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Black Power: What would Adam Clayton Powell do? How should President Obama proceed?

08 Monday Jul 2013

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Abyssinnian Baptist Church, Adam Clayton Powell, black community, black power, Blackness, congress, Harlem, Jr., NYC, politics, President Obama

QUESTION:

“How come prominent and/or wealthy so-called Blacks/African Americans aren’t doing more to help “our” community?”

A fellow scholar-sista’s inquiries is directed toward hip-hop moguls, professional athletes and entertainers; as well as those who are regarded as our foremost thinkers (i.e. Ivy League affiliated professors, politicians, etc.).  Basically, this gentry of people are assumed to have the financial wherewithal to make things happen. Through our discourse we explored reasons and rationales of why these resources may have a less than direct presence in so-called Black/African American communities that have become educationally bankrupt and rampantly violent.  As we dialogue I immediately turned my attention to who I believe is one of the most underrated yet effective so-called Black/African American leader in our history: Congressman Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.  Someone I believe foots the bill of a Black man making a difference.

Despite personal shortcomings pastor and politician Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., he tends to get lost in the history of the African in America between the integrationist non-violence stance of Martin and the pro-Black self sufficiency mantra of Malcolm.  Powell is rarely discussed in his full effect as a Black man who in the words of the late historian John Henrik Clarke who “got the job done!”  More legislation passed under his watch and work, Powell was deep in the trenches of Harlem, using his lifelong privilege to bridge gaps between his congregation of the famed Abyssinian Baptist Church and the country’s politics.  He was so adept at how he did business Harlem thrived off of Powell’s charisma, charm, and power – and Congress, much to their chagrin…had to love him; regardless.  Regardless that a towering, well dressed articulate educated unabashed Black man refused to cower, and reveled in his power in the presence of White men who possibly believed he should be no more than a butler; the help.

Unfortunately, many are fearful of “going there.”  Even though Powell came from privilege, he showed up and showed out.  Certainly, he did not always measure up morally; his exploits were major and many.  Yet he was inadvertently teaching the so-called Black/African American community what sacrifices were necessary where the collective could thrive at levels that no one thought possible; and others feared would come to pass – an all encompassing BLACK POWER!

So when I ponder my scholar-sista’s inquiry I think of the position President Barack Obama is in.  As Powell’s genetic lineage gave him skin color privilege where he could easily pass for White, our president’s mother was White.  As Powell grew up “Black”, President Obama grew up “White”.  As Powell was clear about how to use his light skin to code switch and retain his blackness all in one fell swoop, President Obama had to “step into” his blackness – one step at a time;” life for him ain’t been no crystal stair.”

It has been argued that our president has done little or nothing for the so-called Black/African American community; yet he has attempted to follow in Adam Clayton Powell’s footsteps.  Maybe not as brash or forthcoming; maybe not as assertive and demanding.  But in his own way President Obama is navigating through an often harsh atmosphere in which he may not have fully realized is boldly racist toward his quest and agenda.

In an effort to not come off as a scary “angry” Black man, President Obama appears more reserved yet powerful in his own right; and possibly lacking the one aspect of hutzpah that is necessary to make a deeper impact worldwide, most specifically in the so-called Black/African American community – the spirit of Congressman Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.  I dare say his picture should hang prominently and fearlessly in the Oval Office as a constant reminder to President Obama to always

…Keep the faith, baby! 

mental illness while black

14 Tuesday Aug 2012

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African Americans, bipolar, Chicago, Jesse Jackson, Jr., manic depression, mental illness

Jesse Jackson, Jr. has been diagnosed with Bipolar II Depression.  Events surrounding his illness have been shrouded in silence and mystery.  Though I value privacy I have a sneaky suspicion that “things” have been happening to and by Jackson for a long time.  You see mental illness in the so-called Black community is a no-no.  Suggesting that one should get a psychological and/or psychiatric evaluation, or take medication to manage a mental disorder is seen as weak; something that can be eliminated by prayer and church alone.  Untrue.  Just as medication for ailments such as diabetes and high blood pressure are readily taken, mental illness should not be dismissed.  To ignore it can result in a reduced level of functioning, and at its most extreme suicide – another area of denial for some African Americans.

Personally, I’m excited that Jackson’s diagnosis has made the news.  Hopefully it will open up more dialogue surrounding mental illness among African Americans, that we may become healthy mentally as well as physically.

More than King for a day…

16 Monday Jan 2012

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Jackie Robinson, Jr., Martin Luther King, President Barack Obama

Image

2008: The universe saw fit to arrange the election of the first American of African descent.  For the first time in history for Americans of African descent, the leader of the free world looks like a friend, brother, father, uncle, husband or grandfather of ours.  We were happy…exuberant…joyous…hopeful!  I can imagine if Rev. Dr. King would have been an earthly witness to this spectacular event, he, too, would have believed his leadership, and the countless leadership of others was not in vain…or was it?

Could it be that Rev. Dr. King was being used?  Pimped? Exploited?  Probably. Like Jackie Robinson, he had to be sculptured into the best prepped “Negro”. Carrying the burden of withholding his natural born manhood to “fight” for a greater cause non-violently…a choice.  Ok, so maybe you’re saying what the hell is the difference between the two.  Simple: The former is typically groomed by others as to feel comfortable about being able to conform to a change which is socially acceptable (i.e. King has a Ph.D., he’s a minister from a prominent family, he’s articulate, etc.).  The latter is a decision an individual makes regarding the level of sacrifice necessary to maintain his or her dignity, and protect the lives and livelihood of self and family.

Essentially, King knew it wise to bring some comrades and warriors with him for he could not do it alone.  Yet, the natives grew leery when his message of peace extended beyond the parameters of Black folk.  When the Vietnam War and other peace causes in the country and the world became premise, some of his “people” wondered where he was going with this.  You see growth and development is inherent in any leader.  How many of us have outgrown friends and family; or careers and occupations?  How many of us have changed our entire worldview because of life or world events?  I venture to say all of us!

That’s why I like this picture of Rev. Dr. King pointing both fingers at the audience; in this case, You and I.  I sense him saying, “What are you going to do”?!  OR “It’s your turn, now”!  In other words, Rev. Dr. King did not do it alone, nor did he settle for one cause.  In his words, “Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere”!  Not just in the rural South, or the inner cities, be it Chicago, Newark, New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, or Little Rock.  No!!  If there’s injustice in Germany, that means US!  If there’s injustice in India, that means US!!  If there’s injustice in Africa, that means US!

2012: The re-election campaign of President Barack Obama is on the horizon.  As an American of African descent it pains me to hear “he hasn’t done anything for Black people” or “Don’t you believe he should  something for Black people”?!  For what?!!  He’s the President of the United States of America…PERIOD.  Trust, no naivete here.  I know he’s catching hell because of his skin color.  Being of a darker hue, I have caught hell too.  Yet it’s no one’s responsibility to have my act together but me.  I’ll do you one better, instead of leaning on President Obama, ask yourself what are you doing to participate in the overall process.  Whether you are providing free haircuts before the first day of school or negotiating deals that would provide capital for projects near and dear to your heart as an American of African descent, CONTRIBUTE!

Rev. Dr. King would have been 83 years old…do you really believe being King for a day is enough?

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