If there were one recurring theme in the centuries old fight for Black Americans to achieve freedom, justice and equality, I would point to the divergent and symbiotic relationship between Black leaders who had different perspectives on how to advance "the struggle". Working within the halls of power, challenging the systems from within, Black Nationalism and Power, revolution, taking arms, non-violent direct action, protests and lawsuits were all the sharp ideological differences that often divided us, from slavery to Trayvon Martin. The question was always. "How do you navigate a political process, irrespective of race, that hinges upon money, access, influence and votes?" "If you are not at the table, you are on the table," as one described the rule, while remembering that "power concedes nothing without a demand, it never did and it never will." Our race has debated for generations the best approach to being at the table. One need only turn on the television to see how divided people can be all over the world when faced with oppression and inequality, and pay particular attention to the conflicting levels of patience with progress, or the lack thereof. However, thank God for diversity of thought and strategy. I believe our history of sacrifice in America is similar to an orchestra that seated some of the best and brightest Americans, like Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. DuBois, Whitney Young and Roy Wilkins, Malcolm and Martin and many others (men and women), as well as many of the "Joshua Generation" who continue that fight today. One day, the truth will catch up to history and ALL Americans, black, white, gay, straight, etc., will appreciate their sacrifice like we do the Founding Fathers and the revolutionaries of our imperfect Democracy!
Posted on: Fri, 30 Aug 2013 08:22:09 +0000
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