By Von C. Howard
As I sit here and contemplate as to where to begin, I am struggling with how to find the right words to pen that will come with passion, reflection (both self and collective), and a positive outlook toward the future. I am also skeptical that writing these words will potentially be faced with some disdain. However, it is my hope that the words are given more embrace and sustained and collaborative plans-of-action moving forward. Now that I have prefaced my thoughts, let me be fearless and persevere down this rabbit hole headfirst.
Have you really taken the opportunity to look at your surroundings, everything that has been going on, the leaders who lead, the conversations you have, and asked yourself “what is going on?”
There is an infamous quote by Albert Einstein that “a universal characteristic of insanity is inflexibility: doing the same thing over and over while hoping for different results”. Before I go any further, I am in no way calling anyone reading this article insane; however, I will state that it seems that we have become common place in the ways that we maneuver, interact, and even hold each other accountable within our community.
I find myself being somewhat of a very observant person, one who reflects on stories of how our community had strong and unbreakable bonds (i.e. family, spiritually, professionally, and politically). However, in recent years, as I have grown older and somewhat wiser, those same reflections have transitioned into attempting to identify and answer the following: how did we get here, why are we here, and what can we personally and collectively do to make the situation better?
As a Black man who has been reared his entire life here in Fort Lauderdale, I have seen many great leaders hold up the banner to ensure that the community wins despite what may be limited resources as some of our counterparts. There was a unified voice and collective stance that no matter one’s socioeconomic, educational prowess, or religious upbringing, it seemed destined that we were truly going to “Lift As We Climb”.
Unfortunately, I am saddened to see that those tenets that were once a pillar of our community have either been lost, not shared, or on an even sadder note, no longer cared about. Which brings me to this question, “Have we lost the tenacity to fight for the foundation for which our community has been built on?”
Just a take moment to take a reflective look, both personally and wholistically, which I am doing as I am typing these words. Have we stopped holding ourselves, each other, and/or those who “lead” us accountable for decisions that possibly look good in the present but potentially hinder us collectively in the future? Why have we become so agenda driven with personal gain that when we “make it” we forget who helped us get there as much as our purpose for being there in the first place? Why have we become so silent on things that require our attention from the very beginning, yet so loud when we had the ability to control the things that got out of control?
From both the inside looking out and the outside looking in, we are often viewed as a group that causes self-inflicted wounds by in-fighting to gain status or when we do have something to voice, often we don’t fight to the finish to demand the equity that we are so deserving of.
The ultimate question is how can we change accepting what is status quo; the mindset of this is how it’s always been?
How do we encourage, enlighten, and energize those future leaders from as far back as elementary school to young adults to continue to push forward and not develop a lackadaisical approach on pressing issues that surround?
How do we as current adults realize that our collective bond is and has always been our strength no matter what your station is in life? Are we willing to embrace the innovations to help streamline and make the tasks easier by embracing the young minds’ methods yet upholding the principles for why things are done as the foundation?
So rather than simply be seen as throwing rocks and hiding my hands, I would like to offer (5) simplistic plans-of-action to consider:
- A real look at self: what have we done individually to help advance and/or hinder our
community from progressing. Have we sat silent, hoping that someone else will take the mantle or are we willing to join to ensure that the mantle is upheld, and the fire stays lit. Reflecting on oneself allows a change in mindset and assists in preventing the same actions from becoming recurring.
- Be an active participant of the everyday decision-making process: we are all collective minds with various life and professional experiences. Rather than sitting dormant on the side or simply playing Monday Morning quarterback, be an active participant in the game even if it means just keeping yourself abreast of what is going on. One of the greatest detriments in recent times is having information literally at our fingertips, yet not taking the initiative to do our own research for clarity. The more you know, the more you grow!!
- Hold those that lead us accountable: this can be a very tricky subject as sometimes we don’t like to ruffle the feathers of those who are leaders in our communities based on their connectivity.
However, if we don’t hold them accountable to the things that they promised and/or platformed on (in a respectable manner), then who will. Also, within that leadership we must be willing to agree to disagree as well as understand that some things aren’t resolved overnight, however there needs to be a demand of a sense of progression within the process.
- Willing to have the difficult conversations: this applies to family, friends, and stakeholders alike. Though conflict can be difficult, we must be willing to address personal biases, bias from those close to us, and perceived biases from outside entities. We must be willing to listen attentively, think methodically, and move precisely to truly turn what could be viewed as a negative into a positive outcome. Moreover, patience and prayer must be the foundation in all we do and say.
- Lastly, understanding that the wheel doesn’t need to be reinvented, air is just needed for the tire: the blueprint has been established and the foundations have shown that they have worked. It is our responsibility that we don’t allow the tires deflate and the vehicle that moves us along become inoperable and later abandoned.
As I look in the mirror and really look at self, I have found that I have more work to do both consciously and subconsciously. I have learned that I cannot be one who sits on the sideline to point the finger, but not getting in the fight in some form or fashion where I don’t look how I can help make a difference, but a positive difference in the community that I love so dearly. It is up to me to not just look in the mirror, but to ensure that the mirror is clean, and I can see clearly at the reflection that it gives back.
