Quick! Name three real Black leaders in your community. I don’t mean someone who has a title to simply imply they are a leader, but someone who has demonstrated publicly, while other folk are watching, that they are committed leaders in and for the Black community. Now be careful not to name those folk who simply talk loud and say nothing, but look for those whose actions speak much louder than any words.
I suppose for some this might be difficult, because there are some of us who really have no idea of what a real leader is, and what a real leader is suppose to do. Most of us believe that ministers are leaders in the community, as historically we have bestowed this title on them. We also believe that our elected local Black politicians are leaders, but we need to be critical in our thinking and really look at what these appointed and elected folk are doing, or are not doing, in and for the Black community. Now if your pastor is only committed to the congregation that pays the note on his or her car and home, this can clearly be defined as the “leader of flock”, but not the leader of the block. If your elected black official fails to hold regular town hall meeting in his or her district, and neglects to keep the folk who got them in office up to date on issues that would affect them, this certainly cannot be defined as being a “real” leader. When I look around my local community, I see little real Black leadership in folk with titles. No doubt that many in what is considered to be the “religious community” would disagree, especially those whose pastors’ face is plastered on billboards across town. Although I do see real leadership in brothers like Minister Jeffrey Muhammad, Rev. L. Charles Stovall, and Rev. Michael Bell in Ft. Worth. I would suggest the same regarding Black politicians, many who have likely become comfortable in their “positions” and may have just gotten tired of fighting, or may have been bought or sold out to keep quiet on certain issues. I have however, seen real black leadership among the common, working class because I firmly believe that real Black leadership is found in the root of the grass. Those brothers and sisters who give freely of themselves, their time, their resources, their ideas, without seeking fame, recognition or payment, are the real black leaders. Those who simply do the right by the people, like Erykah Badu, who speak out and stand when others are afraid, like Bro. Fred Ghaffar, who often end up making personal sacrifices, like Mrs. Murdine Berry, are the real black leaders in my community. So quick! Name three real Black leaders in your community. Remember,“Actions speak louder than words”, and never forget, “Aluta Continua”, the struggle continues, for the good of the people.