“Every generation needs a new revolution.” – Thomas Jefferson
I hate to start off this conversation with a quote from Thomas Jefferson, spoken more than 200 years ago, but I have found no words more relevant to describe our current state of affairs in Black America.
Let me start off by saying everything I say in this commentary is rooted in love. I have always had a great respect for Tavis Smiley and what he has done in the form of bringing Black issues to the throat of mainstream America. Whether they pay attention or not, he uses his power and influence to bring these issues to light. The same applies to leaders and legends such as Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Whether you like them or not, they have a history of bringing the heat when it comes to how Black people are treated in America. You have to respect what they have done and what they continue to try to do. The reality, though, is that we indeed need a new revolution. That should be the first priority in any discussion on what’s important in the Black Agenda: a new revolution in Black leadership.
Other thoughts on the discussion…
Why the need to call the POTUS out? Does Tavis Smiley hate Barack Obama?
That is the question floating around barbershops in the black community. My response to the question of whether Tavis hates Obama is a resounding “no”. My own father asked me, “what do you think is up with Tavis?” Personally, I do not believe that Tavis Smiley feels any ill-will towards the leader of the free world. At the same time, I believe that any time people whom have the stature and credibility of a President Obama, a Tavis Smiley, and an Al Sharpton are
Tavis Smiley & Barack Obama
involved in a battle of philosophies, egos will come into play, and the issues will get muddled. In this case, people have chosen to reflect back on then-Senator Obama’s supposed slight of Tavis Smiley in the form of his failure to appear at Smiley’s State of the Black Union 2008. When Obama offered to send his wife Michelle in his stead, Tavis declined. From that point, people have assumed that Tavis has had a personal vendetta against the POTUS.
With no knowledge of Mr. Smiley’s personal feelings toward Obama, I don’t believe the discussion Tavis has tried to bring to the forefront is rooted in any hate, but rather a responsibility to the Black community. Tavis Smiley is a journalist first and foremost. It is his duty to spark discussion and debate on the issues that HE deems fit. He is not the President of the United States, nor does he head up any civic organizations to my knowledge. He owes no one anything. With that said, his call for a Black agenda seems to be rooted in the fact that he, as a journalist, commentator, and thought provoker, is charged with bringing issues to light that are near and dear to HIS heart, or on the minds of his demographic. The fact that he was able to organize a roundtable of distinguished African-Americans just proves that a few people feel the same way that he does.
The fact that enough people felt that they wanted to be involved in a discussion on the need for a Black agenda, and enough people wanted to attend the panel discussion live, and be involved through social media, proves that there was at least enough consensus to get this off the ground. And so the discussion took place. No ill-will involved, just discussion in the black community, about Black issues, about American issues. And since when has that ever been a problem?
Is there a need for a Black Agenda?
Yes. As Huey P. Newton stated, “I do not expect the White media to create positive Black images.” Piggybacking off of that sentiment, I do not expect a predominantly White America to be overly concerned with the plight of Black people. Armed with that knowledge, how can we move past our problems and struggles as a people, if we do not take matters into our own hands? Who is going to look out for us, besides us? Many panelists at We Count! echoed this sentiment, and I commend them for this. Yes, there is a need for a Black agenda, and that will be the case whether President Barack 
Obama, President Bill Clinton, or President Shawn Carter is in office. The President of the United States, whether Black, White, hip-hop or rock, is still a representative of the country as a whole. We are NOT living in a post-racial society just because we have a Black president. And we can’t expect that, just because we now have a Black president, Black issues will instantly be taken care of. Until we’re standing on equal footing in this country, our issues will need special attention. We’re working from a deficit, and rolling with the status quo or consensus of the country as a whole doesn’t make up any ground.
Sure, an excellent political and social agenda in America will affect Blacks positively. That is without question, but as We Count! panelist Raven Curling stated, “we are at the bottom of the totem pole. It makes sense to focus on us, because as we move up, so does everyone else.”
If you look at the state of Black affairs across the board, Black folk are losing. We’re portrayed as disproportionately affected in every study on finance, health, disease, money, marriage rate, education, and so on. If we’re losing, why
wouldn’t you dedicate extra time, money, and attention to our issues specifically? I’m not saying that the Black agenda is any more important than the White agenda, the Hispanic agenda, or the Homosexual agenda. What I am saying is that minority issues are American issues. Focusing more attention on our issues is great for the country in general, not just the minorities pushing for the action on these issues. And once again, no one is going to look out for you, better than yourself.
There is a need for a Black agenda, and Black folk need to identify the needs of the community as a whole, bring these issues to politicians (not just President Obama) on all levels, and work to figure out how to bring action and progress to our plight. We need the Black agenda, because the status quo isn’t working and isn’t worried about us.
How do we advance an African-American Agenda in the era of Obama?
The Good Reverends
I’ll tell you how we don’t do it… and that is by relying on the same faces to talk about the same issues. Tavis Smiley convened these panelists to discuss the need for a Black agenda: Cornel West, Louis Farrakhan, Angela Glover Blackwell, Tom Burrell, Michael Fauntroy, Raven Curling, Dorothy Wright Tillman, Michael Eric Dyson, Jesse Jackson, and Julianne Malveaux. If you don’t know who any of these people are feel free to Google them. I’ll tell you this right now, only one of them is under the age of 40. I actually don’t know that to be a fact because I can’t confirm some ages; however I do know this to be a fact: the majority didn’t connect with anyone under the age of 40. And that’s a major issue.
If we’re talking about advancing the Black agenda and we’re bringing people to the head table to lead this discussion, we need people who are going to be around to see that advancement through. I’m not exactly sure what Rev. Jesse Jackson did after the We Count! discussion, but he looked sleepy during the event. I’m going to go out on a limb and say he took a nap. Maybe even two. I’d even suggest he does a lot of sleeping now a days, and deservedly so. But sleepy leaders don’t motivate the people and I do not know one person that was impressed by Jackson’s performance or message. Rev. Jackson founded PUSH in 1971 and the Rainbow Coalition in 1984, yet what does either organization do in 2010?
A better choice would have been the man I reverently call Young Jesse, more commonly known as Jesse Jackson Jr. The amount of respect and admiration given to Young Jesse via Twitter on Sunday (while watching the Health Care debate unfold on C-Span) went leaps and bounds past any admiration given to Senior Jesse on Saturday. It’s not that people don’t respect Senior Jesse, it’s that people don’t connect with Senior Jesse anymore. We’ve talked at length about the relevance of Black organizations from the past, we’ve talked about the passing of icons, a new generation of Black leaders, and we’ve asked Black leaders to stop fighting the future. Clearly, there is a rising call for older Black leaders to pass the torch. If the same people are at the table (and have been for the last 10-30 years) depending on the person, you have to question what is really being accomplished by them at this point. Coaches in professional sports have a very short shelf life because their message gets old and it takes a new, motivating, inspiring force to get the team going. The same applies here. We need new coaches throughout the league.
Jeff Johnson x Sophia Nelson x Hill Harper
Young Black people responded positively to Raven Curling, although her only call to fame is being SGA President of the host university of the panel, Chicago State. Just imagine if there was an even stronger young Black presence on the panel. Think of how the people would be energized and motivated. Where was Hill Harper? Marc Lamont Hill? Jeff Johnson? Dr. Boyce Watkins? Furthermore, there were only four women present on the panel. Where were the women? Where was the openly homosexual panelist? Do athletes not have anything productive to say?
And the biggest omission… no one representing the hip-hop community.
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson comes close, with his allegiance to hip-hop, but many in the young urban community don’t even know who he is (which is a shame). So there it was: a panel discussion focused on setting the Black agenda, with no one present from the fraternity that has been setting the Black agenda consistently for the past twenty years… rappers. No one has any greater influence present-day than the rappers we deem as cultural icons. Sure, odds are slim that you can get a Jay-Z or a Diddy involved. But you can definitely get a Common, a Lupe Fiasco, or a Kanye West, whom all are from Chicago, where the panel discussion took place. Even if you turn to a Mos Def, a Talib Kweli, or a Jay Electronica, it isn’t hard to find someone that can expand the discussion and engage a broader, and extremely important demographic. Yet, it seems the collection of iconic figures present on the panel either don’t know how, or simply refuse to pass the torch.
Let’s say you leave half the panel the same. If you sprinkle the remainder of the panel with someone from the hip-hop community, a couple of up and coming Black leaders (under the age of 40), and more women, you have a much more diverse panel that speaks to, engages, and involves more people.
So who is going to advance the Black agenda, once we identify and target it? It won’t be the people sitting around the table Saturday, so when are they going to pass the torch? That was the biggest fault I found in this discussion. The representatives didn’t really represent the majority of the people paying attention.
“There will always be men struggling to change, and there will always be those who are controlled by the past.” – Ernest J. Gaines
I’d venture to say young Black folk are struggling to change, yet the older Black leaders are still controlled by the past. If I heard one more reference to the Civil Rights Movement during the discussion, or one more self-glorifying back pat, I would have sworn I was watching a live re-enactment of a history book or a collection of memoirs. We can’t advance an African-American agenda in the era of Obama if the same people are talking about the same issues and not engaging anything or anyone new. In this era of Obama, did we not learn anything from Obama himself?
Do We Really Count?!
Who is really fired up about the issues and about progress in the Black community? I’m not mad at the inclusion of Minister Farrakhan. He had some good things to say which were relevant today. Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson are recognizable to and respected by many young Black Americans, so no problem there. There were many panelists who had great things to say and I do think this conversation was necessary, productive, and brought the issue of a Black agenda back into the mainstream consciousness. I just think that some of the panelists should have been exchanged for fresh voices. They should’ve been exchanged with people who are clearly fired up about the issues and progress in the Black community. They panelists included are indicative of “Black leadership” as a whole and while these people are respected, they should be commended for their past and continue work in the Black community, but they will not be the people leading us into the future, and therefore, need not be included in a discussion of this nature on this topic anymore.
It’s time for a revolution in Black leadership; and if this panel did anything, it proved that point. Even if this discussion did lead to the implementation of a concrete Black agenda, it will have been set from the perspective of 60-year-olds. The equivalent in White America would be having 10 John McCain’s sitting around a table telling war stories and rationalizing their policies for the future based on their experience in the Vietnam War.
I didn’t vote for that in 2008 and I’m definitely not voting for it in 2010. Whether my leaders are Black, White, purple or polka-dot, I want people that represent my vision for my country. Leaders I can relate to. This is rooted in love. Let us set a fresh agenda as we move forward in this era of progress and change.
Let us count too.
Article by Sean Walton Jr.
Sean Walton Jr. is the 25 year old Founder and Editor-In-Chief of theFreshXpress.com. Hailing from Ohio, he is an attorney at The Cochran Firm, practicing in the areas of civil rights, personal injury, and criminal defense. His social commentary and knowledge base centers around the role and perception of African Americans in popular culture, law, and politics. His commentary has been featured by Tavis Smiley and spotlighted by Dr. Cornel West. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and heavily involved in community organizations, Sean seeks to provide a fresh perspective on Young Black America. Visit him at http://seanwaltonjr.com/.
Sean has written 17 article(s) for us.
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Based on Saturday's panel discussion, I have come to the realization that we cannot wait for them to past the torch. They are not going to. They have not taken the time to groom or mentor anyone to be the next black leader, so the younger generation will have to take it upon themselves to create the next generation of black leaders. With social media being so prevalent in our society, we need to use that to our advantage and start making some changes of our own. Once we stand our ground and make our way, the black leaders of today will have no choice but to respect us and graciously pass the torch with confidence. Thefreshxpress is a prime of example of how this can work. This website managed to get a shout-out from Tavis Smiley, so they know that we are here.
I agree. I feel like we're going to have to take the torch and run with it. You know how the Olympic torch is run around the world prior to it lighting the flame at the Olympic games? There are designated people who carry the torch, and no one else can touch it. We need a few goons committed to the cause who can respectfully bump our older leaders out the way, catch the torch, then pass it to our torch-bearers who run a little faster, a little harder, and on a path that we can all recognize.
I said the same thing on the roundtable. We have been plenty polite and respectful so far. We've been waiting for the door that they kicked down to be opened for us. However, every time we have tried we find them blocking the doorway. We are patted on the head and told to wait our turn, but that's not going to work.
When asked during the panel how we can get involved, they offered self-serving actions. "Well at MY school and at other HBCU's we have minors and leadership programs for you to participate in." Or "Intern with so and so."
And while I believe those ideas are great, that's not the only way and those options aren't open to everyone. That's why we needed those young voices on the panel to be able to say "Want to get involved!? Hit up The Fresh Forward Project!"
Exactly. Its tough to tell young folk how to get involved if you're not entrenched in what young folk are trying to do, and how they're doing it. You're speaking from a 60 year old perspective. Let a 35 year old tell a 25 year old how to operate in 2010. Or better yet, lets respect our peers and roll from there. I'm only 24, but I've got a lot to offer. I could have told folks where to intern, what leadership programs to get in on, and added even more than what was offered by the panelists.
Peace Sean,
I agree with everyone that this is a great article and I always enjoy reading your articles in particular.
I too watched the Black Agenda forum with the same thoughts about the missing element of young people. I had several of my peers (I am 31) texting, emailing, tweeting, etc about how disappointed they were that so many diverse elements failed to be included at the table. Well, my response was "Why don't we just do it (a national forum) ourselves? What are WE (younger generation) waiting for? Let's go!"….soon many of them backed up b/c they would rather be sideline soldiers who only critique but don't want to take the mantle of leadership and become true servants of the community.
But of course everyone is not like that, such as the ppl I see leaving comments on here. So last night, myself and hundreds around the globe launched the IMPACT EQUATION virtual round tables to discuss solution-oriented actions through unity. We're doing monthly virtual trainings (Skype, Twitter, Facebook,etc) on subjects such as leadership development, connecting young ppl in the various industries who didn't know one another and then we're hitting college campuses all across the country. The theme is "We Are The Leaders". (http://theimpactequation.com/myimpact) *this is not a sales pitch
*….meaning we're not waiting to be called to the table.
So, while I agree the people you named should have been invited into the circle, let's do our own and have you, Jeff, Harper, Lamont-Hill, etc at the the table. If CNN or C-Span doesn't cover it, who cares! In this age of new media we can get the message out so all we have to do is focus on the work and not the limelight.
But at the end of the day, we can have the discussions but who will do the work because there's also some of us young ones who do a lot of talking and analyzing but won't put our hands to the plow to uplift even our own peers. Who will execute the agenda amongst us young people is the bigger question?
I am ready brother. Let me know how I can connect with you.
Very proud of you again, and this is a great article. FXP is the voice we need to get moving! Everyday we come to this site and we talk, be prepared for the action! It's coming!
"If I heard one more reference to the Civil Rights Movement during the discussion, or one more self-glorifying back pat, I would have sworn I was watching a live re-enactment of a history book or a collection of memoirs." Yessssss!!!
As incredible and commendable as withstanding police waterhoses in the fight for integration is, it was FORTY years ago and also some of these people's last contribution to Black America. Therefore, it's time for them to have a seat on the sidelines because this is not 1960 and clearly they cannot let it go.
Like you said: "I didn’t vote for that in 2008 and I’m definitely not voting for it in 2010." Well said. I agree with Shana's comment. They're not going to pass the torch. That's fine. We'll just take it.
I wouldn't go as far as to say their LAST contribution to Black America was forty years ago, but I understand what you're saying. I pointed that in 2010 I don't know what the Rainbow/Push Coalition does, because I've never heard any young Black American mention wanting to be involved. Haven't even heard an older Black American say it. So while Rev. Jackson's passion for the issues is to be respected, his ability to generate passion and coalition in the Black community leaves much to be desired. So his inclusion, does nothing. Give him 5 minutes to say his thing via satellite next time. Get him and others who don't add value away from the table.
Excellent article and perspective. So my question to everybody would be – what is your agenda? Black folks aren't a monolithic people; however, there are commonalities in what we want. But I haven't heard specifics. If we've learned anything from Obama in regards to how to bring about change – you have to be very explicit with what you want changed and what actions you plan to take to get there. At this point – I just hear black agenda. The question still remains, "What is the Black Agenda?" Quite frankly, I sometimes wonder – does this black agenda include me and my interests? Are my interests similar to other black folks interest? Do I have a part in the conversation? Are my interests even truly unique to black people, or are there issues that other demographics are concerned by? How do I contribute if I align with certain messages/action plans? Is this message already being pushed by others and how can we be collaborative to broaden the scope? (ie Thomas Friedman has already identified 5 areas of concern we need in order to progress into the future. It applies to America, not necessarily race; although different demographics may need to approach the 5 key areas differently).
With this in mind – I think if we start answering these questions as individuals, we will identify themes…and from those themes the black agneda (which I really do prefer to call it a civil agenda) could be born.
So – young black folks – what do you care about?
I believe that I am in a good position so for me I see the Black Agenda through the eyes of those who are not in my position.
My number one concern for my people is Education. Access to good education, and education concerning health/wealth in our communities. Mentorship and community outreach that is funded and functioning.
I agree – I'm in a good position too, again, I simply prefer 'Civic Agenda,' as education is underserving everybody in America.
Family (parenting) is at the root of the problem too. I mentioned that Thomas Friedman outlined 5 key areas of focus that America needed to focus on and change in order to survive/thrive. Leadership, health, parenting, education were 4/5 of the areas (oops forget the 5th!) As mentioned, these things mean different things to different demographics. Demographics with barriers to access definitely have to be given a different focus than Demographics with fewer barriers. But the point is – we need to take multi-faceted approach to remain globally competitive.
What I somewhat fear in a narrow approach is that we prepare folks who are disadvantaged to thrive/survive in 2010; however, miss the opportunity to also prepare folks who may have more advantages in 2010 for 2020.
I simply challenge the action to be as diverse as the people it intends to serve. However, maybe I misunderstood the black agenda and it's aimed at only a certain demographic within the black community.
I'd agree that health, education and leadership are high on MY Black agenda. I think leadership an parenting can be combined under the same action plan though. They are intertwined. I'd go ahead and add in political and social accountability across the board… for politicians, celebrities, and other Black cultural icons. If we're concerned with holding President Obama to the fire, because of what he represents and his influence, then hold Lil Wayne to the fire for what he represents and his influence. Hold a panel discussion on accountability amongst Black Americans, and include rappers, actors, athletes, and scholars. Lets broaden our demographic and who is included in the discussion as we move forward. Just because you ignore them, doesn't mean they'll disappear or improve. Just because you don't include them in the conversation, doesn't mean they'll be down with and help implement and execute the Black agenda. Just the opposite is true. While our older black leaders and scholars are debating their issues and pushing their agendas, Gucci Mane will still be pushing his. And hell, HE has a stronger influence than most of the panelists up there.
Gucci! (See? Its so catchy. Definitely not the same as "Jesse!")
EXCELLENT article Sean and great question Kim. To address any problem, the issue has to clearly be defined: what is the black agenda? Personally, my primary concern is valuing ourselves. I was tempted to say education, which certainly is extremely important, but no longer is a degree the pinnacle of "making it," particularly in this economy, and before a child steps foot in a classroom, there is an even more important need that's often missing: love of self. If children don't believe in themselves, it will show in the classroom and later on in the job. If they don't think they can do better than their surroundings, they won't put in the effort. If their parent tells them they'll never be anything, they will internalize that. These are issues even education can't fix.
Even more so, we have to see our value outside of ourselves and how the choices we make as individuals affect us as a community. If we don't value ourselves, let alone the next black man/woman, then agendas like "we count" don't work, because all we are concerned about is self:How I can get ahead while leaving the rest of my race behind to catch up on their own.
Excellent point and I believe this is something that can be helped with Mentorship. And is part of my idea of "education". I spoke to "My kids" in my 'hood all the time about self-worth and understanding how amazing we all are. I tried to supplement the lacking lessons they learned in school with the truth about our people and the great things we do and have done, here and in Africa.
Also, I don't believe college is the end all be all for ALL of our children. But there is no one teaching "Jennifer the girl who does our hair" how she can set up and run a legitimate business. Even if she never purchases property, she can run a successful business from her home.
A degree may not be the pinnacle anymore, I agree with you. An education will always be the most valuable commodity one can have though. Its all a matter of what kind of "education" our youth are receiving. If its solely a classroom education, then I think that education wouldn't be worth anything. As mentioned by Bro. Cornel West during the discussion, our kids aren't being taught to be independent thinkers and world builders. They are being taught to fit into a system. And they will continue to be taught that way, because the educational system is ingrained with a "don't let black kids fail" philosophy, rather than a "let black kids fly" manifesto. I think its on us to teach people to think independently and outside the box through mentoring both of the youth and of our peers.
Additionally, we should NEVER stop learning. Whether we are 12, 21, or 40. We rely too much on others to teach us. Its not hard to pick up a book, and teach ourselves.
Thought provoking and well-executed article Sean.
And THANK YOU so much Kim for pointing out the importance of identifying and specifying what exactly encompasses a Black/Societal/Civil Agenda! Not only that; aside from highlighting the multitude of concerns that we face, a clear and concise plan of action in rectifying these issues would truly be ideal. Until WE understand what components will constitute an agenda for our community and how to go about resolving them, we cannot expect anyone in the "dominant culture" to understand them fully or act effectively to help resolve them.
At the summit, one of the audience members raised the question, "Now what do we do?" and was directed to the book The Covenant with Black America. I had the book on my shelf, but hadn't read it (SMH @ myself). Since the summit I've started the book and think it is a good place for those interested in furthering "The Black Agenda". It highlights 10 action points, or Covenants, that are good for both Black Americans specifically and the Nation as a whole.
First off, you need to write more. You're not allowed to be William Forrester, and write once in a lifetime (unless you really do hang outside of your windows, and wash 'em; then I'll give you a pass). This insight is too damn valuable to be spread once in a blue moon. In all seriousness, this is a great post. With that being said
*places the LOVE cube in the middle of this here comment*
I'm one of those folks who does have a love/hate relationship with Tavis Smiley. His love for us can't be questioned. He's been an advocate for years, and has dedicated his life to bringing our issues to light, and for that, I'll always respect him. My problem with him is it seems like he always has to run/moderate/govern over something. If there are going to be fresh voices in a forum such as We Count, then it starts with that brother NOT moderating it. He'd have to be part of the group, and not the head of the group. Then again, I have never seen him have the ability to do that, because he comes off as one of those "look at me" type of cats, which is something I tend to look at with slight criticism…but enough about him.
I definitely agree with the need for new voices and new perspectives. What I also see is (somewhat) your call being answered. Where are the new voices? They're right here, brother! The Fresh Xpress was recognized during the panel, and while there may not yet be a Jennifer Garrett, Sean Walton, Jeff Johnson, Tricia Rose, and other folks who can speak for us, the fact is the steps are being made. This site does a great job of bringing a multitude of voices, perspectives, and opinions to the surface, and is done (in this context) in an unconventional manner. Tavis and them don't wanna invite us? Fine; we'll do it our damn selves, which has been something that's been done since the inception of this here forum, so kudos to everyone for that. I know you well enough to know you've been tired of the same folks speaking for us, when they're really stroking their own egos (not all of them, but enough of them are). Keep doing what you're doing, doing your part to be in the mix of the folks who are passionate about this, continuing to provide forums, roundtable dialogue, being visible at these events, CREATING events where we're all together to chop it up. It's gonna happen, because honestly (and excuse my language), I'm not waiting on these niggas to invite us. It aint gonna happen.
There is a need for a Black agenda, and it's gonna have to be collectively. I don't know how, 14 months later, we can be mad that Brother President hasn't done what we want him to do yet. Hold him accountable, absolutely. Wish upon a star, no. We converse, organize, plan, and show him what we want and need, his people what we want and deserve, be relentless, and it will come. History shows us this. It's in that vein where I love Farrakhan, because he's been saying it for the longest (he's the one old man who will forever be welcome to the table). Oh, and I'm with you Jesse on Saturday. He just look exhausted. Great post again, brother.
Excellent article…I agree.
The only point that I guess stands out in my mind is expecting The Black Agenda to be the American Agenda. America's Agenda has never included Blacks & it probably never will until Blacks take control of their Agenda on their own.
In the same fashion that Young Black Leaders such as yourself cannot wait any longer for the Jesse Jackson's & Al Sharpton's to "hand-over" leadership; thats the same mindset we need to bring the Black Agenda to the forefront. We are responsible for "us", thats the most valuable lesson that I learned in college.
We have to educate ourselves, we have to support each other financially, we have to promote & tighten our family standards, etc. Cliche, but UNITY is the only way we will ever "Count" in America, as long as we are divided on every level we will remain 2nd Class in this country.
Wow, this is a great conversation and it's a pleasure to read your comments and ideas. I am 57 and live in the Atlanta Metro area. It may appear that our generation doesn't know how to step aside and let younger, brighter leaders emerge. We welcome you, however, many of us do not engage in the same forums where your voices have been expressed and have not been aware your differing ideas and needs. I agree it's time for younger and older generations to come to the table and transfer the gavel. Perhaps as we step back (aside or over), we can do so with confidence our new emerging leadership is ready. Whatever degree of influence our generation has it didn't come easily and letting go will not be easy either but, whether expressed or not, we are very confident in the emerging younger leadership coming to the forefront.
Sean, I intend to join your readership, perhaps those of us in my generation should add our voices that we, too, want to see more diversity at the table and in panel discussions.
I have to say that I really love the dialogue that has started on the post for our generation. This is the start of a great relationship building process that we all need to become pillars in our community.
I have no clue why we need leaders in the black community to solidify the Black Agenda. This isn’t a true depiction of who we are as a people. We have African maxims that are so simple that they have been overlooked and passed off as comical. For one, it takes a village to raise a child is very profound in that if you couple that with the biblical passage, raise/train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it, in this alone we would have a foundation for a new era.
We can not overlook or discredit those whom have gone before us because no one is perfect and they wouldn’t put forth an effort if it weren’t for love of the Black Community. We have to combine the lessons learned in the last 50 years and combine it with the experiences and ways of our current generations. Another lesson that can be learned in the black community is a bible passage that says, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. One thing we have to stop doing is thinking that our young people will only respond to someone on there level or under 40. Kids respond to security, love and someone that respects them and listens. Look back in your past at some of the people you grew up respecting. More times than not it was a grandfather or elder in the community that showed you respect and love because that’s all that they had to offer at times. That moment probably stands out more than something you heard in a speech or song lyric.
We have been programmed to respond to music, familiarity or reward. There is nothing wrong with the latter but it is a shame that if your parents told you to vote and the only way you would actually do it is by Jay-Z making a commercial? No disrespect but we are not fixing the suture we are putting a bandage on a problem. We come from Africa but the Black Nation in America is very young. We might be one of the youngest groups of people on the planet and we have such an influence on the world and most of us can not see beyond our communities. There is a whole world out there to learn from and take lessons from whether good or bad. Young black men as a whole have been forgotten about and we need to put all of our energy into making sure that all of your young people get the nurturing at a very young age. They need to be surrounded by people they can trust. They need a community that they can trust and a form of discipline that can affect their lives as a whole.
Most Asian communities use martial arts as a form of discipline and they teach how it can relate to controlling anger, studying, focusing on goals. Egyptians that come to America understand the struggles of keeping and identity so the community supports each other when they come over and they keep their business together by focusing on a true mentality of keeping the finances in the community. This is what our young men need at a very young age. They need some kind of universal stimulus for their minds and this will cause the pillars to strengthen the community to unite as one voice and one mind. This isn’t an easy task but like what Geoffrey Canada is doing in Harlem the types of books that Hill Harper has written the example of Monique’s talk show in keeping black beautiful and honored and the school Principal Steve Perry has in Connecticut are prime examples of people being pillars, this should be catching on all over our nation.
Also the initiative that the Sororities and Fraternities are showing to uplift their communities is astounding and can be duplicated by any organization in our community. It is really the little things that count.
These people have shown that life is what you make it. In order for the Black community to stand up we need a world view and know that there is nothing new under the sun. We have lots of examples in world history of great people that have overcome oppression, ridicule, poverty and injustice. Let’s continue the great works of the people that have come before us and use the resources we have to unite our community. We all have a heart for our people, our future and especially our children. We all want to raise strong women of high standard so raise strong men to respect those women and you a start in doing your community proud.
I agree with most of your response. What I do not agree with are the references of a "HipHop generation. First of all Generation Xer's born 1965-1985 are the HipHop generation. That would include my classmate Processor Michael Fauntroy and as you have stated Professor Michel Eric Dyson. Diddy will NEVER some close to anything positive of uplifting or our people unless he is going to profit financially (Yes I know him personally unfortunately). But I agree with the message of your article. We ALL should count. I hear all over that Tavis is some sort of "hater" I personally like you do not agree with that assessment. I wish you the best in your last year of law school. Good luck and don't forget those who paved the way for you moving up, they may just be the ones you see going down. Of course all is said out of love and truth.
I read several of the comments and I agree with much of what was said. As a person of the civil rights era and 56 years old, I too look for the inclusion of more young blacks men and women in these type of dialogues. The events and the lessons of your youthful days will shape how you view the world as you proceed in life. The music legends in my youthful days were the Temptations, Supremes, Barry White, Earth Wind & Fire, early rappers such as Kurtis Blow, GrandMaster Flash, Kool Mo Dee, etc. So when we hear those tunes automatically we go back to the youthful days of our pre-teens, teens and early adulthood. As marriage, responsibilities, priorities and maturity set in so does the “Mental Concrete” as well. Many become set in their ways and reminiscence the past and become critical of youthful thinking and ideas.
With that said however, please remember that history is so important. Do a bit of the research on the Civil Rights Movement and those who were major players. Most were very very very young. Both Dr. King and Malcolm X were 39 when murdered, Medgar Evers was 25, most in the Black Panther Party were in the teens and early 20′s. So given that history it is clearly revealed that “Real Change” come from the young with fresh and bold new ideas and approaches. This is not to say and please don’t get me wrong, that young people should not listen, respect and honor their elders because there were many elders who were involved in the movement as well that provided insight and guidance who worked silently behind the scenes. Young people should definitely be respectful of those who suffered, sacrificed, fought and paved the road for a better future and we as elders must do a much better job of listening and respecting our youth as well. There must be a mutual understanding and respect amongst persons of these varying generations and like the youth of the “Civil Rights Movement” you as YOUNG PEOPLE ” MUST SET YOUR OWN AGENDA AND MOVE FORWARD”. There are many many young Black men and women who have the abilities and talents to create their own radio, television, educational institutions, businesses, news media, etc. I’m my opinion the last legacy of slavery is the lack of independent black businesses and institutions. That is the direction that we must go. It is then and only then the points raised at the “We Count Too” conference will be fully realized.
Understand the differences in generational thoughts. The person of our generation were told to go to school get a good education so that you can get a good job. This kind of thinking is now obsolete. Employers extension of benefits to their employees are a thing of the past. Pension Plans have been replaced with 401 Plans. Health Insurance is now the responsibility of the employee and it is the business men and women who are the beneficiaries of all the tax codes and laws. China has rose to a world power overnight and is now a major player in the business arena. The Arabs, East Indians and all other groups are moving up because they understand they must establish businesses and provide for their own people and communities. Even the so-called Native American are moving up by controlling much of the “Casino Industries” in states like Oklahoma, Florida, etc. I read an article a while ago where a Native business person spoke after the purchased “The Hard Rock Cafe Establishments”. To paraphrase what he said “We sold Manhattan for trinkets, now we are going to take back this land piece by piece”. So what does this mean to us? We too must become great business men and women and the new mantra for our babies and young folk should in my opinion be this. Seek out and find your natural talents, work, educate and develop these talents to the best of your abilities, then “Create Businesses Within The Black Community That Will Not Only Hire Other Blacks But Teach The Arts Of Business Principles And Ethics So That They Too Can Establish Other Complimentary Businesses As Well”. We must see our historical Black college institutions as one of the major training and educational grounds for this new business movement. Athletics and sports must be viewed in the concept of business ventures and we must treat it as such. Then when we view events such as the NCAA, our Black Colleges and Universities such as Grambling, Texas Southern, Lincoln University, Hampton, etc will be represented also, not only on the court but at the bank as well. And rather than seeing a sea of white fans and cheerleaders, we’ll also have audiences of Blacks folk, high and low 5ving, electric sliding or whatever the young folk are now doing today. And like those at the major White universities, on Monday morning the presidents of our Black educational institutions will be going to the bank to deposit their share of the loot.
In my opinion Business Creation should be the #1 priority of the Black Agenda. If we have the intellect and can organize to the point where we can build multi-million dollar religious edifices throughout the country, then we can transfer this same know how to establish healthy viable businesses that operate 6 or 7 days a week and employ a multitude of our people. We must however, find ways to include all segments of our community to become full fledged partnership in this movement. And for the young people reading this article. You must challenge the old establishment and make your voice heard. However, it must be done in a tactful respectful manner and in the name of Love. Then, when Poochie, Snake, Shay Shay and Baby Girl mature to the point where they want to make their own cash, they’ll be able to go to Ebonies Department Store or Pyramid Technical Services and we”ll employ them. The other option is continue the path we’re currently on and Poochie and Snake will continue to hit us in the head and take what they want.
Change is only going to come when we as the adults take responsibility for our young children. While our children are in the elementary years of their lives, the lessons are learned there. We need to implant black history of our ancestors, science, and teach our children how to deal with money. These things aren't taught to our young, in our communities, and in there schools. Maybe we should start in our community, an hour or two a day, gather at least five kids, sit down and start a curriculum in some ones living room, the kitchen table, or the back yard. It has to start somewhere, if it doesn't then the death toll will continue to go up, with our youth. . .
Peace Phrat
I enjoyed your article and agree with most of what you are saying, but I also see the limitations in your analysis. I don't know if I'm considered young, I'm 30's years old. I agree with the new blood in regards to doing the work, but the limitation in your analysis is in defining what essentially has changed for us since the 1960's. The civil rights movement wasn't called the civil rights movement then, it was called the Freedom Movement. For our parent's parents the objective was to continue the struggle of freedom and autonomy that their parent's parents were fighting for in the 1800's and back. It has not changed for us in 2010. The goal is still freedom and autonomy.
The problem with "young" people is that they "think" all of the goals of the 1960's and earlier have been achieved. If Blacks in 2010 lead in almost EVERY pathology in the country from health disparities, wealth accumulation, educational opportunities, etc., and the eradication of these disparities of the goals were the aims of the Freedom Movement and Black Power movements of the 60's and 70's, what do "young" people have in mind that is more pressing than those goals? What goals are actually going to be different for the "young" people vs. the "old?" Honestly?
There is no "passing of the torch." That's a Eurocentric concept. For African people you do not stop until you die. You don't "retire" from struggling for your people. That's nonsense. You let the elders do what they do and you/we as "young" people add on to what they do by advancing that which they couldn't. The goals are still the same.
Another issue with young people is they don't like to read. I was upset that NO ONE mentioned the book Blue Print for Black Power by Dr. Amos Wilson. If everyone would read this book, 900 pages, we wouldn't ask silly questions like "what do we need to do?" This book was written in 1998. PowerNomics by Dr. Claude Anderson is another book. The Destruction of Black Civilizations by Dr. Chancellor Williams. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Leary. Black Africa: A cultural and economic case for a federated state by Dr. Chiekh Anta Diop.
What do they all have in common? A DETAILED PLAN. All the work has been done for "young" people. Just implement the plan and stop complaining about the elders. It's not rocket science. Again we don't read and think we are going to drastically come up with something new to help black people. The only thing missing from all of the works mentioned above is the creation of a culture which I address in my latest book The Bakala of North America. The plan is for an African-American Cultural Development Project which will be articulated in an upcoming publication titled Culture and the Grand Unified Field Theorem: A Preliminary Case for an African-American Cultural Development Project. It matters not what you do, all of the goals mentioned on the panel discussion will fail if you don't consciously create an African-American culture. We can discuss that later.
But I think the young people need to study a bit more and simply work the plans already laid out by our best scholars. In the process of DOING will we see the limitations in today's time and it is THERE where we will make our contributions: improving their plans like they improved their ancestor's plans.
But I guess all of this would have been mentioned had they had some young people on the panel…….
What a wonderful analysis Brother! Keep up the good work
I'm hiring my Kenny as my hype man. We're going to be a new school Chuck D and Flavor Flav… with no coonery from Flav. He'll just be spitting out the latest books to feed your mind with, talking sports, and loving the people. Oh, and getting the people hype of course.
#fightthepower