Rev. Daughtry's weekly article that appears
in the NY Daily Challenge every Wednesday and Friday
11-22-06
Black Power Revisited- Part XII
By: Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry
The following is the continuation
from part XI of the Black Power series published Wednesday, August 11,
2006. This excerpt is taken from excerpts of my writings on Black Power
over 40 years ago. I hope the reader finds the articles as interesting
as I have found them.
Fear of Isolationism
In the past there were never coalition—for coalition implies equal—or
the recognition of the strength of each party. In the endeavors of the
past, paternalism, or maternalism characterized the situation.
In former times, Blacks would approach the presence of whites with importunities
and whites from the pinnacles of paternalism would toss Negroes what
they wanted them to have.
Negroes would comfortably protest; or gladly receive whatever was offered;
or accepted with the silent mutual understanding that they would be
back again soon. And so it went!
I have observed three phases in the struggle. There was a time when
whites would come together to discuss the “Negro problem.”
After that, they decided to have a Negro leader, or leaders, chosen
by whites, at all the conferences—which were called by whites—to
discuss an agenda—prepared by whites. The whole thing was really
white controlled!
Now we have moved into another phase. It is the Black Power phase. Now
Blacks choose their own leaders; call their own conferences; prepare
their own agenda; discuss their own problems, and dictate their own
terms.
It is not hatred. It is not Black supremacy. It is not Black Nationalism—not
in the sense in which the term is generally used. It is not Black segregationism.
It is not Black isolationism. It is simply Blacks shaping their own
destiny, united to assert their strength; flex their muscles, if you
will.
Stokely Carmichael (later known as Kwame Toure) put it this way, “That
black people have to politically get together to organize themselves
so that they can speak from a position of strength rather than a position
of weakness.”
The point is grasped well by Silberman. He wrote, “The crux of
the matter summed up, is the difference between the words, conversation
and negotiations. Whites are accustomed to holding conversations with
Negroes, in which they sound out the latter’s views or acquaints
them with decisions they have already taken. The Negroes insist more
and more on negotiation—on discussion as equals, designed to reach
an agreement, designed ‘to come to terms especially in state matters.’”
As Webster’s Third International dictionary defines the word,
“to negotiate mean to recognize the other party’s power.”
When whites negotiate with Negroes, therefore, it not only helps solve
the Negro’s “Negro Problem,” it helps solve the white
man’s “Negro Problem,” as well; for whites begin to
see Negroes in a different light—as equals or men.
The assertion of independence means that Blacks now have a healthy distrust
of Whites, a healthy desire for independence and a healthy desire to
negotiate.
To be continued
SAVE THE PEOPLE OF DARFUR
Human Rights’ Day Prayer & Rally
December 11, 2006
Where: Assemble for Prayer:
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(Isaiah Wall)
East 42nd Street & 1st Avenue NYC
Save Darfur Rally:
Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza 47th Street & 2nd Avenue, NYC
Attention Clergy: participate in Sabbath on Sudan II. . .in your religious
ceremonies on December 8, 9 & 10 we ask that you include reference
to Darfur
For further information call l (718) 596-1991or our see website: www.holnj.org
The Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry is featured in The Daily Challenge’s
Wednesday and Weekend Edition. Reverend Daughtry, known as the “People’s
Pastor,” is the National Presiding Minister of the House of the
Lord Churches (HOLC). He also pastors the Brooklyn Church. A
prolific writer, his books include “No Monopoly on Suffering,
Blacks and Jews in Crown Heights,” “My Beloved Community,”
“Effectual Prayer,” and “Tupac, Letters to a Son.”
HOLC has a weekly broadcast which airs on WWRL 1600 on Sunday from 10:30am-11:00am.
He is also on BCAT the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 2pm. Website: www.holnj.org