(ThyBlackMan.com) Last week I wrote a column entitled, “Roland Martin Is Not GLAAD.” In that column, I discussed the unfair treatment of TV personality, Roland Martin.
I thought I was finished writing about this issue and was prepared to move on. But, after receiving tons of phone calls, voicemails, and emails about Tom Joyner’s “Letter to Roland: Make It Right,” I feel compelled to make another comment about the Martin affair (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=blog_inner/37029/1573138/The%20Fly%20Jock).
There are so many more important things we should be discussing, but I can’t let Roland be thrown under the bus alone.
In his letter to Roland, Tom Joyner states in part, “his radio show’s goal is to entertain and empower black people.”
Oh, really? Tom Joyner is the same person who wrote in his blog on July 1. 2011, “About a month ago, I wrote a blog about Tavis Smiley and decided to table it because I said some things I didn’t want to publish. You’re probably thinking I went too hard on him, but no. In reality, I hadn’t gone hard enough – and I knew it. I said I’d wait until something pissed me off so bad that I would have the words harsh enough to express what I was really feeling about him and his side piece[emphasis added]- I mean side kick – Cornel West. Let me explain this to my non Black readers.
Remember, in my column last week I quoted linguist, S.I. Hayakaw as saying, “meanings are in people, not in words.”
When Tom Joyner called Cornel West Tavis’ “side piece,” it meant they were sexual partners, in other words, they were gay! GLAAD didn’t utter one word when Tom Joyner made this statement. Tom Joyner was implying that there 
was something wrong with this. Where was the gay outrage at this insinuation?
Let’s cut through all the clutter and get to what this debate is really all about. This has little to do with Roland Martin—he is just a convenient punching bag. This is about gays trying to force their views on society. They have not been able to do it through the law, so they just use good ole fashioned extortion and fear.
They have snookered Black ministers like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton into equating gay rights with civil rights. They have groups like the NAACP spending more time fighting for gay rights than they do for civil rights.
If this is about understanding, why do we hear so much silence? Liberal groups like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) went so far as to issue a press release asking CNN to hire one of their members while Roland is on suspension! Yes, you heard right! Roland Martin is a two time national board member and a life member of the group and as opposed to trying to support one of their own, they seek to replace Roland with one of their other members. According to NABJ’s press release, “In lieu of his presence on CNN, until this matter is resolved, we encourage the network to continue to present a diverse offering of voices in its programming.” Roland, with friends like these, you definitely don’t need any enemies.
So, in the spirit of understanding, I have a few questions for Tom Joyner and CNN.
Tom, in your letter, you said you were “head of the family.” So, as head of the family, have you had a direct conversation with Roland since this issue surfaced? Why would you put out your statement on Friday, when Roland Martin had already apologized and agreed to meet with GLAAD? What was the purpose of the letter after 5 days of silence? Did it really take you that long to think of a statement, or did GLAAD force your hand like the rest of the liberal Black community? You further state that Roland should make “a sincere apology.” Can you tell me what that looks like? Who will decide if Roland Martin is “sincere?” I am having a difficult time finding your apology to Tavis and Cornel for calling them gay. Can you post that on your site for us to read? Remember, you said in your letter to Roland Martin, “the job of the offender is simply to apologize and learn a lesson about what to say or do going forward.”
CNN, especially Mark Whitaker I have a few questions for you also. Whitaker is Executive Vice President and managing editor for CNN Worldwide (and is also the highest ranking Black in the network). In your statement you say, “language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization.” Can you tell me exactly who Roland demeaned and how? Can you define for me what the values and culture of your organization is? Have you given Roland the courtesy of a direct conversation with you before the suspension? Now that Roland Martin has agreed to meet with GLAAD, can you tell me what will determine when you put Roland Martin back on the air?
Tom’s letter to Roland Martin was signed, “Tom Joyner.” I wonder if he left the word uncle off on purpose, or maybe he just thought it would be redundant!
In many ways, Tom Joyner and GLAAD are very similar. Both claim to seek understanding and promote equality among people, but, neither gave it to Roland Martin. So, in a way, Tom Joyner is GLAAD.
If you want to show your love and support for Roland, I encourage each of you to make three calls and send three emails. Tom Joyner’s phone number is: 972-789-1058; Mark Whitaker’s number and email are: 212-275-7800 (markwhitaker@turner.com); Jim Walton (president of CNN world wide) 404-827-1500 (jim.walton@turner.com).
Staff Writer; Raynard Jackson
Mr. Jackson is also founder of a political and industrial consultant firm which is based in Washington, DC; Raynard Jackson & Associates.
