SOBER THOUGHTS

Who are the black “leaders” in your community?   Hard to tell?  

             Do you remember the time when no one had any doubts when it came to identifying who the leadership was in the African American communities? 
            Whenever a politician wanted to get elected, he was sure to make his way to the “black leaders” to get his/her endorsement; because he knew that with the endorsement of the “black community leader(s)” he was sure to capture the black vote.

             But, my, how things have changed!  Back in the day it was unmistakeable.  The black leader(s) were those who had no reservations whatsoever, about challenging the status quo, or speaking out on issues that adversely affected the black communities; they were visible in all matters where black people were being systematically excluded.  The black leader was the person (or persons)  was most likely to understand the politics of the community, and know how to manage the African-American community in racially charged situations.  
            They were visible in the education arena, the political arena, and vocal in the religious community. They were both visible and vocal at City Council meetings; County Commission meetings and any other meetings where the proceedings were likely to result in the interest of the black communities being ignored or disregarded.   They were in tune and in touch with a cross-section of the people in their communities, and whenever they spoke, they could rightfully claim to be acting as the “spokespersons” for the black community.  In most instances, they were involved in a larger infrastructure, such as an International, National or State organization, where they received intensive and focused training on the intricate workings of the political system, and became very proficient in working through the machinery of local politics.  

             The black leader could be depended on to have such a high level of commitment to the interest of the black constituent that nothing could sway it.  He was well-versed and thoroughly indoctrinated on the issues that adversely affected the whole community…young and old, rich or poor, male, female. 
            In recent years, there has been a such an evolution in that trend, however, until today, we can hardly distinguish black leadership from anybody else in the community. Ask yourself, who are the black leaders in your community?   Can you identify them?  Many individuals see leaders in a different light from prior years:  Some of us look at black business people as community leaders: others regard ministers as community leaders; still, there are many blacks serving in official positions in city or county government – and they are often referred to as leaders.  As African-Americans, however, we have to ask ourselves, what are these so-called leaders doing in the interest of the continuation of black progress in our communities?   Unless they are actively and aggressively engaged in speaking out and pursuing justice on the real hard-core issues that affect us, they can hardly be thought of as black community leaders.  Throughout our various communities, we have ministers whom the church congregations appoint to pastor their churches.  Often times these pastors are commuting into a community for one or two days out of the week, to fulfill their pastoral responsibilities, and then they commute back to their home communities, where they spend most of their time.

           What interest do these itinerant pastors have in an alien community? Although they may be well-prepared to pastor their churches, and lead bible studies, deliver sermons, to minister and evangelize, they hardly understand local politics in a community where they don’t reside.  Many of them are called to pastor, and never even make the effort to get to know who the black community leaders are.  They come in, they pastor, and they leave.  They can’t tell you anything about the demographics or the politics of the community and most, probably don’t even care.  
            By the same token, there are many black individuals serving in official positions in city or county government.  While most of these positions are elected, a few of them are appointed.  But, in many cases, they are becoming just like the white politicians, and you only see or hear from them when it’s time to get re-elected.  When it comes to the hard core issues that affect our community, they, too are silent.  These are not leaders.  

           According to The University Of Virginia’s Institute For Public History, “Fifty years ago de jure segregation ended in the United States. Many African-Americans have risen to positions of leadership. Yet, the color line is still present in American society.           The Institute then goes on to ask the following questions:  “What criteria led to the success of contemporary African-American leaders? What vision guided their work? How do people become leaders, and what qualities contribute to their effectiveness? How can society foster the type of leaders needed for the future?”

           I define true black community leaders as creative individuals who have clear priorities on African American Empowerment to improve their own lives and to expand their opportunities to participate fully in American social, economic, and political life; and who are willing to serve as effective advocates of public policies programs and behaviors that can place all of the above within the realm of the possible.

           Does your community have an active chapter of the NAACP?  If so, do you even know who the President is?  Are you a member of the NAACP — in good standing?   Other than to criticize the NAACP or other civil rights orgs, do you understand its focus,  mission and methods?  What about the SCLC?  Do you even have a clue?  If you live in Alabama, are you a member of your black political caucus?  The Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC), or the New South Coalition?   If in West Georgia, are you involved in the Voter’s League?   Do you actively participate in any civic events?  At this point in time, there is a serious need for every community to cultivate and groom well-versed and well-grounded strong black leaders. From my perspective, they are becoming an endangered species.  Will you become the next black community leader?

Copyright 2006 by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
This article was composed and written by Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson, and appeared in the April 7, edition of The People’s Voice African American Weekly News (www.peoplesvoiceonline.com).   This article may be reprinted with permission from the author:
Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson
email:  caclarkfrieson@msn.com
322 Wilkie Clark Drive
Roanoke, Alabama 36274
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