Yesterday, surrounded by a few thousand people in Los Angeles, I listened intently to thought leaders explore various issues affecting the Black community. On this 10th anniversary of the State of the Black Union, presented by Tavis Smiley, there was a thoughtful discussion that ranged from whether America is truly “post-racial” (or ought to even seek such aspirations) to whether our collective psychology can truly reconcile the dual consciousness described by W.E.B. DuBois so long ago. Ultimately, the conversation echoed the sentiment that we need accountability–from our leaders, from the people we serve, and from ourselves. Tavis Smiley’s new book, Accountable: Making America As Good As Its Promise, appears to be a sound guide to what will ultimately be a continued effort toward achieving that goal.

While the majority of the discourse on both panels did not necessarily present new information–we’re in a recession, African Americans suffer all the more under intense economic conditions, African American men and women are disproportionately and unfairly impacted by the criminal justice system, Barack Obama is a phenomenal achievement, but we still have work to do–sometimes it is just good to be in the company of like-minded folks so that we can reach out and touch others as interested, as concerned, and as committed to lifting up African American people as we are. The eloquence of the panels is undeniable, and I, for one, will continue to reach out to many of them to determine where we can apply our talents and organizational thrusts toward a collective action in favor of social justice; or as Dr. Cornell West puts it, the unobstructed expression of love.

But of course, “even the soldiers need a break sometimes” and last night, did we get it! My favorite artist, Prince, performed in a private event benefitting the Tavis Smiley Foundation. It is always a pleasure to see Prince perform, and when he is having fun, the vibe is all the more inviting. What made the event even more outstanding was the convergence of my two favorite worlds–one intellectual and one funky–producing a moment in time where Michael Eric Dyson felt free to perform the robot and Cornell West shook his body (um…bottom) to the ground; where Julianne Malveaux and Trish Rose sang along side Shelby J. and Liv Warfield; and where the rest of us could cheer them on with great enthusiasm. In all, the groove was got–on spiritual, intellectual, and emotional levels.

The State of the Black Union is complex, at times confounding, and always an indicator of how well we are as a nation. I’m glad we commit ourselves to reflecting on it each year.

Congratulations, young scholars who benefit from The Tavis Smiley Foundation and good luck with your collegiate goals and lifetime aspirations!

Congratulations, Tavis Smiley, for another year of inspired dialogue and movement toward public education and accountability!

Our work continues.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

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