Comments on: Black Leaders: Stop Fighting the Future

By: Terrance E

Terrance E — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:39 +0000

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.

By: I agree and disagree

I agree and disagree — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:49:21 +0000

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.

By: Out of Line Sorry Try Again

Out of Line Sorry Try Again — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:10:10 +0000

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 .

By: James Crowe

James Crowe — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:06:17 +0000

Shighmughvugga, Mah, Shigh !!! Dat’s he be tumbaugh !! Know I be sane?

By: SW

SW — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:43:17 +0000

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.

By: kmasenda

kmasenda — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:58:50 +0000

@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.

By: Chriss Brown

Chriss Brown — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:10:40 +0000

@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.

By: SW

SW — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:54:44 +0000

@SW, put*.

By: SW

SW — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:54:27 +0000

@kmasenda, Well look. Look at my above comment. Pass the ball Jesse.

By: SW

SW — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:53:26 +0000

@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.