If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Chronicles II 7:14
I have been blessed to travel extensively around the country on business. This has afforded me an opportunity to view the local news programs in many of the major citites of this country. No matter which city you are in, the features on crime, the welfare system, those living in the most unattractive areas of the city are virtually all African American.
This is not a recent trend, it has been taking place over the last 30 years or more. Why are there a disproportionate number of African Americans involved in such activities? While the answer to this question is complex, I submit that the only way to get back to where we need to be is to turn to God.
Remember, our ancestors prayed for freedom during salvery and our their prayers were answered. If God heard our prayers then, He will hear them now. Let's all pray for our people.
Let me hear why you think we have a disproportionate number of our people reflected in a negative manner on the evening news.
The Misery of Blackness
The following was cut out of a copy of "Reader's Digest" in the early 70s while I was serving in Vietnam. It had a tremendous impact on me when I was only 20 years of age and I have kept it all these years. I remember making a commitment to change the perception of African Americans by carrying myself as a model to counter the issues raised in "The Misery of Blackness"
The Misery of Blackness
(condensed from "Black Misery" by Langston Hughes and"Black Is" by Turner Brown, Jr.)
Misery is when you start to play a game and someone begins to count out Eenie, meenie, minie, mo...
Black is learning at an early age that equality is only skin-deep.
Misery is when you heard on the radio that the neighborhood you live in is a slum but you always thought it was home.
Black is being so shiftless and lazy you scrub floors six days a week.
Misery is when you go to the Department Store before Christmas and find out that Santa is a white man.
Black is when you root for the Indians to beat John Wayne.
Misery is when you come back from the beach proud of your suntan and your pals don't even know you've got one.
Black is being mayor in the city and banned in the suburbs.
Misery is when the taxicab won't stop for your mother and she says a bad word.
Black is not needing a psychiatrist to tell you what';s bugging you.
Misery is when you start to help an old white lady across the street and she thinks you're trying to snatch her purse.
While some of the above do not apply today, it's surprising that very little has changed over the years. As you read it, provide me with your "Misery" and "Black" comments that apply today. I will condense them and publish them on the blog for others to see.