An Appeal to the Real'

As I sat there listening to Barack Obama's speech on Tuesday, I realized about 10 minutes into it, that I would remember this event for a very long time, possibly the rest of my life. It was an historical moment in politics--I think that goes without saying. But as an "80s baby", it was truly my first experience witnessing a major political figure engage in the politics of race in America--while knowing that the rest of the world was watching with me (or would be watching clips on youtube later). This is not an endoresment for Senator Obama. This isn't even about Obama. (Black Youth Vote! is a a program of NCBCP, a non-partisan 501(c)3 organization.) I bring his speech up because because it captured the spirit and underlying mission of many young black political activists I work and grind with on the day-to-day.

That mission, I believe, is to move past the racial disparities in America. People of color are tired of talking about racial problems just like many white Americans may be tired of hearing about them! But Black, Latino, Asian, and Indigenous people will not move past those racial problems until they are dealt with by the larger American community-- not as subset issues on a grand agenda, but as a priority issues given wide and critical attention by national leaders. Will our generation be ready to overcome the deep-seated resentment instilled in us by our elders? This, I pose, SHOULD BE the greatest challenge of the "Millenial Generation." And while it may be popular rhetoric, I'm not convinced that we ALL see issues like poor schools, growing prison populations, closing public hospitals, youth crime, drug abuse, affordable housing and immigrants rights as AMERICAN PROBLEMS and not "other" people's problems.

If so, it would be a radical change from the American tradition. Too many times throughout history have Black people reached out to groups for assistance and acceptance and been given a REAL chilly shoulder. Or, instead, had their efforts co-opted, deceptively used to serve a separate agenda, or half-heartedly supported just to gain the trust of black voters. Still, there is no denying the fact that when we sincerely work together cross-racially--the results are off the chain. A hero among American journalists, Ida B. Wells traveled across the country, and even to Europe to enlist support for her grassroots campaign against the lynching of Blacks in America. Their willing support increased awareness abroad, and produced embarassment of their relatives in the US. Likewise, the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), a black inception, engaged white students early on in its work in the civil rights movement. The support of these white students fostered the growing support and empathy of the black struggle during that period of change. Lastly, the appointment of our many strong, unapologetically Black members of Congress, and other elected officials, prove to be proud products of cross-racial organizing at its best.

What is unique about the hip hop or "Millenial" generation, I believe, is that many of us do indeed see great potential in the idea of a Multicultural America--A place where we can walk our hoods and not be constantly reminded of the tragic racial inequality that exists. We are eager to gain perspective from others' struggles, and share our own with the world without shame.

We are coming up in the game. The next 50 to 60 years are in our hands, ya'll. We must break out of the habit of allowing racial discourse to occur strictly during times of media spectacle, and force it onto the table as a topic of importance despite who is running for office, who is on trial, or who is up for the grammys at the time.

WE ARE NOT VICTIMS. Contrary to popular belief, young Black people especially are tired of being victimized. This is not our cause. However, it is our history that is our essence; and to deny or forget about that history and the fight of our parents, grandparents and elders would be a sign of ingratitude and great disrespect of the collective Black struggle. I believe this is also the case for other disenfranchised groups as well. AND, until these histories are recognized, appreciated, and their problematic manifestations of today justly dealt with, our generation will make NO PROGRESS, and play no significant role in world history.

Is larger society ready to deal with our issues for real?

Is there really a significant difference between the millenial generation and the baby-boomers?

Who is already incorporating this solution into their work?

Will the outcome of the election in November 08 determine people's readiness and excitement to make these changes happen?

PLEASE SHARE YOUR COMMENTS!

Speaking the Truth!

Two days before the "Texas Two Step," nearly 150 Dallas residents were able to participate in a community forum at Paul Quinn College sponsored by Black Youth Vote! At the community forum held on March 2nd, attendees were motivated and called to action with inspirational messages brought forth by Carl B. Mack and Jeff Johnson. Residents were able to speak directly with their city councilman Tennell Atkins and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Carraway who were both in attendance at the event. They questioned the lack of economic development in the southern sector of the city and the educational state of the Dallas Independent School District. In addition with the assistance of other panelists, students from Paul Quinn College and community members learned about the voting process in Texas clarifying the primaries and the caucuses. Attendees won give-aways ranging from CVS Pharmacy Gift Cards to an Apple Ipod donated by Texas Instruments.

Black Youth Vote appreciates its partners in this event:
-Paul Quinn College
-Urban League of Greater Dallas Young Professionals
-Equal Justice
-Hip Hop Government
-Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
-97.9 The Beat

BE THE CHANGE! - Speak Out!

Black Youth Vote-Texas Helps Protect the Vote in Prairie View, Texas

BYV Marches in Prairie View, TEXAS

Black Youth Vote! Takes Part in the March Against Student Voter Disenfranchisement in Prairie View, Texas .

check out the videos!


Black Youth Vote! Texas – Protecting the Vote http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlh03PMr63c
Black Youth Vote! Texas – Power in numbers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvDAiWWuvRg&feature=related
Congressman Al Green marches with PVAMU students http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRAaSvt99T4&feature=related
TSU students join PVAMU students to march for voting justice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWfUP2FFGoQ&feature=related
First early voter after 7.2 mile march http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTmt8PcZouQ&feature=related