On Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 9:00 p.m. EST, I plan on focusing this discussion about being black in America on the one topic that usually doesn't receive a lot of attention. During my weekly "FIRM...but fair" talk show (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/firmbutfair/), I will be asking black parents what they are doing today to enrich our black children's lives. I, for one, am growing tired of so much emphasis being placed on factors outside of our control. I would like to see us black Americans finally succeed in restoring our families to their "wild or natural" states.
This "wild or natural state" was first referenced in Willie Lynch's writings. He said we Blacks are no good in our "wild or natural state" because of our natural string of independence. As you all know, Lynch's divide and conquer methods prompted our enslaved ancestors to depend on white Americans for food, shelter and clothing; deny their obligation to take care of themselves. But Willie Lynch has been dead for over three centuries now. When are we going to wake up, realize that we control both destination and destiny?
But controlling our destination, our destiny, means we black adults must enrich black children's lives. They are the only individuals on this planet that can move our group to a more prominent position in the global village. Right now, we have been relegated to the margins, not the mainstream. And if this kind of treatment continues, another generation of black Americans will have gone through life with low standards. Many of us Blacks prefer mediocrity over excellence.
So many of our youths are growing up thinking white America owes them something. They are right in assuming that white America owes them and their ancestors an apology, but they shouldn't go through life expecting 40 acres and a mule. They should be leading purposeful lives. They should be driven to thrive so being black in America will be a much easier endeavor for future generations.
Join me on Sunday, August 10th at 9:00 p.m. at
www.blogtalkradio.com/firmbutfair as I try to uncover those best practices that black parents are employing today to enrich black children's lives. Bring paper and pencil because you are certain to learn something new that you can use with your own children, as well as those frequenting your community centers and churches.
The guest call-in number is (646) 716-5918.
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Copyright 2008 Jeffery A. Faulkerson. All rights reserved.
Posted By: J. A. Faulkerson
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 at 3:02PM
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