15th
Miles to Go Before We Sleep
Ro
My weekend was exciting.
Saturday, I attended a community discussion on race and politics at Busboys and Poets DC. The discussion was facilitated by Dr. Melissa Harris-Lacewell, Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University. Dr. Harris-Lacewell asserts that the 2008 election is a collective referendum on white supremacy, and collectively we were able to explore different ideas about race and class in America and the meaning of Barack Obama’s candidacy. Some of the attendees had insightful things to say about what an Obama presidency will represent.
Dr. Harris-Lacewell discussed the dangerous aspect of fictive kinship during this election cycle. If elected, Barack Obama will be president. That is it. Being president of The United States of America is a big job, and President Obama (don’t you love the sound of that?) will have to make decisions on behalf of the country; he will not (and should not be expected to) begin solving our community problems. Win or lose, we (specifically black folks) cannot tie our personal or collective identity to either outcome.
We must decide whether change is what we need, want or can handle. I am hopeful that we will not abandon our pursuit of fairness and justice this time. Perhaps the goal is to understand (and even celebrate) the historicity of this moment and set our expectations accordingly.
Sunday, I visited All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Washington, DC. Dr. Harris-Lacewell delivered the morning sermon. She reminded us that democracy is not dead, it is only bruised and that we can answer our own prayers by fully participating in life and in love. The pastor of All Souls offered a beautiful prayer; he prayed for our ability to understand the fragile balance of tragedy and triumph, he prayed for our ability to transcend our most difficult circumstances through our service to others.
I spent this weekend in my safest place— the world of ideas; I was among people who value intellectual curiosity and believe in the power of our minds. I renewed my commitment to continue the work to become a public intellectual. I am only strong when I deliberately participate in the world by offering ideas for change and challenging ideas that are designed to limit us and make us afraid.
Our quest for change does not end on November 4, 2008; whatever the outcome of the 2008 election, we cannot abandon the hope that the world can be changed through our mindfulness, compassion and service. We are the change that we seek.
Have a good week.
*m
