Forum/Discussions

I was having an off-the-cuff chat with Hermene Hartman and Rev. Leon Finney the other day and they gave me something relevant to think about in terms of my objective to establish and build the next generation of leaders. It really started with Hartman, who was visiting Finney's newly developed Urban Broadcast Media (UBM) facilities in Bronzeville. Hermene was touring the tech center, which is where I'm recording my soon-to-be launched online TV show and she greeted and congratulated me on my accomplishments.

But after that, she lashed out - respectfully, about continuing to label myself and my progressive peers as the "NEXT" generation of leaders. "If you want to be taken serious and gain ground, you are not 'next,' you are the "NOW" generation," she spouted to me with great seriousness! I was dialed into her every words and she could tell I was stunned by her proclamation. So as we continued to walk the halls, she decided to include Rev. Finney into our discussion. And if you know Doc, he used his diplomatic and soft speaking baritone voice to philosophically outline and echo Hartman's perspective.

Truth Be Told, it was a chilling overview and I found it to be upfront, real and direct to the point. They collectively pointed out that me and my generation had better claim the 'now,' because no one is going to hand over power if you keep saying your NEXT. Interesting enough, this is what Maze Jackson implied upon our founding of Next Generation Leadership Council (NGLC). So 'now,' there is consideration about altering the name. Stay tuned.

I was invited to an Illinois government assembled technology and innovation council meeting a few days ago. The council is designed to identify and invest in local tech start-ups for growth and job creation. It was a pleasure to be in the room with like-minded people who's inspired by technology and innovation like I am. And one guy in the room I had been eager to meet was the dude who invested in and help develop Groupon. Actually, he was the first person I met entering the down town lobby building. So I had a chance to chat about TBTNews on the elevator ride.

Truth Be Told, he seemed attentive, but less concerned about who I was and what I was doing. I assume when you're riding an elevator up 20 floors early in the a.m., with just the two of us, he had no choice but to seem interested. I have my opinion, but I want call it now. But what I will call is that with over 30 people on this governor appointed council, there's only one Black, and he's not that active in the makeshift group based on his profession. It was obvious that these people have no clue what's happening south of Roosevelt Rd. And frankly, they really don't give a DAMN!

I just got an invitation to attend another violence prevention chat session in the name of Trayvon Martin. And I recently heard soon to be ex-leader of the NAACP, Ben Jealous on WVON giving his farewell speech and outlook on the issues affecting Black folks across this country. While listening, I wondered why he failed to list the most important obstacle that Blacks must tackle for progress.

Truth Be Told, violence is real! But I've mentioned this many times before, violence is a part of America's culture, not just within Black life. So therefore, violence is nowhere close to being (the) major Black problem. The Stand Your Ground law or other irrelevant laws are not what has caused decay in urban communities.

If Negroes are not talking seriously about economic development, they're doing future generations and themselves a major disservice! Building wealth through job creation and entrepreneurship is the #1 concern - and there's nothing closer - that will uplift, not only the Black community, but any community out of poverty, criminal environments, better educational institutions and basic quality of life habits.

So why downtown innovative councils and World Business Chicago initiatives are being erected to talk about jobs and business development, my so-called leaders are having repeated discussions about stopping something that will never stop (violence). And as people are unfortunately attacked, robbed, raped and murdered all across the country in every hood; the difference is, most others are not having tiring and inconclusive summits about violence! They're having brainstorming sessions how to build wealth, power and influence - which will reduce unwanted behavior in hoods near them. Peace and One Love.

NOTE: May God bless the 2,900 families who lost loved ones during the September 11 terrorism attacks. May we never forget the victims, and may we continue to rebuild during the 12th year anniversary and beyond!

Carl West is publisher of TruthBTold News Service and a co-founder of The Next Generation Leadership Council