There are times when each of us should take leave of ‘self’ in order to truly see. Our lives do have purpose even if we know not the purpose. Have a useful, purposeful, and committed 2014 New Year.
In my thirst to learn and grow, I listen to what people say and I hear some things that are unsaid by others. I see that which is oft-times unseen and I tap into my ancestors for overstanding. I allow myself to hear and feel as I welcome and seek the wisdom that comes with Black consciousness.
We who are Black must be grounded in who we are. The trappings of temptation abound and many of us wake up one night to discover that we, too, are lost in lascivious lifestyles that are void of purpose and commitment – void of Blackness.
Do not idolize or put on a pedestal any man, woman, or child. None of us is perfect. We are human and we are all capable of doing wrong and making mistakes. Some of our mistakes and wrongs afford us and others additional opportunities to learn and grow.
Material possessions do not make any of us better than others. Attributes that matter include involvement in and supporting us who give of ourselves for the betterment of future generations.
We who are Black must look at accountability and we must keep it relevant to who we ‘really’ are and what we should be about…. Excuses and apologies are not attractive; we must ‘keep it real’!
Offers to compromise our Blackness and to sell-out our fellow Blacks have been around for a long time. The lures include money, sex, drugs, the facade of power, authority, stardom, celebrity status, a ‘position’ – you name it, the lures are plentiful. Know that temptation can be a very powerful magnet.
So, we who are Black must be aware. We must periodically give ourselves a self-constructed litmus test. We must not get so caught up in ourselves that we become arrogant and think we are above temptation. Strength demands awareness. And, we must remember that ‘as long as there is breath, there is hope’. We must love each other in spite of our mistakes. Again, ‘as long as there is breath, there is hope’. Undying Love for Black People!
My litmus test measures who I am. And, it measures how far I have – or have not — progressed along the line of Black commitment. As pointed out in an earlier post: ‘many are called, few are chosen’…. I truly believe that I was ‘chosen’ and my life had — and continues to have — ‘purpose’.
I am in awe at the force that brought the likes of Marion Barry, Rev. David Eaton, Stokely ‘Black Power’ Carmichael (lka Kwame Ture), KoKo Hughes, Chuck Stone, Francis Welsing, Calvin Rolark, Betty Diggs, myself, and so many others together in DC during the 1960s. Our commitment and work ignited a ‘Black’ force that reverberated throughout the world. So many things were accomplished and we truly did ‘raise the bar’. Many many people have benefitted as a result of the things we did and the actions that we took to bring about real change for Black people and all people.
In remembering the past, I think about Martin (Dr. King) and his ‘side’ trip to DC to speak with some of us before he returned to Memphis. I think about Martin’s words – which I recorded — questioning whether or not White folk, in fact, had a conscience. I think about the fact that Martin and I both knew that he would likely never return from Memphis and I remember that he was okay with whatever the future held for him. I remember our talk and I remember that the ‘word’ was out that Martin would be killed if he returned to Memphis….
There are a lot of stories yet to be told. Fact is, however, most of the stories from the 1960s and 1970s Black Movement will remain untold….
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