synonymous with what is good for the Social Security Administration. The truth of this statement is justified by the belief, members of BAAC join with the leadership of SSA in desiring what is best for all employees.
For this same reason our dual purpose, though specific cannot be diminished. Without debate, it is mutually beneficial to BAAC members, SSA and the African American citizenry to encourage improved service in the African American community. By this same discernment, be confident in the knowledge that it serves the whole of the agency to join with us in the promotion of the recruitment, training, job enrichment and advancement of its African American employees.
My fellow BAACans, we cannot allow our individual needs to negate the globalness of our purpose. We must master the tasks of today and prepare for the opportunities of the future.
While this seems a simple and easy to understand fact, some among us will disagree. Do not be disappointed when you learn of those who declare their differing view, remember, it is their right to agree or disagree.
But, while we may not all agree on the course of our actions, or our course for the future, we must be certain - if we are to be successful in our endeavors, we must accept our role as leaders. We must contend with the fact, as leaders and employees, our role is to add value to the organization; where that cannot happen, we have but two choices, change our attitudes or change our work address/affiliation.
If I, we, or any of us, hope for a better future, an immediate realization is necessary - it is not enough to simply show up at work, cry foul, demand more and give less! Understand, you can count on me to stand when the occasion arises and fight any injustice whenever and wherever it occurs. However, we must make excellence our first strategy! I implore you to join with me in my resolve to a standard of excellence in all that we do - not just sometime, but at all times!!!
Historically among our community, there is song of praise often called a "Dr. Watts." For those of you unfamiliar, this is simply a praise, where the words of the song are first spoken, followed by a soulful and passionate lyrical presentation of the spoken word. These songs of praise were offered as personal expressions and as a source of encouragement to often tired and down trodden congregants. As I close I offer you a Dr. Watts that means a great deal to me. I pray that it floods your hearts and encourages your spirits onward to higher heights.
"I believe I'm gonna run on, and see what the end is gonna be; I believe I'm gonna run on, and see what the end is gonna be!" Now let me hear you sing.
Sincerely, /s/
Kenneth E. Johnson
National Chairperson
Black Affairs Advisory Council |
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