How to prepare for the next 50 years: experts emphasize old values and new technologies

Ebony, Jan, 1996 by Walter E. Massey, Beverly Guy-Sheftall, James A. Hefner, Arthur Fennell

By the year 2005, and certainly by 2045, the 100th anniversary of the founding of EBONY, the job world of Black Americans will assume new and, in some cases, menacing aspects. As a result, many experts advise Blacks to prepare for the next 50 years by going back to the future and linking yesterday's values and tomorrow's technology.

How will the explosive economic and technical changes of tomorrow affect the work world of Black Americans? According to an EBONY survey of economists, university presidents, career counselors and business leaders, the working world Blacks will face in the 21st century will be shaped and dominated by five major factors.

Technological change. Technology, especially computer and electronic technology, will continue to expand, eliminating some jobs and creating new work requirements and environments.

Decentralization. Work sites will become more decentralized, with more employees working at home, and more workers hiring themselves out as consultants and independent contractors. In fact, Dr. Dennis P. Kimbro, director for the Center of Entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University and the author of Daily Meditations for African-American Success, says, "There will be no such things as a job 50 years from now. The job market is changing so fast that what we call a job now will be done and performed by independent contractors."

Increased competition. As more and more corporations scramble for foreign markets and low-wage foreign workers, the number of available jobs in the United States will shrink and Blacks will face mounting competition internally, not only from Whites and other ethnic groups, but also from women. "The global economy is more market driven than America has ever been," says Dr. Sybil Mobley, dean of the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University. "If the price is right, America will give Black and White jobs to others."

Arthur Fennell, president of the National Association of Black Journalists, adds, "People want efficiency. They are looking for the best and in these days and times, they don't have to settle for less than that. There is too much competition and too many in line behind you who can do what you can't do. You have to be prepared."

Downsizing. Corporate restructuring and the release of veteran employees will create an environment in which men and women will be forced to adjust to several major jobs in one lifetime.

Racism. Although race and racism will become declining factors, the problem of the 20th century--the color line--will also be the problem of the 21st century. Does this mean that in the future, as in the past, Black workers will have to perform twice as well as their White competitors? The answer, experts say, is yes and no. While there has been progress, with more expected in the years ahead, in 2005 and 2045, as in 1905 and 1945, Blacks will have to run the race "unfortunately, if not twice, maybe one and a half times as fast," says Dr. Walter E. Massey, president of Morehouse College.

Such, according to experts, will be the major challenges facing Black workers in the 21st century. How do you prepare for this world?

The answer, experts say, is simple, old and new.

Evaluate yourself and evaluate the market. What are your skills? What skills are in demand today? What skills will be in demand tomorrow? Before completing high school or college and before changing jobs, you should make your own analysis and create a game plan for maximizing your position.

Get the best education possible, with particular emphasis on technological training and math, science and English skills, and major emphasis on a broad education that will permit you to make rapid career adjustments. If you're a parent, make sure your child is exposed to the best educational games in lieu of toys as gifts. If you are a student, finish high school and go on to college.

If you're employed, take a course at your local community college. If you have a B.A., enlist in a master's program. If you have a master's degree, go for a doctorate. You should also take advantage of company and union plus that reward workers for additional study.

Time and time again, experts emphasize the importance of continuous study. "We are trying to prepare our students for a world that is changing so much more rapidly than it has in the past," says President Massey of Morehouse. "One has to know how to change, how to learn, how to continually grow. Schools have to give students certain tools that go beyond just knowledge in specific areas." President James A. Hefner of Tennessee State University makes the same point, saying that learning in the future must be a lifelong process. "Learning," he says, "must be a process. Through continued education, Americans will have the flexibility needed to move in and out of technical as well as service-oriented jobs."

Be flexible. "Here today, gone tomorrow?" will apply more and more often in the 21st century job market. Be prepared to adjust to corporate downsizing and/or the emergence of new opportunities. And if opportunities aren't forthcoming, create your own. "There are opportunities for everyone," says Stephen C. Lewis, president of, the National Black MBA Association. "Many don't want to operate a comer store business, gas station or pharmacy, but those services are needed. Now, other nationalities have come into our communities and provide those services for us."