Our Need for a Black Agenda
By Baba Omowale
Baba Omowale
As we push forward with an agenda that prioritizes the needs of the Black community, we must also demand justice for the men, women, and children who fall victim to the systemic traps set against our people.
We see these injustices in the so-called criminal justice system— unjust traffic stops, senseless murders on American streets, and the continued abuse within the prison system. Names like India Cummings and Robert Brooks remind us of the brutality our people endure. Looking back at history, from the false promises of the Emancipation Proclamation to the rescinded “40 Acres and a Mule,” we know the struggle for justice has been ongoing. Yet, our resistance has never wavered.
Now, after another stolen election, with the same white nationalist forces at play, we see the continued rise in violence against Black people—not just on the streets, but within the prisons where our families are tortured and murdered. If we are serious about a Black Agenda, the protection of our people must be non-negotiable.
Non-negotiable means no discussions after another murder is discovered. We demand accountability. In the case of Robert Brooks, we call for the immediate termination of correction officers caught on video participating in or allowing his murder. Governor Kathy Hochul must act now to hold all those responsible accountable, from officers and medical staff to administrators who stood by while this happened.
At the local level, we must address the systemic abuse within the Erie County Holding Center. The unchecked violence, rape, and brutality must end. The so-called Corrections Specialist Advisory Board, filled with hand-picked individuals with conflicts of interest, must be restructured to include qualified community members who will truly advocate for detainees. We must ensure that all officers activate their body cameras and that independent oversight holds them accountable.
We know from history that assaults in detention centers often lead to fatalities. The community has the right to demand a fair selection process for the Advisory Board, ensuring its members serve ethically and without bias. Anyone removed from this board must face a transparent hearing where accountability is paramount.
As our rights continue to be stripped away, we must also turn our attention to the Board of Education. Our children deserve protection from unjust disciplinary actions and a curriculum that empowers them with the truth. We must demand identity education that teaches the realities of systemic racism and equips our youth to navigate this world with knowledge and strength.
A Black Agenda must also address housing inequities. No one should be forced into substandard living conditions while landlords profit from exploitative rent practices. Local government must extend subsidies to longtime residents, ensuring Black families have access to safe and affordable housing. We call on Black attorneys to challenge unethical real estate practices that target and displace our people.
Furthermore, mental health is an essential part of our Black Agenda. The trauma endured by Black people must be addressed with community-based clinics staffed by Black mental health professionals. We cannot move forward without prioritizing emotional and psychological well-being.
This conversation must continue. Join us at the Johnny B. Wiley Community Center, Jefferson and Best Street, from 7 to 9 PM on the last Monday of this month. Your voice is needed in shaping a Black Agenda that fights for justice, equity, and our very survival.
Thank you for allowing me to speak with you.
Hotep, your servant,BaBa Omowale