Speak, Sistah, Speak! By Dr. Safisha Nzingha Hill Adeleke

You are certainly familiar with the saying, but have you ever taken out the time to watch the birds of a feather, flocking together? It's really quite amazing and if we pay close attention, we might actually learn a life lesson or two.

You see, these birds, these black birds, you know the ones that seem to gather in one place all at the same time of day every day; seem to have some type of strategic plan. They come out of nowhere and in mass numbers. These birds who are flocking together seem to be very organized. They seem to move on key and in unison. Some of us, especially folk who saw the old black and white movie, “The Birds,” might get a little eerie feeling when we see these black birds of a feather flocking together, thinking that they may launch an attack against us. (Hmmmmm)

As humans we assume that there must be a leader, and as black folk we still allow white media to “appoint” black leaders, but if you pay close attention to these black birds flocking together, you cannot determine who the leader or leaders are. You cannot even distinguish the males from the females (although they can). They all look alike. There are not some with a red crown on their head, or different color feathers to set them apart from the others.

Ever watch them flying in formation? Ever notice when one moves a little slow a couple of the others fall back until the slow bird recovers, then they all join the flock once again? Have you ever seen them perched on power lines as if they are in a military stance, where one or two sit on one set of lines, and a group of others sit on the line running parallel, as if they are warriors out to defeat the enemy? It's also interesting to watch them on the ground as they search for food. If you really pay close attention, you will notice that while some have their heads down looking for food, there are others who seem to be keeping watch. They seem to have a strong sense of trust.

For those “ready” brothas and sistas who have made the commitment to be a part of the movement of a million, we must be like the birds of a feather. We must come from everywhere in mass numbers. We must be on key and in unison, and understand that there are other folks (black folk included) who will see us united and fear us (just as some folk fear the Nation of Islam and the New Black Panther Party simply, because they see organized and united brothas and sistas who do not seek permission to be). We must understand that we are all expected to lead the masses and realize that we do not have to be in the spotlight to do so. It is imperative that we maintain our focus of formation and order, and that we watch out for one another. It is imperative to flock together in order to build and strengthen our world's communities.

Remember the positive significance of the phrase, “birds of a feather, flock together,” and never forget, Aluta Continua…the struggle continues.