A few years ago, I participated in the creation of a workplace employee network group for Hispanics. As we hammered out the network’s mission statement and goals, I suggested that the goals needed to be worded such that progress could be measured.

I then put forth the idea that if the network group was successful, a day should eventually come when the network group is no longer needed. If the issues that prompted the formation of the network group continue to be problematic year-after-year, then the network group should be asking itself if it is fulfilling its purpose, and look to adopt more effective tactics if progress stagnates.

That idea was met by blank stares. After an awkward pause, the meeting continued as if I had said nothing.

Do we still need African-American newspapers?

I hold on to a hope that some day the need will shift from that of reporting problems to that of reporting successes. I suppose that there is always a need for a forum for airing grievances, but if that is all it does then it isn’t accomplishing much.

Based on what you have said about The Tri-State Defender, it looks very much like a vehicle for change, and that is good. May it be so successful that some day it is no longer needed.

In the meantime, though, there is a need to be met.

(Lance Kaczorowski is an engineer by vocation, a pupil of building multicultural bridges by avocation, and finds our youth to be a special source of hope for our future.)