BLACKS THOUGHT HIGH OF THEMSELVES

A Black woman, Neisseria Gunn Arrears, posted a sentiment about a segment of Black thought. When first I read this I had an initial response. I said, "It is common, but it is hard on the ears hearing women using gruff language, but the point was well made. Neisseria Gunn Arrears grinds down into the core of a dysfunctional dream, and a hope held for centuries by African slaves."

Neisseria Gunn Arrears‎

Later reading the comments from mostly younger Black people I hit upon the missing in their thinking. One of the things younger people don't seem to understand, or appreciate in depth is why Black Americans reminded themselves of the eras of African civilizations. There is a deep emotional history that incredibly has fallen outside of their grasp. In this forum it is pointless to talk about it because the technologies that bring that information out is as present now as it was 40 and 80 years ago, and despite that the depth of this aspect of the Black experience evades their embrace.

Blacks had to think high of themselves even though there are holes in the probability of being a King or a Queen. Sadly, there are today more 'queens' in the Black community that don't and cannot inspire the deep pride a real Queen of a people would.  There should be more intellectual and spiritual recoil against the queens of our communities passing themselves off as authentic. Their inconsistencies are apparent and damaging, and worse they are allowed to pass themselves off as men.

I know the element of royalty, and the presence of a King's spirit and a Queen's spirit is behind the declarations of being a King and a Queen. It has been important to self-esteem. But, if that is no longer important to Black people of this generation what do you have that is better to offer and to be? What will you bring to the development and advancement of your people? Diatribes and sharp analysis of your preceding generations are important to the task of carrying on legacies but so is the work, and the unlearning so necessary to the struggle.

- Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 6.22.14