The Liberal Black Voice Why don’t we hear from more Black liberals? By Shabaka Tecumseh I have viewed so many talk shows and read so many comments on the Internet and other places about how to change the world for the better. I hear the voices of “liberal” and “conservative” (whatever those words mean) whites and “conservative” blacks each and every day. They talk about “democracy,” “freedom,” “liberty,” and “the good and the evil.” However, there is one voice missing. That is the “liberal” black voice. The voice that doesn't echo either liberal or conservative white or conservative black views. The voice that relates to the truly disenfranchised people of color in the United States and the world. For this reason I ask the question: Do liberal whites wish to keep America white? I won't even attempt to ask why black and white conservatives don’t want to acknowledge the liberal black voice. The reason is clear: they don’t respect it. But “liberal” whites who want a better world for all, a more just world, and a world that is pluralistic and equitable should embrace the liberal black voice. What is this “liberal” black voice I write about? I would say it is the voice of Cheikh Anta Diop, John H. Clarke, Yoseh-ben Johannan, Jacob Carruthers, Amos Wilson, Marimba Ani and so many others. On liberal talk shows, in liberal chat rooms, in liberal universities, in liberal daily life, why are these voices excluded when they too speak of a better and more just world? ______________________ Do liberal whites wish to keep America white? ______________________ I believe these voices are not acknowledged in this culture by either liberal or conservative whites because liberal blacks want not only to change the way whites do business, i.e. the deconstruction of the social-economic-political American/European matrix, but to blend in another cultural element that is difficult for the European mind to appreciate or respect. Does that mean it is invalid, though? Does it mean it has no agency? Does it mean it can’t contribute to accomplishing the implied common goal of our human existence? Does that mean it can’t seriously contribute to making this world a better place? I believe the liberal black voice can. If liberal whites allowed these black liberal voices to be heard in their circles, the interchange between the two groups would create ideological tensions on one hand but on the other would seriously open up new avenues of thought on how to change the world. I believe the inclusion of the black liberal voice would challenge the American socio-economic-political system as never before, thereby bringing into the discussion more than just the “colonial” parties. However, this can only occur if “liberal” whites choose to truly examine their own self-interest and ideology. They should be able to accept views that may not be favorable to their conventional wisdom or present worldview. They should be genuinely willing to join the world and not just objectify it through their own perspective for their own gain. They must understand they are not boundless and that their ideological views cannot be expanded without being challenged. Shabaka Tecumseh was born in Washington, D.C. and eventually traveled the world in search of knowledge. "I think I have been fortunate enough to scratch the surface and 'express myself' with my writings and poetry. My goal is to leave something for those who come behind to build on, so humanity will not continue to be homo-sheepians.” This website: Copyright © 2005 Dream World Media, LLC. / Urban Mozaik Magazine. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in Urban Mozaik Magazine are not necessarily those of Urban Mozaik Magazine and the publisher cannot be held responsible for them. This website/publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.