Plight and promise of African-Americans through the prism of 50s, 60s and 70s America.
Much has changed. In those days, majority meant white and minority meant black. Today, Hispanics are a bigger minority than blacks. In the next 4-5 decades Asians may outnumber blacks and whites will be in a minority when compared with all other minorities combined. There is a tremendous diversity among minority groupings we call Hispanics or Asians, by country of origin, religion, color of their skin, language of their ancestors, choice of their politics, levels of education; income and wealth, and their attitude toward whites, blacks and other minorities. There are differences even among African-Americans, those who have been here generationally and new arrivals from Haiti, Caribbean countries and various African countries. These changes have changed the political dynamics and politicians' focus including that of President Obama. The old arguments, old ways of thinking, old ways of addressing disparity that still exists will not work in this new and evolving America. 'Research in African American Studies' needs a new context. Solutions to address remaining racial biases and disparities in incomes, wealth and education have to be developed in this new context. Indeed, African Americans have the opportunity to redefine their role and place in this newly evolving America. Don't look at Obama to do that.
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Saturday, December 22nd 2012 at 8:04PM
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