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Black Community / Black America by Calvin O. L. Henry December 28, 1995 The Black Community is Black America. Members of Black America are citizens of the United States of America. Also they are citizens of the states, counties, cities and municipalities in which they reside. The Black Community is a concept that goes far beyond the color of one's skin. It is the experience of being Black in the United States. The Black Community is a society whose culture is waiting to be re-defined. This definition or concept is not designed to ignore other Blacks in the Americas, but to evolve the strength and power of Blacks as citizens of the United States of America. Too often Blacks in the United States function as if they are not citizens. It is not easy for the Black America to empower itself when all the odds appear to be against the community. Many members of Black America find themselves being afraid to participate openly in the political and economic processes that might empower the Black Community. This fear has led many in Black America to believe that they must exhibit a racelessness persona in order to achieve vertical mobility in America. The Black Community must understand "Black America Political Action" and leadership if it is to be successful in meeting its needs for the future. "Black America Political Action" is defining the needs, goals, and aspirations of the Black Community, and communicating the same to individuals who can make the differences. Black America Political Action is discussing issues and conditions, and establishing, through resolutions, the positions of the Black Community, collectively, on these issues and conditions affecting it. It is being a risk taker and an agent for positive change in and for the Black Community. Black America Political Action is running for public office at the federal, state and local levels. It is supporting and working for the election of candidates who are sensitive and responsive to conditions and issues affecting the Black Community. Black America Political Action is recognizing that all elected officials represent the interests of the Black Community. It is communicating the quality of that representation to these elected officials. It is demanding that all public officials (elected or appointed) represent the interests of the Black Community. Also it is holding all public officials accountable and responsive for productivity within the Black Community. Black America Political Action is holding Black leaders and Black public officials accountable for providing the leadership to enhance productivity within and for the Black Community. It is providing leadership for all Americans. Being agents for change in Black America is not easy. It requires discipline and integrity. Black America Political Action cannot be achieved without commitment. "Black America Political Action" recognizes that the Black America must take action now in order to chart a better course for the future. Working together, Blacks can make a difference in impacting the political process. Education is a tool that Black America must use for social change, to educate its youths, and to correct the mis-education of and about the Black Community. Indigenous Black leadership that is accountable, responsive and productive to the Black Community is essential to the development and enhancement of the Black America. The Black Community must be committed to the development and recognition of this type of leadership throughout Black America. This indigenous Black leadership must be willing to communicate, coordinate, and cooperate with others in defining and presenting the needs and aspirations of the Black America.
P. O. Box 2007 Corvallis, Oregon 97339 (541) 745-5570 Fax: (541) 745-3857 E-mail: henryc@peak.org
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