More Opportunity Less Community
"I've come upon something that disturbs me deeply. We have fought hard and long for integration, as I believe we should have, and I know that we will win. But I've come to believe we're integrating into a burning house." MLK
Back in the day, Black people stuck together, family names meant something, and our community thrived. Today, even as we are shot down in the streets by cops, passed on for job promotions, and constantly "code switch" to fit in with our white colleagues we continue to chase "opportunities"
Family Reputation
If the entire black community knew Eddie and Louise Greenwood were honest hardworking people then that honorable reputation extended to their children and grandchildren. If anyone in the Greenwood family did something wrong, word made it back to Eddie and Louise before sunset and the problem offspring was dealt with.
Not all families were prim and proper. Some stole, lied, cheated, borrowed money and never returned it. These were outcasts in the community. People wouldn't do business with them, offer them aid in hard times, and if white people came around looking for someone to lynch or throw in jail they were the first we gave up.
White people bought into Black-family-name-recognition too. They were never going to get to know us individually but they talked amongst themselves about who was doing the right thing. For example, Thomas Douglass Jr. comes to First Farmer and Citizens Bank for a small loan (no credit scores back then). Thomas Douglass father been working at Smith Lumberyard for over fifteen years. His mother cooked and cleaned for white women in town three times a week. The white loan officer calls up old man Smith at the lumberyard and asks about Thomas Douglass Sr.
Old man Smith says Thomas never missed a day of work. Shows up on time and stays late. He's never stolen or been accused of theft as long as he's been working there. He never complained about his wages. "I could pay him $12 for a work week this Friday and $8 for the same work next week. Never hear a mumbling word from him."
The loan officer still unconvinced, calls to the women Thomas' mother cooks and cleans for. No complains from any of them. "My kids love her cornbread"
Thomas is approved for the loan.
In those days if a black person was lazy or put forth a half-ass effort at work people would know. Word would get back to their parents, spouse, aunts, uncles and that was the system of accountability that kept everyone honest and committed. Today, my parents still have no idea what I do at my place of employment. We don't live in the same town but networks are important. When black parents sent their kids off to college or work in a different city their relatives were there and would write home keeping the family au courant of how their child was doing.
There's a horrible Black lady who works in an office I frequent. Perpetually unpleasant, unhelpful, on Facebook, not responding to e-mails, or disseminating wrong/bad information. I wish I knew who her parents were (they probably dead) or at least members of her church (she probably doesn't go). She's able to slide by doing mediocre work because she's endeared herself to the "right people" In an integrated society she's got the opportunity to be in that office but no community to hold her accountable and check her on her actions.
Family names were the fulcrum to personal relationships as well. Before two young lovers could be wed the families had to vet each other. This was especially true of Black families with money--lawyers, dentists, funeral home directors--to ensure their wealth passed to the next generation they combined forces with another reputable family.
But today we're scattered. Even with all the social media networks available. No one talks honestly and directly about what's happening in the community. We don't trade and compare notes on where to work, shop, or spend time. Family names have become invisible. Everyone is fighting for their own career and position in society. Part of being in the community is not forgetting where you come from and taking care of those who are still there. Why move grandma out the projects when you can make the projects a better place for her to live?
Segregation was difficult yet we thrived and built institutions that would have endured had it not been for integration. Black folks aren't angels. We sabotage our own success sometimes.. Negro League Baseball suffered mostly internal failure amongst team owners (egos) than Major League Baseball coming and taking their best players.
James Baldwin once wrote that it is not them who must accept us but we have to accept them. Taking that a step further in 2018 we have to accept ourselves. Be happy with who we are before branching out to ingratiate ourselves with others.
If any of this sounds bizarre ask yourself, "Would Kanye be acting out if his people were around?"
Back in the day, Black people stuck together, family names meant something, and our community thrived. Today, even as we are shot down in the streets by cops, passed on for job promotions, and constantly "code switch" to fit in with our white colleagues we continue to chase "opportunities"
Family Reputation
If the entire black community knew Eddie and Louise Greenwood were honest hardworking people then that honorable reputation extended to their children and grandchildren. If anyone in the Greenwood family did something wrong, word made it back to Eddie and Louise before sunset and the problem offspring was dealt with.
Not all families were prim and proper. Some stole, lied, cheated, borrowed money and never returned it. These were outcasts in the community. People wouldn't do business with them, offer them aid in hard times, and if white people came around looking for someone to lynch or throw in jail they were the first we gave up.
White people bought into Black-family-name-recognition too. They were never going to get to know us individually but they talked amongst themselves about who was doing the right thing. For example, Thomas Douglass Jr. comes to First Farmer and Citizens Bank for a small loan (no credit scores back then). Thomas Douglass father been working at Smith Lumberyard for over fifteen years. His mother cooked and cleaned for white women in town three times a week. The white loan officer calls up old man Smith at the lumberyard and asks about Thomas Douglass Sr.
Old man Smith says Thomas never missed a day of work. Shows up on time and stays late. He's never stolen or been accused of theft as long as he's been working there. He never complained about his wages. "I could pay him $12 for a work week this Friday and $8 for the same work next week. Never hear a mumbling word from him."
The loan officer still unconvinced, calls to the women Thomas' mother cooks and cleans for. No complains from any of them. "My kids love her cornbread"
Thomas is approved for the loan.
In those days if a black person was lazy or put forth a half-ass effort at work people would know. Word would get back to their parents, spouse, aunts, uncles and that was the system of accountability that kept everyone honest and committed. Today, my parents still have no idea what I do at my place of employment. We don't live in the same town but networks are important. When black parents sent their kids off to college or work in a different city their relatives were there and would write home keeping the family au courant of how their child was doing.
There's a horrible Black lady who works in an office I frequent. Perpetually unpleasant, unhelpful, on Facebook, not responding to e-mails, or disseminating wrong/bad information. I wish I knew who her parents were (they probably dead) or at least members of her church (she probably doesn't go). She's able to slide by doing mediocre work because she's endeared herself to the "right people" In an integrated society she's got the opportunity to be in that office but no community to hold her accountable and check her on her actions.
Family names were the fulcrum to personal relationships as well. Before two young lovers could be wed the families had to vet each other. This was especially true of Black families with money--lawyers, dentists, funeral home directors--to ensure their wealth passed to the next generation they combined forces with another reputable family.
But today we're scattered. Even with all the social media networks available. No one talks honestly and directly about what's happening in the community. We don't trade and compare notes on where to work, shop, or spend time. Family names have become invisible. Everyone is fighting for their own career and position in society. Part of being in the community is not forgetting where you come from and taking care of those who are still there. Why move grandma out the projects when you can make the projects a better place for her to live?
Segregation was difficult yet we thrived and built institutions that would have endured had it not been for integration. Black folks aren't angels. We sabotage our own success sometimes.. Negro League Baseball suffered mostly internal failure amongst team owners (egos) than Major League Baseball coming and taking their best players.
James Baldwin once wrote that it is not them who must accept us but we have to accept them. Taking that a step further in 2018 we have to accept ourselves. Be happy with who we are before branching out to ingratiate ourselves with others.
If any of this sounds bizarre ask yourself, "Would Kanye be acting out if his people were around?"
Well spoken!
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