2015-2016 HBCU Careers Magazine

HBCU Careers Magazine

101

They also had a cavalry, archers, and light infantry. The

cavalry worked to protect the phalanx and to break up the

ranks of the enemy. Archers would shoot from a distance to

help confuse the enemy. The infantry also helped protect the

phalanx while also inflicting damage to the enemy. Athens,

one of the most powerful city-states, also had a formidable

navy. The soldiers of Ancient Greece had a sophisticated

fighting style. When they allied with each other over a

common enemy, such as the Persians, they were highly

effective. By the time Alexander the Great became the king, the Ancient Greeks had honed their

fighting style and used that to conquer a good portion of the ancient world. “

It was the culture that survived and even today as the youth of Greece face a 50% unemployment

rate, the country is seeking to reinvent itself

. Today our common enemy is apathy, ignorance,

intolerance, and unless we embrace diversity and band together to improve the work being done in

our Minority Serving Institutions to approach and address the issues of the day, such as support for and

funding of our Schools, as well as partnerships with Regional Innovation Clusters around our country

we miss a huge opportunity in the next few years. The needs of our public sector workforce that is

seeking to be representative of our democracy, protect our civil rights, and ensure the freedoms we

at times may take for granted should be a paramount concern. We will be subject to the chaos and

uncertainly that entropy holds for us, but in a growing and more complex society that is on the brink in

terms of evolving or collapse; ultimately some might say we are the protectors of western civilization

and democracy in the free world so it is from our People & Culture that we must lead and from that will

emerge a new world. One that can bring new philosophies, theories, and technologies the application

of which should work to can propel our society, economy and culture forward.

We live in a global community but it is in our hands and to the Class of 2015 I wish you all the best and

hope that you will see value in the system that has sought to create and apply knowledge and learning

to the big issues of the day. It is important to dedicate ourselves to making a difference, and in addition

to a pension some may find that public service can be the best way to achieve career aspirations while

also inspiring others to bring their expertise around a common cause and mission that matters as it

did to many back in Selma, or Ancient Greece. Let history judge us for our deeds, but let diversity and

inclusion be a guiding principle. I for one am ready to see the posture of our Federal HR workforce

change to one that is ready to lean in and address REDI, we just need to give them the technology,

support, and pay-parity they rightly deserve to accomplish the missions before us.

About the Author:

John Bersentes is a freelance writer and business development consult specializing

in diversity outreach, digital branding and employee engagement. A graduate of the

University of California at Santa Barbara with an emphasis in Journalism and Mass

Media Communications @JohnBersentes or visit