| The responsibility of self and leadership
Let's see now, we have many organizations and individuals who fight for the civil and international issues of Black people. The issue of today is criticizing without self critique. I have listened as brothers and sista's alike complain about the direction and tactics of Reverend Al Sharpton and Reverend Jesse Jackson as well as the N.A.A.C.P. and the Urban League. My question to them is; what are your tactics? And why do they feel the need to come to your city to protest or fight for injustices? It's simple...it's because you are not there.
The fact that you mention their names during events of struggle is clear and present of their commitment to their respective causes. The truth is, if we stood up more, they would sit down. They are present because we are not! It is usually said "I wish they would go away" , "they're self serving"..etc.. While these accusations may be true, it doesn't take away from the fact that we are missing in the struggle. By us I mean those born after the 60's. Yes us late 60's, 70's and 80's children. Why can't we pick up the footballs of struggle we continuously blame and scorn our predecessor's for fumbling?
I believe it is an act of cowardice to attack the person who makes an attempt to liberate us, whether or not we agree with their methods, than assist them in attacking the obvious enemy. Do we have any organizations of substance created after the Black Power Movement of the 60's and early 70's? Or have we gotten fat off the blood and sweat of our ancestors and became Monday morning quarterbacks? Arm-chair revolutionaries?
In my personal opinion, the internet is a perfect opportunity for Africans to attack other Africans who don't see the struggle the same as they do. I myself suffer from this Willie-Lynch tactic of divide and conquer. People are separate even in our struggles to be free. We gotta find some common ground in this struggle for our lives. We gotta start protesting when we see problems in our own communities. There is enough of us to attack every problem we have. Liberation is not a one way street and neither was our MAAFA to this new world. Liberate your people yourself!
Uhuru Sasa
 |