If you didn’t see this program (which aired this past weekend), my advice is for you to either check it out on the C-SPAN website (I had trouble loading it) or check out the website for The Covenant with Black America. The book itself is about $12 on Amazon and its definitely something worth purchasing for reference.
I decided not to go point to point in this posting for two reasons: #1. Many of the points raised in this symposium are issues that I cover on this website on a daily basis. It should come to no surprise to you that on some of the core issues of The Covenant (public health care, endless funding of public schools, and a few others) I tend to be in disagreement. This is why I am going to just address some of my observations of the actual event–not the contents of The Covenant itself.
#2. If you are going to have an opinion about The Covenant, at least read it first. One of my pet peeves on this site is when someone accuses me of saying something that I never said. Assumptions are made that usually lead to an endless debate that has nothing to do with the core issue. At a later date I may go into more detail with what I agree/disagree within The Covenant, but for now I want to give people a chance to read it first.
Where I’m coming from
Straight up, I am a Conservative with a voting history supporting both Democratic and Republican parties.
#Registered as an Independent
#Although I voted for a Republican president in the last election, there is currently a 98% certainty that I will not vote that way in 2008. Currently checking out other political parties.
My take on the event
1. Tavis made it very clear that he invited Republicans to this event, but only two showed up. He mentioned that the following Republicans were invited, but did not show either because they declined or cancelled at the last minute: Alphonso Jackson, Michael Steele, Ken Blackwell, and Janette Bradley. He took his time with that segment because he wanted to make sure that the crowd got the point that Republicans (black or not) are not that interested in the matter at hand without actually saying it.
>>What Tavis didn’t really elaborate on in the same manner as above was the fact that out of 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, only two members showed up (unless they appeared on an untelevised portion of the program). In short, he had a stage full of black Liberals with one Conservative (a registered Democrat): Bishop Harry Jackson. According to an article posted on the Covenant’s website, Tavis said the following:
The next time you [politicians] come calling on our vote, you come correct on the contract or you don’t come at all,” the PBS talk show host said.
If it is his stated goal to hold both parties into account, then he is going to have to set the same expectancies for both. Its true that Republicans missed an opportunity to make their case, but Democrats also missed an opportunity to explain why black folks should continue to give them our support.
>>Bishop Jackson mentioned that on many occasions he would invite Democrats to speak at his church only to have them show up at the very end of the program, but still want stage time.
>>Tavis mentioned nothing (from what I saw) about Bishop Jackson’s similar initiative called Contract with Black America. Fellow blogger Darkstar did mention that at one time Tavis had a link to Jackson’s initiative, but it is no longer there. This is a wrong move if you are trying to give the appearance of unity.
>>If you are going to have a panel of mostly Liberals (those who do not speak officially for the Democratic party), then why not include Conservatives that are not tied to the Republican party (there are quite of few to chose from)?
The Black GOP misses a great opportunity
If Black Republicans are serious about getting more of the Black vote, they are going to have to become more aggressive in either getting into forums like this one, or initiating similar forums where Democrats are invited. Firing off an occasional press release adds no points to your cause (trust me, I delete them all the time). My suggestion: sponsor debates with Democrats in major cities across the US. Make sure you have a good moderator that knows how to keep the conversation focused and moving. Will Democrats go for this idea? Who knows? But at least the attempt is being made to make a fair and tested showing of your point of view.
Others sounding off on this event: State of the Black Union: My View (Ed Brown “Darkstar”), Unsolicited Advice for Black Conservatives (Casey Lartigue)
P.S. It is also interesting to note that so far there has been only one review for this book on Amazon. For a book so widely advertised, I would have expected more than that.
Sphere: Related Content
February 27th, 2006 at 7:50 am
Are you certain that Bishop Jackson mentioned ‘democrats’ showing up at the last minute.
What I recall he said, was that he does not allow politicians to use his pulpit and that politicians often show up at the last minute.
February 27th, 2006 at 11:19 am
I have it recorded and saw the segment several times–yes I am sure.
February 27th, 2006 at 11:56 am
I can not blame Alphonso Jackson, Michael Steele, Ken Blackwell for not going there.
You would have to be a fool .Most black will not open there minds to any thing but give me give me. It is not the government’s job to any those thing. Stop crying roll up your sleeves and do the job
February 27th, 2006 at 11:58 am
I did see Tavis Smiley’s State of the Black Union on CSpan. It is incredible to me that after seeing it you make no mention of Minister
Farrakan, his statements, or the rousing applause he received from the predominately black audience. That is what is wrong with blacks in America today. The fact that the man who is speaking the untarnished truth is the man who is being left out of the discussion. How is it possible to be so complacent about the treatment of blacks in this country? How is it so easy to forget 40 acres and a mule? How do you support those who do not support your people? This country is not doing the right thing and the majority of blacks in this country know this. It is those blacks sitting in their ivory towers who want to pontificate and intellectualize wrong behavior from those in charge. Even Tavis, whom I respect, has a lot to learn in reference to making a decision to represent an oppressed people and conversely, retain credibility with those masses of oppressed. It is obvious to a rock that the political “leaders” are not making any significant changes in our communities for the better and he is afraid to call them on it. He is taking that same shuffling stance and leading others to believe that in time things will change. We dont have that much time. Why cant change be made now? I would venture to say that Tavis, along with many other potential King like leaders are simply afraid because history has taught us in America the price is your life and no one is willing to pay. Not any more.
February 27th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
As I was eluding in this post, I have already voiced my take on many of the points raised by folks like “The Minister” on this site. Much of it disagrees with his take. I did not want to saturate this posting with disagreements because I want people like you to go beyond the speeches, read the text, then we can debate what has been put on the table. I have already given facts, figures, accounts , etc. to support what I believe on this site (much of which addresses most of the points contained in The Covenant), but this particular posting is not the place to put all of that together considering that many people have not even read The Covenant.
As for Farrakhan, until he fully denouces what Muslims are doing to OUR people in the Sudan, lay off ALL of HIS conspiracies that cannot be proven–but yet still keep many of OUR people in a state of “can’t trust the US” dispite all of the gains that I have posted on this site just in the past two weeks, I will not give him the time of day. Before we start holding white folks accountable, its time we hold these “so-called” leaders into account–beyond the great speeches.
February 27th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
I was at the symposium, and there was, in fact, one Black Republican on the afternoon panel, Oregon State Senator Jackie Winters, and she was rather warmly received. She wasn’t as well-known, however, so she didn’t get quite the thunderous applause that people like Farrakhan and Belafonte did, but she wasn’t ignored, either, and was applauded more than once.
February 27th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
MAN WE ARE BLACK ALL THOSE OTHER POLTICAL NAMES DO NOTHING BUT GIVE US ALL DIFFERING OPINIONS OF HOW THE OTHER SHOULD RUN THE COUNTRY. THE ONLY COLOR OR STANCE I CARE ABOUT IS MY SKIN COLOR AND NOT IN A RACIST KILL THE WHITE MAN MENTALITY BUT ON A BLACK EMPOWERMENT LEVEL.
February 27th, 2006 at 3:11 pm
And there is the Problem.
My frind is a skin color and not a person.
February 27th, 2006 at 9:28 pm
I am not really sure what category I have been placed in because of my comments whereas the term “people like you” is being used. I read. Farrakhan has clearly stated that as a descendant of slaves he denounces slavery in all of its forms. His personal observance of what was going on in the Sudan evidently is not what Americans were being told by the white press. My point is that his “rhetoric” is not comprised of fallacy. It is a fact that we as blacks were only considered to be 3/5ths of a human being. It is a fact that we were promised 40 acres and a mule to offset the ungodly injustices that were set upon us. Injustices, by the way, that the powers that be knew would have a ripple effect for generations to come because one cannot change their skin color. It is a fact that we have been playing catch up since being somewhat freed economically after the deaths of King and Shabazz. These are not conspiricies. We need a dose of truth to combat the diet of deception in order for sanity to exist.
February 27th, 2006 at 9:47 pm
So Farrakhan’s stance is “don’t believe the white press–believe me!”
And we should just automatically trust him cause he’s a black man, right?
Sorry, but “street law” doesn’t work that way, dawg. Ask Malcolm X.
February 27th, 2006 at 9:47 pm
LOL man get a life.
February 27th, 2006 at 10:34 pm
aman Duane
February 27th, 2006 at 11:05 pm
I personally enjoyed the “State of the Black Union”, the only way we as a people will rise is when we talk about our problems and solutions to them, (during the civil rights movements…meetings after meetings where held, so was during apartheid in S. Africa and all other movements). We all dont have to think alike to know that the plight of black people is heartbreaking. I just wished they had taken questions from the audience. I live in houston and was there in person.
Now for fun:
type: http://www.google.com
then type the word: ” asshole”
finaly click on: ” I’m feeling lucky”
No it’s not porn! You will see!!
February 28th, 2006 at 9:00 am
that was funny. Please everybody go to the above website.
February 28th, 2006 at 3:28 pm
Here we go again! We will never accomplish anything because we’ve got so called brothers out there with this fake street cred trying to be cool. Who says Dawg? I guess you are trying to be condescending. Fortunately, I’m not your dawg. Evidently, insults replace facts in your world. I can tell you this D, I did not and would have never made an error of the magnanamous proportions of voting Republican with George W. leading the ticket and then niddering and claiming a change of heart come 2008! I dont believe people because they are a color. Conversely, I don’t disbelieve people on that basis either. I use past actions to base my opinions on and that is enough for me. But, enough of the sophmoric diatribe, good luck on your quest with all the other good Republicans of the world to establish a covenant with those you clearly despise…your own people. Peace!
February 28th, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Condescending? Insult? Wha…? Oh nevermind!
Instead of getting your wittle feelings hurt, why don’t you deal with the fact that “The Ministah” has placed himself ABOVE criticism and folks like yourself won’t even question it because its not the “black” thing to do. Let me guess, whitey can never be trusted and your reason for living in a mostly white country is to gather “stray negroes” like myself to “the truth”.
February 28th, 2006 at 10:34 pm
I notice how people seem to be so sensitive,annoyed and angry at Farrakhan. To me it seems that we let the media control just about everything from our like and dislikes and who is good and who is bad. I often ask myself why we do not have any leaders anymore and I figured it out. The first jokes and comical skits that demean,belittle or marginalize educated, politically knowledgable and strong black men such as Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson,or The Minster usually come from the media. The next thing you know instead of being offended by the media’s recognition of the tendency that some ignorant types have for aping the behaviors of others, that the insults and prefacing of these men as bad niggers causing troble on the plantation become our own jokes and we contribute in the crucifition of our own potential leaders. Accept these men and their knowledge insight wisdom and ability and willingness to step up and watches out best as they can for our people. It is time we stop being sheep and rcognize that the shepherd who feeds us and keeps us safe will one day lead us to the slaughter house.
March 1st, 2006 at 5:53 am
Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Farrakhan lol
March 1st, 2006 at 11:11 pm
But on a more youthful discussion, there has been the age old debate on my campus about the use of the word “Nigga,” and what it means, and what it says about the black community.
It was brought up because one of the only networks on television that use it is Cartoon Network. I’m sure you all have heard the controversy over the cartoon “The Boondocks.” Not the comic strip, but the running cartoon, that excessively uses the word “Nigga.” Now many people believe this word is what you make it to be, but in reality you have to think, that some of the problems with the image and the black community can be found right there, that we are willing to portray ourselves to the nation as stereotypical, loud, black people calling eachother a word the white man used to control blacks for centuries. More of my post to come. (I’ve got to write a paper.)
March 2nd, 2006 at 4:18 pm
I have some thoughts on this matter and even dropped my perspective on the Covenant With Black America Tour in my blog, since it was in my hometown last night. I love the idea of talking about these things, but unless you leave these meetings with some actionable items for people to use to make their lives better, it’s just alot of hot air. Personally, I think this whole thing was dreamed up as a money making scheme! But that’s just me!
March 2nd, 2006 at 9:33 pm
The gauntlet has been thrown down. And now it is on. Racists beware. The sleeping giant is starting to wake. You fellas don’t get it. “Black” people are fed up with being measured by what the worst in our group do. We are fed up being second-class citizens. We are fed up having the lie that our culture can only produced negativity preached as truth to our children.
There is no social group on this planet that can survive on the lie that it is not as good as other groupings. Black people have no choice but to try and unite and do what they can to lift each other up. Because one thing is for damn sure, I may be a Cisco Engineer. . .but racism could give a rat’s a$$.
March 3rd, 2006 at 6:47 am
BlackContractor
LOL. The racists are found in the DNC and the like of the “naacp.
March 3rd, 2006 at 5:38 pm
it is clear we do not want to be free, and those who desire to stay in the house and put out the fire, are scared to fight for our liberation. so just step to the side and let us fight the fight that is destined.
March 4th, 2006 at 8:12 am
If you think you are not free than you are a fool.
March 5th, 2006 at 12:48 pm
I attended the State of the Black Union event on
Saturday, Feb 25th in Houston, Texas. I think it was
an excellent event, very well presented. I would like
to say thank you to Tavis Smiley for spearheading such
an event and for always going above and beyond to help
Black Americans and for keeping us informed of events
that effect us. However, I do have some
suggestions/comments.
1. I think the panel sizes, especially, for the
afternoon session (which featured Rev Sharpton and
Minister Farrakan) was too big. I think smaller
panels like 5 or 6 persons allow more time for each
panelist to speak. There could then also have more
panels and it would be great if each panel could focus
on different subject areas, for instance, business,
education, politics, investing, church, or any major
topics that we need to improve to improve our lives.
2. It seems like every time there is anything where we
focus on Black American empowerment through business,
education, etc., and speak to knowledgeable and
successful Black Americans, one or more ministers are
always included. Anyone who follows our history knows
that we are a Christian race; however, can we separate
Church and state for once. Faith does play an
important role in all aspects of life, however, we
should be able to allow our faith to drive us to be
successful Americans. Some of the most successful
Black American entrepreneurs are ministers, which is
often in conflict with what the true calling of a
minister is, which is to save souls and help people.
Maybe if the panels were done by subject area then, of
course, one could be devoted to ministers. I would
like to see successful business people like Oprah
Winfrey and Kenneth Chenault; education officials like
Rod Paige; political figures like Barack Obama and
Sheila Jackson Lee just to name a few.
This is just my opinion. Great work and have a nice
day.
March 5th, 2006 at 2:23 pm
What? have you read your Bible? let me help you.
“14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 15-17
March 6th, 2006 at 12:59 am
IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE BENEFICENT AND THE MERCIFUL
LET ME ASK A QUESTION? WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH FARRAKHAN WHEN HE SPEAKS THE TRUTH TO YOU SILLY SO-CALLED NEGROES IF YOU ARE HAPPY WITH WHITE PEOPLE AND BEING WITH THEM GO AHEAD AND STAY INTERGRATED WITH THEM.HAVE BABIES WITH THEM AND LIVE ANY OLD KIND OF WAY THAT YOU WANT TO.YOU LOVE WHITE PEOPLE BUT WHITE PEOPLE WILL DIE AND YOU SILLY STUPID NEGROES THAT FOLLOW THEM YOU WILL ALSO BE DESTROYED OUR GOD WILL CORRECT OUR ERROR THAT WE MADE WHEN WE MADE THAT DEVIL 6,000 YEARS AGO WILL NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE THIS TIME OF THEM RUNNING TO THE DAMN CAVE BUT WE INTEND TO SEND ALL OF THERE BEHIND TO A BURNING FIRE AND IF YOU ARE SO STUPID TO FOLLOW THIS MAN THEN YOU SILLY BLIND DEATH AND DUMB HARD HEADED ASS DESERVE THE SAME FATE THAT THEY ARE GOING TO GET.
MUHAMMAD
March 6th, 2006 at 5:26 am
LOL MUHAMMAD
March 6th, 2006 at 10:20 am
“OUR GOD WILL CORRECT OUR ERROR THAT WE MADE WHEN WE MADE THAT DEVIL 6,000 YEARS AGO”
This stuff is so funny.
March 6th, 2006 at 11:10 am
I have never understood why it is that truth is such a hard pill to swallow. Facts are facts. Black people are the only group of people brought to this country with the specific purpose to be lower class. If you believe that the civil war was fought because Abraham Lincoln so loved black folks and felt slavery was wrong. You know nothing of history nor econmics. We can not have a covenant with America until we first have one with ourselves. Admit that we did not integrate instead we attempted to assimilate and that was our downfall. We have allowed the demasculation of our men and the dehumanization of our women. The Minister was right. We currently have a covenant with the devil. America has for too long told us lies. 40 acres and a mule, civil right act, affirmative action etc…. I admire Tavis for his casting an idea into the heads of black folks but the truth is we are not ready for a new covenant. Not until stand up and realize that we must dig our selves out of a hole that so many have dug for us.
March 6th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Ooookay! Let’s deal with some facts.
#Farrakhan says that he has proof that the levees were blown up and as expected, black folk get mad. When asked to produce this “proof”, instead of apoligizing for not having the evidence, he says he heard it from the mayor. Instead of challanging him on this issue, black folks like some of y’all lap it up –refusing to question it lest you are preceived as anti-black.
#Farrakhan spends a great deal of time suggesting that white folks were created by an evil scientist and are therefore evil, but does not fully deal with his fact that the Nation of Islam was founded by a white man (Savior’s day anyone?)
#At the recent Million Man March, the turnout was way less than the first event. Let me guess, the white man rigged the cars of black folks to keep them from coming.
I bring up these few points for this reason, if black folks are really serious about progress:
#1- Acknowledge it when you see it instead of dismissing every successful black man who has a difference of opinion with politically with many fellow black folks, doesn’t wear a gold chain or cusses every other word as an uncle tom.
#2-Stop blaming the governement for every bad thing that happens in our own communities.
#3- If you suspect that white folks will ALWAYS have some sort of conspiracy against you, and you still choose to live in a country that is roughly 70% white–YOU ARE THE ONE THAT IS CRAZY!
Admit that we did not integrate instead we attempted to assimilate and that was our downfall.
Please come out of the deep with this one and explain.
March 9th, 2006 at 12:27 pm
For whatever the reason, just remember WE ARE of color whether labeled as the N word, black, or African American. It is a fact that we lacked unity from the time of slavery. Then jealousness and/or envy swept in among our people. We need to get ourselves together and focus on us as a people and correct our inadequacies and help one another. This will call for unity in our own race.
George Bush received support from most of the Black churches and their congregations because he was against abortion (moral issue). They evidently do not consider feeding the poor, assisting the elderly with medical problems and/medicines and assisting with educational needs those that are less fortunate moral issues also). Katrina should show that if possible George Bush would eraticate the whole Black race. Another point to mention is the 2nd plane that crashed into the 2nd World Trade Building could have been prevented had the air traffic controller been able to contact someone in the Executive branch of government. Bush would not excuse himself from a school classroom, and Rumsfield and Chenny could not be contacted. One of them were in hiding. This information is in the Commission Report on the 911 incident and was showed on CSPAN once. Is this protecting the American people? Is Oil on his agenda and was that the real cause for the War? With the above said, “I’m sure any Black person that voted for Bush would not be willing to agree with Tavis Smiley and help any Black person that needed it.
March 9th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
They evidently do not consider feeding the poor, assisting the elderly with medical problems and/medicines and assisting with educational needs those that are less fortunate moral issues also).
Sylvia, Sylvia, Sylvia…
For starters, churches have been doing a better job at these kind of things by themselves without the aid of government.
As far as Democrats go, please point to at least two programs they have pushed for in the past that address such issues with LASTING results.
As far as the other points you mentioned, in the interest of staying within the context of THIS particular post, we can address those at another time.
Thanks for your comments.
March 11th, 2006 at 8:04 pm
first of all the man you say founded the nation was a white man. He came from the far east with their skin tone. Black father so that he could have the knowledge of us to deal with us, and white mother(skin tone) so that he could slip past the white man. I asure you if he came with the skin tone of a black man, besides the issues black people would have had with that, he would have surely be arrested if not assassinated. God does things for a reason, you should not poke fun of what you do not understand. “Come out of her” the Bible says. As the writer eluded to earlier if you wish to lay with your slave masters sons and daughters do so. When God gives them their justice and it has begun, all of you who wish to hold on to them will burn with them as it is written. If you don’t know where it is written pick up some material. Most all of the scriptures Tora, Quran, and Bible speak of an End. People just interpret them different.
March 11th, 2006 at 8:19 pm
So using your logic here, could George Bush be a black man under white skin?
Why or why not?
March 14th, 2006 at 11:40 am
Does George Bush have an original man as a father?
February 11th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
I cannot find website to send message to Tavis Smiley so I hope this is forwarded to him. First, let me congratulation him ona wonderful presentation this past weekend..”The State of Black America”.. Also, his parents need to be recognized for the outstanding job they have done in raising a cultured, refined, sensitive young man. I would bel proud to call him “son” (I am 71 years of age so feel qualified to make this statement). Cornell West needs to “look in the mirror”-he should be ashamed of himself and all people of color should be ashamed ofhim. To make the dumb statement that Senator Obama should have been at the conference was totally insenstive. Cornell West, had he been as educated as he claims should have applauded Senator Obama for taking this special day to announce his run for president of the U.S. Reminds me of what my dear grandmother used to say about “crabs in the basket”. Cornell West certainly showed his true colors on this day. Senator Obama is to be congratulated and Lord knows I pray he becomes president. Is Cornell West perhaps a bit jealous? Every person of color at the event hopefully was proud. History will remember this day..Senator Obama announced his presidency – I also applaud Jessie Jackson..heretofor I have not been is greatest fan but he made me do an about face emotionally. when asked about the racial identity of Obabma, he answered the question with truth and honesty. We are all mixed..even whites who are not willing to acknowlege thispart of their DNA. Remember or recall Henry Louis Gates doing the racial composition of those beloved people we know, i.e. Oprah, himself, Quincy Jones, etc. We should be the same thing withthe famous whites and I can almost assure you the growth of the black population would indeed increase. For the love of me I have never understood why when a person has a white parent, society (white) has forced them to give up that part of their identity. From my math days, 1 + 1 still equals 2 and not 1. George Bush…who cares..this was much much more important. Let us all, and I mean all people support Senator Obama and forget about Cornell West. Sad individual if he couldl make such a insensitive remark and congratulations to Tavis Smiley for being gracious. Dear Dr. West, there is so much more to lifel than your Ph.D.. you need class and that comes from our background/parents. If we does not come from them then it is our responsibility to obtain it ourselves. You must catch more hell or have caught it to be so small in your thinking. Maybe you need another Ph.D…maybe you would learn something then
August 30th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
In 1950 there were black boys and girls that have grow into men and women that left school in the 9th grade not because they wanted to . each story is diffrent. Now would you beleive that to this very day they are still trying to get that High School,GED.” Now look at this” with no High School studies how do they Pass a GED test that a community College has for them. GED class are for people who when to Hight school. How can we help those black men and women who still “have a dream of going throught to the 12 grade “,Now mind you some have takeing and are taking the GED classes ,However; They left school in the 9th grade how do you do Hight school or college level work when you never recevied a hight school education. Can you ,would you tell me ,were or how to help them .” Is there some place they can go to get a Hight Scool foundation in their 50’s if so please let me know,write me at Agnes Scott 6201 N. 15th st Phila. Pa. 19141. I’m a siliver life member of the NAACP, Thank you for you time,I pray to here from you,In the name of Jesus christ. Tavis Smiley ,and all the people who care keep up the good work . God is watching
February 24th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Dear Tavis,
Let me start by saying, there are many people who have benefitted from the work that you do, for which you deserve a round of applause. I would like to share a concern that I have relative to a statement you made at the conclusion of the State of the Black Union program. True Black people use the term “Negro” (no-grow) to describe individuals who are not clear in their thinking or commitment to the struggle. At the end of the program you stated that you wanted to thank a few Negro’s who helped to make the program a success. I think you owe them an apology for using that term to describe them, not unless you feel they are truly that. (your call on that). Furthermore, you truly confused Senator Clinton when you used the term “Negro”. The look on her face seemed to suggest, “Now I’m not sure what to call them, Negro, African-American or Colored”. Please be careful, and think before you speak.
February 25th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Dear Tavis,
Let me start by saying, there are many people who have benefitted from the work that you do, for which you deserve a round of applause. I would like to share a concern that I have relative to a statement you made at the conclusion of the State of the Black Union program. True Black people use the term “Negro” (no-grow) to describe individuals who are not clear in their thinking or commitment to the struggle. At the end of the program you stated that you wanted to thank a few Negro’s who helped to make the program a success. I think you owe them an apology for using that term to describe them, not unless you feel they are truly that. (your call on that). Furthermore, you truly confused Senator Clinton when you used the term “Negro”. The look on her face seemed to suggest, “Now I’m not sure what to call them, Negro, African-American or Colored”. Please be careful, and think before you speak.
February 16th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Dear Tavis, I am in the 3rd grade.We are studing about Black History Month. I got to pick your name.I was wondering if you could share some information about yourself with me. I need to know who are your friends and your enemies, and what they did.I need some ideas from you to use as artifact about you. Thank You, Ssmuel