I thought I'd share this recent article by a friend and fellow seeker of African-American unity:
The African and the Brother Man
August 6, 2009
Raynard Jackson
I
received a call from a good friend of mine earlier this week. He’s a
Black gentleman who worked very high in the Clinton administration.
He’s one of the top political operatives in the country.
He
called me because he wanted to get together and talk. He was extremely
frustrated with his dealings with African leaders. He asked me why
African governments seems to always hire white lobbying firms to
represent them in the U.S., but then ask Black’s to join them in the
struggle to make Africa more stable?
Having
done a lot of work in African countries for various presidents, I have
often wondered the same thing. So, I began calling other friends with
various levels of knowledge and familiarity with Africa. My friend’s
experience was very common among most of those I talked with.
Part
of the problem is that African’s think the “white man’s” ice is colder
than the “Black man’s ice.” Last time I checked my chemistry book,
water freezes at 32 degrees, regardless of who puts the water into the
freezer.
One
thing I have learned and noticed during my many trips to Africa is a
lot of these attitudes are taught to Africans. They are taught that
Black Americans are not serious people, they are criminals, and they
should not be trusted. Most African’s only image of Blacks come from
BET or the Hip-Hop community.
Two
weeks ago I had a heated conversation with a friend of mine from
Ethiopia. She has been in the U.S. for about 10 years. I asked her
has she ever dated a Black American. She emphatically said, “NO, and I
never will!” It was not only what she said, but the disdain in her
tone of voice. It was though the very thought of dating a Black
American was repulsive to her. When asked why, she said because they
are not Ethiopian (she doesn’t date outside her culture). I told her
she sounds just like some of the good ole boys from the south when it
comes to Blacks dating white women and her comment was simply idiotic.
Is discrimination based on culture equivalent to discrimination based
on race? I will be dedicating one of my radio shows to this issue very
soon.
I
cannot count the number of times I have had to challenge my treatment
by Africans in my own country! I am amazed how many Africans are
surprised that I can speak with knowledge about many countries on the
continent. When they hear me discuss local issues that one can only
know if they have been to a given country, their whole attitude changes.
What
does it say about how Africans view Blacks when a very connected
political operative can’t get a contract to represent an African
country? You would have thought that Obama’s election would have
shifted that dynamic somewhat, but it hasn’t. But, as soon as
African’s get in trouble, they run to the Congressional Black Caucus
for relief. The CBC should tell them in no uncertain terms, “when you
hire some Blacks to work with you, then come see me.” I have seen
white elected officials do this on many occasions when it comes to
their own.
I
have donated thousands of dollars worth of professional services to
African causes and charities only to have them contract with others
once they get money. I now refuse to deal with any African cause or
issue unless there is a budget for professional services.
So,
when my friend expressed his frustration with me, I could definitely
relate to his situation. Until Africans change their attitude towards
Blacks in America, there will always be a rift between the two groups.
This
attitude is the underlying reason that the continent has not progressed
more than it has. Africa has everything it needs to sustain the
continent and be truly independent. But, they can’t continue to beg
others to do for them what they are not willing to do for themselves.
They want Black entrepreneurs to invest in their country, but refuse to
hire Blacks who can assist them in making this happen. One of the
largest IT firms in the world is owned by a Black, one of the larger
restaurant owners in the country is owned by a Black, some of the best
medical professionals in this country are Black, and some of the best
architects and engineers in this country are Black. So, then why does
Africa refuse to recognize this with their dollars? How many African
presidents have ever given a speech at a Black college, visited a Black
business owner’s company, or visited a Black media company? The answer
is very few.
So,
to my Africans both here and on the continent, don’t call me “Brother”
and then give all the opportunity to others. Don’t call me “Brother”
only when you need help. Africa is where it all started and where our
ancestors departed. So, when you come to the U.S., when will you
recognize your own family? BROTHER!
Raynard
Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates,
LLC., a D.C.-based political consulting/government affairs firm. You
can listen to his radio show every Saturday evening from 7-9:00 p.m. Go to www.ustalknetwork.com
to register and then click on host, and then click on his photo to join his group.