Filed under: News
We asked our community on Facebook what resolutions we should make as a larger black family to cure the remaining issues that stem from the tribulations of our complex social position; for like most problems, passing along the blame (however justified) won't solve them. We have all known for a long time that nobody is going to help us but us. The only way to make a positive change is to set the most lofty goals. It would be a wonderful thing if, in taking the lead, the Black Voices audience could help blacks everywhere set those lofty goals together in the form of New Year's resolutions for 2011.
Here is a compilation of what you, our followers, believe should be The Top Ten 2011 New Year's Resolutions for the Black Community. These statements show that we still have a love of self, community and family in our hearts that drives us to make things better. So after we toast to 2011 with a little bubbly, let's get to work on the following:
1. Make education a priority:
Our friend Johnnie says: "Make education a priority and everything else will fall in place!!!" We all know that education is a stepping stone to economic security, and a way to maintain one's security once it is won. Education will not only help black people get better jobs; it will also help us to understand financial instruments like loan term agreements better, preventing horrible events like the sub-prime mortgage scandal, which disproportionately affected minorities who were intentionally misled by lending agents. In a case such as this, knowledge is truly power. Empower yourself in 2011.
2. Stop the violence:
Our fan Antonio pleads: "We need to stop all this crime, especially black on black crime, tired of us killing, robbing, etc., so let's think before we react people." Not a week goes by that we don't hear about some senseless killing, gang murder or other black-on-black crime. The Black Voices audience has made it known that we should do everything in our power to end this suffering that we inflict on ourselves at all costs. The answers won't come easy, but we must commit to focusing on solutions to this self-destruction now.
3. Rebuild the strong black family:
With so many of our children being born out of wedlock, many black women and children are in serious financial and social peril. The median net worth of single black women was found to be a mere five dollars this year, for example. Plus, it was found that fatherless children fall prey to a host of troubles ranging from higher rates of incarceration to being more likely to become a teen runaway. If we could rebuild the black family, both men and women together, this would be a strong foundation on which to build a better future.
4. Support, parent and mentor our children:
BV Fan Christina says about this: "Educate more of our young black youth on life and the consequences of their choices." With black children falling behind others in many areas, including black teen unemployment which is twice that for white teens, now more than ever the influence of elders is needed to help guide young people away from a path of danger. Dr. Boyce Watkins, our popular blogger, often says "you don't have to be the parent of that child, to parent that child." That is great advice for the African American community in 2011. Will you take the time to mentor a young person?
5. Come together in unity:
Black skin vs. dark skin. Skinny vs. fat. Rich vs. poor. Men vs. women. The black community seems to be more interested in fighting sometimes over long-held but pointless divisions. Things are getting to a state in which we no longer have time to focus on these minor quibbles. If we can come together around our common interests, which are far more numerous, we will be happier and stronger socially and politically.
6. Learn to manage our money well:
This can range from supporting black-owned businesses to making a commitment to get out of debt in 2011. Here on BV on Money, The Money Coach, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox offers lots of practical advice that can help you repair your credit and more. Make 2011 the year that your money is never funny! Get training for a new skill, or start that education savings account for your child. Economic power is one of the most critical aspects of growth that blacks have the power to control as individuals. We will have over one trillion dollars in buying power by 2012. Let's spend that money wisely!
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7. Stay informed politically and socially:
Black people need to realize that we are an important political base across the nation, and participate in the political process as educated voters. We must get active locally and make our voices heard nationally. This is not a question of being a monolith in terms of our views. It is more important to realize that our votes and our participation matter at every level. Our ancestors survived physical, mental and emotional horrors so that we could enforce our rights as citizens. Let's exercise that privilege with a historic sense of honor.
8. Love and respect ourselves as individuals and a people:
Facebook member Beatrice put this best: "We need to support and encourage each other financially, mentally, and spiritually. Way too much player hating and back stabbing going on for sure. Plain and simple, especially for one's family, help them to grow and prosper." I can't think of anything more to add -- except that we also need to have that kind of love and support for ourselves personally. Remember the viral video "I Love My Hair"? We need to take it further and love being black! In 2010, let's always remember to give ourselves and others the respect we deserve. Our friend Dawnn agrees: "My wish for the Black Community: 'Know Your Worth!'"
9. Learn your history:
Facebook user William laments that "this generation does not now much of the[ir] history [or] what brought us to this destructive era." I think it's very true that if more people knew more about the amazing depth and breadth of African American history, we would have more self-love and act like a people with fierce self-esteem. Black history is much, much more than the limited time line we are taught during Black History Month. Explore black history with the same passion as a favorite hobby, and you will hold your head a lot higher in 2011, which will be a great help for all our communal goals.
10. Stop talking, making speeches and giving excuses -- the time is now to ACT!
More than one Facebook fan said we need to "get involved in our communities." That means taking the items on this list and take action in 2011 -- as soon as the new year begins. Volunteer with kids, talk to elders at your church, take a wayward family member under your wing. Get more educated, participate in a local political organization, or spend more quality time with your kids. We keep lamenting that there are no real black leaders, but maybe that is because the era of the black leader as savior is over.
If we work together as a group, we will be able to save ourselves. Let's make 2011 the year that blacks make a comeback, one person, one city and one organization at a time. We have made our 2011 New Year's Resolutions for the Black Community as a group. Now it's your turn as an individual to make them happen.
Leave your own 2011 New Year's resolutions for the African American community below!