July 5, 2007

"The Great Black Hope"

Washington, DC (PoliticalJones.com) -  The soul of Black America's leadership does not go through any one man.  Clearly there seems to be a need to create the great Black leader.  There is no "one" leader in Black America.  Many people, both male and female are leaders within the community. Whether by election to public office, national or international organizations, churches, or by force of nature, these leaders are standing and fighting for the rights of our community as well as the entire nation.

Currently the force of nature is the rise of Senator Barack Obama and his quest for the Presidency of the United States. The game and aspirations for African American politicians has now changed.  Never again can either the Democratic or Republican party claim that you cannot place an African American at the top of the ticket due to their inability to raise the significant amounts of money required to compete for any elected office. That “tired old” excuse is off the table.  Senator Obama has raised over 50 million dollars in a little more than 6 months.  He will be a force both in our community, and our nation in the foreseeable future.

Even with all of the positive energy around his endeavors, there are questions of respect, commitment, and loyalty about his efforts within the community.  His every comment on the issues of interest to Black Folks are analyzed and taken apart.  Some have come to see him as the "Great Black Hope".  While others not only dispute such a notion, they question his ethnicity and motivation.  Such comments and thoughts really are not important to the issues we are now facing.

Even if Senator Obama is able to win the Democratic nomination and is elected President, the problems that we face as a community are not disappearing overnight or anytime soon.  His election would be groundbreaking and inspiring, but it is only one brick in the wall.

Our community is searching for answers.  The lack of affordable and adequate healthcare, education of our children, the overwhelming number of Black males in the criminal justice system, along with various other problems not only affect our community, but the country as a whole.

In 2008, the fate of our community both now and in the future, is on the line.  We must demand that these candidates and our current elected officials have the vision and commitment needed to improve our world.

Today, the Great Black Hope is all about our political leadership having vision and commitment, regardless of party affiliation, race, or gender to address and solve the problems within the community.