Liberian Literary Magazine Promoting Liberian literature, Arts and Culture
Black America did more than just built America. They were the engine that churned the darn concept of the great nation. Had it halted, America would not be as we know it today.
So yes, black history is not just embedded in American history, black America’ s story is the story of America, minus one major part, the riches … it has been a rags to rags for black America and dashing us one month is supposed to appease us or make us content?;
Equally, it is foolish to feel owed by America when we can’ t address our own issues within our communities. America is there for the taking, African immigrants have shown that despite systemic hindrances, America can still be a rag-to-riches reality.
These people immigrate not factoring in welfare, not expecting hand-outs or reparations. They go the America with a focused goal of making the system work for them.
Unfortunately, their African American kin find reasons to dislike and whine at them. They feel these guys are placing an extra burden on us; they are forcing us to work harder, forcing us to take up responsibilities we would rather not take.
Until they can realize that they are owed nothing by the system and nothing will change by whining and furthering a tough guy stereotype, there’ s a long way of nothingness ahead for the community. It’ s a road stretched out into nowhere.
Random Thoughts
Religion. Uhm. Where do I start? A bulk of black America’ s problems start here, are groomed here; grow here; are fertilized here. We often hear of churches on almost every corner. The church is one of the greatest pimps in black America. From the low down street scam preacher to the sophisticated, smooth talking fancy car driving one. They take away from the poor and support a lavish life style. They peddle God for peanuts. But the poor does not feel it because it comes out in little bitty amounts; pinches. They overshadow the ones that are doing any meaningful work. They make them seem dull and outdated.
But why blame these guys? They are true hustlers who have found new ways to expand their hustles. I respect the creativity. And if one is foolish enough to be bought, then sell folks. That is my general approach. It may seem harsh but in an age of so much information and awareness, if one allows oneself to be had, why not let them be had? Eventually, they would realize they are fair games and change. Granted that may be late for some but one thing I know is that education only occurs when a learner is willing. Even with an unwilling tutor, a willing learner can learn something.
Until black churches can start doing the basic things to improve, we are set to dwindle herein this limbo. For example, instead of loading a church gather table full of pork, bacon, ham, fried chicken, collard grains and split peas and corn bread and gravy [ lawd knows I loves me some them things up yonder, but knowledge now abound to the harm most of them can do. One can’ t expect to eat all that-after downing pitchers of punches [ what I refer to as sugar water ] and walk away freely. There is bound to be consequences. They should focus on healthy eating and exercises. They should make conscious effort to provide healthy food.
Oops, I guess the Lawd will make a way when the members are diabetic. Or He will melt the fat away …. We now know better so let’ s us act better
Muslim clerics need to address the issues of women rights in their communities. They can’ t afford to subscribe to parts of the Koran that could be interpreted to subject women into modern slavery. At least it is safe to say the good prophet did not intend such.
You can’ t be fighting for your brothers’ rights and denying same to your wives and sisters and daughters. How does that figure?
Black Muslims need to realize that a militant approach, no matter how appealing, can only go so far. One must admit, the holding hands Cumbaya King’ s approach isn’ t entirely working out well. The solution to black America’ s problem must be a mixture of things tried and untried. No one route is the panacea. Until known / unknown avenues are explored, things will remain.
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