(ThyBlackMan.com) In the past there were multiple visions proposed for black people by its national leaders. During the 20th century there were great debates on the future of African Americans. The most famous being that between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Dubois; which galvanized the masses with ideas and strategies for a better way forward. That was the 20th century, but now in the 21 century where is the true debate of the path forward for African Americans.
With the information revolution of today, we must consider what our options
are? And have a robust debate on the matter. While very important, we cannot put the lion share of our attention to whether race relations and fairness are moving in the right direction. I dare to say that Christ will return before race problems on all sides are completely stamped out of this countries DNA.
To begin this discussion, I believe that African Americans should do in our community what the gridlock in Washington D.C. is preventing the overall country from doing.
We need to reinvest in ourselves and our futures. This means a commitment to education and our physical and mental health. Also we must use our 900 billion dollars of buying power to invest in our priorities. That means instead of buying depreciating consumer goods, we should invest in business that operate responsible in our communities. We must place an high premium on education. Our children should be in book clubs not gangs. Young people should have design groups with 3D printers in the garage, instead of basement studios attempting to be the next big rapper that songs will only minimizing instead of uplift.
This is a call to leaders, individuals and visionaries; let’s start our own foundations on strategic agendas and on future trends and growth opportunities. Let’s begin to have those debates that will lead to tangible gains and outcomes for African Americans not just rhetoric and hyperbole.
Staff Writer; Londre M. Gilkey
May also connect with this talented brother through Facebook; L. Gilkey.