Having 75,000 people on Crenshaw Boulevard for Taste of Soul was a glorious day, having 50,000 people show up to protest the injustices that were occurring in Jena, Louisiana and supporting the Jena 6 was equally significant. However, we must do more. We cannot get lulled to sleep by hollow victories of great numbers without making a true stand for some type of action and/or some significant outcome.

How many people did we register to vote? How many people decided to get involved in some type of organization? How many got tested for AIDS/HIV, how many volunteered to support Young Black Scholars, mentor a youth or make some significant contribution for the betterment of our community. In fact, out of 75,000 people only 3,800 bought a subscription to the Sentinel.

We can do and be so much more. I believe there is an awakening, a consciousness in this new generation that can have an everlasting impact on our community, but we have to not only step up, we must stand up as well. We must take action. How many dinners do we put on in our community, get all dressed up, spend hundreds of dollars on tickets but then never do anymore with that organization after that? Fundraising dinners are great (I attend and support a lot of them myself) and they play a significant role within our community, however lets be better than that. Lets not only support the dinner, but also let’s support the organization. If you attend the Brotherhood Crusade, Walter Bremond Pioneers of African American Achievement Dinner (this year they are honoring Cathy Hughes) don’t just leave it at that, also get involved in the Brotherhood, adopt a family for Christmas, sign up for payroll deductions, not only give you money but give your time and your talent. If you are going to attend the Kappa Black and White Ball, don’t just dress up and have a good time, but sign up to get involved in supporting the Kappa League (which mentors young African American males).

All I am asking is that you challenge yourself, your friends and your family to really step up and demonstrate how great we can be as a people and a community.

Again, don’t just do the Kwanzaa Ceremony, but live the principals that are what it will take for all of us to really make a difference and build a better world for each and every one of us.

So, whether you agree or disagree, now more than ever I really need your input. I need to hear from you. I need to know what is going on in our community. I also need to know what other stories we need to tell, and what is on your mind. I really do want to hear from you. I want you to “Talk to Danny.”

Sincerely,
Danny J. Bakewell, Jr.
President & Executive Editor

Published in : Executive Editor Blog, Talk To Danny