Our New Enemy

What are the enemies of African Americans? At one time
in our history, we could clearly say racism and oppression
of the physical variety.

Yes, slavery was at one time our number one enemy. A
little after slavery ended, racism, discrimination, and
oppression were our biggest enemies. The psychological,
cultural, and economic after-effects of slavery were (and
still are) a serious problem for us.

But today, contrary to popular belief, racism,
discrimination, and oppression are not our biggest enemies
anymore; not by a long shot. I’m not saying they should be
taken completely off the list, but there are much bigger
enemies that have risen to the top.

So what’s at the top of the list now?

Broken families, “playerism”, immoral behavior, spiritual
weakness, criminality, lack of education, substance abuse:
these are our top enemies today.

Also on our list of enemies is the lack of a good economic
base, better schools, better jobs, more African American-
owned businesses, more property ownership, and a stronger
political voice.

You’ll notice that the first part of the list consists of things
related to our own internal development as individuals and
families.

The second part is composed of things related to
community development....