(ThyBlackMan.com) If nothing else, the anniversary of the March on Washington has encouraged discussion and debate on a plethora of issues that might otherwise not have been examined. Not the least of these is the impact of integration on the black community. Most of the people with whom I have spoken feel that integration has decimated the Black community; drawing off all the talent, and role models as well as devastating black owned businesses as Black folks left and shopped elsewhere.
Those who espouse this sentiment have a valid point. But I’m always quick to point out that desegregation was absolutely crucial to the liberation of our people. German prisoners of war were treated better in the South than Black
soldiers fighting for America. Lynchings were commonplace. We tend to focus on the problems of today and forget how horrible things have been.
As to the new class segregation that has arisen within the black community, the only answer I have for right now lies in the churches. So called “silk stocking” (Middle class) churches can do more partnering with smaller inner city churches to reunite children of the Diaspora.
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Watching footage of the original Washington march and the other marches that precipitated so much barbarity, I’m always struck by the amazing courage, grace, power and dignity of those who were involved. I cannot help wondering what would be required to communicate to our sagging pants wearing, semi- literate young people that they are the heirs to that same courage dignity and grace. If these young people understood that they are directly connected to such dignified and fearless heroes, could they possible gun one another down in the streets of our cities?
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I found it a tad ironic that the greatest beneficiary of the Civil Rights Movement, Barak Obama, made such an eloquent speech on the continuing need for economic justice for African Americans as if he were a bystander hoping the president would do something. Mr. Obama, you are the president. Maybe you could put half the energy you’ve put into appeasing racist republicans into helping your core constituency, BLACK FOLKS!
Staff Writer; William Griggs
To view more of this talented brother work, head over to; http://www.WlliamGriggs.net.