- The Don Imus-Rutgers Women's Basketball team fiasco ... Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson
- Jena 6 ... Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson
- Hip Hop Summit ... Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson
- Hurricane Katrina ... Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson
It doesn't matter where the news event occurs in the United States, it always seems that news reporters run to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for quotes!
Now, I'm not sayin' that I don't respect Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for their decades-long efforts to galvanize African Americans and to educate all people about our plight in this country. I truly respect these men and I see them as national leaders.
However, I wonder if African Americans in Phoenix, Arizona would feel comfortable in having Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson represent us if a local news story involving our people captures the entire nation's interest.
I've lived in Arizona all of my life and can only recall Jesse Jackson visiting Phoenix once. I don't know how many times Al Sharpton has been here.
What's my point?
Here are the questions ...
- Would black people in Arizona prefer to have leadership that has roots here (homes, businesses, family, etc.)?
- Does our community already have African American leaders that we can look to for guidance on our history, racism, health, education, poverty, ways to achieve economic independence, ways to reduce crime, ways to unify our people?
- If so, who are they? If not, do we need a leadership team?
Maybe I'm babbling, but this is something I've been pondering for years. It's very clear that our community in Phoenix is fractured and has been for many years. However, I constantly run into African Americans who want to see more unity among our people.
I'm well aware of the fact that we have African American legislators and organizations such as the Greater Phoenix Urban League and Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce.
I'd like to see these African American government officials, businesspeople, religious leaders and community activists work together on a mission to become the main resources for our community.
I've heard about the African American Strategic Leadership Group (AASLG) headed by Councilman Michael Johnson, District 8, which was formed in 2006 to address this need.
However, I don't feel that this group has been effective in accomplishing this mission. If you asked an average person on the street if he or she has even heard of the AASLG, I bet nine out of 10 would say "No."
I think the AASLG has made a valiant effort and I applaud this group for wanting to educate and empower the African American community of Arizona. But what has this organization actually accomplished? I receive the AASLG e-mails on a regular basis about the group's "discussions," but when is this group going to develop and implement a plan into our community?
I partially blame myself for not getting more involved with this group in the past, but this post has rejuvenated my desire to make the AASLG better in the future!
If you have a response to this post, please COMMENT today! Every opinion or question is valuable! Let's make Phoenix a better place for African Americans right now!
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