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Commentary: The "Black Agenda" Debate and the African American Church
By: Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr.
In recent weeks, two of our nation’s premier spokespersons for the advancement of African Americans have been involved in a national debate. PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley and long-time activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, head of the National Action Network, are vigorously discussing the issue of President Obama’s commitment to embracing a “Black Agenda.” I think it is safe to say that Smiley, who once sponsored an annual State of the Black Union conference, believes that many mainstream African American leaders, including Rev. Sharpton, have not held the President accountable to addressing the challenges and issues that confront scores of African Americans (high unemployment, lack of adequate health care, and weaknesses in the public education system, just to name three.) In fact, Smiley shared his frustration with many of our mainstream leaders in a commentary he issued during the Tom Joyner Morning Show. He went on to indicate that he was sponsoring a March 20, 2010, gathering in Chicago in order to discuss the matter of a "Black Agenda."
After Smiley’s comments aired, Rev. Sharpton issued a stinging on-air rebuttal, stating that he and other leaders had, in fact, met with the President and outlined concerns of African American communities, and that he had a long record of activism that went well beyond mere talk. Sharpton went on to suggest that President Obama cannot be expected to embrace a “Black Agenda” but that he could be asked to support a broader agenda through which African American communities would benefit.
Of course what I am presenting here is a synopsis of the debate between these two able and visible African American leaders. If you want more details, and I suggest you seek them, please go to www.blackamericaweb.com. Yet with these few lines in your minds, let me ask you, what is your understanding of a “Black Agenda?” What would the components of such an agenda be? Whom would this agenda affect? Who would execute it?
The natural follow-up questions include these: To what extent do the components of a Black Agenda appear in the framework of how we serve God through our churches? What is God’s agenda for our communities, and how are we living it? Are issues such as AIDS, high incarceration and unemployment rates, foreclosure, and public education discussed in congregational, regional, and general meetings? If so, how are we making impact on them in the name of Jesus? If not, what does our lack of involvement suggest about who Jesus is for us?
I would submit that the issue of a “Black Agenda” is one that is far too important and complex to be assigned to politicians and civil rights leaders, alone. To this writer, the church as a whole, and African American churches in particular, have a stake in this national discussion. Therefore, we must play our God-given leadership role in the advancement of African American communities and all communities. After all, the historic “Black Church” is America’s original and authentic justice and freedom organization, and has produced scores of leaders through whom God has changed lives, the nation, and the world while working to dismantle America’s original sin: racism. As many have suggested, if African American communities become stronger, the nation becomes stronger. It is my hope that we will come together in prayer meetings, Bible study sessions, board meetings, and gatherings of young adults and youth, in order to find or strengthen our voices and join this national “family discussion,” and then take clear and decisive steps in our churches to make Jesus’ agenda of justice, wholeness, wellness and dignity more of a reality for folks in our communities and beyond.
That’s how I see it. How about you?
Fifth Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Cleveland, OH
President, Black Ministers Fellowship, National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Assistant Treasurer, Mount Pleasant Ministerial Alliance, Cleveland, OH
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