I believe the real soldiers who were willing to put their lives on line, to fight racial injustice, are long gone. They have all passed away, and there doesn't seem to be anyone interested in the plight of the black. It seems that the real black people with power, and who actually already have the podium to speak on black America's behalf, have chose to worry only about themselves. I know there are some who still speak out, but on what level. I don't think, anyone is willing to jeopardize what they have, and risk being labeled a real freedom fighter, like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman, Malcolm X, Fredrick Douglas, Sojourner Truth, Nelson Mandela and this list goes on. Doesn't anyone care? how can a black man, actually not care about his own people, just as long as he is okay. What I see, as far as leadership in black community is that, a black man will do just about anything to make a dollar for himself.

These days a lot of blacks feel, if it don't make dollars it don't make sense. People need to realize that you can't buy everything. Sometimes you have to demand your respect, no one will give it to you if "They feel you don't deserve it". That is just like how in slavery days, some blacks were walking around with these papers on their person, stating that they were free, because they had paid a certain amount to their slave owners, in order to purchase their freedom. It is the same way today, a lot of well established blacks in our community seem to feel, that because they have millions it makes people see past their skin color. In other words that they have bought their freedom. What about the people left behind who don't have the right amount of money to purchase their freedom, who is going to stand for them. These people, I feel have forgotten where they came from, and that they are no longer considered a typical Negro in America, that they stand alone. All I have to say is that they had better hold on to their wealth, and don't break any rules or laws. As much as I hate using the "N" word, that is what they will become in the eyes of white racist society.

Just like Harriet Tubman's husband, Mr. John Tubman, who chose to live among enslaved blacks, who were in fear, of being sold into the deep south, which was considered death sentence to them. Although, he did not have to worry about it, because he had bought his freedom. Instead of helping "Moses" lead as many enslaved black people, up north to freedom, as possible. I am not disrespecting Mr. John Tubman, just trying to make a point.

I have written this poem entitled "Someone"

I need someone to talk to world,
and tell them where I stand, not
Someone politically motivated, but
Someone to speak for the black man

Someone to say no, to Tierney and injustice,
Someone who won't make a mockery of what has
already been done to us

Someone who can see past their own ambitions,
and successes, Someone who can grab a hold of
this inequality problem, and teach us all
some new lessons

Someone strong and full of courage, Someone
who is for real, and won't sell out their
heritage, Someone with the power and knowledge,
and the ability to awaken this new age

So Lord send my people Someone, who will be able
to weather the storm, and who has the strength to
fight, Someone exceptional, who help turn the wrong
into right

Learn more about this author, POETRY JONES.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about What happened to the African American leadership in the United States?
We want to hear your view. Write now!