When Will St. Louis Stand Up?

[Seqenen-Ra]

i have been in St Louis a littie over a year. The conditions here are deplorable for Black People. You have the United Afrikan People Organization (U.A.P.O.), Organization For Black Struggle (O.B.S.), the New Black Panther Party (which i am a part of), Hebrew Israelites, and so on and so on. i never see these organizations out in the streets of St. Louis. i have been to a few of their events; even donated a few dollars to a few. But, These organizations are doing little to nothing about the horrible and pitiful conditions Our People live in Here. It seems like these organizations just want to hob-nog with each; do bullsh#t poetry sets, and drain the People of what little financial resouces they have. According to recent news, St. Louis is ranked in the top five in murders and the highest in STD's. Yet these organizations (including the NBPP) are not addressing these issues. The U.A.P.O. makes a little noise (Zaki Baruti), but no one wants to organize to take on the ills this city is facing. WHEN WILL ST. LOUIS STAND UP? It's time for those of Us Who are true Revolutionaries to get in these streets and get Our People!

[Piankhi_the_Great]

I think I may be able to help you with your question because I was born and raised in St. Louis. I am 26 years old now and I just moved to Denver Co about 8 mo. ago. For the most part St. Louis has the same problems as black america in general, but one thing that makes it hard for any revolutionary progress to take place is the level of ignorance and hoplessness there. Blacks on the eastcoast are exposed to more organizations and events, their ability to gain access in corporate america is a bit better. The schools in St. louis have totally failed the children, and the dope game is what the city of St. Louis operates on. The whole time I lived in st. louis I didnt even know any revolutionary groups existed other than the Nation Of Islam. Before I left though I came across a guy from the N.B.P.P who sold me one of their newspapers, but I already knew I was going to be moving to Denver. Black people here in Denver dont even seem to know they're black unless they're from somewhere else like me. At least brothas in the lou realize that they are in the struggle which isnt saying much. I'm glad to know you are doing something because st. louis needs every bit of help it can get. The struggle here in Denver is trying to figure out how to first get black men from chasing these white girls. It's like jungle fever capital here. Sad!

[Seqenen-Ra]

Originally Posted by Piankhi_the_Great

I think I may be able to help you with your question because I was born and raised in St. Louis. I am 26 years old now and I just moved to Denver Co about 8 mo. ago. For the most part St. Louis has the same problems as black america in general, but one thing that makes it hard for any revolutionary progress to take place is the level of ignorance and hoplessness there. Blacks on the eastcoast are exposed to more organizations and events, their ability to gain access in corporate america is a bit better. The schools in St. louis have totally failed the children, and the dope game is what the city of St. Louis operates on. The whole time I lived in st. louis I didnt even know any revolutionary groups existed other than the Nation Of Islam. Before I left though I came across a guy from the N.B.P.P who sold me one of their newspapers, but I already knew I was going to be moving to Denver. Black people here in Denver dont even seem to know they're black unless they're from somewhere else like me. At least brothas in the lou realize that they are in the struggle which isnt saying much. I'm glad to know you are doing something because st. louis needs every bit of help it can get. The struggle here in Denver is trying to figure out how to first get black men from chasing these white girls. It's like jungle fever capital here. Sad!

That's what i'm talkin' bout! The organizations here have functions and events but they don't promote them like clubs promote their parties. The only People You'll see at these events are People from other "progressive" organizations. And You correct; Sistaz/Brothaz here know there's a struggle. They just don't want to do anything about the situation here in tha lou. Now that's sad. We are just "progressive" Black organizations in name only; and Our People are suffering as a result of Our un-willingness to address the problems here. TIME TO STAND UP!!

[Draptomania]

Originally Posted by Seqenen-Ra

i have been in St Louis a littie over a year. The conditions here are deplorable for Black People. You have the United Afrikan People Organization (U.A.P.O.), Organization For Black Struggle (O.B.S.), the New Black Panther Party (which i am a part of), Hebrew Israelites, and so on and so on. i never see these organizations out in the streets of St. Louis. i have been to a few of their events; even donated a few dollars to a few. But, These organizations are doing little to nothing about the horrible and pitiful conditions Our People live in Here. It seems like these organizations just want to hob-nog with each; do bullsh#t poetry sets, and drain the People of what little financial resouces they have. According to recent news, St. Louis is ranked in the top five in murders and the highest in STD's. Yet these organizations (including the NBPP) are not addressing these issues. The U.A.P.O. makes a little noise (Zaki Baruti), but no one wants to organize to take on the ills this city is facing. WHEN WILL ST. LOUIS STAND UP? It's time for those of Us Who are true Revolutionaries to get in these streets and get Our People!

Dang! When I went to STL, I was shocked at how many pro-Afrikan things I saw...but then again, I'm in Indianapolis we don't have JACK here (only the NOI and ...well that's IT) It is very frustrating, so I feel your pain. I see the same things going on around here, everyone knows the problems but either won't face them (acting as if they dont exist) or just want to point their finger, discuss it and say "Oh well...it aint ME..." and move on with their daily lives.

I tried to get SOMETHING going here for folks that want to make a difference, but I ended up heartbroken and depressed and threw my hands up Maybe finding like minded individuals could help in both of our situations. I'm not looking for an organization with nothing but a name to boast about. I need people that are down for US and willing to do what needs to be done and stop the cycle of bullshyt that's going down.


Long and short of it all-- I FEEL YOU!

[Seqenen-Ra]

[QUOTE=Draptomania;125583]Dang! When I went to STL, I was shocked at how many pro-Afrikan things I saw...but then again, I'm in Indianapolis we don't have JACK here (only the NOI and ...well that's IT) It is very frustrating, so I feel your pain. I see the same things going on around here, everyone knows the problems but either won't face them (acting as if they dont exist) or just want to point their finger, discuss it and say "Oh well...it aint ME..." and move on with their daily lives.

I tried to get SOMETHING going here for folks that want to make a difference, but I ended up heartbroken and depressed and threw my hands up Maybe finding like minded individuals could help in both of our situations. I'm not looking for an organization with nothing but a name to boast about. I need people that are down for US and willing to do what needs to be done and stop the cycle of bullshyt that's going down.

Well, i have not and will not give up. i am doing the same thing You are Sista Comrade; looking for like-minded People to do the work needed to be done. Most of these organization are afraid to get out to where the People are; in the streets (and yes, that's including the local chapter of the NBPP). i am in a constant struggle with these so-called revolutionary "leaders" as to how We should approach those in need. In short, All niggaz are scared of Revolution (yes, i'm talking to anybody who claim to be for the People and won't get out there to see about the People). Let's hit the streets where the power is; not these exclusive poetry sets and rallies no one ever hear about!

[Piankhi_the_Great]

Originally Posted by Seqenen-Ra

That's what i'm talkin' bout! The organizations here have functions and events but they don't promote them like clubs promote their parties. The only People You'll see at these events are People from other "progressive" organizations. And You correct; Sistaz/Brothaz here know there's a struggle. They just don't want to do anything about the situation here in tha lou. Now that's sad. We are just "progressive" Black organizations in name only; and Our People are suffering as a result of Our un-willingness to address the problems here. TIME TO STAND UP!!

What I consider to be a "progressive" organization is one that can build minds faster than the system can tear it down. We have yet to have a progressive organization for our people, not to discredit the organizations we do have. The system has its media, military structure, school system, religious structure, as well as political groups, and all sorts of creative ways to ensure they win the minds of our masses. Our organizations have at best flyers, bean pies, and lectures which is something that should be continued dont get me wrong. But the point I'm making is that for every 1 mind that the revolutionary struggle has won over, the system has already locked up about 1,000 or more minds within that same time period, which is the same point you are making I feel you. What we need to do is put our minds together and come up with some new and creative ways to engage the masses in order to carry out OUR agenda. People like you and I understand and respect the need for a revolution but what people in general understand and respect is POWER period! Doesnt matter if its from the neighborhood drug dealer, pimp, president of the united states, or a revolutionary organization. When POWER is displayed they will fall in line, and when POWER is given to the PEOPLE they will raise hell! The power has always been with the people and what our revolutionary organizations need to do is show the people how to engage and express the POWER within as one unit, rather than asking them to fall in line like everyone else. hotep.

[Seqenen-Ra]

Originally Posted by Piankhi_the_Great

What I consider to be a "progressive" organization is one that can build minds faster than the system can tear it down. We have yet to have a progressive organization for our people, not to discredit the organizations we do have. The system has its media, military structure, school system, religious structure, as well as political groups, and all sorts of creative ways to ensure they win the minds of our masses. Our organizations have at best flyers, bean pies, and lectures which is something that should be continued dont get me wrong. But the point I'm making is that for every 1 mind that the revolutionary struggle has won over, the system has already locked up about 1,000 or more minds within that same time period, which is the same point you are making I feel you. What we need to do is put our minds together and come up with some new and creative ways to engage the masses in order to carry out OUR agenda. People like you and I understand and respect the need for a revolution but what people in general understand and respect is POWER period! Doesnt matter if its from the neighborhood drug dealer, pimp, president of the united states, or a revolutionary organization. When POWER is displayed they will fall in line, and when POWER is given to the PEOPLE they will raise hell! The power has always been with the people and what our revolutionary organizations need to do is show the people how to engage and express the POWER within as one unit, rather than asking them to fall in line like everyone else. hotep.

The Masses are dis-organized because these "progressive" organizations haven't come together in order to draw up an agenda to after the Peole with. Organization starts with Us because We have the Information. We need to focus on the needs of the People. That mean putting aside all differences (which We shouldn't have any since We are "progressive"), coming together to draw up a plan of action for evey Community, city, and state; And then standing as One single Force carrying out that plan of action. This means getting out of Our comfort-zones and into the trenches.

[Sun Ship]

Brother Seqenen-Ra, you have to look at it this way. If you stand for all that you say you stand for, then this is the reason you were sent to where you are. For you will soon become part of the puzzle that will make St Louis do more, or nothing at all in the future, as compared to what you see right now. Every city is full of progressive people who are disheartened about so many people who are around them, and if the apathy drives too deep and without introspection, at some point you will be complaining about yourself.

What city, which is plagued by oppression, doesn’t have its share of opposing counter-revolutionary forces. With all the progressive people in Philly, they cannot stop the criminals in their own city from murdering their own children at a record rate. Look at New Jersey, or the murderous history of many of the West Coast Black communities (Crips and Bloodz infested). I remember when The Last Poets, called New York at one time the “up north� Mississippi and I wondered why, until years later I looked at how New York cops were unlawfully putting more bullets in Black people than those tobacco chewing sheriffs in Greenville, Mississippi in the 1950s. All the cultural development and radicalism in the world did not stop Guliani from being mayor and creating the police state and death squad approach to policing in New York City that we have seen over the past several years.

Remember, various cities get large numbers of very progressive people because those who grew up elsewhere move to these areas so they find some commonality amongst other sojourners who migrate there. But what happens, be it good or bad, there becomes a influx of those with that same perspectives who are able to “comfort each other� concerning what should be done…it does not mean that outside of those progressive communities at lot is necessarily changing within those cities…just read the stats of some of our largest Black dominated cities!

I’ve heard some complain that too many progressive Black folks are not moving in large numbers to downtrodden rural communities and seemingly non-progressive places, and other places that may need their input, they are going to places where they feel safe with their ideas, and are able to function easier because of their numbers. Now, that can be of course debated, but hey….think about it…

So Brother what you feel, you can feel almost anywhere, and the only one who can make a difference or a new start is yourself, for it’s not that the others are worthless “no good� people who do absolutely nothing, it’s the fact you may have a vision that they just can’t envision…again, you can run into this anywhere and everywhere!


Ase

[DarkManJah]

i concur with everyone here, having been born in westpalmbeachflorida but raised in st.lous all of life. One comrade was so disgusted he moved to harlem. Most my contacts are in brooklyn, which was where my daddy was born and raised... Anyway, yu can tell where st.louis stands when u listen to itzs youth, as i have for the last 14 years as a sub (in Normandy school district and a few other county municipalities). On one hand i can count the times a sister or brother was enlightened, as children usually reflectthe worldview of their parents, i have learned. In earlier posts i have lamented how the BlackConscious Community privatizes its consciousness; so when i get into the classroom with my two Afrikan tats on my forearms, i appear to be a foreigner, as students are stunned that i, from the hood, would etch such a symbol on my body, let alone proudly claim my Afrikan ancestry. (2 weeks ago i had a sister , a junior, threaten to tell the principal that i was teaching to hate white folks since i was actively encouraging them to love Black people!). i was naive to think that they, like i did back in 95, would embrace all things Afrikan at the mere mention and explanation of why i should.
As long as we privatize our consciousness, the people will have no role models of thought and behavior (along Africentric lines) from whom they can gather ideas so they can construct new lives within the context of Afrikan Liberation. Now, me being a brother who is attracted to other brothers (yea, i'd rather kiss a dude than kill him) well, many who are enlightened find that unacceptable within the struggle and liberation, assuming that perhaps i will hit on dudes while we on the front lines facing the enemy. So,on one occassion, i kinda got forced out of shit, even before i took the intiative to join: for, i will not suppress my humanity just to make even the enlightened comfortable with their disconnection from reality. (Whoever we USED TO BE before them crakkkas kidnapped us from the Mothersland, we surely ain't now, and the integrity of the race is dependent upon our overstanding this profoundly inescapable reality, integrating all of our complexities into a Force the Enemy will have to reckon with). Look, struggle is a communal affair, and, like any Warrior, i'd rather soldier with a group ; however, if i am to be worthy of the Ancestors' call for me to "destroy" our Enemy any way i can -- most notably by helping students to snap their chains -- i will gladly continue to march alone, yet with a determination that equals any Warrior-conscious brother and sister who has the nerve to narrowly dismisses my sexuality as contributing to the weakness of the Black family, when what contributes to the weakness of the Black family is privatizing our enlightenment and consequently not giving other Afrikans the chance we were given to grow into real Afrikan Men and Women.

[Piankhi_the_Great]

Originally Posted by Seqenen-Ra

The Masses are dis-organized because these "progressive" organizations haven't come together in order to draw up an agenda to after the Peole with. Organization starts with Us because We have the Information. We need to focus on the needs of the People. That mean putting aside all differences (which We shouldn't have any since We are "progressive"), coming together to draw up a plan of action for evey Community, city, and state; And then standing as One single Force carrying out that plan of action. This means getting out of Our comfort-zones and into the trenches.

I absolutely agree! What I would like to see and be a part of is sort of a national consensus of pan-african revolutionary organizations and individuals with creative ideas to first achieve our common goal of african liberation and growth. It shouldnt be concerned with religious affiliation or any other affiliation other than that which benefits the race as a whole. Personally I believe with the amount of brothas and sistas we do have who want to take action, rather than protest and talk about the ills of our society which everyone already knows and/or lives, we should organize our capital to purchase land in order to build a platform that can be used as a base to expand on. Just one of my ideas. And this wouldnt be an attempt to seperate and forget about the community at large, but it would be a way of empowering our movement so that we would have more influence on those we are trying to reach. Things like this are some of the things I think the organizations of our day should factor in (economic self empowerment to support and expand afrocentric ideals). Question is how to engage ideas on such a level? Fresh new ideas are desperately needed and action must take place.

[Seqenen-Ra]

Originally Posted by DarkManJah

i concur with everyone here, having been born in westpalmbeachflorida but raised in st.lous all of life. One comrade was so disgusted he moved to harlem. Most my contacts are in brooklyn, which was where my daddy was born and raised... Anyway, yu can tell where st.louis stands when u listen to itzs youth, as i have for the last 14 years as a sub (in Normandy school district and a few other county municipalities). On one hand i can count the times a sister or brother was enlightened, as children usually reflectthe worldview of their parents, i have learned. In earlier posts i have lamented how the BlackConscious Community privatizes its consciousness; so when i get into the classroom with my two Afrikan tats on my forearms, i appear to be a foreigner, as students are stunned that i, from the hood, would etch such a symbol on my body, let alone proudly claim my Afrikan ancestry. (2 weeks ago i had a sister , a junior, threaten to tell the principal that i was teaching to hate white folks since i was actively encouraging them to love Black people!). i was naive to think that they, like i did back in 95, would embrace all things Afrikan at the mere mention and explanation of why i should.
As long as we privatize our consciousness, the people will have no role models of thought and behavior (along Africentric lines) from whom they can gather ideas so they can construct new lives within the context of Afrikan Liberation. Now, me being a brother who is attracted to other brothers (yea, i'd rather kiss a dude than kill him) well, many who are enlightened find that unacceptable within the struggle and liberation, assuming that perhaps i will hit on dudes while we on the front lines facing the enemy. So,on one occassion, i kinda got forced out of shit, even before i took the intiative to join: for, i will not suppress my humanity just to make even the enlightened comfortable with their disconnection from reality. (Whoever we USED TO BE before them crakkkas kidnapped us from the Mothersland, we surely ain't now, and the integrity of the race is dependent upon our overstanding this profoundly inescapable reality, integrating all of our complexities into a Force the Enemy will have to reckon with). Look, struggle is a communal affair, and, like any Warrior, i'd rather soldier with a group ; however, if i am to be worthy of the Ancestors' call for me to "destroy" our Enemy any way i can -- most notably by helping students to snap their chains -- i will gladly continue to march alone, yet with a determination that equals any Warrior-conscious brother and sister who has the nerve to narrowly dismisses my sexuality as contributing to the weakness of the Black family, when what contributes to the weakness of the Black family is privatizing our enlightenment and consequently not giving other Afrikans the chance we were given to grow into real Afrikan Men and Women.

Originally Posted by Piankhi_the_Great

I absolutely agree! What I would like to see and be a part of is sort of a national consensus of pan-african revolutionary organizations and individuals with creative ideas to first achieve our common goal of african liberation and growth. It shouldnt be concerned with religious affiliation or any other affiliation other than that which benefits the race as a whole. Personally I believe with the amount of brothas and sistas we do have who want to take action, rather than protest and talk about the ills of our society which everyone already knows and/or lives, we should organize our capital to purchase land in order to build a platform that can be used as a base to expand on. Just one of my ideas. And this wouldnt be an attempt to seperate and forget about the community at large, but it would be a way of empowering our movement so that we would have more influence on those we are trying to reach. Things like this are some of the things I think the organizations of our day should factor in (economic self empowerment to support and expand afrocentric ideals). Question is how to engage ideas on such a level? Fresh new ideas are desperately needed and action must take place.

Brothaz, Let's Get to work!

[Seqenen-Ra]

There is a great need to hold "Revolutionary" organizations accountable for talkin' tha talk and not walkin' tha walk. As long as those who know better sit on Our hands and say are do nothing, these imposters are going to continue to put real Revolutionaries in a bad light. Let's get busy on these fakes!!