We recently got to see Joe Jackson’s total lack couth, which really made me wonder – why did Al Sharpton show up to publicly help him take his foot out of his mouth? This drew me back to conversations of Jesse Jackson and other “black leaders”. After watching the documentary “Streetfight” and drinking two beers I have come to a conclusion: It’s time to fade away. Simply stated….these guys are old.
The issue is actually deeper then it sounds, but the “Streetfight” documentary brought it all together for me. The film covers the 2002 Newark Mayoral campaign – a young, Ivy league educated Cory Booker versus an older, almost pastoral Sharpe James. It details alot of the dirty tactics used and also demonstrated the type of grasp an entrenched politician (or “leader”) can have on the minds of people even if they aren’t producing alot of results. It makes me want to tell all of our “leaders” to stop fighting the future. I noticed alot of similarities between Booker, Obama and several other young black politicians. They’re all well-educated, well-spoken, forward thinking and of the present. At the same time, similar insults and barbs are directed at them and the most well known is – “they aren’t black enough” . Beyond the fact that I don’t have a well illustrated diagram to determine what is too black, not black enough or just right…it’s just a ridiculous insult.
Consider this. In the case of the Mayoral race the stupidity is most clear. Bookers parents are about the same age as Sharpe James. They faced the same racism and hardships and worked to build themselves into something. Naturally they created a foundation that their children would be able to grow from. I’m pretty sure that if James has children he would ensure that they had access to better things then he did. I’m also sure they would probably resemble Cory Booker…and that is my issue in a nutshell.
- Sharpe James was 34 when he was first elected to office.
- Jackson was 24 during the Selma/Montgomery marches and 26 when he became national leader of SCLC’s Operation Breadbasket.
- Al Sharpton wasn’t even 20 when he founded National Youth Movement (two years before that Jackson had appointed him youth director of Operation Breadbasket).
Do you see where I’m going with this? Black men who became active and took leadership at young ages have been the ones holding back black men who were the same age or older from taking leadership positions. If this were a “less civilized” culture the young men would have issued a formal challenge, bested the elders in combat and took leadership. Since it’s not, the elders are entrenched to the point that they can violate the principles they espouse and still be looked to for their thoughts on anything that happens with black people. Mind you, I appreciate the wisdom of elders, what I don’t appreciate is elders holding a position that they shouldn’t have. Jackson, Sharpton, et. al do not represent me. They represent the world that my mother grew up in. They added heat to a flame that my generation was shaped in. However, what good does all of their work do if they only criticize…me?
No matter how great the old legend is, eventually you need to get your number 1 draft pick into the game. Unlike sports, we can’t trade them or not renew their contract and offer them a front office position. They were the Cory Bookers and Barack Obamas of their time and it’s most important that they recognize this is our time. What’s the point of having children, teaching them what you know and then trying to make sure they continue living under your roof while you cook and clean for them? We have been given examples and motivation. We have the ability to do things that our parents and grandparents could not. In the end it’s all for nothing if our predecessors won’t let us take the reigns.
I don’t expect them to disappear from public life. What I do expect are very simple statements. When someone asks you about the next up and coming black person…don’t act like you have to approve them. Especially when voicing your doubts puts doubts in the minds of your generation. Simply say, “I’d like to know more about them, but it’s good to see a black person striving for something.” I mean, isn’t it? Don’t take me from “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it”, only to tell me to “hold on” when I’m ready to leave the starting gate. Sit back and watch me run. This is my time.
Oh yeah, don’t ever reference Clarence Thomas when talking about one of us (I’m looking at you Al). That asshole is ya’ll age.
Article by Rahsaan Goldsboro
Amadeo is a Baltimore native who's spent almost 3 decades pissing into the wind and teaching children to do things that amuse him. He works as a vocational counselor until that big break as a lounge singer comes through.
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I totally agree with this article. Although I think its not just limited to specific leaders. This problem is intrenched in our organizations as well. Most notably the NAACP. The NAACP has grown increasingly out of touch with the black community. The vast majority of the NAACP leadership are my grandparents age (outside of new President Ben Jealous). As a member of the NAACP and former President of a college chapter, I find myself growing increasingly dissatisfied with the lack of forward progress with the organization. The America we live in today is not the same as the America our parents/grandparents grew up in. Sure there are still challenges and racial disparities that affect our community, but they are more complex and there are different ways to face them. It’s like the NAACP is trying to play an XBox with a Sega Genesis controller….its just not going to work.
Its time for those in our generation to begin to demand our place. Every major movement in this country has been lead by the young. Those who see injustice and refuse to be subjected to the same disparities that their ancestors were. The Civil Rights Movement and the leaders who helped shape it are to be commended and held in the highest regard. They must also realize that their place in history was to “Pave the way, not Block the way.”
Agreed, a lot of people stay way past the time when they should have either retired or moved on to something else. This is why a lot of movements in the black community die, because they have a leadership structure which is solely based around one person’s personality rather than a general direction so they don’t train people to take their place which is why when they die or get sick the movement they represented goes down with them. Also younger leaders are more likely to steer things in the direction that are relevant to today’s challenges.
Excellent points you have made. Actually, beyond excellent. This is why I pretty much turn to you whenever I need to know who’s actin’ up and what we need to do about it.
I completely agree. This is our generation, our voice, our time. I respect Rev. Al and Rev. Jackson, as well as countless others who have fought to make America better for all. But…as the times change, the issues change….and so should the leadership. There is a reason the President is limited to two terms. There is a reason the NAACP, Urban league, and other organizations that are staples in the black community change leadership frequently. New voice and vision is necessary as the times change. I like what Al does, because he often brings attention to issues that may not get attention. But then…he often brings attention to himself where issues already are getting plenty of attention. Al can do what he does, and that’s cool…but he definitely doesn’t speak for all of us. Definitely not my generation. I look forward to seeing more young black leaders step to the forefront, and take control of our direction and the issues that are important to us.
Amadeo, as usual, brilliant. It’s as if the old heads feel that they’ll lose some of their luster and effectiveness if someone of our generation is successful. That mentality is dated, and if that’s all that they care to contribute in our struggle, then we don’t need them.
I never thought about this. But it’s not that I considered it, it’s just that I as the rest of those my age who are intelligent and wise are the usual grown tired of the critic this is our elders. We are mindful of what we say, very articulate, but what holds us back slightly is that mindset similar to that of the neighborhoods that our elders grew up in “DON’T YOU DARE CROSS YOUR FATHER!!!” because in the day and time we were afraid to do so. I know that very few of us are like that nowadays, seeing the influx in dead beat fathers, but we need to understand that they won’t be hear forever and if your father is in his right mind, he will respect your voice, just as long as you are not disrespectful!!!!
Good way of letting it be known Armadeo
Man I’m glad I proofread that
I am glad I proofread that, yall might not understand a word I posted
I never thought about this. But it’s not that I considered it, it’s just that I as the rest of those my generation who are intelligent and wise are usually grown tired of the critic that is our elders. We are mindful of what we say, very articulate, but what holds us back slightly is that mindset similar to that of the neighborhoods that our elders grew up in “DON’T YOU DARE CROSS YOUR FATHER!!!” because in that day and age we were afraid to do so. I know that very few of us are like that nowadays, seeing the influx in dead beat fathers, but we need to understand that they won’t be here forever and if your father is in his right mind, he will respect your voice, just as long as you are not DISrespectful!!!!
Good way of letting it be known Armadeo
There, fixed it, lol
I’d like know or at least be provided with proof that the “Black Leaders” mentioned have and are holding back progress? Show me where they themselves are stunting the growth of any up and coming street-fighter?
I ask because I think it’s become quite the cliche and is without merit.
The truth is: there are many young men and women who through the years have been inspired by the work of these men and as a result, they themselves have LEAD their own orgs and campaigns. The point being: just because these guys are the most VISIBLE does not make them the only people making noise. Or even the dictators of who can and who cannot make noise.
You see, to discredit these guys and call them old in my opinion is akin to being an accomplice to the system. And that would be the system of White Supremacy. You see, our people often forget just who the enemy is. Instead we fall for the very same tactics laid out by the White Supremacist ideologue as they do through the media by making these guys out to be hustlers and pariahs of the Black community.
People can say all they wanna say. But at the end of the day, when some shit goes down, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters??
@RiPPa, It’s not that they’re holding our community back. But they don’t speak to our generation. By “our” I mean myself and my peers. I”m 25 by the way. I understand that they only aim to good and that have accomplished much for us, but a lot of the social ills that the young, up and coming black community face today, they are not able help with. A large part of that is because of the age gap. Our sensibilities aren’t their sensibilities because they’ve grown up under different circumstances with different experiences. That itself isn’t a bad thing, but it’s frustrating to hear them on t.v. criticizing the young black community when in my opinion they don’t understand the young black community. We all know that they are trying to do good, but it’s time for a new approach.
@RiPPa, Ok so it’s almost 2 AM when I’m writing this. I apologize for any errors. I definitely was not trying to proof read this. LOL!
@RiPPa,
1) The whole Obama/Jackson Saga is the biggest example. That here could be any interaction like that…despite his daughter having sang at their wedding and his son actually working on the campaign is quite telling…seems like he was even really talking to his son about things at that point.
2) That Jesse and Al both stood aside and offered critique of Obama, alot of which expressed doubt. Beyond those two alot of elders expressing the “he’s not black enough” and I don’t recall either of them coming out strong to say how stupid that was. 3) The whole James/Booker situation is a clear example of this situation coming to a head. 4) Where are the younger people they are holding forth as examples? Even Artisans and Cratsmen have apprentices. The main way they stand in the way is by continuing to act as if they were still their young selves in touch with the pulse of things and speaking on behalf of that pulse. When in truth at one time they were and someone older than them recognized at and helped bring them forth. Now it’s their turn to do the same. they don’t have to be silent. They don’t have to cease taking action or speaking but they do need to pull a younger person forward. In almost any city they can probably find one. I can name Chris Goodman of the Algebra Project in Baltimore City and that’s just one person from where I am. Most importantly…they do have a part to play it’s just not the same part they once had.
I’ve seen the documentary Street Fights and I was appalled at the tactics the incumbent Mayor used in order to prevent Booker from succeeding. It was typical Willie Lynch behavior and I agree with the fact that it is our time to take hold of what is ours. Our vernacular and our style is significantly different, but the passion is there if our “elders” respectfully pass the blessing. Great Article!
@Chriss Brown, I haven’t seen the video, but I think we should be careful in how we describe what is simply politics. In politics all is fair in love and war and not essentially some Wille Lynch type behavior.
@RiPPa, When you refer to someone as a house negro, and attempt to deprive someone of their heritage, I define that as Willie Lynch behavior. There was nothing political about the Mayor referring to Booker as not Black, it was despicable and unacceptable.
So, tell me what problems faced by youth or young people today that’s so different than has always been…
@RiPPa, Rippa…just a few that I think our reaching alarming levels…
HIV/AIDS, STD’s, poverty, teen/out of wedlock pregnancy, literacy, and technology. I know poverty, pregnancy, and literacy have always been issues, but I think that as our society holds people less and less accountable, the bigger the issue are becoming. Even when you listen to the radio now, every single song is about sex, or objectifying women, or just promiscuity. A song like ‘I Wish I Could F*** Every Girl In The World” or “Gettin’ Some Head” should NEVER be on the radio, but it is. And the majority of people who listen to the radio are kids/teens. I know…I have three teenage siblings. They know every word of whats on the radio, and its sad. But we’re allowing these things to go unchecked, and it becomes acceptable and the norm.
Literacy and technology are issues because as we move forward and advance, black people are advancing and moving forward at a slower pace. We are getting left behind. No I don’t have any numbers or figures to prove this, but I can look around and see it. Al and Jesse can’t really lead any movements on this, because I doubt they even know how to do half the things on the internet. I mean…there are just many issues that we need FRESH faces to take the lead on.
HIV/AIDS and STD’s are killers in our community. If you look out how many teenage mothers and fathers there are, its obvious that they aren’t using protection. HIV/AIDS kills young blacks, and pregnancies before they are ready stifle them. I just see these as some issues that are at the forefront of young black America. Al, Jesse, and the old regime can’t necessarily handle these issues.
I’m a fan of Al and Jesse though…and I see that I’m in the minority in that respect. I respect and appreciate what they do, and the issues they serve. I just think they also need to nurture a new generation of leaders and pass the ball on some issues. To use a spots analogy you may not be able to score every time, but if you set your teammate up in the right position, you can assist him on an easy lay-up. I just think Al, Jesse, and others look to score too much on their own. Pass the ball.
When did Jesse and or Al express that Obama wasn’t Black enough? Clue me in because I obviously missed that one. I do recall Jesse saying that Obama was “talking down to Black people” after his father’s day speech when he was campaigning. A sentiment I happen to agree with given that he (Obama) never challenged anyone else or ethnic demographic while campaigning. Instead he pandered to them for votes.
@RiPPa, I didn’t say they said he wasn’t black enough…I said they didn’t challenge that. EVERY black “Leader” should have challenged that. Unless they’d like us to end up in New Orleans style or thinking…pointing out quadroons, octaroons and so forth. On that topic…Q-tip took the most leadership when I was younger…Black is Black.
Are you aware that youth enrollment in the NAACP has been on the rise since Benjamin Jealous became president/CEO of the NAACP? You do know that he himself was 35yrs old when he took his position, no?
Speaking of moving to the side:
Would the Jena 6 kids have gotten the deal they did a few weeks ago without the visibility of Jesse and Al? I recall Barack Obama not even ushering a statement around that call for action and the subsequent rise in hate crimes and noose hangings that ensued. You see, the point being people like Jesse and Al who did work to utilize the blogosphere for that movement.
I just would like to see someone show me just how they’re impeding progress…
@RiPPa, In short….for every Jena 6 there is a Twanna Brawley or the Rape Case in Fla. with the multiple perpetrators. While they can do some good they should not be a focus. Gone are the days when we need a big name to come in…especially since those names don’t represent the same things universally. The impede by way of always being upfront and always giving an opinion. The fact that this debate could even happen is a part of that. When Cosby said black people need to do X…people felt a certain way…but that was him stating an opinion. He hasn’t put himself in place to express an opinion on everything like they have. A direct way they impede you’ve named. Why would you ask the first black presidential candidate to take a stand on such an issue? Instead you could have said, “Please marginialize yourself”. Look how long the country talked about what his Pastor said. Not to mention…he’s a politician in a race. They should have just let him represent and given black kids a reason to dream big. The most important has already been mentioned…it’s not their time anymore. They stood up in their time by continually speaking out they take the spotlight…especially since their thoughts don’t represent us all. They aren’t pushing something every black person can get behind and move towards a goal. Yet we see them as the “leaders” A good leader knows that he impedes his movement by becoming the focal point of it. By being the one people have to reference the movement becomes “your” movement.
BTW….young people enrolling in the NAACP is an action they have taken….frankly I live in the same city as the main office and they haven’t done anything to make me want to come support them….for a long time. They, Al and Jesse need a focused mission like they used to have…or they need to let some young folks that do have one take the spotlight. If they can shine a light when someone makes them aware of something…why can’t they shine light on the young people who are doing something and let the voices of now speak?
RiPPa, I feel ya on citing examples. The best way for me to answer that is by saying when Al and Jesse have the platform, they do not bring younger reps to that same platform to speak for us. How difficult would it be for them to do just that?? I think it’s perfectly reasonable and realistic for that to take place, but I have yet to see it.
@kmasenda, Well look. Look at my above comment. Pass the ball Jesse.
@SW, put*.
@SW, You’re absolutely right; I stand corrected. The one old-school leader that can stick around forever though is Farrakhan. That’s my dude, and he can speak for me anyday of the week.
I think part of the problem is that at this point, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are more concerned with cementing their legacy than really paving the way and helping develop young black leaders. Because honestly I don’t know what Al and Jesse really do, but they seem to be around now more than ever. I really do respect what they do, I just wonder if what they do is always with the right intentions. I’ve always defended Rev. Al, but I’m beginning to think more and more that he just might actually be a camera whore.
Shighmughvugga, Mah, Shigh !!! Dat’s he be tumbaugh !! Know I be sane?
Sorry Jesse And Al sharpton are revelant and the minute we dismissed our elders with out understanding the deepers issues of the context we are doomed to failure. I guess you would like soulja boy to run the country . Come on . Who are you .. please stop doing Willie Lynch work .
When you start of a movement and gain a bigger a platform that blogging than maybe you can tell them to move along .. We got this. However untill then you cant really say anything so take the lesson learn from them and doing something . Also I think the important thing is to be inclusive instead moving along becasuse instead of speration they the leaders and organizations can grow with the time if they have the younger generation who know how to navigate the times, assit them.
I agree with the article 100%! Older African American leaders and politicians should think twice when trying to launch below-the-belt attacks against young AA leaders. I have seen it 1st hand here in TN and you can even point out the NY 10th District house race when Rep Edolphus Towns used every tactic from hell to make opponent Kevin Powell look like he was just young and naive. But it is up to the next generation as well to exercise our right to vote and speak out when necessary to send out the message that “The next generation can speak for ourselves.” If we dont, then the Sharptons and the Jacksons will continue to speak for us. In my book, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are somewhat irrelevant to todays youth and our issues.