Five Steps to Success for Black Americans

In this final discourse about Black leadership past and present, I would like to offer some suggestions for charting the future path for Black people in America. Admittedly, I am not a social science expert, nor do I claim mystical ability to know what is best for everybody. However, what I do know and believe evidence will support, is that current strategies are not working. Premeditated change is in order with 70% out of wedlock births, 50-60% school dropout rates, and murder at the hand of another black male as the leading cause of death for black males. This difference must be a shift in ideology, from victim to victor. The longest journey begins with the first step.

As I have tried to demonstrate, much of the future success for black people in America lies in a return to values espoused by past leaders, who believed in the ability of anyone to succeed through dedication and hard work. A new direction in thought can produce a new direction in action.

In light of this, I offer at least five important steps that research says may help insure the future will be brighter than the recent past for black Americans. In no way do I maintain this list to be exhaustive or even right for everyone in every situation; however, it is critical that we begin a conversation aimed at solution. In addition, there is no particular order to these suggestions, although some may be of importance that is more critical.

First, there should be a redefinition of what is right. For success to occur there must be boundaries defined by principle and not subjective reasoning. In other words, it cannot be right simply because it "feels good" or seems right to me.

Secondly, there should be a return to the ethic of hard work as crucial to success. Nothing is more distressing than hearing our youth and adults maintain that they "will not flip burgers" or work for an hourly wage at a fast food restaurant. Many successful people achieved ownership by beginning "on the grill".

Thirdly, we should return to a sense of community. It was once a standard in the black community for discipline to be the responsibility of everyone. I had many surrogate parents in my neighborhood. Their concern for my behavior helped my parents positively shape my life. In this, churches and spiritual institutions can assist. While it may take a village to rear a child, it takes a church to rear a village.

Our fourth step should be a commitment to personal responsibility. We must refrain from blaming others for poor choices and resulting action that is even more destructive. It is not difficult to see oneself as a victim; however, it is tough to admit that personal choices have been a barrier to success. A wise person said, "It is easier to set a person against the entire world, than against themselves." It is true that we "reap what we sow".

Finally, we should insist that those who would lead us refrain from defining us as weak, and unable to lift ourselves without intervention. It is my belief that current black leadership seems to believe that we can do nothing for ourselves. Our history speaks much differently. Black people in America have always been able to achieve by taking advantage of opportunity. From education to business endeavors, our path has many examples of those who "plowed the field" of success. Perhaps it is time we learn and apply their lessons of achievement.