By Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher
Reflecting on the Seven Principals of Kwanzaa has me thinking about the madness going on in Columbus, OH. The first two principals are Unity (Umoja) and Self-Determination (Kujichagulia). Umoja means to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race. Kujichagulia means to define, name, create and speak for ourselves. Black folks in Columbus are divided. Many expect others to do the work while they reap the benefits. Some have crowned others leaders and then complain about their actions. Where is all the divison getting our community?
The nation’s 15th largest city has a huge economic divide. Many are thriving in the present booming ecomony. Alot, particluarly Black folks are not reaping the economy’s benefits. The public school system is failing our children. The largest public school system in the state of Ohio has repeatedly received desimal grades on its report card. Affordable housing is lacking. Homelessness is growing. Relationships with law enforcement is tense.
There is work to be done.
Columbus has a branch of the NAACP. The branch is membership driven and operated by voluteers. The mission of the NAACP is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.
I find it amazing that Blacks folks, who are not members, find issues with the activities of the Columbus Branch. Many non-members repeatedly throw rocks at an organization of which they have no investment. I rarely hear members complain about actions of the organization. As a life-member of the NAACP, I stand with the leadership. I applaud and salute their efforts to improve the lives of Columbus residents. My branch is doing what I expect it to do. Fighting for jobs. Fighting for contracts. Fighting to prevent voter suppression. The Columbus Branch has been active in seeking access to jobs and business contracting for Columbus’ Black residents. They spent the summer months registering people to vote. Columbus had 290,000 African American residents according to the Ohio Department of Development in 2018. Only a fraction are members of the oldest civil rights organization in the country.
My father once told me, “If you don’t like how folks are running their organizations, start your own.” Sage advice for the critics who throw rocks, name call and issue threats.
Without a doubt is there is work to be done. One group can’t and shouldn’t do it all. Let’s pledge to use our talents, time and skills to make a difference for our children.
Just my thoughts…rwb
