BlackVoices History Quest: Augusta, Georgia
Pastor Poised To Be First Black To Lead Southern Baptists
Every week, I speak with Rev. Al Sharpton on various issues that affect the African American community. I've always admired Rev. Sharpton, but the more I work closely with him, the more I realize how committed he is to what he does in the community. I also have a tremendous amount of respect for the degree to which he manages so many complex relationships and politically difficult people.
You couldn't pick up Essence magazine without thinking of Susan Taylor's beautiful grin with the signature gap, and her nearly waist-long braids. As head of the number one magazine for African-American women, the entrepreneur and former single mother inspired black women everywhere. Even though she's left the helm at Essence, Taylor is planning to continue to reach women through her national political action committee and her role in an initiative to build homes in Africa.
The New Black Leadership
Barack Obama
Barack Obama is the first African-American president of the United States. His charm and charisma have been well received around the world, making him an "icon" for change in America.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah: the name is as powerful as her brand and image. The media mogul has made it her mission to inspire millions of people to be who they aspire to be through her television show, movies, magazine, and a radio show. She even reached out to help educate struggling kids in Africa by opening her girls-only boarding school, but even that wasn't enough for her. Next year, she'll launch her own network, leaving no doubt that Oprah is a leader in every sense of the word.
Jesse Jackson
Arguably the most well-known black leader, Jesse Jackson has been on the front lines for black people since witnessing the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. However, the reputation of this former presidential candidate has been tarnished with time and by the discovery of his marital infidelity, which produced a love child. Then, there are his controversial comments: the one about Jews that killed his White House bid, and recent ones about presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Is the leader of the so-called "old guard" still relevant in the black community? Only time will tell.
Condoleezza Rice
Rice, a former professor at Stanford University, is the first black woman to serve as Secretary of State in the United States. She's also just the second black American to hold the post. Prior to this, she served as George W. Bush's National Security Adviser. Her political acumen isn't the only thing that distinguishes her leadership. Rice is also a classical pianist who can speak five languages fluently. Still, many black commentators have concern about Rice's stances on the war, handling of Hurricane Katrina and statements on various issues. But nonetheless, Rice is truly a remarkable woman that deserves recognition as a leader and pioneer. But will her next job give any attention to the needs of the black community?
Deval Patrick
On Nov. 7, 2006, Patrick was elected as the first African American governor of Massachusetts, and the third black governor in United States history. More recently, he signed a landmark bill that allows gay non-residents of Massachusetts to tie the knot in the state, circumventing bans in their own states.
Dorothy Height
A civil rights activist, Dr. Dorothy Height spent her lifetime fighting for equal rights for African Americans and women of all races. Former chair of the National Council of Negro Women, she received the Congressional Medal of Honor as a testament to her reputation and leadership skills. A tireless leader, she fought injustice until her last breath. Dr. Dorothy Height died in 2010 at the age of 98.
Corey Booker
The current mayor of Newark, N.J., has been a dynamic force in the resurrection of one of the Garden State's largest and most-beleaguered cities. Booker has taken a hard line on crime in the city. In 2008 Newark has had 37 murders so far; that's on track for a dramatic low for the city which had 105 murders in 2006. Additionally, he was at the forefront of a new arena being built downtown along with a city renovation. He took over for Sharpe James who was at the city's helm for 20 years, but was recently convicted of federal corruption charges.
Cynthia McKinney
The former U.S. congresswoman from Georgia has become the new face of the Green Party. In Congress, McKinney was recognized for pressuring lawmakers to release records relating to the killing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Tupac Shakur, as well as for her Hurricane Katrina activism.
Benjamin Jealous
Who is Benjamin Jealous? If you don't know now, you soon will. At 35 he is the youngest ever national leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. His challenge? Bringing the civil rights organization back to the forefront and making it relevant to younger generations. Perhaps Jealous will give the organization an infusion of youthful energy.
Faye Wattleton
As the youngest ever president of Planned Parenthood, Wattleton became a leader in family planning and reproductive health. She has also been at the front of the pro-choice movement. As if that wasn't enough, Wattleton is now taking her inspirational message to all women as the president of the Center for the Advancement of Women.
In this conversation, we discuss the plight of the African American male, and how this affects the economic situation for black families in America. We also discuss the BP oil spill, as well as other issues of significance this week. Enjoy!
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here. 
Comments: (8)
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By: ARNEADER on 6/22/2010 10:37AM
CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Boyce,
You are walking into your destiny. Having interviewee videos on your site is an excellent! Do your thang! Make your way to TV Black Man!
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By: ARNEADER on 6/22/2010 10:34AM
CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Boyce,
You are walking into your destiny. Having interviewee videos on your site is an excellent touch! Do your thang! Make your way to TV Black Man!
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By: ARNEADER on 6/22/2010 10:37AM
You are walking into your destiny. Having interviewee videos on
your site is an excellent touch! Do yo' thang! Make your way to RADIO and TV Black Man!
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By: Gus on 6/22/2010 11:16AM
Please stop sugar coating the fact black men have done a poor job in raising little black boys to be strong God fearing men amen.
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By: leonardjohnson on 6/22/2010 12:32PM
Hey Gus you need to get off that bus. Black men were not allowed to raise little black boys. When they they finaly allowed them to be educated they wondered what they were going to do with them so they drafted them and sent them of to war. For what is war but genocide of the young males. When the draft ended and some came home again what are we going to do with them, give them drugs and put them in prison. What is prison? It's big business billed to the american public to occupy and subjugate a group of people. They could subjugate the black woman she was use to it but they could never subjugate the black man. Well now they have a new problem what are they going to do with all the black women who has risen and there is a lot of them.
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By: Gus on 6/22/2010 4:41PM
Leonard please stop making excuse because we as black men walk away from our duty as fathers right now me and my wife are rasing two boys who will probable not ever know there father so as black men please stand up and take accountiblty for our action there is no short cut in life we let young boys grow up to sale drugs destroy the neighborhood gang violence desrespect the old I don't get a kick out point this out its hurts but I have to be real leoard AMEN.
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By: Frank Simpkins on 7/22/2010 1:43PM
Wake up Black America ! Were losing it. Where is the united sense of urgency of the destructive and imploding condition of the black family and community? Read our newest book 'Between the Rhetoric and Reality" Lauriat Press;Simpkins&Simpkins. It can be previewed on either Amazon.Com or Borders.Com.
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By: Maureen on 11/01/2010 8:29PM
As a black woman, I don't believe Al Sharpen represent black people. I believe he represent himself and his pocket book. For one thing he has double standards.Black people are still in slavery by Al Sharpen, Jesse Jackson and Democrat party. Until black people educate them selves and not depends Alsharpen, Jesse Jackson and the Democrat part they will forever in slavery..90% of black men are in Jail, black women un-married, no fathers in the home, and the only time the polition remember black people on election day.
Dr Martin King was a man of moral character.
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