Who are the leaders of the African American movement today?

[bflydad]

I was prompted to ask this question after reading Reverend Rick's thread on Jackson and Duke Lax. There seems to be widespread agreement on this forum that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are not credible leaders of the African American movement today. So who is?

any thoughts on Oprah Winfrey?

 

[The Seeker]

I feel as if African Americans don't need a leader. Do the Hispanics, Asians, Jews, etc have leaders? Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton just love the spotlight and want to feel relevant in the post civil rights era. They really need to retire.

 

[bflydad]

While I don't know who it is, I do believe the Jews have several organizations that actively lobby for them (considering our policy regarding Israel I think this is very likely).

I also don't know if the Hispanics have one but I think they do need one. While I am not suggesting that all Hispanics are poor, there are large populations that could probably be benefited by having active leaders lobbying for them and bringing national attention to their situations. The only time we hear about Hispanics is when the conversation turns to illegal immigrants. I think the Hispanic population is probably suffering more than any other from gangs, single-parent families, and poverty (yes all related).

 

[Moey]

Why do we even need an african american movement theses days. What i think we need is and american movement. The same people who are fighting for equality are denying it to themselves by using that term.

 

[The Seeker]

Why do we even need an african american movement theses days. What i think we need is and american movement. The same people who are fighting for equality are denying it to themselves by using that term.

I happen to agree. Many of the problems facing black people are shared by people of other races (unemployment, homelessness, poor schools etc). All people who face these problems need to come together to fight for solutions regardless or race.

 

[Mercy Not Sacrifice]

I feel as if African Americans don't need a leader. Do the Hispanics, Asians, Jews, etc have leaders? Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton just love the spotlight and want to feel relevant in the post civil rights era. They really need to retire.

Very interesting point. Isn't unconditional complete reliance on "leaders" similar to the disturbing trend seen in cults and the Far Right?

I happen to agree. Many of the problems facing black people are shared by people of other races (unemployment, homelessness, poor schools etc). All people who face these problems need to come together to fight for solutions regardless or race.

Yeah, see, I've wondered this too. I don't know all of the solutions here, but I do think that finger-pointing (and let's be fair, it goes both ways) is not one of them.

 

[Moey]

Maybe we should start and American movement. Equality for all Americans.

 

[Mustard Seed]

I think you should have a "Poor American" movement and we (Canadians) should have a "Poor Canadian" movement.
Seriously, we live in a have and have-not society. If you really knew what your government was spending your money on....you would probably freak! I know I did.

 

[The Seeker]

I think you should have a "Poor American" movement and we (Canadians) should have a "Poor Canadian" movement.
Seriously, we live in a have and have-not society. If you really knew what your government was spending your money on....you would probably freak! I know I did.

I agree. The main problem is that poverty is seen by many to be an urban black problem when it really effects so many people of all races. How often do you hear about poverty that exists in some rural white communities? Unfortunately the prospects of the poor coming together is slim due to racist attitudes and ideological differences.

 

[lilithu]

I was prompted to ask this question after reading Reverend Rick's thread on Jackson and Duke Lax.

I don't even wanna know. :cover:

There seems to be widespread agreement on this forum that Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are not credible leaders of the African American movement today.

What do the opinions of this forum have to do with who is a credible leader in the African American community? Until very recently, there were almost no people of color on this forum (or at least very few who identify as such). I've seen a significant difference in just the last month or two. My point is, shouldn't it be the African American community that decides who is a credible leader?

any thoughts on Oprah Winfrey?

I love Oprah. :yes: We were speculating in my office whether, if Oprah ran for president, she could break both the color and gender barriers because she is so well loved.

But Oprah is smart enough to stay out of politics. For the things that she wants to accomplish, like her school(s) in South Africa, being in politics would only get in her way.

 

[lilithu]

I feel as if African Americans don't need a leader. Do the Hispanics, Asians, Jews, etc have leaders?

I feel they do. All of them/us do. But the leader need not necessarily be of the same race as the people he/she leads. Dr. King was not just an African American leader. He was a leader for all of us. JFK was not just a white leader. He was a leader for all of us.

We need a leader who can call us to our better natures, instead of preying on our fears.

Many of the problems facing black people are shared by people of other races (unemployment, homelessness, poor schools etc). All people who face these problems need to come together to fight for solutions regardless or race.

The problem is that when voices (ie - leaders) emerge that call us to do that, they get murdered.

Dr. King was murdered. JFK was murdered. Bobby was murdered. When Malcolm X started to talk about transcending racial hatred and bringing people together, he was murdered.

 

[Moey]

Dr. King was murdered. JFK was murdered. Bobby was murdered. When Malcolm X started to talk about transcending racial hatred and bringing people together, he was murdered.

Then perhaps what the people need is not one leader but for all those who feel the same about equality to stand up together.

 

[Ciscokid]

I feel they do. All of them/us do. But the leader need not necessarily be of the same race as the people he/she leads. Dr. King was not just an African American leader. He was a leader for all of us. JFK was not just a white leader. He was a leader for all of us.

This is one of the best statements I've read on this issue. Dr. King was the ultimate leader and it's a darn shame he was killed...his message was so pure. He wasn't full of hate or self pity, he simply wanted to see a country where we all accepted each other based on our character and not our skin color, religious preference etc.

P.S. Lilithu I must have given you frubals in the recent past because I can't do it again...that's so wierd...I agreed with you twice in one month!!

 

[Mercy Not Sacrifice]

I think you should have a "Poor American" movement and we (Canadians) should have a "Poor Canadian" movement.
Seriously, we live in a have and have-not society. If you really knew what your government was spending your money on....you would probably freak! I know I did.

Interesting. What specific spending items are you referring to?

This is one of the best statements I've read on this issue. Dr. King was the ultimate leader and it's a darn shame he was killed...his message was so pure. He wasn't full of hate or self pity, he simply wanted to see a country where we all accepted each other based on our character and not our skin color, religious preference etc.

P.S. Lilithu I must have given you frubals in the recent past because I can't do it again...that's so wierd...I agreed with you twice in one month!!

Yeah.