We need to step up
15th October 2018 · 0 Comments
By Edmund W. Lewis
Editor
More than 150 years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, we are still fighting for the same things that we were fighting for in the second half of the 18th century: recognition as free and equal human beings, self-determination and the right to be.
We have fought tooth and nail to make advances throughout the course of American history only to have those gains constantly threatened and undermined by the powers that be.
Most frustrating and distressing is the fact that some of those who look like us have been willing to do the bidding of the powers that be to line their own pockets and boost their careers.
It is way past time for us to call a spade a spade and do away with Black turncoats who claim to represent us but do little to represent our interests in the City Council Chambers, State Legislature or on Capitol Hill.
As we reflect on the ramifications of the mid-term elections and the challenges we continue to face in this city and state, let us be ever mindful of the fact that each of us is responsible for effecting positive change. That means doing everything we can to bring about justice, equity and democracy even if that means hurting some folks’ feelings or presenting them with their walking papers.
In the meantime, I got some questions for y’all. Here we go:
• Six months into her first term as mayor, how many changes do you suppose LaToya Cantrell has made the public bidding process fair and equitable and bridge the pay gap in the Crescent City?
• How comfortable are you with elected officials using city-issued credit cards to purchase flat-screen TVs, turkeys for holiday give-aways, feminine products and other non-essential items?
• How much time have you put aside to assess the job performances of the elected officials in your district who are running for re-election?
• Given the history of this nation, how many people can honestly say that they are surprised by the recent U.S. Senate confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh?
• With a nod to Alvin Kamara’s red hat, what would you say it would take to “Make Africa Home Again”?
• Why haven’t more Black entrepreneurs and others with disposable income stepped up to establish trade ties with sub-Saharan African nations and others like Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica?
• Why are so few people talking about addressing mass incarceration in the City of New Orleans?
• How much of the City’s Tricentennial Celebration has focused on the significance of the fleur de lis as a symbol of rebellious enslaved Africans who refused to be treated less than human?
• Why are we letting others raise and educate our children?
• Is the brother or sister who is elected to represent us in local, state or federal government really our brother or sister if he or she supports laws and policies that adversely impact us?
• Why is it so hard for so many of us to support Black businesses on a regular basis?
• What would you say to someone who proudly announces that they do not read books or newspapers but still act like they know everything and believe they are activists and leaders because they post their thoughts online?
• How many books have you bought since graduating from high school or college?
• What do you suppose our Beloved Ancestors think of us and our commitment to pursuing education, justice, equity, liberation and self-determination?
This article originally published in the October 15, 2018 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
