We're suposed to fight for freedom not just the end of slavery
-Akrobatik, "Remind My Soul"
With the local municipal elections now behind us, life has calmed down a bit for many. For others, it is picking up pace at even faster levels. Regardless, I needed to decompress from the madness and wonder of it all. Take a walk with me.
My friend Carlos Henriquez lost his 2nd attempt to unseat Chuck Turner for the District 7 spot. My Boston peoples know the incredible legacy of Mr Turner has as a community activist and organizer. Many of yall also know how real Mr Henriquez keeps it as well. It's just unfortunate that the election became a more of a referendum on Mr. Turner's guilt/innocence than on the actual issues that confront the district.
Personally, I feel Mr Turner was more effective as a activist in his pre-city councilor days than he is now. But to each his own, right? But the main thing that really troubles me is the lack of introspection on the part of many of the elders in the Black community who saw the election as battle between us versus them, when in fact we all rep the Bury and not the fruit yall.
It is often said that the young folks have not done enough to step up to the mantle of leadership. But in my eyes, it has been tried on several occasions only to be stymied by an unwillingness to let go of the baton and pass it on with accompanying guidance and "pushing." It is my hope that our community soon comes to realize that if we are not developing new leaders, ideas, and visionaries yearly, we are doing ourselves a disservice by simply granting authority to a sleet few because of their presupposed experience.
As many of the sons of Roxbury fall victim to its streets, other sons are stepping up in many different ways to make their impact. It is time for the mature generations to recognize and embrace this passion wit earnest encouragement.
1 comment:
I agree with you on this wholeheartedly. It feels very discouraging to hear people say things like ‘youth show no leadership, these days’. I’m raising a young man and I feel like I’ve searched out opportunities for him and introduced him to things that will cultivate his leadership abilities; so to hear blanket statements - about youth not having motivation, etc., etc. is annoying. I hope that our older generation soon comes to the realization that we need mentorship and encouragement, just as they received from the civil rights era/generation and beyond. This is not too say that ALL older folks in the community do not ‘help’ us but the ones who so tightly grip that baton, seem to be the loudest. It’s a shame. Thanks for this piece…Peace :-)
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