Moving Forward with Dialogue
On Monday, I attended a panel discussion sponsored by Institute of the Black World 21st Century Forum which included community leaders, activists, scholars and politicians on the growing debate on race in our country at Busboys and Poets here in Washington, DC.
In recent months, we have seen many incidents that have brought the issue of race to the forefront in recent months:
- Earlier this year, we saw the media controversy over the statements made by Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright.
- That event led to a speech on race by Senator Barack Obama.
- Obama’s speech led to Dr. Wright’s speech and press conference here in Washington, DC.
- Dr. Wright’s speech and press conference led to Senator Obama’s disavowal of Dr. Wright.
- A July 16th New York Times poll on race in America that indicates that Obama “isn’t closing the divide on race.”
- The program, “CNN and Essence Special — Reclaiming the Dream”, July 18-19th
- The National Conference on Race and Reconciliation in America convened at the National Press Club, July 24-25th by Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen (who is white/Jewish) and his wife (who is black), Janet Langhart Cohen.
- And of course CNN’s much discussed,
“In other words, this show was intended for non-blacks to learn about black people.”
I agree. Everyone is so critical to the documentary (and it was somethings that they could have addressed before others…like HBCU graduations) but we have to understand that this documentary wasn’t designed for the “conscious” Black folks.
It was designed so that people outside of Black America (and some unconscious Black Americans) could see a more positive side of Black America. Instead of the rappers, drug dealers, and steller stars that represent Black America to most of the world…lets see some examples of the diversity of Black America…the good and the bad. Unfortunately, its hard to portray the true image in a 4 hour documentary.
What do you think about the House Resolution apologizing to African-Americans?
I know, I thought I dreamed I heard that on TV this morning; I guess I didn’t.
Tariq:
If everyone who talked about these issues would actually attempt to do something
I think it shows how far this country has come and how there is a willingness to admit when it is wrong. There were many other countries that were involved in the slave trade (including many that point their self righteous finger at the US) that have not apologized at all and to this day think they have done nohting wrong. I would even go as far as to say that when the “coast is clear” they will go back to the practice. The slavery in these countries was very brutal and they took young African boys, castrated them and made them into eunuchs
We still have yet to see an apology from them for this brutality. So I applaud the US for admitting its crimes
If this type of action can go “viral” then we can make some real progress in the black community
As salamu ‘alaikum,
Again, another excellent post! Your summary at the end essentially sums it up Tariq. I don’t think that we can continue to view the issues of African Americans through the lens of race. As long as we continue to view race through the lens of race then we will have a limited view. Here, I turn to the late efforts of El-Hajj, Dr. King and now Dr. Cornell West in moving to a “prophetic” model and standard. To place these issues into the light of ethics, morals and values and to call people to their Adamic nature.
Allah (swt) has honored the human being and until we hold ourselves to the prophetic standard and uphold our station as humans then we are handicapping ourselves. To take the “Black” issue and place it in this context, I think, will have the most lasting effects. Our issues are human issues. Every race, ethnicity, people and nation has their problems. You don’t think white folks have issues? They are some of biggest alcholics, drug abusers, rapist etc. Obviously it’s not exploited in the way that crimes amongsts AfAm are but that doesn’t mean it’s non-existent or even less in quality or quantity. The point here is that our [AfAm] issues are human issues and they require “human” solutions not race-centric solutions.
This is the direction that these dialogues and discussions need to go. This is why we have seen the move to take the Slavery case to the UN as a “human rights violation”. Quite honestly, I have gotten to the point where I really believe that white people more than any other have a stake in coming into our communities and working to help and find solutions. I don’t see it as a “black thing” or something “we” have to fix. We are all in the same boat. We either float or perish together.
…and Allah knows best…
P.S.
I second your comments on the House Resolution. I’m sure many will say it’s superficial but the acknowledgement itself, to me, is a step forward in healing the wounds. African Americans should put this in a good light and use as a means of growth instead of being cynical and pessimistic.
Yes! Actions speak louder than words…the same applies to the African-American community….and the same applies to the House and the government!
Salaam’Alaikum
@ Brother Abuhunain
If you have time check out the blog A Singular Voice by Abdur Rahman, I’d like to hear your opinions on my comments.
Salaam Mary Ann
P.S. Tariq has his link under D.C. bloggers
I can say, as a historian, I’m tired of hearing the historical legacy of slavery as the root of all our problems. It’s clear that inaction is the motor that keeps these problems going, its constant blame without looking and trying out solutions. It will be hard, no doubt, but I believe that we can make a difference. I’m all for putting efforts into effective projects. I’ll leave the talking for in the classroom.
Interesting article by a Black conservative
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/LarryElder/2008/07/31/a_black_conservative_lament
ASA, just wanted to let you know about the MAN boards
http://cybermessageboard.fatcow.com/ummah1/index.php
Thanks for blogging about the panel. Looks like your post has spurred lots of great discussion!
Be sure to join us for more events!
Best,
Busboys