On this weeks' Called2Action radio program former Maryland State Senator Clarence Mitchell III and Dr. H. DeWayne Whittington, former Superintendent of the Somerset County School system, said yes to this article's title question. Displacement of Black leadership may be blatant, but many times its subtle. Dr. Whittington's displacement as Superintendent was blatant. Dr. Charlene Boston's, (first African American female Superintendent of any school system on the shore) displacement was more subtle. Kenneth Ballard in NAACP President in Somerset County another example. Both guest cited other cases to support the conclusion that Black Leadership is under siege. Another point, the enemy is not always outside of our community. Many times the displacement occurs from within.After the show I had someone call me to say that they wanted me to do another show on the topic and focus on the notion of our own desire to displace ourselves --- sometimes instigated by ourselves, and other times instigated by someone outside of our community.
What can we do? 1) Become involved in an organizations that's doing something, 2) Contact Senator Mitchell (410-901-9795) -- he is involved with an organization that's addressing this issue, amongst other similar issues, 3) start a conscious effort to address this problem, yourself, 4) Youth -- learn as much as you can about these type concerns and then do something to address them, and 5) Be involved in a church.
Thank you men, for paving the road, and continuing to maintain it's upkeep.
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