Where Do We Go From Here? An Analysis Of The Future Of African Americans After The Elections Molefi K. Asante Institute 5535 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144 This event was greatly anticipated by those who attended the previous event on November 1, 2014 entitled, “Political Forum on the Fall 2014 Elections.” I was one of those who did. Unlike the 11/1 event, there was a facilitator (Garvey Muzama) instead of a presenter. As many professionals say, process is so key that one can determine outcomes by it. Unfortunately, the host, Dr. Molefi K. Asante did not link the 11/1 event with the 11/8 event, nor did the presenter Attorney Michael Coard. Dr. Asante opened with greetings and a contextual statement about the oppression of both Europeans and Arabs. Attorney Coard presented is views of the Mid-term election, President Obama, the U.S. Congress, and local Black elected officials. After his presentation, questions and answers, and statements from the audience were allowed. Not a good process to assess views to arrive action steps to reflective of answers to the question of the evening: Where do we go from here? Nevertheless, Attorney Coard’s oratory was broadly entertaining, with statistics such as America is first among nations for incarceration; first in defense spending, and third place for “believing angels are real.” He mentioned three primary reasons why Black people must vote: 1) To increase participation on juries. 2) Black ancestors died for it. 3) Do the opposite of what the oppressor want you to do. (The oppressor don’t want you to vote, so instead vote.) Tracey Gordon, former Deputy Commissioner, Board of Elections, City of Philadelphia, said she was disappointed that the event question, “Where do we go from here?” was ignored. “That was the only reason I came because of the title of the event.” She agreed with Attorney Coard that most often Blacks are left with voting for the “lesser of the two evils” and struggle to develop influence with the winner. She made a statement, the last of the evening that the voting machines tallies all votes made, even the number of people who decided not to vote for either candidate. She noted that only 12% of Blacks voted, and said that if those who didn’t vote, for whatever reason should have turned out to vote by pressing the “No Vote” button. With this one could acquire the names of the “No Voters” and organize around common interests or even organize a political action committee. Without a doubt, the consensus developed at the Nov 1 event should have been a link to bridge the two events to put African Americans in a “pivotal position to have influence in this state.” (MKA Institute) The next political discussion should be in the context of human rights, our legacy in America, public policy development, cooperative economics. Let’s continue to support the MKA Institute and the dialogue on the question Where To From Here? I will.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 16:32:13 +0000
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