Herschel Walker and other Black men "pickin' and grinnin" like Amos and Andy

commentary - I consider it an honor being a public intellectual within the tradition of Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, E. Franklin Frazier, James Baldwin, Frantz Fanon, St. Clair Drake, Cornel West and Ta-Nehisi Coates. Make no mistake, I’m not as prolific in my work. I do claim responsibility connected to a rich tradition – Black men who read, process and write about the impact of race on the lives of Black men and women.

I could name a legion of Black women. Zora Neale Hurston, Anna Julia Cooper, Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Ida B. Wells, Maria W. Stewart, Francess Ellen Watkins Harper – who shape how I view the intersected nature of race, class and gender as they apply to groups and individuals in systems of discrimination. They help me in considering how my being a heterosexual, Christian, man provides a level of power beyond the limits of being a Black man.

I revere the work of Black women, but this is about my bond with Black male writers, past and present.

Why does it matter?

A few names come to mind. Herschel Walker, Republican candidate to represent Georgia as a U.S. Senator. North Carolina Lt. Gov Mark Roberts and Jahnmaund Lane, who unsuccessfully, as a Black Republican, took a shot to become mayor of Durham. Insert Negro please.

The three Black men listed have things in common. Yes, being Black is on that list. Yes, being a man is on that list. Yes, being a Republican forces rapid headshaking followed by an onslaught of name calling akin to “Uncle Tom”, “Sellout” along with being a disgrace to grandma and “them” for forgetting where you come from. It’s on that list.

Lane took center stage among other Black men representing alt-right, conspiracy minded Republicans, after seeking membership on Durham’s Human Relations Commission. Durham’s progressives followed with public scorn bearing witness to being way past being sick and tired. Lane’s public reputation took a hit after White Progressive Twitter (something like Black Twitter without real street cred) reminded people of what happened before and after soldiers enlisted in Donald Trump’s army and showed up at the U.S. Capitol to allegedly lynch Vice President Mike Pence for failing to abide by Emperor… I mean former President… Trump’s, command.

Pictures of Lane postured in front of a Trump flag circulated on social media after his wish to serve on the Human Relations Commission became public.

There is all of that – the foolishness of a Black man - given all grandma, granddaddy and Black folks history books (because Black history doesn’t show up in many of the other books) tells us about enduring hardship through many dangers, toils and snares. Nope, I’m not talking about singing “Amazing Grace”. For context and meaning, sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as reference to Black folks been through more than a trip to the stereotypical escape at the corner liquor store.

Thus, my fascination with Black scholars and their work.

Real talk involving work that escapes the regurgitation of words aimed at whitesplaining the Black experience of racism in America. Real work beyond pickin’ and grinnin’ like “Amos and Andy” as a subplot in an ongoing drama created to degrade Black people. Real talk to counter the pigeonhole of Black folks being greedy, dishonest and schemers in a world created to instill white wealth and comfort. Do I need to say it, again? Negro, please.

My gurus of Black intellectual thought continue to battle the futility of overzealous Black capitulation. They consistently subdue the temptation to embrace the lure of demeaning rhetoric that abates the effects of the history and continuing quandary of white folks pitching a narrative that it’s only in our imagination. How many times must I say Negro, please?

The Black gurus of Black conscious thinking challenge the simpleminded ways of some white people. Why Herschel over Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock. Put some respect on that name – Warnock with an earned Ph.D. – versus a barely literate Black man? He play feetball. Insert proper spelling for the folks who don’t know the difference.

The Georgia senate race pits one Black man against another. What type of Black man are white folks interested in supporting after an educated Negro became President of the freaking United States? Can we insert fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me?

Is this the payback for smart Black folks making white folks feel stupid? Help me understand how that’s not true after Mark Roberts got enough votes to become North Carolina’s Lt. Gov. Google him to confront his homophobic, sexists, “Leave it to Beaver” back in the old days thinking political ideology. Somebody please find his people! One more time for the folks not keeping pace. Negro, please.

Are these Black men the anti-Obama? Even more, is there an attack on smart Black men?

These “Amos and Andy”, behind-the-times thinking Negros find themselves on center stage singing and dancing like minstrel show performer wearing black face makeup.

Stated before picking up another book with more than 500 pages to help me explain why all of it is a damn shame.

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Elaine O'Neal's candidacy for mayor perceived as a referendum on what Durham is becoming

Rev-elution offers independent, Black journalism for residents of Durham, North Carolina. Carl W. Kenney II was named Serious Columnist of the Year for his work in the Durham News, a former community paper of the News & Observer. Please support Rev-elution by contributing at: Cash App, $Cmizzou, or Venmo, @Carl-Kenney-1

SEVENTY-FIVE PEOPLE STOOD in front of the Durham County Administration building on the day Elaine O’Neal filed to be placed on the ballot to become Durham’s next mayor. It was a mixed group of family members and people searching for fresh leadership.

O’Neal brings the energy of a person born and raised in Durham. She has witnessed her hometown change overnight. Her West Durham roots took her to the old Hillside High School where she was a member of the marching band. Like many Black Durhamites, she matriculated as both an undergraduate and law student at North Carolina Central University.

She remembers the Hayti district before Durham Freeway 147 displaced hundreds of black businesses to activate decades of declining Black prosperity. She remembers smelling the fumes of tobacco from The American Tobacco and Ligget Meyers Tobacco companies where Black residents made decent salaries to provide for their families.

Rev-elution interviewed 50 Durham residents regarding their perceptions after U.S. News and World Report ranked Raleigh and Durham combined the second-best place to live in America. Some people wonder if the U.S. News and World Report reflects what Durham is becoming more than what they loved most before the construction of the 27 floor One City Center – the building that symbolizes the purging of the dirty that made Durham an oasis for Black people.

Most of the people interviewed see the upcoming municipal election a referendum on what Durham is becoming. They speak nostalgic regarding the strength of Durham’s past – the Black Wall Street, the vital political machinery of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, the culture and support system of Hillside High School and the sway of Black churches and families in providing a support system for youth.

O’Neal’s candidacy is perceived to be about more than the platform of a former Superior Court Judge. It’s about removing politicians dismissive of the history and legacy of Black Durham. It’s about fixing things before it’s too late.

O’Neal is the overwhelming choice for mayor among the people interviewed. Filing for municipal election ends on August 13^th. As of the posting of this article, Jahnmaud Lane, a GOP activist and HAVC technician, is O’Neal’s only competition. People are deeply invested in electing a city council willing to press a more practical agenda.

Rev-elution identified five critical concerns among the people interviewed.

What is driving a candidate’s decision to run for office?

Residents noted a lack of trust in candidates after Nida Allam voted in solidarity with Wendy Jacobs and Heidi Carter not to extend the contract of former Durham County Manager Wendell Davis. Many Black residents question the motives of Leonardo Williams, candidate for City Council Ward III. They also question Marion Teniade Johnson’s ties with Mayor Pro Tem Jillian Johnson. Johnson, who hasn’t filed as of posting this article but has a campaign website, is challenging incumbent DeDreanna Freeman for City Council Ward I. Waldo Fenner, a political novice who is critical of Durham Housing Authority Director Anthony Scott, and Libertarian Elizabeth Takla, have filed for Ward I. Lane, a Black man, can expect stiff criticism for his support of Donald Trump.  Lane is the host of Mind of Jamal. His Twitter account was suspended due to inappropriate content. As of this posting, Ward II City Council member Mark-Anthony Middleton has not filed, and he has no challengers.

Do you know what the job involves?

It is vital that candidates for public office understand the role and function of the city council comparative to other elected offices. Takla misses the mark on her campaign website in mentioning public education funding as part of her platform.  Education is an important issue, but doesn’t fall within the jurisdiction of the city council.

How well do you know Durham?

It’s a complicated question due to the vast difference between what Durham used to be and what it is becoming. For some, Durham is a testing ground for progressive models. C.J. Davis, a highly qualified and effective police chief, left Durham to lead the Memphis Police Department. She departed during tense conversations regarding police funding and an increase in homicides. Many respondents shared concerns of Durham politicians making decisions devoid of real conversations with the people most impacted.

Finally, what are the real issues?

The next city council has layers of unfinished business. Respondents listed a few:

·         What are the next steps following the McDougald Terrace debacle? $9,066,649 was spent to transfer hundreds of residents of the Durham public housing units to hotels after carbon monoxide leaks were discovered. A portion of the $95 million housing bond approved by 76 percent of Durham voters will go toward building new public housing. How will this impact the goals originally identified when voters were presented the housing bond?

·         What can and will the city council do to curtail increases in rent?

·         What are the plans to finally fulfill the promise of revitalizing the Hayti Business district after urban removal displaced more than 100 Black-owned businesses?

·         Who will the city council select as Durham’s next Chief of Police? Will the city council function in collaboration with the new chief, or will they micromanage in ways that make it difficult for the next chief to lead?

Good luck voters. There’s a lot to digest in preparation of the October 5^th primary election