Reparations Means Applauding When Our Leaders See the Light

It's taken about as long as it's taken Senator Clinton to express regret for her Iraq War vote (20 debates) for Congressman John Lewis to support the proper candidate for President. Until today, he was "torn" on who to support and had endorsed Senator Clinton. Yet, today I am relieved to hear that he has taken the brave and humble stance to switch his support.

Now, I understand how this could be tough to switch. Yes, his head was bloodied on the bridge in Selma. But, that was a no-brainer. As he says, he was a longtime friend of Bill Clinton and of Hilary. This shows the transformation of the Civil Rights movement. Because some of us were able to integrate and assimilate, we have developed friendships - legitimate friendships, deep friendships - with White people. But, we are still faced with the cause that has yet to be completed. That's the decision we have to make...to still stand for the cause and see it through to the end. And, the test of these friendships is this: do these friends understand why the cause must come first? So, do Bill and Hilary Clinton call John Lewis and let him know - not only that they understand his decision - but they further understand that this decision had to be made?

Part of Reparations involves healing and restoring. So, for his actions today John Lewis has made some steps in the right direction. Now, we must see if his shift is more than only support for Obama in vote only. Or, will he reign in these other Civil Rights stallwarts (i.e. Andrew Young) and Black icons (i.e. Magic and Bob Johnson) so that they too will come to see the light? Will he lend his "clout" with the movement and the political establishment to strengthen Senator Obama's coalition?

Will Congressman Lewis' switch go beyond the Democratic Primary and Presidential Elections? Will he begin to refocus on the constituency he was elected to represent? Will he continue to champion the cause that still has yet to be completed?

He was elected to Congress because the people were confident that he would be a staunch and uncompromisable advocate for the rights and advancement of Black people in America. Will this switch spark him to help move the CBC more in-line with the issues facing the Black Community? That remains to be seen.

What should we do? Contact John Lewis' office and commend him for the switch. And, let his office know that his family (the Black Community) is here to provide comfort and to welcome him back to the struggle for our people.

My Brothers, My Sisters: Come and Get Your Reparations!