Before certain people get themselves in a complete tizzy, let me say that I am a member of a few black organizations, and I speak from an honest-with-myself perspective. Not trying to put our shortcomings on blast, but just food for thought and a hope that thought turns to action.
As we look at the growing presence of black people in positions of power and the steadily declining interest in black organizations is there a correlation? Nevermind that, in conversations between friends and myself we have sometimes talked about whether there is even a need for these organizations today. We often only hear from them when things are on fire, and sometimes their efforts are quite antiquated. They stand silent on prominent issues that effect the black community and our ability to build and rebuild, yet scream hell, fire, and brimstone the minute outside forces come a-marching. Often times they stand silent when it comes to rebuking the wrongdoing and failures of black people in prominent positions, often making it seem like they are more politically motivated.
The youth membership in these organizations is dwindling leaving the major decisions up to the older generations that are becoming increasingly out of touch with the realities of the fast-paced world today. I know at my University the NAACP, NCNW, etc., were often seen as feeder groups to Greek Organizations. I have noticed that those who were such strong leaders at the collegiate level tend to forget their membership at the Post-graduate level.
While I applaud the origins and the hard-work and sacrifice these organizations represent, I wonder if it’s now time to change the focus? The civil rights movement was a poignant point in our history and we shall forever reap the benefits and feel the effects of that time. But now the face of repression has changed. Have these organizations changed with it? Are they stepping up to the plate to move with the times? As a member of certain organizations, I know something must change. However I often feel like my voice is barely above a whisper. The age gaps in these organizations is very telling. Respect for elders often means letting them steer our organizations in the wrong directions. There is no sense or urgency anymore. Some people have adopted the mindset that we’ve arrived and there’s nothing left to fix. Wrong, wrong, and not right.
Even with our Greek organizations sometimes the outside perception that people have of us hinders any good that we do. As a Greek I sincerely hope that in the future we work harder to change this perception or we may see our relevance sink to utter insignificance. I know it was discussed on this site before about the concept of the Talented Tenth, and many Greeks use that as a idea that we must hold ourselves too. But are we really doing that?
Our communities need rebuilding, we need a stronger sense of self, we need to refocus on keeping our people off the streets and in school. While I understand this country is a melting pot and we should embrace diversity, I see far too many black people put aside desires to learn more about themselves and their history and their people to assimilate into a society that only exists in a cloudy dream. Look at the Jewish people or the various Asian communities. They never have to give up their culture in this society, yet we are seen as separatists or “racially sensitive” the minute we pay attention to the color of our skin. So if you ask me, there is still plenty to do in the black community and our already established Black Organizations would be perfect to oversee the execution of any ideas that would seem profitable to our community. It just means that us young people are going to have to step up to the plate and make it happen. It’s hard for me to be a loud voice in a room full of 50+ elders when I’m alone, but if we go into that same room with a strong showing of young voices, we’re no longer a whisper.
Article by Jennifer Garrett
JG* is a small-town turned big-city blogger who once wrote the random yet ever-creative look into the life of a girl entering the Quarterlife. These days as she prepares for her MBA program at The Ohio State University she's turned into quite the "Susie The Riveter." Working with teens by day, cooking delicious meals at night. Check out her blog showcasing her delicious recipes at http://jgrunsthekitchen.wordpress.com. Follower her on Twitter @JGRunsTheCity
Jennifer has written 50 article(s) for us.
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But what can we do? It seems to me that taking it upon yourself to educate the youth is the only way. I have the same feeling about these Black groups that you do, BUT if we do not work for them or with them as more than just members, I see no change coming soon.