When the Giants fall…

Bishop Robert C. Blakes. the Rev. Zebadee Bridges. the Rev. John Raphael Jr. Thee giants in New Orleans’ religious community.

All maintained churches in the inner city while others fled to the suburbs or other cities. All provided comfort and services to the Black and poor. All advocated for the plight of the “underclass” of Black people in New Orleans, keeping their needs and issues visible in a city that would be happy if we all just vanished.

All three gone, as if in a procession of a generation.

When three giants fall in a matter of weeks, you have to wonder what it means. You also have to wonder who will replace them. What caliber of leader will emerge?

In this age of “cash and carry” activists who only do what is safe or profitable, who will step up?

As the Old Guard takes a well-earned rest, the question is, what will the New Guard bring to the table? Will they stand or fold? Can they build on the wisdom and experience of their predecessors to advance the interests of the Black community?

Perhaps a better question is, what kind of new leaders will the Black community settle for…or demand?

This article originally published in the July 8, 2013 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.