“All of this has happened before…and it will all happen again”- J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)
Three months into 2025 (and into the repeat presidency of the person whose name I have committed to not utter from my mouth) there is only one thought and theme that dances around in my mind. It isn’t the systematic attempts to diminish our presence or the disrespectful pandering to our people in order to create distractions. I don’t find myself consumed by the colorful cooperation with this corruption from some of our loved community members. I’m not even preoccupied with the threats of retaliation toward anti-government rhetoric that have now be issued. In this moment, the one and only thing that sits at the intersection of my heart and mind is that we, as African Americans, have been here before. This is not the first time that foolishness has furnished the Oval Office. Not the first time that the demonic decibels of dog whistle racism have been turned up to deafening levels. This isn’t our first go around with “evil in high places”. And while we should not have to lean on the resiliency of Black people that has been fortified and perfected across the span of centuries, our determination must be grounded in the truth that our people are now, more than ever, built to survive this season.
If we have been here before, the question becomes what did we do back then that will help us now? With that in mind, I humbly reintroduce that which we may not recognize we already have. A social agenda that prioritizes Black people and that which is necessary (not convenient) to us. A treatise that offers intelligent response to the illogical activity we have to deal with. Equipped with a deep and abiding passion for my people, I give you the “New” Black Agenda
- Economic Divestment – If it does not serve the Black community (or the short AND long term interest of Black Americans) we do not need to support it with our dollars. We should not be spending any money on goods or services that do not come from a Black Owned Business. Our oppressors are banking on our habitual consumerism to finance our own disenfranchisement. You can start by participating in Buy Black Wednesdays. Search for Black owned businesses around you and create your own “green book” to use for shopping.
- Institutional Involvement – With all of the governmental changes happening around us, the institutions that serve our community (local schools, community & counseling centers, youth programs, churches, etc. ) require our help if they are going to continue to serve us. We must support them as they support us. Volunteer your time and talent to a place that is in service to your community. Whatever you can volunteer (and however long you can volunteer) would be welcomed and have deep impact in making sure that we are well as we endure this term of tyranny.
- Political Engagement – We cannot allow the disappointment of how things turned out this past election cycle to keep us from civic engagement. Now (not four Novembers from now) is the time for us to begin to activate, demonstrate, agitate, organize and get clear about what we require out of our elected leadership. Start conversing in your networks around what issues affect us locally and nationally. Create you own local political platform (what policies matter to your community) & reach out to your representatives to voice your issues. Investigate candidates to determine whether or not their platform makes our community a priority (only support the candidates with platforms that do). See voting as a chess move to get where we want to go and not as a home run that brings victory in one swing.
- Community Enlightenment – The divides that we have existed in cannot be maintained among us any longer. Our oppressors do not care if you are Apostolic, Methodist, Baptist or Catholic. They do not care if we are Blood, Crip, Folk or Vice Lord. These oppressive laws do not care if we are Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or Atheist. Our support of these separations does the devilish work of our oppressors for them. We don’t have to have similar traditions or rituals in order to stand together. We are all children of the Most High & liberation is God’s desire (no matter what name you refer to God by). Begin to curate spaces, events & opportunities for us to gather with all of our differences for the purpose of understanding and connection. When we are united, we absolutely cannot be defeated.
We are here yet again. On the sandy shores of injustice with the sea of righteous possibility in front of us. God has chosen us all for this moment. What we do within it will either define us or destroy us. The road is imposing but not impossible. Our road is lit by the light of God’s righteousness…we need not be afraid. Our time is now and this is the time we need to be on. May the Spirit of God breathe on this agenda as we go forward…together.
“When I dare to be powerful to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” – Audre Lorde
