Black America in the 21st century: Compete or perish

Black Collegian, Apr 2001 by Daniels, Ron

The Algerian reformer, social psychologist and revolutionary Frantz Fanon once proclaimed that, "each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it." Now that we have crossed the threshold of a new century and millennium, a new generation of Black students, young activists, professionals and intellectuals must discover their mission if Africans in America and the world are to make further progress along the path to full freedom and liberation. The signs are that this task will be no less difficult than that faced by previous generations.

There is no question that DuBois' prophesy that the problem of the 20th Century would be the "colorline" (racism and white supremacy) proved to be valid. Present indications suggest that the "colorline" will remain a barrier to Black advancement well into the 21st Century. Though Africans in America have unquestionably made significant progress over the past 100 years, racism is still alive and well in this country. Perhaps nothing more than the recent disenfranchisement of Black voters in Florida and around the nation in the 2000 presidential election points to the continuing disrespect and disregard for Black people in this country.

After a period of major gains in shattering the walls of apartheid in the U.S., a venomous "white backlash" has relegated the plight of Africans in America to the back burner. Indeed, there is now a concerted effort by government at all levels to turn the clock back on Black progress. This is particularly reflected in the assault on affirmative action and the use of "raced based" policies to remedy past and present discrimination. Despite widespread evidence of racial profiling, police brutality and continuing discrimination in virtually every area of life, America is in denial about racism. Indeed, within much of white America there is the perception that Black gains have come at the expense of white people and that it is now whites who are the victims of unfair treatment because of the "preferential treatment" afforded Blacks.

As this generation contemplates the challenges facing Black people in the new century, it must also face the reality that the demographics of the U.S. have changed dramatically in the last 50 years with significant numbers of other peoples of color, particularly Latinos and Asians, migrating to these shores in large numbers. In fact, based on the 2000 Census, Latinos have now surpassed Africans as the largest minority in this country. Though other people of color also face discrimination, as Dr. Claude Anderson contends in Black Labor White Wealth, Blacks remain the least preferred minority in America. Indeed, even among other people of color one senses a sentiment that the concerns of Black people are receiving too much attention. Hence Black people are not likely to receive much sympathy from other people of color as we continue our quest for full freedom. Finally, ready or not, Africans in America are affected by the new global economy where competition for survival and development is often fierce and unforgiving. As we enter a new century, all of these factors suggest that Africans in America must be prepared to compete if we are to progress and prosper. The question is will Black people in general and this generation in particular be up to the challenge?

In my view the answer to that question is very simple. Africans in America must resolve to compete or perish. The hard cold reality is that while we are well aware that the source of our oppression is white supremacy, simply citing that fact with repetition will not be sufficient to achieve racial progress. In the 21st Century, Africans in America must consciously and calculatedly plan to prepare our people to compete to promote and defend our interests and aspirations.

The first step in this process is to cultivate a cultural, spiritual and mental toughness and tenacity that will not countenance failure. We must be deeply grounded/rooted in an understanding of who we are as a people, our history, culture and potential for greatness. And while we should not inherently be antagonistic to any group of people, it is imperative that African people cultivate the consciousness to be "of the race and for the race." The dictums "charity begins at home and spreads abroad," and "love thy neighbor as thy self " are certainly applicable as guides in our relations with others. We must also have faith that our ancestors and the creator are on our side as long as that which we aspire to and undertake is righteous and just.

It goes without saying that Black people cannot depend on Euro-centric institutions to impart the kind of consciousness required to equip our people to compete and succeed in the 21st Century. It is the responsibility of Black people to cultivate that consciousness in our families, the community, our churches and civic associations. The Black church can be particularly useful in this regard by operating after-school and Saturday school programs where young people can learn about our history and heritage while also acquiring some of the skills needed to compete effectively in public schools and institutions of higher learning. After school and Saturday school programs also provide excellent avenues for college students and young adults to render significant service to the community. Indeed, Black people need a pattern of self supporting social, cultural-educational, economic and political institutions which orient young people to the credo of committing time, talent and resources to the Black community and offer opportunities for youth and students to render service to the community.