Message to Black America: Where Do We Go from Here
The election of Donald Trump for President of the United States sent shock waves across America. His election again to the presidency came as a surprise to many. The morning after the election was not a good day. It was one of disbelief, sadness, and later anger as it became apparent that many people did not even bother to vote.
There were some Blacks who supported Trump. According to news reports Black men saw him as a viable alternative to Vice- President Kamala Harris. Racism, and sexism played a role.
Some saw former president Donald Trump as strong on the economy, the issue of immigration, and foreign policy. We shall see what a Trump presidency will look like. He made a lot of promises that include building a wall to keep illegal immigrants out of the country, getting rid of Obamacare, instituting the “stop and frisk” law, which some see as aiming at Blacks, keeping Muslims out of the country, and reversing all of President Obama’s Executive Orders.
Some commentators even stated that Trump’s “Make America Great Again” translates to “Make America White Again.” However, we will see what he can really do during his term in office. It will be interesting to watch, especially with the controversial picks for his cabinet.
African Americans can take a positive attitude and work to make things better for community. The following are 20 things that we can do right now as African Americans to weather this storm:
If you have not already done so, develop a strong spiritual base upon which you can build your life. Learn to respect life and the creative spirit which exists within every person.
Learn how to bring out the best within yourself so that you can bring out the best in others.
Learn to think seven generations into the future, and begin today to establish the quality of life you wish for your descendants to live.
Every home should have a library of books related to materials by and about people of African descent.
Support Black Business every day. Don’t spend one dime in the Malls unless you spend three times as much money in your own community.
Support our cultural organizations and cultural events such as Kwanzaa and Juneteenth.
Wear something African every day, jewelry, kente cloth, or a pin that reflects our African heritage.
Beautify your home with African materials and artwork.
Listen to our music that we created, jazz, and music from the African continent and the Caribbean.
Attend talks, forums, and conferences that deal with our issues.
Create places of learning for our youth from an African centered perspective.
Honor our ancestors at every opportunity.
Strive for excellence in everything you do and teach this to our children.
Stay free of jealousy, resentment, and hatred.
Set aside daily a special time for reflection and meditation.
Build and maintain strong family ties.
We must teach our youth leadership and organizational skills.
Teach our youth and others to respect and take care of the earth.
Give voluntary service to our community and help others who need help.
Take full control of the education of our children and make sure that they master basic skills. Our churches must open their doors after school and teach and mentor our youth.
I will repeat what Dr. Kaba Kamene said during his lecture here years ago. This Columnist brought him to Buffalo twice “When we march instead of just marching – march to the nearest Black business and buy it out.” Dr. Kaba Kamene is a historian, educator and one of the scholars in the film Hidden Colors. He always gives good advice on past and current issues.
Black America, where do we go from here? We can do what the great music philosopher Curtis Mayfield once sang: We Keep On Pushin, We can’t stop now! I hope you will cut this article out and share it with your family and friends!!