Two days in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther Kings “I Have a Dream Speech,” (August 28, 1963) the question we have today for our readers is ” has the hype of MLK’s vision settled as African Americans continue to stand on the foundation Dr. King has built?
Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As we enter two weeks into the release of Lee Daniel‘s critically acclaimed film “The Butler,” another question to African Americans, is should we really be thankful for slavery? Not thankful in a sense for the inhumane, cruel, brutal, and hateful treatment our ancestors fought and persevered through; but thankful for the fact that if it weren’t for slavery,
Dr. King, and many other Black Men and Women leaders, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Although we have President Barack Obama in Office, we still continue to struggle behind the scenes for equality and justice for all men and women. As we answer these questions to ourselves, we must also keep in mind, not to become too complacent in this and the coming generation because we have a Black President in Office. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be this way forever. (or will it?) Sorry to burst your bubbles.
Dr. King not only set African Americans on the path to freedom, justice, and equality, he also embraced and encouraged Union Leader and Labor Organizer, Cesar Chavez and his colleagues to lead non-violent marches, boycotts, as well as coordinating several hunger strikes. All this was for Chavez to improve the treatment, pay, and working conditions for farm workers. Just as African Americans toiled this land until it was rich, so did Chavez and his family as migrant workers. We all can agree to disagree, that Blacks came as slaves; Chavez and his family came as migrants. Ask yourselves what’s the difference between the two?
Cesar Chavez at the Delano UFW rally. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Another point to ponder is will we ever have another young, courageous, ambitious Black Leader to pick us up from where we are and lead us in to the next phase in our journey to freedom, justice, equality, fair education for our young Black children? What qualities would this leader(s) have to possess? Does he or she have to be a well known politician, pastor, deacon, doctor? Will this person be respected and embraced in ALL communities not just the Black Community? In my opinion, it doesn’t matter, just as long as it gets done, or someone at least tries to step up. Not everyone at once now, for you can only have so many leaders.
To sum it all up, Leadership is the key to success in any race, society, and community. Everyone has the freedom to be a leader. We all can argue or debate about the cliches, opinions, literature and teachings on leadership. Ive just about heard it all and read it all. What I gathered from this valuable information is that taking the lead is a gradual process, starting with learning first, then following the direction of past leaders, mixed with solid beliefs and principles. Once you’ve got the hang of following those directions, you will subconsciously begin to lead by example to those in your circle, and the people you interact with at home, work, school, play, etc. Subconscious leadership will develop, then mature until it becomes almost natural to take the lead. You will begin to develop a clear agenda for your leadership, depending on the immediate & future needs of the “whole of the sum” of people, groups, organizations it comes almost natural to lead.
Lee Daniels and children (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
No one ever said that leadership doesn’t come without it’s pro’s and cons, not to mention the sacrifices that need to be made for effective leadership. When done with peace, love, compassion, understanding, wisdom, and most importantly courageousness; your Leadership is bound to thrive on making a difference even if no one tells you you’re a great leader.
Pete Souza, Official White House Photographer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
As you embark on your journey to Leadership, please take a moment to remember some of these quotes from past leaders…
Salute Rising Leaders,
Editor in Chief,
English: Barack Obama delivers a speech at the University of Southern California (Video of the speech) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
CEO & Founder
West Coat Rise Magazine
Maurice A. Petty
” Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” – Harry S. Truman
Photograph of President John F. Kennedy conferring with former President Harry S. Truman in the Oval Office, on… – NARA – 200437 (Photo credit: Wikipedia
” Leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough ahead to motivate them.” – John C. Maxwell
” Leaders aren’t born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.” – Vince Lombardi
“A nation which has forgotten the quality of courage which in the past has been brought to public lif is not as likely to insist upon or regard that quality in it’s chosen leaders today – and in fact we have forgotten.” – John F. Kennedy
” As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” – Bill Gates
Related articles
- Lee Daniels’ Response to Backlash from His Inflammatory, Stereotypical Remarks (atlantablackstar.com)
- Lee Daniels, Kevin Hart, and Black Power is for Black Men (missvpage.com)
- Lee Daniel’s The Butler (snyberg1.wordpress.com)
- What Would the Rev Martin Luther King Think of Obama’s Presidency? (counterpunch.org)
- The relationship between Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King, Jr. (voxxi.com)
- 1963 march inspired Latinos in civil rights fight (mysanantonio.com)
- A Dream Recognized, A Struggle Forgotten (districtoftheworld.wordpress.com)
- What is the African American Solution? (frankpaulgambino.com)
- Jobs And Freedom (figuringoutfulfillment.wordpress.com)
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