The whole idea of MidTerm elections and the need to get out the vote to save America as we know it, has provided tremendous insight into just how much Black people in America have been conditioned. The term “Black People” refers to African people living here among us as well as to African Americans who are mostly Black, although some claim to be everything but Black. Among these are those who call themselves Afro-Latina, Afro-Asian or many of those who are partially Caucasian in appearance, but still considered Black, even if they don’t want to be so identified.
This topic is important because of the many labels emerging among us, such as a “Black Think Tank”, which most of us have no idea of who those persons are supposed to be in relation to the rest of us. Now, in a country with First Amendment Freedom of Speech and expression, it’s okay to call ourselves whatever we choose. The problem comes when we begin to suggest that our thoughts and speech represent the rest of us.
This issue is not just common to San Diego County or persons in the State of California speaking as though they represent all of us. It’s okay that as many as possible are speaking out against the threat that all of us are facing if this MidTerm election does not bring the needed change in elected office holders at all levels. Many of us are uniting on behalf of that change with people voting who have not voted before. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we went a step further and truly continued the conversation beyond the MidTerm election; having dialogue and really listening to one another and learning about what the other person is actually facing.
Simple conversation would help prevent multiple Black organizations holding their events and activities on the same day and hour, forcing those who would want to support multiple groups to choose when simple planning and conversation would make it possible for all to support each other. How can we continue to call for “Unity” when the very people making the call fail to talk to everyone before making such a call?
Bottom line, if those who would wish to fractionalize us in order to pursue their agenda can quietly watch us continue to separate ourselves, why should they do anything but wait for us to make their jobs easier.
If we as Black people, living in San Diego County, join forces with our African brothers and sisters through more conversation and interaction,
how much more powerful do we become in our vocal and economic efforts.
If we focus our votes and our dollars beyond the MidTerm elections, we can become a permanent voice for change and not just at election time.
Let’s not forget our religious leaders, who all too often don’t talk to people outside their congregations and groups of influence. Until we can embrace what’s suggested here for true unity, everything else is just hot air.
