Well, it’s about that time again. It's time to call a few Negroes out. This time, the focus is on the spotlight Negro. You know the kind. Everyone knows this type of Negro by name, because he or she has been in the evening news a few times, or had his or her picture in the local paper a couple of times or voice broadcasted across radio waves. Now the spotlight Negro manages to do some good sometimes. They may use their fame to call attention to some issues that really need to be addressed, or lend their name to a fundraising event, if the publicity is good enough. But, I have to tell you, my biggest problem with spotlight Negroes is just that…they always want to be in the spotlight, and if they do not headline the show, rather than be a team player, they tend to take their kickball and go home.
Here’s a message for all the spotlight Negroes out there. IT AIN’T ALL ABOUT YOU. I have encountered a few spotlight Negroes on my life journey. Now, I find it interesting that one on one, they are very different, almost humble at times. But, if anyone is in listening range, it seems that the verbal masturbation is in full force. Spotlight Negroes like to boast and brag about what “they” have done and what “they” are doing. It’s nothing wrong with tooting your horn every now and then, especially if what you are boasting about is factual. A number of spotlight Negroes even have “fans” or a “following,” simply because they are in the spotlight. However, some spotlight Negroes are so arrogant, they believe that no venture can be successful without their stamp of approval, or their name attached to it. Some spotlight Negroes will even go so far as to denounce something positive going on in the community, if they are not among the line leaders, and bad mouth the individuals or organizations who have elected to work together on a major project.
I have met a few spotlight Negroes who have convinced themselves that they have been the springboards for many successful endeavors, which ironically they were not even involved in. Some even have the nerve to suggest that their ideas were “stolen.” Negroes who find themselves in the spotlight ought to remember the fate of many of our great leaders, who were also in the spotlight. The spotlight can be a dangerous place, but it can also be a place of positive change. Spotlight Negroes can move forward and become spotlight Africans, using their platform in the spotlight to uplift, educate and positively impact the people, regardless of whether or not their name is in bold-faced type. Those activists who do the work for the good of the people fully understand it ain’t about them, but know it’s all about us. We do not seek fame or fortune. We just do the work because we are suppose to.
Remember the Ashanti proverb, “True power comes through cooperation and silence” and never forget, Aluta Continua, the struggle continues.