The one student who did have an answer, not surprisingly, named a national personality, which is where we usually gravitate when it comes to determining who our leaders are. But don’t you think there should be folks who speak up and stand up for Black people on the local level? I am not talking about brothers and sisters who refer to themselves – and us – as “people of color” or “minorities” or any of those other namby-pamby words used to define who we are and, ultimately, what we deserve. I am referring to local leaders who are unwavering in their commitment to Black people and those who are not confused about their – and our – identity. So maybe a better question is: “Who defines Black people?”
I recently attended a workshop conducted by one of this nation’s outstanding minister-scholars, Dr. Tony Roach, of Abilene, Texas. The five-day event titled, “You are God’s Love Bank,” was sponsored by our congregation, the Gray Road Church of Christ, here in Cincinnati, Ohio. During that workshop my eyes were opened to many things, but among all the outstanding strategies for living a spiritual life, presented by Dr. Roach, one thing he noted reminded me of our plight in this country. Roach kept emphasizing the fact that “He who defines you controls you.” I probably could stop right here, couldn’t I?
There is also a point to be made about “what” defines you as well. Roach’s “New Self Love” versus “Old Self Love” segment helps us understand how incidents that took place in our lives long ago shape our personalities and determine to a large extent how we act and react as adults. He points to four conditions that have affected each of us in some way or another: Abandonment; Worthlessness; Abuse; and Rejection. These “Old Self” conditions have defined us for years, both individually and collectively. Thus, we should look at not only “who” but also “what” defines and controls us.
Before I continue, allow me to make a pitch for Dr. Tony Roach and his workshop curriculum. See: www.godslovebank.com. Dr. Roach’s approach to spiritual growth is comprehensive and insightful. In addition to its application in our individual lives Roach’s curriculum also applies to our collective status. Of course, Dr. Roach’s teachings are applicable to all persons. But, relative to my message to Black people and our collective condition, his call for introspection and self-assessment, realization and love of self, and the powerful attributes of our spiritual heritage vis-à-vis what we are and who we really are, struck glorious chords with me. I am sure you will find something in the God’s Love Bank Program that you can use to empower yourself, your children, and your entire family.
As for the collective Black family, it is obvious that we are allowing other people and past events to define us. Based upon that reality we find ourselves as a people who constantly look for a national leader to rescue us from local dangers. Because we have so few who are willing to speak for Black people alone, we succumb to being defined by folks who do not have our best collective interests in mind.
Because we fall prey to the “minority” game, being defined by a term that connotes deficiency, subjugation, and subordination, we collectively lose out on the benefits that accrue to those who proudly rally around their own heritage and culture, and stand together on issues of reciprocity and self-determination. Our collective acquiescence to the power plays by the “majority” and its overseers does not say very much about new self love, but it sure does speak volumes about our old self love.
A prime example is how Black people work tirelessly and dedicatedly on building minority inclusion programs and minority set-aside programs that provide, say, 25% to the entire “minority” group. In most cases, the programs never deliver even that meager portion of benefits, but even worse is the fact that 75% of the benefits go to white males, without question or contesting by Black people. Many of us are afraid to tread on that particular ground because of historical court rulings (Adarand and Croson) and due to the “threat” of being sued by white contractors who wave the “racial preferences” banner before the courts. But, who speaks for Black people? Who will stand up and use that same argument by asking, “Isn’t giving white males 75% also a racial preference?”
As Dr. Roach says, “He who defines you also controls you.” He also teaches the Seven Laws of Sowing and Reaping: “What you see is what you say; what you say is what you sow; what you sow is what you reap; what you reap is what you are; what you are is what you give; what you give is what you get; and what you get is what you deserve.” Black people must start speaking up for who we are and what we are, positively and affirmatively, and change the way we think and act. Then, as we get what we deserve, we will be empowered.
