NO MORE EXCUSES: BUT CAN I GET A THANKS?
By Keith L. Forest
By Keith L. Forest
Thursday, July 16, President Obama gave yet another moving speech centered on racial inequality as he campaign and gather support for his administrative agenda. Addressing a large predominately African American Audience during the NAACP Centennial Celebration, President Obama’s words, as critics noted, were informative, passionate, rhythmic, impactful and enlightening – all the elements needed for a Sunday morning sermon.
Yet as President Obama drove his point home allowing the media to dissect, analyze and weigh in on his every word, I couldn’t help but feel the double-edged sword pierce through my skin – no excuse!
Yes, there are no more excuses and never should be any excuse for what it is we as individuals can do. For, giving the opportunity in an equal society, one can do whatever we put our minds to. In the words of Jesse Jackson “If we can believe it, then we can achieve it.” Yes, we have to turn off the TV and X boxes and start reading to our children. Bill Cosby told us that. And yes we must set our goals higher.
There is no doubt that President Obama has been an inspiration for so many African American males and females the world over. For once our sons, brothers, nephews and men of color can see themselves/ourselves as ascending above and beyond our circumstances. Yet, this message of “No Excuse” that our fearless leader, whom we of the African Diaspora so adore, so freely delivers to the African American community is void of the embrace, encouragement and personal identity that those whom shoulders he and we stand were so quick and adamant to give. The message of collectively, unifying and challenging the establishment demanding justice be served not on the color of our skin but the content of our character as Martin so eloquently spoke of.
In an article in The New York Times, entitled “2008 Surge in black Voters nearly Erased Racial Gap”, New York Times, July 21, 2009, Urban Affairs writer, Sam Roberts, reported that “younger blacks voted in greater proportions than whites for the first time and black women turned out at a higher rate than any other racial, ethnic and gender group.” The article goes on to point out the obvious that the increase in voter turnout was based on the fact that Obama was on the ballet.
The President made it clear that racism still exist. He reminded us that although he holds the highest seat in the land, the odds for African Americans growing up among crime and gang violence are still high. We got work to do. He is doing his part and we have to continue doing ours.
So before we roll up our sleeves, and begin the work of fighting this good fight to reform health care, stimulate our minds and help get the economy back on track, can we get a simple thank you Mr. president, for having your back?
Keith L. Forest is a freelance publicist, writer and proud Bedford-Stuyvesant home owner who lives and works in the beloved community. His current blog space mybedstuy.blogspot.com seeks to celebrate the people and places that make up this great community while addressing issues such as gentrification, predatory lending and other ill norms that seek to exploit, discredit and harm the area and its people.
Yet as President Obama drove his point home allowing the media to dissect, analyze and weigh in on his every word, I couldn’t help but feel the double-edged sword pierce through my skin – no excuse!
Yes, there are no more excuses and never should be any excuse for what it is we as individuals can do. For, giving the opportunity in an equal society, one can do whatever we put our minds to. In the words of Jesse Jackson “If we can believe it, then we can achieve it.” Yes, we have to turn off the TV and X boxes and start reading to our children. Bill Cosby told us that. And yes we must set our goals higher.
There is no doubt that President Obama has been an inspiration for so many African American males and females the world over. For once our sons, brothers, nephews and men of color can see themselves/ourselves as ascending above and beyond our circumstances. Yet, this message of “No Excuse” that our fearless leader, whom we of the African Diaspora so adore, so freely delivers to the African American community is void of the embrace, encouragement and personal identity that those whom shoulders he and we stand were so quick and adamant to give. The message of collectively, unifying and challenging the establishment demanding justice be served not on the color of our skin but the content of our character as Martin so eloquently spoke of.
In an article in The New York Times, entitled “2008 Surge in black Voters nearly Erased Racial Gap”, New York Times, July 21, 2009, Urban Affairs writer, Sam Roberts, reported that “younger blacks voted in greater proportions than whites for the first time and black women turned out at a higher rate than any other racial, ethnic and gender group.” The article goes on to point out the obvious that the increase in voter turnout was based on the fact that Obama was on the ballet.
The President made it clear that racism still exist. He reminded us that although he holds the highest seat in the land, the odds for African Americans growing up among crime and gang violence are still high. We got work to do. He is doing his part and we have to continue doing ours.
So before we roll up our sleeves, and begin the work of fighting this good fight to reform health care, stimulate our minds and help get the economy back on track, can we get a simple thank you Mr. president, for having your back?
Keith L. Forest is a freelance publicist, writer and proud Bedford-Stuyvesant home owner who lives and works in the beloved community. His current blog space mybedstuy.blogspot.com seeks to celebrate the people and places that make up this great community while addressing issues such as gentrification, predatory lending and other ill norms that seek to exploit, discredit and harm the area and its people.
No comments:
Post a Comment