Jackson Free Press

Wih so much talk this month about race relations and how far society has come with dealing with the issue of race, I am reminded of a quote I heard some time ago: "In order for blacks to be involved with racial unity, there has to be black unity."

Is that true? Does the black race have to come to grips with its own problems and lack of direction before it can achieve anything further?

Let me know what you think.

Previous Commentsshow

To add another question, how would y'all define "black unity"?

DonnaLadd

Feb 14 2006

Donna, To be black unity to me means that you don't have to wear your pants hanging off your backside or buy "white tees" that are four sixes too big to fill like you belong. Black unity means that I don't have to brag about how many "hos" I have gone to bed with and how many dollars I had to throw at her to do it. Black unity would be that I can be accepted because I dare to think for myself and not having to worry about those who just happen to share a shade of my skin complexion talking about my being soft and out of touch because I don't brag about who I've fought or killed or may pronounce my words the grammatically correct way. I respect all different types of people, no matter what their color or personal beliefs. I am just surprised that others don't do the same. Maybe I didn't grow up in the "hood", but I did grow up in a nieghborhood (hood) and dealt with my own challenges. It's just time for us as a HUMAN race to wake up to this. It's not cool to fall in line with stereotypes that don't become. The only cool thing is to use the God-given freewill that we all have.

c a webb

Feb 14 2006

in my opinion,until we as people know who we are in Christ then we are all just wanderers on this earth doing what "we" think we should be doing. the world is bigger than black& white,we as people need to tranform our way of thinking before,we can ever have unity,let alone "black unity". we need to come together on a common level which is PEOPLE, many people regardless of color are in need,& race shoudnt play a factor in helping each other.question to consider, if we all keep pointing the finger at each other, who we will be the bigger man & stand up to make a change?

Deneka

Feb 14 2006

Deneka, I think that is the whole point. We can't point the finger at others if we have examined ourselves. Thus, my question about the unity. I can agree that we are all God's children. The Bible makes that clear. But we are not to a point that as PEOPLE we can fully fathom that, so we have to start on a level that people can fathom. Don't get me wrong, I live my life as a young man. Not a black man. But when people see me---before a conversation is had or a reasonable assessment can be made, I am seen as a black man. The same is true of how some blacks see whites. But it has to start with real leadership. A standing up, as you pointed out. If that doesn't happen, blacks---who for so long were said and thought to be nothing--- will live up to that. And we will have only ourselves to blame.

c a webb

Feb 14 2006

Some Black folks aren't Christians- y'all including them in the "unity"?

urbangypsy

Feb 14 2006

Correction,we are all created by God,but we are not all God's children. you are right,when you say we will only have ourselves to blame,in my opinion black people have always been "handicapped" by many people who allow them to live by that mentality,that they are"black men" when "you" start to see yourself as whoever you desire to be than people will have no choice but to see you differently...it would be a change that they cant quite put their finger on but, they will notice a change.in order for anyone to think better about "us" we have to first think better about ourselves. we have to stop looking for people to encourage us to do better,or make a change, we have to learn to encourage& want better for ourselves regardless of your race,but especially "black men".

Deneka

Feb 14 2006

urbangypsy, to me its not about religious affiliation. it's about gaining a common ground culturally before while at the same time trying to do the same globally. I mentioned the bible in my last post because Deneka brought up the fact that we Christians follow the example of Christ.

c a webb

Feb 14 2006

Deneka writes: "in order for anyone to think better about "us" we have to first think better about ourselves. we have to stop looking for people to encourage us to do better,or make a change, we have to learn to encourage& want better for ourselves regardless of your race,but especially "black men". Deneka, again, I couldn't agree more. Again, exactly what my point is.

c a webb

Feb 14 2006

Hello, can I comment on this blog? I am from Atlanta but horn in regualry as I was born and raised in Jackson and visit several times a year. It might be a good perspective or you can tell me to bug off...also I am a white guy. But so is LADD...........

ATLExile

Feb 14 2006

ATLExile, Feel free to chime in on any of our topics here. It doesn't matter about the race---- which is I think the overall consensus of this thread. Would love to hear what you have to say.

c a webb

Feb 14 2006

Agreed with C.A., ATL. If there is anything the JFP is about, it's mixing it up, and all our bloggers are united on that point. And, for the record, LADD is not a white guy. ;-D

DonnaLadd

Feb 14 2006

I know that I just wanted to see if I could get a smack..........

ATLExile

Feb 14 2006

To me, the foundation of black unity is getting rid of self-hatred among us. Light-skinned vs. dark-skinned, good hair vs. bad hair, and all the other superficial garbage. I hate it when people say they will only date a "redbone" or that our hair is too "nappy" to wear naturally. (Yeah, I went there.) We have to learn to accept how God made us before we can accept each other.

LatashaWillis

Feb 15 2006

L.W., wonderful point.

c a webb

Feb 15 2006

Black Businesses? Another hot button issue. I recently did an article for the Mississsippi Link that talked about how we use local businesses to support the arts. That to me surely displays unity, as does supporting ANY local business. One criticism, though, of minority-known businesses is that they are hard to find out about because of little or no advertising or in areas where people may not feel comfortable traveling. I have to say that I love Collins Kitchen on Terry Road... but have never felt comfortable going there alone because I didn't feel comfortable in the area. Comments on this aspect of unity among minorities?

c a webb

Feb 15 2006

Black businesses - a touchy issue for sure. I know someone who refuses to go to a black business for home improvement or car repair because of past bad experiences. I explained to her that she needs to avoid "shadetree" mechanics and the like, but her mind is made up. Sad thing is, she's black. There was another incident where someone I know who went to a local auto shop to have air put in her tire, and the guy charged her a dollar. We both thought that was odd since other shops have done this for free. It's little things like this that turn people off, but I don't think we should let the actions of a few affect how we feel about all black businesses. What if I start my own business one day? I don't want to be prejudged, so I'm not going to prejudge anyone else.

LatashaWillis

Feb 15 2006

L.W., I can see the points made in your post. I have criticized by some blacks for comments that I make. But I have never been that conscious of it. One time a close friend was offended by a comment I made when going to a locally known business. There were at least six young guys standing in front of the establishment just "shooting the breeze" at 8p.m. I told him I wasn't getting out of the car because they were out there. To me they looked suspicious. My point is, one thing any business owner has to do--- but especially minorities--- is watch the image they are portraying. I thought that reflected bad on the business and those who worked there that allowed that to happen. If I feel that way and took my business elsewhere---- regardless how good the food is---- then others will as well.

c a webb

Feb 15 2006

Yeah, loitering is never attractive. To me, hanging up a "No Loitering" sign is one of the easiest ways to increase revenue.

LatashaWillis

Feb 16 2006

Another facet of this theme of "black unity" was revealed to me this week in a school that I visited in South Jackson. The school is like most Jackson schools primarily black. I was talking with them about building a "brand" within themselves that they could be proud of and others would respect. At the outset of the discussion I asked how many of them had been told they wouldn't amount to anything. Almost all of them raised their hands. I then asked out of those who had been told that how many believed it. Still quite a few hands were up.The students were junior high students. Now, true, this particular school has been in the news lately for drugs being found on a student and fighting, but I think it is a deeper problem than that. I talked to the teachers who had the students, and they told me that the support from the parents is not always there because they are working or not supportive of the Parent-Teacher programs. What do you all think we could do to help? The teachers seem as though they are interested in doing whatever it will take to help the self-esteem of the students, bu we "civilians" should be able to do something.

c a webb

Feb 18 2006

c a, I think unity, on some level, is key before any group can acheive unity with the larger group as a group. That's exactly why we organized Unity Mississippi. The lack of unity in the state's LGBT community is a major weakness for it and a primary reason there is so little visibility and awareness. So, to make it short and sweet: yes, on some level, there must be some general unity among the black community. At least a general "direction" or goal for the majority. It's like two parents trying to achieve something without having a unified game plan... Hell, like a two dog owners training the dog differently. It simply won't produce the desired results. I'm saying all that without reading this entire thread (in a rush before a meeting). I find this to be an interesting thread because it seems to be a question many groups are asking themselves in Mississippi currently because of what's becoming/or has been an oppressive/repressive environment (and I ain't talking about the humidity).

kaust

Feb 18 2006

Also, "black unity" doesn't necessarily mean it can't involve other races and minorities helping to strive for similar goals. That can and often is a major facet of unifying in general -- finding like minds with similar goals and pursuits.

kaust

Feb 18 2006

Knol, it's funny that I even started this thread to be honest with you, because black/white issues are not on the top of my list. I don't do anything creative thinking I have to appease the blacks or the whites. I do the things I do to include everyone, because that is the way I grew up. The idea for this thread came up because I was told that I was such a good role model for young black children. I appreciate the comment, but I don't want to just be a role model for young black children. I want to encourage everyone regardless of their race that they can do whatever they set out to do. Quite frankly, it I was having to depend on the "black" support, I wouldn't have gotten as far as I have. That's not to diss my own ethnicity, it is just true of my experiences. For some reason, the black community has not been as open to the arts and being creative as they have towards someone who is involved in sports. Again, that is what I have experienced, and that is what I draw from: my own experiences. You are so right, Knol, that all people help shape history. Whether its black, white or red history, others have had a part of it. My family on my father's side that I know is mixed, my father's mother having been involved with a white man. It bothers me when people say we're not getting our "due" and when some just wait on a handout instead of getting off their butts and doing something for themselves. I try to tell students that everyday they are making their own history: no matter what race they are. It can't be undone. But it can be improved on by what they do today and tomorrow.

c a webb

Feb 18 2006

At the outset of the discussion I asked how many of them had been told they wouldn't amount to anything. Almost all of them raised their hands. I then asked out of those who had been told that how many believed it. Still quite a few hands were up.The students were junior high students. Oh, that's heartbreaking. This is why we have to take on "society's" notions about young people of color every single change we can. We have entire communities of kids being born into a world that believes, and tells them, that they won't amount to anything. This has to stop. Onward soldiers.

DonnaLadd

Feb 18 2006

In too big a hurry to say anything profound or learned. Just want to hear comments thus far. Will comment next week.

Ray Carter

Feb 18 2006

What do you all think we could do to help? The teachers seem as though they are interested in doing whatever it will take to help the self-esteem of the students, bu we "civilians" should be able to do something. C.A., I think mentoring or volunteering are viable options. Martha Jenkins volunteers at her children's schools. Maybe we could ask her. Do you have to have a child enrolled in order to volunteer? Can anyone join the PTSA? I know it can be hard for single parents to get involved. I have a sister who is separated from her husband, and I have been babysitting them and helping them with homework, projects, etc. for years. She does what she can to help them, but she can't be there every minute having to work nights, doing odd jobs during the day, etc. A friend of hers is disabled and living at home like I am, and she has tutored children at her kitchen table. We all can do a little something. A bunch of little somethings adds up to one big something, right? (Can't you tell that I took calculus?) :-)

LatashaWillis

Feb 18 2006