A few thoughts on the politics of "blackness"

Just a quick couple of thoughts to "get the bull rolling," as Boortz would say.

I attended a forum on "Replenishing, Repositioning, and Reclaiming African American Males" last night. On a good note, I was one of the few white people there, which tells me that the work to be done is being undertaken by those most affected. And judging from the speeches and the rhetoric of the evening, African American males are serious about saving their next generation. Thank God! Let's see if words translate into action.

I especially enjoyed a lengthy, although captivating lecture, by a hip hop artist, Killa Mike aka Mike Bigga. He made a lot of sense and clearly doesn't live the rap culture stereotype of denigrating his people. He quickly pointed out, however, that rappers rap about things that the community cares about - drugs, big booties and sex, as opposed to education, legit careers and family life. He called out the adults to look after the kids in the proper way, not defer to the thugs and gangstas. I could definitely hang with this guy. He's got major props in my book.

Also on the program, newly elected mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed, is really starting to grow on me. I'll be honest - when he first started campaigning, I thought, "Typical politician ... so the system of black political patronage continues in the city of Atlanta." But the more I hear him, the more I believe in his sincerity and conviction. He certainly has a tough job, overcoming the corruption and mismanagement of the past. He seems tough enough to confront the issues, though. As long as he stays above the fray and doesn't surround himself with cronies, but with people who have integrity and care about doing the right thing, he should do well. (I could insert a rant about Obama here, but I'll save that for another post.)

Congressman John Lewis also spoke. He is inspiring. His story should be a message to 15 year old black males everywhere. Actually, his story should be a message to all people - standing up for your convictions, willing to lay it all down - including your life, if necessary - to do the right thing. Here is a man who lives by his belief in nonviolence and does so much to further that cause. What I would like to know is when "can't we all just get along" will transcend petty politics?

The saddest note of the night is that I was one of very few white people there. As far as being an odd ball, that didn't bother me at all. I've been grossly outnumbered more times than I can count. I guess I don't see myself the way others do. What I felt was that I cared enough to be there. I should not be deprived of the opportunity. I'm married to an African American male, my son is an African American male. Many of my soccer kids are African American males. I love them and care deeply about what happens to them and want so much better for them than the gigantic odds that would put them in a cemetery or prison before putting them in a college classroom.

Are there not other white people who care? Or does the African American community not want it to be a collective problem to be solved collectively? I hope that neither are the case.