The Obama presidency represents a major milestone in Black history and the struggle for political, economic and cultural equality in the United States. But how — if at all — has the first Black presidency helped move things forward for people of color? Has it delivered the “change we can believe in” and “deepening of democracy” that communities of color organized around? How has the reality and image of a Black first family affected American culture? What lessons from past struggles can be applied to this unique historical moment to advance multicultural democracy in the U.S.?
Starting the exploration of these questions with the voices of past civil rights and Black power activists held in the historic Pacifica Radio Archives, BBC journalist Joanne Griffith traveled the country to interview Black intellectuals, leaders and activists. Griffith’s findings are covered in “Redefining Black Power: Reflections on the State of Black America” (City Lights Publishers, $16.95) and feature Van Jones, Michelle Alexander, Julianne Malveaux, Vincent Harding, Ramona Africa, Esther Armah and the Philadelphia Tribune’s Linn Washington Jr.
The result is a rich and wide-ranging exploration of the hot-button issues facing African Americans today, from religion, law and media to education and the economy, to the ever-shifting meaning of Obama’s contribution and impact.
“Dr. Vincent Harding put it best when he said the ‘civil right’ is a narrow term,” explained Griffith. “As he put it, we should be striving for the expansion and deepening of democracy, engaging people in the political process to bring about social change and equality for all. Using that definition, on the face of it, the election of a Black president means little for the future of civil rights, or the ‘deepening of democracy.’ Speaking with Dr. Harding and others involved in the Black freedom movement of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, the goal was not to put a Black man in the White House, but to level the playing field so that everyone had a chance to vote, to build economic stability, to live a healthy life and expand their knowledge through education. However, the presence of Barack Obama, and certainly his 2008 presidential bid, brought African Americans into the democratic process in ways not seen before, encouraging Blacks to exercise the civil rights people such as Fannie Lou Hamer fought for.”
Both timely and rich in personal wisdom, “Redefining Black Power” connects the dots between past civil rights struggles and the future of Black civic and cultural life in the United States.
“Joanne Griffith is a superb journalist,” shared Connie Lawn, senior White House correspondent (since 1968). “She writes, speaks, and interviews with great skill, sincerity, and sensitivity to those she covers. Joanne has made it in a tough journalism world — one where the white males, working for wealthy news organizations, have the advantages. Her writings and insights are a lesson to all. She reflects President Obama’s spirited call of ‘fired up, ready to go!’”
Contact staff writer Bobbi Booker at (215) 893-5749 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
