Throughout February's Black History Month, there will be the usual programs highlighting achievements made by Black men and women in America since the 17th century. The achievements of these pioneers are well documented, and are the source of great pride and appreciation. However, while Blacks are proud to commemorate the leaders of this historical heritage, the leadership of today's Black community faces a crisis for future generations.

This is a community of potential strength and power, but it's questionable if this potential is being realized. Despite the legacies of past generations and, according to the 2010 US Census, comprising 12.6 percent (39 million) of America's population, the Black community still struggles with the many odds stacked against its progress.

Some three and a half years since the worst recession impacted the U.S. economy, the situation is far from relieved. One of the worst effects of the recession is the relentless high unemployment, spurred on by the tightening of bank credit accessible to businesses.

What the economy needs is a strong infusion of cash. When the housing market collapsed in 2008, and the banks tightened credit, businesses lost a significant source of cash, leaving them unable to pay salaries. This created a domino effect, as laid off workers, unable to pay bills or consume the usual goods and services, reduced overall consumer demand, which has for too long been the prime generator of the now vulnerable American economy.

The over $7 billion economic stimulus plan, approved when the Obama Administration took office in 2009, was intended to revive the economy, but proved misguided. Funding should have been focused on shovel-ready, infrastructural improvement-type jobs, and cash payments to some Americans to replace the extra expenditure sucked up by the tightening of bank credit. This cash was needed to enable consumers to maintain the demand of retail goods and keep the economy afloat.

An interesting phenomenon is happening in America, linking sports with Christianity, thanks to the improbable rise of Tim Tebow, the 24-year-old quarterback of the National Football League's (NFL) Denver Broncos. Tebow, former quarterback of the University of Florida Gators, makes no secret of his faith in the power of Jesus Christ.

Tebow's NFL beginnings read like a Cinderella story. With mediocre promise as a professional player, he started his first NFL game against the Miami Dolphins last October with not much chance of leading his Denver Broncos to triumph. But Tebow rallied in the closing five minutes, scoring two touchdowns to defeat Miami 18-15. At the end of the game, he knelt in prayer, giving thanks to his Lord for the victory.

This marked the beginning of "Tebow-mania," as Tebow led the Broncos through several improbable victories, including stunning victories over the Chicago Bears. At the 2011 NFL Playoffs, the Broncos earned a remarkable victory over the vaunted Pittsburg Steelers. And throughout every win, Tebow points to the skies with every touchdown and kneels in prayer after every victory, earning him the nickname "Mile High Messiah." Tebow also claims to live a righteous life off the field, swearing off drinking, smoking and sex.

Announcing her departure from the 2012 Republican presidential campaign, former candidate Michele Bachmann repeatedly criticized what she called President Barack Obama's "socialist" policies. The socialism criticism has been a common theme among Republican candidates seeking their party's nomination for president.

Programs specifically targeted to help the less fortunate are often branded with socialist or populist labels. Unfortunately, those applying these labels use them to demonize efforts towards social consciousness.

Regrettably, there has been much recent public debate against government spending on programs reaching out to help those who are less privileged. The oddest development from the debate, however, is the number of less-privileged citizens criticizing social programs meant to improve their standard of living.