(ThyBlackMan.com) What is it going to take for black people to snap out of their complacency and participate? Blacks from all appearances appear to be satisfied when it comes to the economy. Maybe that is why this administration feels no compelling need to address the issue of double-digit black unemployment. While the overall unemployment rate for the nation in August decreased to 7.3% from 7.4%, black unemployment rose to 13%. Blacks were up in every category when it comes to the unemployment numbers for August except one, teenagers, ages 16 to 19 years of age. The unemployment rate for black men rose from 12.5% to 13.5%; the rate for black women rose from 10.5% to 10.6% and black teenagers dropped from a rate of 41.6% to 38.2%.
Black people have observed President Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus oversee the slow but steady economic destruction of the black community over the last six years. This havoc continues unabated even as you read this article! The black community has the highest unemployment rate of any working group in America. Nary a word about any credible solutions have come from the White House or the Black Caucus! Credible solution means legislation that will pass both houses of Congress. While there are some diehard believers who believe otherwise, a good number of blacks feel neither the president or the Black Caucus will suddenly grow hair on their chests and take action to stem the decline of blacks economically. 
I don’t need to tell you that the 13.0% official rate of black unemployment which is up from 12.6% in July, is higher in actuality. That rate could be in actual numbers as high as 17% to 19% or even higher. I don’t need to tell you about the despair in many black households. I don’t need to tell you about the high rate of black on black crime in some of our more economically depressed communities. I don’t need to tell you about the toll of 6 years of double-digit unemployment is taking upon blacks in terms of housing foreclosures. As honorable as our governmental representatives maybe, they are not going to take the needed action to change this situation without prompting. Who then is suppose represent black national interests at this critical juncture?
Well, the answer to that question starts with you. Yes, it starts with you! All of us need to realize our existence is not by happenstance. We have a right to be here! That’s right, a right to be in this world! When God created us through the miracle of childbirth, He gave us that right. The majority population realized a long time ago, they had certain rights, as a result of birth. They even enshrined those rights in words in the Declaration of Independence. Do you remember hearing or reading these following words? “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men…”
Many of us refuse to claim our rights and regress because we fail to participate in pushing our government to deliver on those rights. Many of us regress because some of us are just mentally and physically lazy, not caring how our government treats us. We take this attitude even though we were integral in instituting that very government. Did Mr. Obama not receive over 90% of the black vote? We would rather leave everything, including our economic well-being up to others. Many who see themselves as being Christians regress because they don’t believe what they say they believe when it comes to God and His Word. Remember these words, “Ecclesiastes 5:9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.”
Do you see in those words where He favored one group or race of people over another? The verse said “all,” and that means me and you. When do you think African Americans will act to claim their share? Believing in and acting upon God’s words is a true reflection of “a believer.” Many regress because of fear. And finally many regress because some of us have lost faith in our fellow human beings and their ability and willingness to challenge governmental representatives to come up with meaningful policies that will lead to job creation. A verse from my favorite poem, “Desiderata,” comes to mind when I catch myself becoming cynical and dismissive of those who are striving positively on behalf of the human race. The poem states:
“Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.”
I ask the question again, “What is it going to take to get blacks to participate?” As indicated, every single individual living today has a God given right to be here, including African Americans. Additionally, everyone of us has a moral imperative to be responsive to the needs of our fellowman. This imperative supersedes waiting for others to act. Each of us is obligated individually to act in the best interest of others.
Philippians
2:4 (NIV) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Change in the status of African Americans economically can become a reality, but do you know what it will require? That’s right, participation!
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/491214/wdgi/4313400
Staff Writer; James Davis
More information about JD and his Deficit Neutral Stimulus Plan Can be founded at http://www.sslumpsum.com.
One may also pick up this “brother” latest book which is entitled; Hey…God’s Talking To You The Study Book.
