Black Recognition is only Half of the Battle

 

                I once heard a story of a man, who fell out of a window. As he descended from the 50th story, a neighbor on the 20th floor called out, Hey James, how is it going? He answered, So far, so good.

            This story comes to mind as I review recent activities relating to African-Americans and racial tensions. In the past there were opportunities for the black community to capitalize on their experience. But this is not happening.

            Before I continue: I want to unequivocally, state, that I believe the recent Million Man March was long overdue. African-American needed to give a message of solidarity for their rights. However the reasons given by Minister Louis Farrakhan are not the best interests for African-Americans.

            African-Americans may have been winning battles but they are losing the war.    

            During the Rodney King trial we saw a nation divided by fear and racial hatred. When the authorities recognized that they had failed in treating blacks correctly, they passed judgment and rewarded Rodney King. Justice was served and the country moved on. However the video showing the neverending police beating will remain etched in my mind forever. But equally, so will the many nights of burning and rioting ending in total destruction of black businesses and homes.

            Rodney King may have won the battle but AfricanAmericans lost the war! They have not been given jobs. Their community was burned to the ground. Blocks of businesses have not  been reopened and who knows what will happen to the jobs lost.

            This past month one of the longest trials ended. O.J. Simpson was acquitted of murder charges and freed.

              Yes, O.J. won the battle for his freedom but once again the AfricanAmerican community lost the war.

            Since the trial they have lost respect of many white people. Charges of Blacks will vote by color and not by conscience are being debated over and over. If anything, more harm and distrust between whites and blacks has arisen.

            Now with the Million Man March, where Minister Louis Farrakhan has preached and displayed himself as a prophet, there is more distrust than ever. Farrakhan likened himself to Moses, Jesus and other great leaders. Since the announcement of the march, Anti- black, as well as anti-white politics are growing rapidly.

            The March has shown that Blacks can and will rally forth. True, they have won the battle for recognition but have lost the war for respect and equality.  Instead of respect its fear and anger that  many felt.

            In all three cases many whites felt  they were held hostage by blacks.            

            The black community has a sense of direction  but they are lacking a clear destination.

            A people who are desperate to share in the rewards of American living need jobs. Think for a moment, hasnt the hard work of the many other minorities been recognized and rewarded? Havent the AfricanAmericans lived here long enough to have a share of the American pie? Why are there no jobs for them? They are no different then other minorities. What's really happening here?

            Why is it that 25-35 percent of  young blacks will be involved with the police authorities at one time or another?  Why, I ask, has not the black community been able to grow into mainstream America? These and other questions bother me.

            To hear from black leadership, Jesse Jackson, that New York is Hymietown and President Lincoln only half freed the blacks does not help. We need to find good jobs for African-Americans. True leadership must look inwards and find true answers and not scapegoats.

            Why is there so much misdirected anger in the Black leadership?

            When Minister Farrakhan speaks about reconciliation with the Jews, shouldnt we also be more concerned about his reconciliation with the larger Catholic population he keeps on insulting. Is it the Jews raison detre to be the peace makers? I believe not.

            Whether blacks have antiSemitic leadership or not, is only part of the problem. The real problems lie in the recent statements by the Farrakhan-Muslim movement against all Americans. "You are sick, America, you need help," said Minister Farrakhan.

            His preaching for the separation of our great country by race is what should bother us. Separatism is detrimental to our future. This is the issue we must address.

            It may be true that I dont know the answers but I remember the saying of the Jewish sages, Knowing what doesnt work is half the cure. Speaking against white people, whether Jewish, Catholic or whatever, helps no one.

            One thing is certain; the progress of the Black community depends on a rainbow coalition and not a separatist movement.

            The black community must find just and kind leaders who will lead the blacks upwards. There is a desperate need for men of courage and undaunted power to inspire the people to reach out for independence and positive goals. A minister who uses his influence to misdirect the people with hate is abusing his gifts.

            Remember the words of Nachman of Bratzlav, an 18th century Chassidic rabbi, It was hard for Satan alone to mislead the whole world so he appointed prominent leaders in different localities.