The Enduring Value of Kwanzaa

Forty-two years after its creation, Kwanzaa retains its value and importance for African Americans and for America in general as an instructive guide for achieving personal excellence, family development, and community efficacy. Organized around the Seven Principles, listed below, Kwanzaa offers a way to assess and measure progress in achieving goals which are fundamental to realizing our highest potential and to building networks of care and services so vital to developing and sustaining healthy communities.

Though celebrated December 26 though January 1, the seven values of Kwanzaa are practiced throughout the year. This gives families, school, and communities an opportunity to track and measure their commitment to realize their personal and collective goals and to honor and celebrate their achievements. Promoting an approach which emphasizes recognition of strengths and positive accomplishments, Kwanzaa serves to reinforce ethical behavior, school success, and family and community service, underscoring one of its many methods for motivating positive behavior change.

Given the importance of Kwanzaa and the task of making sure that it is understood and practice with fidelity, this Kwanzaa Blog will offer year-around commentary, tips, and instructions on celebrating and practicing the holiday. By doing this, we hope that parents and their children, teachers and their students will develop a new and greater appreciation for Kwanzaa and will use the Seven Principles , the Kwanzaa symbols, activities and learning opportunities to develop their lives to the fullest potential. In closing we urge you to learn more about Kwanzaa by going to www.kwanzaaguide.com.

Kwanzaa commemrotive stamp

Using Kwanzaa to take inventory of America

Kwanzaa, the African American holiday, provides a much-needed framework and mechanism for evaluating American society.  The holiday call for a serious assessment of what we have done and what our practice has been over the past year, measured against seven principles: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose (collective vocation of nation-building), Creativity (continuous improvement) and Faith.

Survey after survey indicates that most Americans believe that the country is on the wrong track. A review of the headlines in major daily newspapers reaffirm the beliefs of many of these Americans and reveals:  Our real guiding values and type of society we are and are becoming: violent, Fort Hood and Orlando shooting, the gang rape in Richmond California, indifferent, intolerant, xenophobic, selfish and self-centered, callous and insensitive, scapegoat-focused and celebrity-focused,  health care paraded as a debate but resembled   more WWE Smackdown, the daily gang shooting of innocent youth, the demonizing of President Obama and Speaker Pelosi and health care legislation, the mud slinging and name-calling that passes for punditry and commentary, and the “Celebrity of the Month misdeed and misbehavior.

All of this stands in stark contrast to what we profess to be and what we have become and are becoming.  The general welfare, for example has become an empty statement in the American Constitution.  The general welfare means the well-being of Wall Street. The mythical “melting pot” has now reached a boiling point where hostility and blame are heaped upon immigrants of color.

From now until the end of Kwanzaa, we will use the Kwanzaa framework to evaluate news events, and offer commentary on the state of the nation and political process.  Surely, there are examples of everyday people and high profile celebrities and political leaders who are exemplars of the seven principles listed above.  We will highlight these persons as well as those who have passed before us.  The imperative of now is to set forth a set of governing principles that will inform and guide our personal and political practice.  It is no longer a matter of which political party you support or what the political parties are saying, namely the Democrats and Republicans- it’s now what they practice and what values or principles guide their practice.

The Imperative of Change

As Barack Obama said in his campaign for president, “the change we seek is in ourselves.” If we are serious about change and evolving a new way of going about governing in this country- by the people and of the people- we will have commit ourselves to the following:

    Stop accepting the lesser of evils.  Evil is evil, whether it’s less destructive or destructive.
    Stop ceding power, authority, and decision-making to politicians who are elected by our votes, but who carry out the interest of the business elite.  The majority of Americans are for campaign reform and a public option in the health care reform legislation.  Yet, we are told we can not get either of these because the votes are not there.  Something then is dysfunctional and wrong with our system.
    Think and work out issues for yourself, rather than relying on the news or pundits. We are often told that issues are just too complex.  Complexity leads to mystification. All issues have a moral dimension and a social value.  The question we must pose is: What does it do to people-hurt or harm.  What does it do for them- enhance or diminish. And, how do the people participate-procedurally (voting) or substantively (making decisions).
    Do not be diverted by lesser important divisive issues-same sex marriage, prayer in school, cultural, religion. These issues are to keep you away from engaging in the issues that matter: Power-economic and political.
    Do go for the small stuff; rather place the highest demands on governing officials-decent and well-paying employment, affordable and quality health care, affordable and quality housing, decent and quality education with an option to go to college “free” of charge or at a minimum fee.

We are always told what is not possible. As we approach the second decade of the twenty-first century, we must grow and elevate our visions, and standing on the shoulders of the women and men, known and unknown, who sacrificed that we might live and enjoy this moment, demand a better society and a better way of living.

Same Song, Different Beat: Rich Get Richer and The Poor Get Poorer

Them that got shall get
them that not shall lose
so the Bible said and it still is news
Mama may have, papa may have
But God bless the child that got his own
-Billie Holiday

The public discussion about the bonus compensation of executive in the financial sector raises questions about the kind of society we have chosen to be. Last week Goldman Sachs announced that it was on track to dispense a record $23 billion in bonuses for 2009. This is just one company.  This week the Obama administration ordered the firms that received taxpayer money to bail out these companies to slash compensation to their highest-paid employees.  However, while compensation will be pared substantially from what the highest-paid people at the company might have received under normal circumstances, executives will still be permitted to receive multimillion-dollar pay packages.

Turn to sports and we find Phillip Rivers, quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, signing a $92. million six year contract extension. Not be out done, Eli Manning of the New York Giants, signed a six year contract extension for $97.5 million. LaBron James is waiting to sign perhaps the most lucrative contract in sports history.  He is sure to make mega-millions.  Meanwhile, teachers and everyday workers are struggling to make ends meet.  The average teacher salary is $51,000. The median starting salary for a teacher is around $32,000. It may take a few years for a teacher to build up enough experience to move very far beyond that starting salary. In contrast, California correctional officer’s maximum base annual salary is $73,728.

The salaries we paid workers in various sectors of our society are a reflection of the value we place on these people and their professions. Little wonder then that students in the USA lag behind other industrial nations in literacy, math and science. The U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Educational Statistics reports that thirty-eight percent of all fourth graders in the United States can’t read this simple poem. In a study of how good 15-year-olds are in math, USA ranked 24 out of 29 countries. That’s behind the Czech Republic and New Zealand. The Washing Post reported that scores from the 2006 Program for International Student Assessment showed that U.S. 15-year-olds trailed their peers from many industrialized countries. The average science score of U.S. students lagged behind those in 16 of 30 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a Paris-based group that represents the world’s richest countries.

The diversion we have been fed around the false choices for health care, the so called federal deficit, and the twisted lives of celebrities, hide the fact that the real indicators of where we are going as a nation are trending downward. This is largely due to the moral and political choice we have allowed to be made in our name under the guise of “responsible government” and “living within our means”.  Consequently, education and the learning institutions have been starved, and the salary we pay teachers for the sacred duty of educating our children is not that far above the poverty level in terms of real wages.  What Americans are going to have to come to terms with is that is no longer a choice of whose best able to run the country and solve problems, democrats or republican.  None have the interest of everyday working people at heart.  A baseline will have to be established politics that says whichever party is in power, there are baseline matters which are non negotiable-affordable health care, quality education, jobs with decent pay, nurturing caring communities, and access of everyday people

Remembering Tommie Smith and John Carlos

On October 16th, 1968, two African-American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, raised their fist in a black power salute during the playing of the national anthem at the Olympics. The two had just placed medal times in the 200 meter dash during the Mexico City games. Smith’s record setting sprint brought him gold and Carlos took bronze. As the National Anthem began playing, the pair lowered their heads and raised their fists in what would become an iconic image of the black struggle for equality. As members of the Olympic Project for Human Rights, the athletes also were shoeless to protest black poverty and wore beads to highlight the crime of lynching. For their symbolic protest, Smith and Carlos were promptly banned from the games and expelled from the Olympic Village. The corporate press back in the U.S. had a field day ostracizing the two for their supposed lack of respect. Both Smith and Carlos faced hard times and death threats when they returned home from the games, but the image of resistance they staged lives on, not in infamy, but in annuls of subversive history.

The protest and sacrifice by Smith and Carlos is an instructive example of the courage needed today to deliver on the promise of a “more perfect union.”  We honor and salute Tommie Smith and John Carlos-thou more than heroes- for their heroic action in the service of a better America

State of America

As we approach the last quarter of 2009, what has become preeminently clear is that we are rapidly approaching a divided and angry America.  What President Obama and the Democrats seem not to understand is that their unwillingness to advance polices which make ordinary American a priority-mortgage bail out, affordable health care, employment created through public works- has created a void where the most racist and crazed right wing spokespersons have stepped into and are speaking to the worst selves of Americans.  To be sure, these spokespersons, Beck, Limbaugh, Palin and others are speaking to the anger that many Americans are feeling as a result of their loss of work and employment and dignity. Too many American may very well come to believe, help from the right wing, that Obama and the elites, i.e., Democrats, are looking out for Wall Street’s interest rather than “everyday American people’s interest.  When viewed against Franklin Roosevelt’s approach to the financial crisis in the 1930s, there may be a kernel of truth to this accusation which will be exploited by the rights wing.

The irony and consequence of the Obama and the Democrats betrayal of ordinary Americans will be the acceleration of an authoritarian culture and movement in American dressed-up as populist movement. Undoubtedly, like all authoritarian movement, there will be scapegoats and victims.  This is not an alarmist perspective, but reading of American History. History, American in particular, is replete with instances where ordinary Americans have been turned against each other.  We must now force Obama and the Democrats to live up to the promise of a better America for ordinary American.

Judging Obama

Unquestionably, the Presidency of Barack Obama will judge on the effectiveness of his policies and the success of his domestic and foreign agenda.  Yet, the framework which he develops and implements his policies and domestic and foreign agenda is as important as the policies themselves.  In fact, the framework-a value driven one, based on a different set of priorities and commitments, will in large measure determine Obama’s success in bring “real” change to America.

Thus, as important as health care reform, closing Guantanamo detention facility, regulations for banks and business, increasing employment is at this moment in America, advancing a new framework with the infrastructure to support that framework is of much greater importance and significance and if achieved will be an enduring legacy of Barack Obama.  However, to be far-reaching and drive fundamental change, this framework must be based on a values system which: 1) places people over corporate profits, 2) emphasizes collective responsibility, especially for those who have been marginalized and made to feel responsible for their misery, 3) supports an economic system which attends to the general welfare of all the people, not just the privileged, 4) empowers everyday working people to determine their own destiny, and 5) gives purpose and meaning to their lives.

This is task which we must help Obama achieve.  For, it is abundantly clear that with the advisors around him and his incremental approach to change, based not solely on his own conservative inclination, he will continue to try to improve the current system which is destructive and at odds with what Americans and the people of the world need in order to live and to reach their highest potential as humans. However, to make this happen, “We the people” must take the first and last steps in establishing this new, value-driven policy and political framework.

The Slander and Smearing of ACORN

Let’s start out by acknowledging that the employees of ACORN (Association of Community Organization for Reform Now) who were caught in an undercover “sting” that saw them encourage criminal and unethical behavior were wrong and should be fired.  The story of ACORN should end there.  However, because of the politically motivated vendetta which banks, insurance companies and the Republican Party and rightwing pundits have against ACORN, ACORN has been made into the poster child of corruption.  Both the corporate and rightwing media (Fox News) have slandered ACORN. A recent study by Peter Dreier EP Clapp Distinguish Professor of Politics, Occidental College found that of the news stories on ACORN:

• 70%  failed to quote ACORN
• 82.8% failed to mentioned that ACORN reported voter fraud
• 82.2% failed to mentioned that voter fraud is rare
• 11% falsely claimed that Obama worked for ACORN
• 76% focused on voter fraud
•  80.3% failed to mentioned that ACORN reported voter registration irregularities
• 85.1 failed to note that ACORN was acting to stop incidents of registration problems by its temporary employees
• 61.4% failed to acknowledge that the Republican Party was trying to discredit Obama with an ACORN scandal

The study exposes the media as being complicit with conservatives, Republicans and the rightwing in smearing ACORN.  What is disturbing about this is that ACORN was falsely accused of inappropriate behavior and activities by the media which took it cue from the rightwing.  Second, before genuflecting before the rightwing, neither the Democrats nor the media ask the obvious question: what have been the accomplishments of ACORN and should not this be balanced against what ever problems ACORN may have encountered.  What the media and the Democrats would have discovered is that besides engaging the marginalize, mainly people of color living in low-income areas, in the electoral process, ACORN has been on the front line in fight banks and insurance companies who were engaged in unethical business practices.

What is clear is that ACORN has played a constructive role in electoral politic and in correcting injustices in low-income communities.  Ironically, both Democrat and Republican elected officials have engaged in far more serious and reprehensible behavior than members of ACORN.  Yet, the media does not call for their extinction. Instead, they explain away their behavior or put the blame on a few bad apples.  ACORN deserves the same consideration.  For if it can happen to them, it surely can happen to your favorite organization.

Carter and Courage: Doing the Right Thing

Former President Carter’s comment on the racism, displayed toward President Obama, under the disguise of protest was courageous and morally responsible.  Despite Obama’s denial of race as a motivator behind the protesters criticisms, Carter’s statement is supported by pattern of racist remarks, signs and actions by the protestors at the behest and support of the Republican Party.  Carter’s comments and observations are important for the following reasons:

1.    Carter is a white southerner who grew-up in the segregated South.  Thus, we can not be dismissed as a “liberal” who is out of touch.  He has legitimacy.
2.    Carter is a former president and thus commands and audience.  He can not be dismissed as a radical or “community activist.”
3.    Carter is taking and “anti-racist” position, which is important moral and political ground for other whites.
4.    Carter is making the criticism which the “corporate” media should be engaged in.
5.    Carter’s comments unmask the intent and motivation of those protesting under the pretext of “Big Government.” Where were these protestors during the “Big Government and wasteful spending of George W Bush years?

We should show support for Carter- write, email or call.  A fellow southerner and Georgian, Martin Luther King, said of persons like Carter:  “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy.”  Carter has shown the measure of his morality and courage.  We are a better nation and people because of his courage.

Which Way America

In case you might not have noticed, America seems to be careening out of control.  Witness the right wing and Republican led health care town hall gathering where there was mob rule.  The latest town hall mob meeting ended with a protestor having his finger bitten off.  Before this, there was the lunatic story about President Obama not being a natural born citizen.  Further, some on the Right, aided and encouraged by the Republicans are attempting to associate Obama and his policies with Hitler.  As though this was not preposterous enough the Republican Party for has launched a disinformation campaign where they are calling Obama a socialist.  Never mind that they never define what a socialist is or what capitalist policies, in their make believe world, and of Obama are socialist.  The latest act of insanity of the Republicans Party officials and their right wing mouth pieces is that of trying to stop children from hearing the President urge them to stay in school, because they say that it is socialist propaganda.

All of this is ominous for American politics and the health of the nation.  The dispensing of lies and the attempt to scapegoat Obama and by extension black people and people of color is type of scapegoating which defined Nazi Germany and runs deep in American history.  Hence what is reprehensible by the Republicans is that they are cultivating hate and profound disrespect for decency and diversity.  Perhaps we would do well to call upon Martin King for counsel: “When evil men plot, good men must plan… When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories love.”  Which way America?

Cooperative Economic: Revisiting W.E.B. Dubois’ Model

“There exists today a chance for [blacks] to organize a cooperative State within their own group.  By letting Negro farmers feed Negro artisans, and Negro technicians guide [black] home industries and [black] thinkers plan this integration of cooperation, while [black] artists dramatize and beautify the struggle, economic independence can be achieved.  To doubt that this is possible is to doubt the essential humanity and the quality of brains of the [African American].”

      W.E.B. DuBois, 1935

Today, like The Great Depression in the 1930s, African Americans, are suffering disproportionately in relationship to whites.  As Algernon Austin of the Economic Policy Institute suggest, “In the best of times many African American communities are forced to tolerate levels of unemployment unseen in most white communities… National recessions take blacks from a bad situation to a worse one.”  In light of this, Africa Americans, and in particular the leadership class, would do well to revisit W.E.B. DuBois writing on the need for cooperative model of economic development.   What is clear, and history is a powerful witness is that the masses of blacks will bear untold economic and social suffering as a result of the collapse of the economy.  Thus, what is at stake is not merely the loss of jobs for blacks, but the loss and destruction of family, community and social life.

Austin reminds us that there is connection and association between the economy and violent crime and teen pregnancy in the black community.  He maintains that “Associated with the strong economy of the 1990s, there was significant decline in black violent crime rate and black teen pregnancy rate. Between 1993 and 2001, the black violent crime rate decline by 60.6 %.  Between 1990 and 2004 the black teen pregnancy rate decline by 46.7 %.  These improving trends have ended, and it is likely that the worsening economic conditions of African Americans of 2001 have played at least a partial role.”  Obama’s economic stimulus initiative notwithstanding, social life in urban core have already deteriorated into a classic model of “All against all”, with the rise of gang violence, drug trafficking and “striping” and prostituting viewed as legitimate avenues of employment- all indicators of hopelessness on the watch of a president who made Hope his watchword.
This brings us full circle to Dubois and his call for a cooperative economic model for African Americans.  Unquestionably, his is a model whose time has again resurfaced.  What African Americans have to do is defined their own economic interest and model and not rely on President Obama, no matter how well meaning.  Obama wants to save and at best humanize the American capitalist system.  Even if he is successful, this does not means that the quality of economic and social life of the masses of blacks- working class and the poor-will fundamental be any different or will fortified them against future downward trends in the economy. 
A cooperative model will not be easy nor will it be automatic.  Yet, there is little choice.  As DuBois stated in 1935, “If the leading Negro classes cannot assume and bear the uplift of their own [masses], they are doomed for all time.  It is not a case of ethics; it is a plain case of necessity.  The method by which this may be done is, first for the American Negro to achieve a new economic solidarity.”