This is America, a nation founded on the worship of the myth of white supremacy. So, Black survival should have never moved off the top of our agenda. But it did. We were seduced by the “illusion of inclusion” and made the same mistakes the Hebrews made while in Egypt (according to the biblical tale). They thought just because they lived in a country, they were viewed as citizens of the country.
But the Hebrews eventually F’d around and found out that the Egyptians viewed them as “the help,” and a threat to Egyptian survival and supremacy. So, they began the process of genocide, slowly ramping up oppressive measures against the Hebrews, and then calling for the murder of all first-born male babies. Quick aside: the Bible is one of the most violent, insane books on Planet Earth.
In this analogy, we Blackfolk are those Hebrews, and the Egyptians were folk who were anti-Black—even though historically, the Hebrews and Egyptians were Black/African.
But right now, a “pharaoh who knew not Joseph” (i.e. national leadership who has no love for us) is coming into office with an already laid out plan for putting us modern-day “Hebrews” in our “place.” In other words, Black survival is once again on Blackfolk’s minds.
That said, here are five things (of many) we need to do quick-fast and in a hurry.
Take Radical Responsibility
There’s no time for playing the blame game and pointing fingers at what our supposed allies either did or didn’t do. The radical responsibility approach demands we identify what we’ve been doing too much of that has put us in this precarious position and what we haven’t been doing enough of to secure a powerful, self-determining reality. We then need to move accordingly.
Give Consequences and Repercussions
If individuals, groups, political parties, voting blocs, powers and principalities can mistreat and abuse us without enduring consequences and repercussions, they will continue mistreating and abusing us. Those who abuse our children, disrespect Black women, over-incarcerate our people and purposely leave our seniors to die must be held to account for their inhumanity. If not, they’ll just keep on keeping on. And no, crying, complaining and protesting are not consequences enough.
Build Institutional Power
The only way to offer real consequences and repercussions to those who mistreat us is to build institutional power. Reverend Albert B. Cleage Jr. argued long ago that power does not reside in money, titles or fame, but rather in the institutions a people, a race own and control. Cleage argued that all institutions are built to protect the power interests of the people who built and controlled those institutions. He also contended that Blacks made the dire mistake of thinking just because we live in America that American institutions (i.e. judicial system, law enforcement, educational institutions, etc.) were/are “our” institutions.
However, as the Notorious B.I.G. said, “But if you don’t know, now you know…” And with Trump promising to defund and economically punish educational institutions that promote diversity and teach a history that’s not white nationalist-approved, our lack of institutional power will be even more glaring, and the impacts devastating. The good news is, institutions can start in your garage or basement, and grow into their greatness. And we as a people have all the talent, skills, intelligence, etc. necessary to create and build whatever institutions we need (hint: we need’em all). Let’s get busy.
Reject Slave Theology
But building and doing for self requires confronting the “elephant in the room.” There’s a saying, “As you believe, so you do, and as you do, so you believe.” In other words, you can say whatever you want, but what you really believe shows in what you do. Black people have been indoctrinated in a version of Christianity that some theologians define as “Slave Christianity,” a belief system preached by “masters” meant to convince Black people that our second-class status was ordained by God. And some of those theologians argue that the same basic message continues to be preached today—that we have no power and salvation only comes from some source outside of ourselves, and for us to stand proud for our own people is evil and sinful.
Hence, it’s best to be “in this world but not of this world,” so you can receive your reward in heaven after you die, without worrying about the hell on earth you’re living in right now. If that’s what we believe, we won’t be building the institutions we need to give us the power we must have to survive and eventually thrive. The crazy thing is, in Luke 4:18-19, when Jesus lays out his entire mission and purpose, everything he talks about is focused on making life better on this side of the grave—preaching good news to the poor, recovery of sight to the blind and setting the oppressed free. Sounds like Jesus was all about building a kingdom of God/heaven on earth… something that would absolutely require institutional power. Just saying.
Embrace Black Joy
Finally, we must embrace Black joy. This includes self-care, community, relationships, therapy, celebrating each other’s wins, ending debilitating negative self-talk, and engaging in activities that lift your spirit and let your divine passions and purpose shine through.
