(ThyBlackMan.com) As time progresses, individuals will inevitably come to recognize that even those whom we regard as heroes, educators, and intellectual authorities, as well as our moral examples, may occasionally possess misguided perspectives. Alexander Pope wisely noted, “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Sixty-two years after one of the most galvanizing statements made by Malcom X, I have realized that one of my guides, one of my heroes, an ancestor, one of the most influential and polarizing individuals ever in America, may have gotten it wrong. In 1962, Malcom X stated, “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” From the start, I acknowledge the injustices and inhumane treatment that Black women have suffered from American society since 1619, and from the Black community, where Black men like me should have done more to provide preparation, protection, provision, and peace. Black women have suffered the brutality of slavery, enduring forced labor, sexual exploitation, the denial of fundamental human rights, segregation, disenfranchisement, racism, sexism, discrimination, economic instability, lack of quality healthcare, and continued misrepresentation.
The Forgotten Black Children
I acknowledge that Minister Malcolm X was advocating for Black women who are marginalized and illuminated the contributions of Black women, whom numerous Americans argue are integral to the prosperity and strength of this nation as we recognize it today. The disrespect, lack of protection, and neglect endured by Black women in America have contributed to the vulnerability, marginalization, and oversight that currently plagues Black children across our nation. While it is true that Black women are disrespected, unprotected, and neglected, I contend that Black children are the most vulnerable, overlooked, and forgotten in our society. It is understood from agricultural principles that if a tree is afflicted, it is likely to produce less fruit or an inferior quality of fruit, if any at all. The same principles are true for humanity if the Black woman serves as a representation of the tree from which we all get our roots and foundation, if the Black woman is ill-cared for, black children will be defenseless unless protection is provided while they grow their roots. Agriculture has taught us that planting posts to support trees is necessary to provide stability and support for newly planted trees, especially for trees in harsh environments. Our national anthem is clear: we are in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Still, if we are honest, inequality is prevalent for black children and all individuals who are on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum, which continues to make America a harsh environment in which to live. I wish to clarify that the challenges and circumstances faced by our Black children are not solely the responsibility of Black women; Black men share a portion of the accountability, along with American society as a whole, for failing to guide them appropriately in accordance with the teachings of Proverbs 22:6. Our Black children should not be labeled as a lost generation; instead, they are a left generation, as they are not receiving consistent, adequate guidance, protection, nurturing, education, and love due to a lack of recognition of their inherent worthiness that demands our responsibility.
The Black girl exploitation phenomenon
Since the year 1619, young Black girls have been, and continue to be, positioned in a state of powerlessness, as they are judged and valued based on their appearance, body shape, and sexual appeal from the tender age of three. This evaluation occurs with no regard for their intellect, character, or potential for future success. Without the support and protection of caring adults, as well as the safeguarding provided by a community, Black girls will persist in being vulnerable to exploitation by society. From Sally Hemings to Oprah Winfrey, to Little Ms. Shirley, and to the countless unrecognized narratives of young Black girls who are perpetually being exploited in various forms for the personal gain and gratification of those who seek to take advantage of their innocence and youth, it is imperative to acknowledge their plight.
Annually, there are alarming statistics that highlight a troubling trend concerning the disproportionately elevated rates of missing Black girls when compared to their white counterparts and their overall representation within the population of the United States. However, the Black community remains largely silent, while American society, in general, appears indifferent. When we fail to appreciate the invaluable nature of children, who are blessings bestowed upon us by God in various forms, we become capable of ignoring the realities that others face, particularly the defenseless children in our midst.
American society has consistently confined young Black girls to the belief that it is their obligation and responsibility to care for those around them, irrespective of their age, often to the detriment of their psychological well-being. Regrettably, when young Black girls ought to be engaging in play with Barbie dolls and exploring subjects such as STEM, they are compelled to undertake household tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and babysitting younger siblings, extended family members, and family friends, simply due to their gender. When young Black girls are compelled to assume the nurturing role prematurely, it can lead them to perceive the world and relationships in a significantly altered manner. This phenomenon may lead them to believe that they must transform into independent Black women upon reaching adulthood. Black Men and Black Women must provide young Black girls with the opportunity to observe a healthy relationship between a Black man and a Black woman, characterized by support and compromise.
Man of the house
While each case, circumstance, and situation is unique, statistical data indicates that Black children are more likely to be raised in a single-parent household compared to children of other racial backgrounds. Surprisingly, even among members of the Black community, statistical data demonstrate that, even in the absence of a Black father in the household, he remains more engaged in his children’s lives than men from other racial backgrounds. Despite the significant efforts of Black mothers and fathers, an alarming number of young Black boys assume the role and responsibility of being the ‘man of the house’ while still in their developmental years and are ill-prepared for such a substantial duty. Ralph Waldo Emerson articulated the notion of interconnectedness between actions and their subsequent consequences. Is it accurate to consider young Black boys, who ultimately transition into Black men, as victims of cause and effect? In numerous instances, the absence of a male figure within the household may lead a boy to adopt an identity that does not truly reflect his stage of development. When a young Black boy is compelled to assume a role that is not authentically his due to the absence of an adult male figure in the household, it may lead to a recurrence of young Black boys, who will eventually mature into men, opting out of familial commitments. This situation can perpetuate the detrimental cycle of single-parent family structures. Young Black boys who transition into Black Men often encounter ridicule from the Black community and society in general. This unfortunate plight arises from the fact that, as adults, we have failed to provide them with adequate protection and guidance on effectively managing the associated threats and feelings of burnout. I frequently remind young Black boys, who bear the significant burdens placed upon their adolescent shoulders, that before achieving success for their mothers and siblings, they must first achieve success for themselves. This is imperative, as society has established the notion that there is nothing more unfavorable than an adult, able-bodied man who cannot provide for himself, irrespective of the challenges and mental trauma he may have faced during his childhood.
Where do we go from here?
The inquiries “Where do we go from here?” and “What is next?” are frequently posed when an individual or a collective endeavors to advance toward a solution. Throughout this composition, I aspire to have transformed your perspective as I aimed to provide a voice to the marginalized and illuminate the plight of our neglected children. Furthermore, I pay homage to Minister Malcolm X while recognizing the persistent injustices encountered by Black women to this day. If we genuinely wish to see our Black children afforded a fair opportunity in life, it is imperative that we respect them by neither permitting nor compelling them into roles for which they are unprepared. We must safeguard them from both self-harm and individuals who seek to exploit them for their own benefit, ensuring that, after divine providence, they receive our utmost attention. Whitney Houston reminded all of us that children represent our future, heritage, and legacy.
Staff Writer; Jamie Seals
May also connect with this brother on Twitter; mychocolatemind.
Also drop an email at; JSeals@ThyBlackMan.com.
First of all, Malcom X spoke about self-defense and standing against the racist white American machine by any means necessary. Malcom X was a good men who care and love his black community regardless of religion, sex, gender and or political affiliation and more so, he was the voice of resistance by any means necessary and for that reason racist America useed house negros to betrayed him and therefore his life was take away from him in order to prevent him from fermenting the idea in Black America of a Second Nat Turner Rebelion with the use of force against those that oppress us.
When the CIA declasiffied their documents in regard to Malcom X and Martin Luther King, they stated in their files that watching Malcom X was like watching an angel or a Jesus, because after each of his speechess at many events around the Nation, H e left and went home to his wife and or if he was on the road, He went back to his hotel, pick up the phone and called his wife and children. Likewise, the people around him did the same and went home to their loves one when the black family was together at thome.
On the other Hand, Martin Luther King did the opposide , King after each of speecheses and gathering when to bar’s, club, lounges, whore houses, booty call houses and when on binge drinking and partying with his entorauge and also when incognito to meet white women to have sex. Indeed, they indicated that the main reason why Martin Luther King wanted equality and integration because He wanted to be able to date and married white women in the open and in public eyes. Yes, Martin Luther King love for having sex with white women motivated him to start the movement for integration with the white devils, but eventually he realize that he had march the black community into a burning hosue with Racist White America.
Now, on the other hand, All African American shoud continue to remain vigilant and never allow a racist white men, hispanic men or asian men to take the life of any of our black children and we should seek revenge against them by any means necessary. if a white men or slave patrol white men killes your daughtter becaue he is racist , corrupt, prejudice etc. then you should revenge and take one of his love ones or one of his neighbors or one of his colleagues..
Yes, enough is enough and black America is tire of singing and pryaing every time a white demon kills one of us; therefore, we must take one of them. An Eye for and Eye. No longer we as black people will turn the chick and allow white people or any other racist commu nity to getaway with the murder of our black Christian Childern. Revenge is the only solution and we might not win the war with these white demons, but at least we will give these razict Muzungus a good freaking hamering.
We should enver bend the knee and or turn the cheeck for any trangression against us by white people. Fuck them all, because they are all racist; even thought, they are not all Bigots.
This was a great reminder that “Today’s children are tomorrows citizens. In addition to work towards the elimination of unfair advantage of our youth. Hinderances such as “prison to pipeline ” shouldn’t be a judge for our youth. Systemically we have to voice our concerns against rules and regulations against our own. Young and old have to be kindly guided in understanding what power within our local and state affairs that we are able to make an impact for the future of our children.