Reparations Means Not Settling for Mediocrity

Perhaps it is not unfair to say that black nationalists, more than any other group of Afro-American ideologists, have been able to combine in terrible and uneasy tension the most devastating criticisms of, and the most sublime faith in, their people.

                 - Sterling Stuckey, The Ideological Origins of Black Nationalism

What can I say? I hope for too much of our people. And, I root it in this question: how can a people beaten into the image of inferiority by the collective ass-whooping of Slavery, Colonialism, Jim Crow, Apartheid and economic tyranny simply be satisfied with an individual accomplishment? It is the anti-Invictus, where head bloodied and bowed under these bludgeonings we have said: "what White people have said about us - as a people - is true," for we stand justified by a sense of individual accomplishment. 

Maybe I too need to succumb to that "reality," and cease from thinking of Black people as a great people. Maybe I should be converted to the Prosperity Gospel of personal salvation, where all I need to do is "get mine." Maybe there's no hope for repair...

Because, REPA(I)Rations means not settling for mediocrity. 

To consider it laudatory that there are successful Black businesses (and there are many that are successful), when they're not on the "Fortune 500" is to admit that such an arena is reserved for Whites. It implies (barring some other tool of incompetence) that we, of some racial deficiency, cannot grow a business to overtake any of the businesses on that list. Maybe a given individual doesn't have that aspiration; maybe a given individual is satisfied with where there business is. This is a free Country and that is every individual's right to be so satisfied. But what remains is still a conundrum that begs the question of whether or not Black people - as a people - can compete on the level of the "Big Boys."

Reparations means not settling for mediocrity. 

Accepting that a degree from the "Black Harvard" carries no greater stature than a degree from a Tier 3 White Institution is tantamount to saying that the "Ivy League" for Black people is AT BEST comparable to the calibre of Michigan Technological University! Again, I know many absolutely brilliant people who graduated from HBCUs. But that is them as individuals. As HBCUs, those institutions are representative of us - as a people. And to me, the fact that the best we can offer ranks #115 is an indictment serving to confirm the thoughts of those (Whites) who said we are inferior. 

Reparations means not settling for mediocrity. 

But, maybe I hope for too much. Maybe it is enough is the fortunate few, of which I could easily be part, achieve. But it seems to me that if that be the case, all I would be is an exception to the rule of Black inferiority. And, I just refuse to accept that. 

Yet, I am criticized as one who simply hates my own people. Maybe it's that I love my people too much. Maybe it's that I hope for the day when we will find it beneficial to our existence - as a people - to prove to ourselves - as a people - that we are not what they think we are. 

It's funny: as individuals we are driven to ambition and success to prove the naysayers wrong. However, we have lost the ambition to prove our collective naysayers wrong. Maybe they're right...and maybe I'm just in denial. :-/

If I'm not: Come and Get Your Reparations!

Congress Determines Only White Women Need Paycheck Fairness!

Tomorrow, Congress will vote on a so-called "Paycheck Fairness Act."  The Bill is supposed to address disparities in pay.  However, the Bill only refers to gender disparity.  When I called Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro's (D-CT-3) office, I asked if I was misreading the Bill or if it only addressed gender disparities.  The lady responsible for the Paycheck Fairness Act stated that it - in fact - dealt only with gender disparities, but that in doing so it would cover Black, Latino and Asian women.

Hunh?!  How so?  Must be that Congress has determined that only White women need paycheck fairness!

Reparations means that we refuse to believe the hype!  Look at this chart detailing pay disparities.

The Wage Gap, by Gender and Race

(median annual earnings of black men and women, Hispanic men and women, and white women as a percentage of white men's median annual earnings)

Year	White men	Black men	Hispanic men	White women	Black women	Hispanic women
1970	100%	69.0%	n.a.	58.7%	48.2%	n.a.
1975	100	74.3	72.1%	57.5	55.4	49.3%
1980	100	70.7	70.8	58.9	55.7	50.5
1985	100	69.7	68.0	63.0	57.1	52.1
1990	100	73.1	66.3	69.4	62.5	54.3
1992	100	72.6	63.3	70.0	64.0	55.4
1994	100	75.1	64.3	71.6	63.0	55.6
1995	100	75.9	63.3	71.2	64.2	53.4
1996	100	80.0	63.9	73.3	65.1	56.6
1997	100	75.1	61.4	71.9	62.6	53.9
1998	100	74.9	61.6	72.6	62.6	53.1
1999	100	80.6	61.6	71.6	65.0	52.1
2000	100	78.2	63.4	72.2	64.6	52.8
2003	100	78.2	63.3	75.6	65.4	54.3
2004	100	74.5	63.2	76.7	68.4	56.9
2006	100	72.1	57.5	73.5	63.6	51.7

Source: U.S. Current Population Survey and the National Committee on Pay Equity.

Clearly, Black men are earning less than White women.  And, Black women are earning substantially less than White women.  Surely, the Paycheck Fairness Act will do nothing for Black men - as Rep. Rosa DeLauro's office told me.  But, how will the Paycheck Fairness Act really help Black women?

Maybe I'm stupid (some will surely say I am).  But, it seems to me that the most this act would do is raise the pay of Black women to equity with Black men.  Truly that is a start.  But then once White women are on par with White men, we'd be left with the racial pay gap.  Am I missing something?

Must be that Congress has determined that only White women need paycheck fairness!

People want to say that reparations isn't needed.  But, here is a clear example - and this is not Affirmative Action.  It is not a handout.  It is fairness.  When Congress looks at the pay disparity between the genders they agree that something must be urgently done.  Yet, either they have not even looked at the pay disparity between the races or they don't think that something must be urgently done.  Again, as I was told by Rep. Rosa DeLauro's staffer: it (racial pay gap) is an important issue, but it is not dealt with by the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Presently, I'm waiting on Congressional Black Caucus Executive Director Patrice Willoughby to respond to my question about why the Congressional Black Caucus chose not to address this oversight.  Or, do they agree that only White women need paycheck fairness?

Email the Congressional Black Caucus, or call: 202.226.9776 and let them know that you want them to call for the Paycheck Fairness Act to be amended to include racial disparities!  Unless you agree that only White women need paycheck fairness...

Come and get your reparations!   

Black Like Me, American Like the Rest, or a New American?

What an amazing time in which we live!

With the election of the first "Black President," comes with much election and so many expectations.  Not only in America, but also across the African (and entire) world people have hopes that this will mean something.

See highlights of the watch party at Ebenezer Baptist Church:

I too am excited - albeit cautiously.  I guess it's as Congressman John Lewis said in this clip: the election of Barack Obama is not the promised land.  And, while we celebrate this true milestone in the development of our Country, I want us to keep our eyes on the prize. 

Don't think that the mere election of a Black man means all is well.  Reparations means recognizing the value of a Black President.  And the question remains: is President-Elect Barack Obama black like me, American like the rest or a new American?  What should he be?  What will he be?

There are some Blacks who would like to believe that because we have a "Black President," we will finally see our "fair shake" in this Country.  There are some who believe that there will finally be due attention paid to the racial disparities in America.  There are some who see President-Elect Barack Obama as a "magic bullet" - a savior or sorts, who will make everything better.  There are some of us who hope (and expect) him to be "Black like me."

In theory and in truth, there is (and never will be) a "Black President."  In theory (but not in truth), there has never been a "White President."  The President is - and always will be - constrained by the majority (Government by the People).  The majority is White.  So, the President will always be directed by the whims of the majority - of White people.

So, will President-Elect Barack Obama be "American" like the rest?  Will he continue the status quo?  He speaks of how improving education for all will ultimately benefit Black Americans.  Will he continue this naieve approach of trickle-down policies in education (and other programs) that he so detests in economics?

Or, will we see a New American?  The Obama campaign has shown a coalition of the races, genders, sexualities and other dividing lines.  He was able to unite them to head in one direction.  Can this new American spirit translate to eradicating racial disparities in this Country?

This later option would be the best.  But, it cannot happen without our (Black) effort.  We cannot sit back and expect that President-Elect Barack Obama will be able to be the Black man we want him to be.  We cannot sit back and allow President Obama to maintain the status quo.  But, if we shrink back into political dormancy that is exactly what will happen...majority rule dictates that. 

Freedom is only a part of Liberty.  Freedom can be given, but Liberty must be taken.  And, to this day we have failed to seize hold of Liberty.  The only hope is in a New America where everyone  embraces Liberty and has a stake in the American Dream, and - Black people - we cannot let this moment pass us by.

America - and the idea of America (Liberty - not imposition of any kind) - is the hopes of all the people in all the world.  Just look at the celebration in Kenya:

Seeing a Black man rise to the highest seat of power in the world is truly inspiring.  And, one can only imagine what Africans in every corner of the Continent must be thinking.  We hope they do not think that President-Elect Barack Obama will be "Black like them" and immidiately address their concerns - allowing them to continue in lack-luster governance and corruption.  We hope the leaders of African Governments do not sit back and allow the continuation of the status quo that heaps arduous interest rates on the backs of impoverished countries and uses "humanitarian aid" as a means by which to subject countries to the "Will of the West."

The best option would be for a "New American" President Obama...one who empowers nations to embrace Liberty and self-sufficiency.  But, it will be incumbent upon the nations of the world to embrace the ideals of Liberty and call upon those ideals to create not only a more perfect Union, but also a more perfect world.

Make no mistake: President-Elect Barack Obama is not our reparations.  But, we have been presented with an opportunity to seize hold of Liberty...around the world, it is ours for the taking.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Barack Obama

Why Obama Must Win

Many of you know I am hard on Barack Obama. And, I will continue to be - not because I dislike him...I have nothing against him: I've actually met him and think he's a nice guy. My issue is not with him...my issue is with us - Black people.

My criticism is because we cannot afford to simply rubber stamp any candidate - including a Black one. Yet, in the absence of any real choice (any choice that the majority will research) - and being faced with the lesser of two evils, it's a catch twenty-two. Do we elect the Black candidate (lesser) and at least have a Black man? Or, do we vote against the Black candidate (lesser) and prevent America from blaming Black people for the mess that will come, regardless of if it's McCain or Obama?

To achieve reparations requires us to make tough choices that may seem far fetched. But, that's the reality.

Yet - as I say constantly - I am race-first...not anti-anyone. But, I understand that of all Americans - Black Americans have long been furthest from the Cause of Liberty. And, ultimately Liberty is what we want. So, I must think thus: what puts us closer to the path of Liberty?

Honestly, the best thing would have been for Senator Obama to have lost the Democratic Primary. For or goal is to "capitalize on the new American political landscape." The problem is as Brother Malcolm said:

The black man in North America was sickest of all politically. He let the white man divide him into such foolishness as considering himself a black "Democrat," a black "Republican," a black "conservative," or a black "Liberal"...when a ten-million strong black vote bloc could be the deciding balance of power in American politics...

Right now, Blacks are stuck in the Democratic Party. Not because we necessarily agree with their platform, but essentially because that's what we know. We don't challenge either Party on issues of particular concern, specifically to the Black Community. We simply accept their "cookie-cutter policies" hoping that one day 'ole massa will do right by us!

If Obama had lost in the Primary - if Hillary was allowed to steal the election, maybe Black people would have awakened to a new sense of awareness: neither Party has the interests of Black people at heart...neither has a solution. Maybe if he had lost, the stranglehold of the Democratic Pary would have been loosened, and we would have begun to challenge all Parties to speak to our issues. But, he won...so we move forward.

And, still hoping for a political awakening forces me to realize that only an Obama victory even has the potential to fulfill that goal. For, if he were to loose, the only thing we would do is blame racism - specifically Republican racism. This, in turn, would deepen our blind allegiance to the Democratic Party - leading us further down the road to serfdom.

This is why Obama must win. Or, maybe herein lies yet another angle for why he must not? What do you say?

Come and Get Your Reparations!

What is Stopping Black Liberation?

I was thinking about this song, and the rallying cry of M1 and Stick. We as a people, have been saying we want freedom...that we are still enslaved. And, I thought of it in light of this:

If freedom is what we want, it is ours for the taking. Let the revolution begin.
-Ron Paul, The Revolution: A Manifesto

This has been the aim of Black Liberation - freedom. And, here's someone stating that - in America - freedom is ours for the taking, if we want it. How could that be?

In the conclusion of his book defining the path to Liberty, Dr. Paul says:

Ours is not a fated existence, for nowhere is our destiny etched in stone. In the final analysis, the last line of defense in support of freedom and the Constitution consists of the people themselves. If the people want to be free, if they want to lift themselves from underneath a state apparatus that threatens their liberties...and spews forth endless propaganda about how indispensable it is and how lost we would all be without it, there is no force that can stop them.

Basically, the theory of this book is that if people return to the Constitution they will find the tools to ensure their Liberty. So, it should be said that if we embrace the Constitution we will fin the tools to ensure Black Liberation...because if we want to be free there's no force that can stop us.

Now, of course some will say I'm naive and that the government stops us, or the system stops us, or racism stops us. But, you know something?

Excuses are tools of incompetence. They build monuments of nothingness and bridges that lead to nowhere. Those who specialize in excuses seldom excel in anything else.

And, as I read Dr. Paul's book I had to face the harsh reality. The statement still remains, "if freedom is what we want, it is ours for the taking."

So, what is stopping Black Liberation? What is preventing Black people from securing Liberty? Could it be that we don't really want freedom? What do you think?

Let the revolution begin. Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Will Free Us from the Burden of Misleaders

After a long hiatus, last night we had the re-emergence of "Reparative Talk Radio!" The topic for discussion was: "Must We Wait Until They Die?" And, the issue at hand (born of Jesse Jackson's comments) was how to deal with the hoard of misleaders and irrelevant organizations of the Black Establishment that are preventing the progress of the people. The answer is that: reparations will free us from the burden of misleaders.

Here's the show:

Reparations Will Neutralize the Crabs in the Barrel

Today, I read a blog posting by Washington Post Blogger Darryl Fears. And, it is funny that even among our so-called leaders we see crabs in a barrel being displayed. But, there is hope.

Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel. No more will you have to look over your shoulder for the Lamb Chop Sing Along Negroes trying to cut you down. Once we dispose of these misleaders, we will be able to see progress regardless of political persuasion.

Frances Rice is a prime example of why we (so far) must be proud of Condoleeza Rice and Colin Powell. Her and I actually had an "e-argument" over the Obama issue (read it here). Despite their stature, they have refused to be used as a pawn against their people. Many believe Colin Powell will officially endorse Barack Obama - eventually.


And, Condoleeza Rice has raved about his candidacy and what it means.


Yet, we continue to be our own worst enemy. Using promises of self-gain, "the man" always searches for one of us to sell out and serve as validation for their attacks. And, some of us oblige...

Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel so that we can finally understand how that "rising tide raises all boats." Reparations will neutralize the crabs in the barrel so that we might finally see some progress in the Black Community.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Recognizing the True Value of A Black President

Tonight, we had an amazing Talk Show! The topic was: "The Value of a Black President."

Many people have asked, "why are you bringing up these issues now? Can't this wait until after Barack is elected?

Well, like Dr. King, let me tell you Why We Can't Wait:

...We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late...Life often leaves us standing bare, naked and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood - it ebbs.

Or, as Mos Def said: Tomorrow may never come...for you or me this life is not promised.



Reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President. And, that value is only measured by the impact on the Black Community. For, if a Black President has no impact on the Black Community, then that president might as well just be a president.

Achieving our reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President. And, that value lays in the opportunity that a Black President affords the Black Community...the opportunity for political empowerment - because as Brother Malcolm X said, "the cornerstones of America are politics and economics." The value of a Black President lays with the possibility to inspire Black Youth, to give peace to our Black elders and galvanize the rest of us.

We are not out to derail Obama's candidacy. And, is there anything wrong with trying to use this season for the benefit of the Black Community? Is there something wrong with using this opportunity for the benefit of Black People?

White women have it clear. They understand the value of Hillary's campaign. They understand that her candidacy served to inspire them to believe that the "glass ceiling" can - and will - be broken. And, they are using her candidacy to force both Obama and McCain to address their issues and actively court their votes. What's wrong with us? Reparations means recognizing the true value of a Black President.



Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Capitalizing on the New American Political Landscape

I have been debating on how I would frame this posting. And, have concluded that the best way would be to simply quote a passage from The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

The black man in North America was sickest of all politically. He let the white man divide him into such foolishness as considering himself a black "Democrat," a black "Republican," a black "conservative," or a black "Liberal"...when a ten-million strong black vote bloc could be the deciding balance of power in American politics...

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. With the nomination of Barack Obama, we are seeing the truth of this statement. And, that truth is becoming manifest in a new American political landscape.

For decades the "Battle Map" has been the same, with Republicans and Democrats fighting over the same states every year. As we listen to news reports, we hear of Obama's 50-State strategy. They say his strategy is possible because Senator Obama's base is not the traditional base (Hillary's "Hard-working Americans"). His base is comprised of young (& new) voters and Blacks. Because of the large numbers of Blacks that are turning out, Senator Obama is able to expand his electoral map allowing him to be competitive in the South, on the East Coast, and out West.

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. And, it is time for us to organize so that we can assert our prowess. Brother Malcolm continues:

The polls are one place where every black man could fight the black man's cause with dignity, and with the power and the tools that the white man understands, and respects, and fears, and cooperates with...If a black bloc committee told Washington's worst "nigger-hater," "We represent ten million votes," why, that "nigger-hater" would leap up: "Well, how are you? Come on in here!"...Why else is it that racist politicians fight to keep black men from the polls?

There is no excuse for our Community to be in such a sorry state. No amount of racism can
deter the will of an organized, cohesive black vote bloc. He continues:

Whenever any group can vote in a bloc, and decide the outcome of elections, and it fails to do this, then that group is politically sick. Immigrants once made Tammany Hall the most powerful single force in American politics...America's black man, voting as a bloc, could wield an even more powerful force.

With growing disparities on the basis of race, with shortcomings of and injustices in American Society magnified on the basis of race, we must inject our issues into the debate.

U.S. politics is ruled by special-interest blocs and lobbies. What group has a more urgent special interest, what group needs a bloc, a lobby, more than the black man?...The government has departments to deal with the special-interest groups that make themselves heard and felt. A Department of Agriculture cares for the farmers' needs (neglecting the needs of Black farmers). There is a Department of Health, Education and Welfare (while the health, education and welfare of the Black Community flounders)...There ought to be a Pentagon-sized Washington department dealing with every segment of the black man's problems

With the nomination of Senator Obama, we have the platform by which to bring change to the Black Community. Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. With the electoral map changing, it will force both Parties to compete on this new landscape of young and Black voters. With both Parties having to compete, we have the opportunity to present our platform and demand that our votes be earned. We must realize what Brother Malcolm said:

The cornerstones of this country's operation are economic and political strength and power. The black man doesn't have the economic strength - and it will take time for him to build it. But right now the American black man has the political strength and power to change his destiny overnight.

Reparations means capitalizing on the new American political landscape. And, we are seeing the potential power of the Black vote. It is on us now to organize. The opportunity has been placed before us. It is for us to seize the moment. So, join us. Become a member of one of the groups to the right =>

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Recognizing the Urgency of Now

On tonight's Reparative Talk episode, we talked about how reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. We have witnessed history. America has at least nominated a Black Man for the Presidency (although Clinton still has not conceded).

Countless of us have said - and now say - we never thought we would see this in our lifetime. How long will it be before we see this again? Why should we wait? The mere fact that we have NO IDEA when this tide will rise again explains Why We Can't Wait (as Dr. King wrote).

So - clearly, reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. And, now, while we have the attention of the media...now, while we have the ear of mainstream society...now, while the Nation is grappling - yet again - with issues of race, we must force the issue and use this moment for "social opportunism" and bring some true benefit to our community.

This is truly an historic time. And, this time calls us to rise to the challenge. As Dr. King said,

We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood-it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residuesof numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words, "Too late." There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance or our neglect. Omar Khayyam is right: "The moving finger writes, and having writ moves on."

Reparations means recognizing the urgency of now. And, we cannot allow this urgency to become cliche'. We cannot allow this sense of urgency to be bastardized into a Kumbaya moment...to coalesce into an atmosphere of "we have arrived...we have overcome." Because with the fierce urgency of now confronting us, we cannot be too late. We cannot procrastinate and miss this opportunity. We cannot think there will be another time like this. Tomorrow may never come. Today is all we can see. So, we must seize the day and embrace the time...indeed we must become "caught up in the concept," forcing these issues to be dealt with so that we might see real change for the empowerment of our community.

So, check out our most recent talk show:

Reparations Means Being Proud of Your True (Tri) Colors

More than 80 years ago, a man saw that a people united by racial oppression - through the remnants of slavery, segregation and colonialism, needed a greater unifier. In response to an extremely popular song of 1900, "Every Race Has a Flag but the Coon," Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA & ACL) created the "Tri-Colors of Africa" aka Black Liberation/Pan-African Flag. On August 13, 1920 the UNIA adopted the flag in Article 39 of the Declaration of the Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World.

Later in 1921, Mr. Garvey stated the importance stated the importance of a flag thus:

Show me the race or the nation without a flag, and I will show you a race of people without any pride. Aye! In song and mimicry they have said, "Every race has a flag but the coon." How true! Aye! But that was said of us four years ago. They can't say it now...

So, Reparations means being proud of your true (tri) colors. Why should we - a free people - be ashamed of the Red, Black and Green? Why should we - a free people - be afraid to display the Red, Black and Green? Why can we not listen to Steele Pulse and "Rally round the flag...rally round the Red, Gold, Black and Green?



Reparations means being proud of your true (tri) colors. I could not help but think about this recently. As I traveled through the South on my way to the ATL, I saw numerous Confederate Flags flying...White folks proud of their Confederate (treasonous) heritage. There are flags on t-shirts, tattoos, flying on flag poles, displayed on bumper stickers...everywhere you look, you can see Confederate Pride. And in Atlanta - a stronghold of the Gay Community - I see Gay Pride in abundance. Yet, everywhere there is Gay Pride. You have seen it...through rainbow flags displayed on shirts, on bumper stickers, flying out-front businesses and etc. Confederates are not ashamed of their flag...they have pride. Gays are not afraid of displaying their flag...they have pride. But, where is the Black man's pride? Where is the Black woman's pride? Why are we ashamed of the Red, Black and Green? Why is our flag not displayed?

Reparations means being proud of your true (tri) colors. And, the Rainbow Flag - and Gay Community - is a great example. The argument against the Tri-Colors of Africa, is that it does not represent a Nation. But, neither does the Rainbow Flag represent a physical nation. It does unite a people and demonstrate their pride. The Tri-Colors of Africa should unite our people, and demonstrate our pride in our Blackness...it should serve as a symbol of our freedom and a proud display should be a testimony of our freedom.

So, rally round the flag...rally round the Red, Gold, Black and Green!

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Developing a Black Political Agenda

Based on the last posting, we know that attaining our reparations means that we must develop a Black Political Agenda. We must have a platform of issues that will serve as a benchmark for judging the politicians that seek our votes. We must have an organization with the ability to unite the various organizations around that platform. This means that the planks of the platform must be succinct enough to promote a particular agenda. However, those planks must be broad enough to encompass the various ideas and objectives of those in the struggle for Black Empowerment.

Reparations means developing a Black Political Agenda. We must have a framework from which to work when we are screening candidates for elective office. We must have a standard to which we hold elected officials accountable. That agenda will serve as our rudder. Without it, the Black Community lacks direction. And, without direction we will continue to drift out to sea...a long way from the shores of safety.

So, how does this demonstrate what reparations means? Developing a Black Political Agenda will enable the community to guard against political apathy. It will provide us with a means by which we can rate those who have been elected to represent our interests; if they do not follow to planks of the platform, they should be removed from office. A Black Political Agenda will help us determine who should be running for office in the first place. With a solid agenda, we will only promote those politicians who are solid on the issues that are pertinent to our community.

Reparations means developing a Black Political Agenda. With such an agenda, we will be able to assert our interests into the debate. We will be able to dictate how politicians and elected officials interact with our Community.

But, to develop such an agenda we need your help. So, please sign into our Google Group. There you will find a post asking for your suggestions for the Black Political Agenda. We know there are many brilliant minds out there. And, we hope to benefit from your feedback. So, please let us know what you think. Log onto our Google Group and let your voice be heard! Let us shape the Black Political Agenda. Come and get your reparations!

Reparations Means Overthrowing the Old Guard

There...I said it. And before me, Darryl Fears of the Washington Post said it.

Everywhere, the discussion is the same. You have said it. I have said it. "They refuse to pass the torch." So, tonight we will discuss the Overthrow of the Old Guard and how we snatch power from those who are hoarding it. Join us at 9pm EST. You can take part online or by calling: 724.444.7444 and entering Call ID: 17254.

The stalwarts of the Movement have been holding onto power...serving their own interests and preventing progress. In his book, The True Believer, Eric Hoffer discusses the stages of leadership. He asserts that a Movement begins with the "Men of Words," moves to the "Fanatics," and concludes with the "Practical Men of Action."

The "Men of Words" would be those who subtly "undermines established institutions, discredits those in power, weakens prevailing beliefs and loyalties, and sets the stage for the rise of a mass movement." Every mass movement has been pioneered by poets, writers, and scholars (philosophers, historians and etc.). From the Black American - Civil Rights Movement - perspective, the era of the "Men of Words" is encapsulated in the Harlem Renaissance.

The rise of "Fanatics" came after this period. And, fanatics are those whose drive is to change the order of things. They seek to turn the status quo on its head. Culminating in the personages of Dr. King, Malcolm X, Kwame Ture, Huey Newton and others, these fanatics took the challenges of the "Men of Words" to the streets and shook the halls of power.

Mr. Hoffer states, "A movement is pioneered by men of words, materialized by fanatics and consolidated by men of action." He says that, "When the same person or persons...leads a movement from its inception to maturity, it usually ends in disaster." And, disaster is the current state of the Civil Rights Movement.

This is why reparations means overthrowing the Old Guard. Most of our Black Leadership has held positions of leadership for far too long. They have not - and are not - empowering anyone to take their place. And, the result is disaster for the Black Community. The result is that the gains made have ceded to rising disparities across the board.

Where are our Practical Men of Action? Mr. Hoffer states: "the man of action saves the movement from the suicidal dissensions...of the fanatics." Yet, the Movement has been marred by the dissensions of Men of Words jockeying for mainstream stature and position, at the expense of the people. He says, "With the appearance of the man of action the explosive vigor of the movement is embalmed and sealed in sanctified institutions." Yet, the Civil Rights Movement has established no institutions to unify our actions. And, this is why we are not ready for monetary reparations...and why monetary reparations would be a horrible idea. With no institutions, where would the money go? And, if the money came who would control it? So, again, where are our Practical Men of Action?

Reparations means overthrowing the Old Guard. Only by doing away with the Old Guard will we see the institutions we need to promote self-reliance in the Black Community. Without our own institutions, we will forever be enslaved to Government institutions. Every other community has their own institutions. Asians share China Town. Jews have hospitals and schools and etc. They have networks of organizations that truly defend them, globally. We have HBCUs struggling to exist and drawing most of their support from the Government. We have an African Union that is powerless to stop the genocide in Darfur without external help. We have Black politicians who are more concerned for the self-interest and perpetuating their careers than standing for the interests of the Global Black Community.

In tonight's Reparative Talk, we will discuss the Overthrow of the Old Guard. Join us at 9pm EST. You can take part online or by calling: 724.444.7444 and entering Call ID: 17254.

It begins with us. As "Classic Mike" would say, we must start with the "Man in the Mirror." So, reparations means overthrowing the Old Guard because we will not see change as long as they are standing in the way. We must work to build the institutions that will support the independence of our people.

Come and Get Your Reparations!

Reparations Means Revisiting the "Talented Tenth" Theory

The Talented Tenth of the Negro race must be made leaders of thought and missionaries of culture among their people...The Negro race, like all other races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men. The Talented Tenth

For many years, I have had a bit of a problem with this so-called "Talented Tenth" theory. The premise is decent, yet the adage holds true: power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts - absolutely! That is the state of Black Leadership. By and large, they are our race's "exceptional men," and they have been made "leaders" among us (their people). What has proven extremely problematic and downright disturbing is the chaos into which they have led us.

Reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory because it is not all it is cracked-up to be. Our "exceptional men" have led us on a course to greater disparities in educational level, income level, access to health care, access to housing, political disfranchisement, and etc. They have turned their backs on the community, instead using their exceptional ability to stash $90K in their freezers and land positions at big energy lobbying firms. They have chosen to slam others of the community for the sake of book sales. They leave one academic plantation to teach at another.

So, where did this theory go awry? With integration came our demise. Now, I do not wish for forced segregation. But, there must be something for the people living together. First, the Bible says how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together. Second, look around: you will find a Jewish Community, a Hispanic Community (and within that a Salvadoran, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Bolivian, et al), a Chinese Community, an Italian Community, an Irish Community, a Russian Community and on and on and on...

Why is it that these other ethnic groups live together? Have they caught on to something that we have missed? Yes, we still have a Black Community. But, how many of the "Talented Tenth" live amongst their brethren? How many of our "exceptional men" still live amongst those this theory claims to uplift?

In the aforementioned communities, rich and poor Jews live together...rich and poor Hispanics live together...rich and poor Italians live together. And, together they help each other...together, their communities thrive. But, what about us?

This is why reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory. We have all the tools we need to uplift the Black Community. And if we revisit this "talented tenth" theory, we might be able to draw benefit from it. This is the mission of Simmonds Ballentine, LLC...to bring together the best and brightest of our race and provide exceptional (and culturally/historically conscious) service. What if we were to take the young bright minds of our people and engage them in economic and political empowerment? What if you bright and energetic Blacks join us in building the Community? Can you imagine what the Black Community would look like if your skills and talents were employed in nonprofit and business development in the Black Community? I think it would be beautiful.

But, the access to power that our education has afforded us has corrupted us. And, integration has aided that corruption. With the individualism of society, the "Best of this race" grew to become self-serving. Brother DuBois says, "If we make money the object of man-training, we shall develop money-makers but not necessarily men." Hmmmm....Maybe that's why the "best of our race" stashes money in the freezer?

Again, reparations means revisiting the "talented tenth" theory. We must begin to use our abilities for the benefit of the Community. We have to build our nonprofit organizations and strengthen our Black Businesses. We should provide them with service that helps them to be on par with their mainstream counterparts and become sources of economic and social empowerment for the Global Black Community. DuBois was correct: we do need education...we do need to empower those of our race who are successful in completing their educational pursuits. as he says, "The Talented Tenth of the Negro race must be made leaders of thought and missionaries of culture among their people...and Negro colleges must train men for it." The mainstream (White) educational system cannot do this work. Why? Because, we must empower them with a consciousness that deepens their commitment to the Cause of the Black Community.

If we redress the "talented tenth" theory, we can re-engage those of our race who have the knowledge to build the institutions needed for reparations. So, I hope you will look to the right and join a group. I hope you will download a flyer from our Google Group and promote the Cause. I hope you will engage in the discussion and recruit your friends. The Community is waiting on YOU!

Come and Get Your Reparations!