The above clip is part of the closing scene from the 1998 movie, Belly. In this scene the Minister is speaking about some of the problems facing the Black community as we headed into the new millennium. Sadly, ten years into the new millennium we are still facing these same problems. The issues of drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence among others are prevalent within the community. One of the most rampant problems within the Black community is lack of knowledge of self.
If knowledge is power, then at times we can seem like a powerless Race. It is said that you can't know where you're going until you know where you have been. Many in the younger generation have no sense of their culture or history. All they know is the rights and privileges that the have today. They have no idea or desire to learn of the struggles of their ancestors that got us all to this point. Blacks are been singled out are a race that is regressing. If you don't know your history, you're doomed to repeat it.
"We all play a grave role in our own destruction." Often we are quick to point the finger at others of our misfortunes. The role we played in our transgressions are often ignored. No one likes to point the finger at self. When you point a finger at someone else, there are at least three pointing back at you. We must stop always blaming others and take accountability for our own actions. Change starts with self.
Where have all of our Influential Black Leaders gone? Where are the Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., or Huey Newton's of today? People willing to take a stand for the betterment of a Race of People. One of the biggest problems I see is that when someone does try to step up, no one is willing to stand with them. The problems within the Black Community can not be solved by the actions of one person! I know many will say, what about President Obama? President Obama represents a nation, not just a race.
Although Belly has a "typical storyline" and not the greatest acting it is one of my favorite movies. It has it's moments where knowledge can be heard if you are listening. These are just some random thoughts of mine provoked by the above clip. I love my People, but when will we as a People WAKE UP!
My People, Keep Striving.........Choose Life
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