Part 1

Just kidding. We must get to the root of this problem. On our way to the bottom, let's look at some of the aspects of black leadership.

Recently, several incidents occurred in the black community that left us stunned. 13-year-old Devon Brown was shot dead in Los Angeles by a police officer that, after a brief, low-speed pursuit, shot and killed young Devin for driving a car. He was unarmed.

Then, a little five-year old girl was manhandled; handcuffed and stuffed like an adult by four, count them, four St. Petersburg Police officers. School administrators called the police officers because she was having a temper tantrum. Then, an unarmed, although intoxicated man was wounded by four of some 120 rounds fired into his truck by Los Angeles police officers.

There were so many rounds fired that some of the officers themselves were hit, and bystanders and witnesses found themselves diving for cover from the flurry of bullets whizzing through the air. Many homes had slugs and holes in them as a result of the L.A.P.D.'s overzealous manhunters.

In each case, Jesse followed up with a visit and a press conference condemning the brutal police behavior, and making an attempt to stand up for their black victims. Conversely, Jesse Lee Peterson blames the victim for the outrageous and sometimes deadly response of the police.

Wait, did I say followed up? Hmmm. So, in actuality, Jesse is himself as much a follower as a leader, maybe more so. Let me ask, who else goes around the country, and sometimes the world, attempting to address wrongs done to black people? Who stood up and told Texaco that we would not tolerate their unfair treatment? Yes, I know, the case can be made that Jesse is somewhat out of touch, and his methods a little antiquated.

So, he's stuck in the past, but he's at least willing to show up on our behalf, or at least on the behalf of the victim to say something. Am I naïve? Am I misguided in my attempt to help us see one of our own for who he really is, or at least trying to be? Is Jesse Lee Peterson right when he calls Jesse evil, wicked, and power-hungry? Even more than that, what has Jesse Lee Peterson done to help the victim of these vicious attacks?

I remember Charles Barkley's rant a few years back about black parent's assumption that he and other black NBA players as supposed role models to black children. He stopped that cold, telling them in no uncertain terms that he was not about to be dragged down the road to perpetual consternation. He informed them that it was not his responsibility to be role model, but theirs.

Maybe we should take a page from that book and apply it to ourselves in this situation. Do we have a right to expect Jesse to be our leader? If so, who or what gave us that right? Is there some unwritten public policy based in human nature that allows us to confiscate his mind and body and use it for our purposes?

What do we want of Jesse? Was it his time spent working with Dr. King? Was it his Rainbow-PUSH Coalition? Was it his Afro, raised fist and "I am somebody" chant? Or, was it the white media's projection of him in the role of leader?

I am certainly in favor of new techniques to impact white America and create more genuine appreciation for black Americans. I am all for more effective means of fostering genuine respect for us, too.

But, I am not in favor of throwing away or beating up on a man who is perfectly willing and able to make some stand for us when few others are. Malcolm said that we must mature enough to put our differences aside and realize the common ground and the common enemy we share.

We are all black and they are all white. Now, not all blacks want to see the masses of blacks succeed in breaking free from white oppression. And, not all whites want to see us oppressed or oppress us. Black men like Jesse Lee Peterson are of the persuasion that we need to stay close to Massa, thus he demonizes Jesse, and me, although I am of the Vernon Johns/Malcolm X school of philosophy while Jesse comes from the Dr. King non-violent point of view. I don't use this phrase often, but Jesse Lee Peterson is the proverbial handkerchief headed Uncle Tom. Possible of being redeemed, but extremely unlikely.

Jesse Jackson, on the other hand, is someone who I truly believe cares for us, but needs to get reacquainted with us if he is going to continue serving us. When the vote is cast, and the (s)election is made, I believe you too will choose Jesse #1. But more than that, let's look to ourselves as leaders. I know that when we begin to lead ourselves, we will soon realize that many of those whom we thought were traveling a different road are actually walking along side us.

Part 1

See you next month

© June 2005 By Dan Hardman

Brother Dan Hardman will be keeping the Black community informed on issues concerning the church and righteous living. Visit regularly for new information that could help you overcome and make the best of your everyday experiences.

To subscribe to Hardman's column join the Afromerica email list to receive new information as it is updated. Or E-mail D Hardman at: essaysfromchurch@edincorporated.com

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