Reparations Means Re-charting the Course of the Movement

I have received many comments from readers across the community. Some have question the need for Reparations. Many call it a diversion from the true needs of the Black Community. Some say that reparations will harm our community more than it will help. Others believe that the government will never give us reparations. Most say the issue has been around for so long that no progress can be made.

You know something: Reparations Means Re-charting the Course of the Movement!

Much of those thoughts are true. The reparations debate as we know it has been (and is) a waste of time. As we say in the header to this blog: "Not speaking from a Nationalist perspective is paramount to wishing to be fixed by someone other than ourselves." How can we accept the solutions of those who have no understanding of the problem? That would be - and has been - very harmful to our community.

Also, I - personally - do not want any government check. If the government was really smart, they would quickly give Black people a Reparations Check. Why? Because, if they did there could never be another argument for injustice, inequality and/or the need to address disparities. The moment they give us a check we would loose all leverage to push for change. The response would be: "what more do you want? We've given you Reparations!"

This is why Reparations Means Re-charting the Course of the Movement. No progress can be made if we're looking for those external to our community to act in our favor. And, the movement does seem pointless: struggle for no purpose. Frederick Douglass said, "without struggle there is no progress." So, we must struggle if we want change. But, without progress what's the point of the struggle?

We are going to change the idea of what Reparations means. Re-charting the course of the Movement, we will bring purpose to the struggle and make progress. So, we need your help. On Monday, April 21st at 9pm ET, we will have a little Reparative Talk and invite you to join the discussion. We also have forums (see links to your right) where you can engage in discussion with people across the African Diaspora. So, get involved and let's make it happen. As Senator Obama would say: yes, we can!

Come and Get Your Reparations!