Making Black history

By James Clingman
TriceEdneyWire.com Columnist

“There are [Blacks] who are willing to worship the pyramids of 4,000 years ago but will not build pyramids in the present so their children may see what they left behind as well. We have a leadership who rallies the people to look at past glories but leave their children neglected…”
– Dr. Amos Wilson, Afrikan Centered Consciousness versus the New World Order

It’s that time again, y’all. Black History Month! The time of year when we celebrate our history. Consider this: Let’s make Black history in addition to just celebrating it this year. Having used Amos Wilson’s quote many times in my attempt to get us to move from being passive to being active, I draw upon his wisdom once again in hope that we will change our behavior when it comes to Black History Month, by making some history of our own.

History has shown us what our ancestors have done, but we must take their victories to a higher level by building upon what they have done—not just talking about it. This month, God willing, I will write four articles on making Black history, and offer ways to improve on what has already been done by following the paths left by our people and building something now. Then, next year this time, we will have more to celebrate—something our children can see in their present rather than in their past.

This first feature of “Making Black History” is centered on a call being put forth by THE One Million Conscious and Conscientious Black Contributors and Voters (OMCCBCV). Imagine the impact of millions of black voters going to their respective Boards of Elections and changing their registration designation to “No Party Affiliation” (NPA). Now that is a great way to MAKE Black History rather than sit back and reflect on the Black history made by our progenitors.

The original NPA idea came from co-convener of THE One Million, Amefika Geuka, who recently discussed with me a mass movement by Black voters to declare our independence of both dominant political parties. We decided to launch the effort this Black History Month (Feb. 2017). We want at least One Million Black voters, in the next 90 days, to register “NPA,” thereby, serving notice on all politicians that Black folks will no longer be their puppets and will no longer be ignored.

Changing our designation to NPA will strengthen us collectively and give us the power to leverage our votes for our own best interests—our “permanent interests” — as a viable, resolute, and independent voting bloc. It will let politicians know that we are serious about quid pro quo, something they understand all too well. Finally, we will be able to get some “quo” in return for our “quid.”

Now, I understand that many Black people who are dyed-in-the-wool Dems or Repubs will never register as NPA, but this is not about waiting for or even trying to coax all Black voters to comply with this very sensible and simple strategy. A critical mass of Black voters, willing to close ranks around Congressman Bill Clay’s famous assertion: “We have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, just permanent interests,” will give us the leverage we must have, nationally and locally, to determine the outcomes of various elections and gain reciprocity from those whom we support.

So, this is my first recommendation on how we MAKE Black History this month instead of just celebrating it and being told what our history is via commercials, sales, and folks who know very little or no Black history. A case in point is the recent Tweet by Vice President Mike Pence, who wrote, “As Black History Month begins we remember when President Lincoln submitted the 13th Amendment, ending slavery, to the states.” Say what!?

He suggests we celebrate Black History by acknowledging a white man—someone who did not end slavery by “submitting the 13th Amendment.” I wrote to Pence and suggested to him, in keeping with his “Lincoln freed the slaves” theme, that he should make history by calling for the “exception” clause to be removed from the 13th Amendment (THE One Million’s Plank #11). Then slavery in all forms and under all circumstances, especially for those “duly convicted of crimes” would be eliminated. Don’t you just hate condescension?

Get to your respective registration Boards and change to “NPA,” and let’s stop accepting someone else’s interpretation of Black History. Let’s make our own.

This article originally published in the February 13, 2017 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.