In salute to Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, The Daily Beast inked a predictable list of blacks presumed to be Dr. King’s successors. Among the top 13 chosen by 100 Black Men of America and the National Council of Negro Women, it came as a surprise that only three were women: Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Susan Taylor. No doubt, the successful blend of religion and social action thrust Reverends T.D.Jakes, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson into spotlighted recognition.
In some respects, the results seem more predicated on popularity than the creation of employee over shareholder wealth or greater civic than corporate upsides. No disrespect to the game-changing contributors, however, these very parameters represent the untenable foundation on which King firmly stood, where zest for social action had no correlation to personal wealth or the wealth of others.
Conversely, many black preacher men and women who likely wouldn’t gain mention have become quite un-King like, having graduated to greedier times that affix C-Note dreams to the ministerial mainstream. I'm afraid disenfranchised community flocks forced to live in environmental squalor have not kept priority’s pace with the church’s receipts of deposit in some instances.
Sliding from relevant social commentary ranks according to those polled, Dick Gregory also missed a top slot but there he was on “Imus in the Morning,” professing love for the radio host synonymous with “nappy headed hoes.” I understand the Christian doctrine of forgiveness but what motivated the salt and pepper-bearded Gregory to spout his love your bigoted brother sentiment on M.L.K. Day? Furthermore, how responsible was it to blurt out that blacks are still holding paper bag parties in Louisiana without substantive explanation? And on the Fox Business Network, the right-winged attack machine arm, of all places?
Even at 77, Dick Gregory stands to benefit from Dr. King’s ability to craft messages that resonated with his audiences and his razor-sharp recognition that some words require time and place specifics. It may be clear why Gregory didn’t break the top 13 standings, however, I’m still not convinced that all who did deserved to.
See the full list here: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-01-17/reverend-kings-successors/?cid=bs:archive7#gallery=1222;page=1.
Which entries rubbed you the wrong way? Susan Taylor? Roland Martin? I don't think either deserved to be on such a prestigious list. Right on, sistah!
ReplyDeleteNo one has galvanized a group of black people around causes for their collective benefit like MLK. The election of Barack Obama is precedent setting, however, fulfillment of King's dream means an equal playing field for all, not a few.
ReplyDeleteAgreed: MLK was transformational. There has been no one since and there is no one on that list now who has carried the charisma, impact and momentum to galvanize a nation of people. Times have changed and the fierce urgency of self-determination is no longer a collective imperative. Left with the afterglow of the promise Obama's election represented one year ago, we can now only hope...
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comments. One day, "We Shall Overcome" will be recognized beyond its anthem status and become a full-fledged reality. Until then, keep hope alive.
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