May 29, 1917- Birthdate of John Fitzgerald Kennedy- "The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word, ‘crisis’. One brush stroke stands for danger, the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger- but recognize the opportunity."- 35th President, 1961-1963, Died by assassination November 22, 1963- from his remarks at the Convocation of the United Negro College Fund, Indianapolis, Indiana, Sunday, April 12, 1959. As he speaks, Senator Kennedy has not yet announced his candidacy for President, although the Oval Office would be his ultimate goal. How he came to speak at this forum is multi-layered story in and of itself. Also, his interpretation of the translation of the word, crisis, itself, has been raised for discussion. In 1957, Kennedy was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his book, "Profiles in Courage". While Kennedy is credited for the idea and concept of the book, there is controversy about how much of the writing was actually done by him. It was also believed Kennedy's father lobbied the Columbia University judges to award him the honor. In any event, Kennedy did donate his prize money to the United Negro College Fund. It would seem this would be the likely reason he was invited to speak to the organization, now renowned for its iconic slogan, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Kennedy uses the word crisis in his opening paragraph; not only in context of racial discrimination but in the context of "world of crisis." He states, "The graduates of all American colleges today will play a pre-eminent role in shaping the course of that world. They cannot escape the responsibilities of leadership...and I want to make sure that these future leaders - facing the most critical, complex world and most urgent peril history has ever known - are prepared to deal with these problems." Here he lists the pressing issues of the time: The economic, social, and military threat of Russian communism and the looming "space race." In addition, China was undergoing a transformation into a communist, industrialized power. Along with those large nations, he mentions growing strife on the continents of Africa and South America. Kennedy states, "...the danger lies in the possibility that we will become increasingly estranged from our allies and friends and the uncommitted people of the world...our armaments must be ideas and the battle must be for men's minds." At this point he puts forth his iconic quote (although most likely repeated from past associates and writings) stating that "with crisis comes opportunity." As an aside, current scholars contend the more accurate translation would imply that a crisis is, not an opportunity but, in fact, a danger point of which one should be wary and demands a decision, creating a turning point. (http://workplacepsychology.net/2014/08/10/in-chinese-crisis-does-not-mean-danger-and-opportunity/) Kennedy then moves from his general position of seeing education as crucial to the overall advancement of American leadership and ideals to the world, to the specific position that the improvement of and advancement of Negro education in America is also crucial. In doing so, he seems to align himself with the idea that there would be in fact a struggle, not a mere opportunity. "So let us raise both our sights and our standards. One era in the history of our Negro colleges is coming to an end. But another is just beginning. It will require more, not less, effort - greater, not smaller, expenditures - increased, not decreased, recognition from the American people...The demand for teachers, doctors, lawyers and businessmen will continue to grow. But there will be new and unprecedent[ed] demands upon your colleges for community leaders skilled in the arts of persuasion and conciliation...capable of handling the explosive problems of a transitional age. In our nation's quest for new talent, new ideas, new brainpower, new manpower, no college can escape its responsibility - and no qualified young man or woman can be denied. Irrational barriers and ancient prejudices fall quickly when the question of survival itself is at stake." In concluding, he moves back from the specific issue of the United Negro College Fund to the general challenge of the nation. "This, after all, is the real issue of our times. The hard, tough question for the next decade - for this or any other group of Americans - is whether any free society - with its freedom of choice - its breadth of opportunity - its range of alternatives - can meet the single minded advance of the Communist system. Can a nation organized and governed such as ours endure? That is the real question. Have we the nerve and the will?" (http://www.jfklibrary.org/Research/Research-Aids/JFK-Speeches/Indianapolis-IN_19590412.aspx) Not knowing how great the struggles would be in the not so distant future, Kennedy puts forth the idea that if individuals are prepared for leadership, they will be accepted by society in the interests of that society. In many instances, Kennedy's vision and desire has come to fruition as we now have leaders from all races in our government, military, and in the educational system. However, in retrospect, Kennedy's use of the word, crisis, is more prophetic than he could have known, as we in the United States still contend with explosive problems and struggle with the crisis of racial equality and justice to this day.