THE PROBLEM WITH NO NAME

Today, as I reflect on the process of empowering people of color, my most efficacious strategy is guided by the principle “no man, woman or child will be left behind regardless of social class. This principle must not only determine the struggles of African-Americans, but also govern the valid struggles of impoverished people. The overall battle for equality can be enhanced by embracing this principle.

Thousands of people today are concerned with jobs, working conditions, wages homelessness and repressive immigration legislation. The particular concerns f the impoverished voter must be included in the agenda. An issue of special concern is unemployment. The most fundamental prerequisite for empowerment is the ability to earn an adequate living. “Survival is a human instinct”.

There are some issues that should be integrated into the overall struggle for economic independence. As an advocate for the impoverished my mission is to address the main issues affecting the poor working class, such as jobs, affordable housing, and education. People of all racial classes will greatly benefit from this approach.

There can be no serious discussion of empowerment today if we do not embrace the plight of the homeless or unemployed citizen with an enthusiasm as passionate as that with which we embrace issues more immediately related to our own lives.  If we are to elevate the status of our entire community as we seek empowerment we must be willing to offer organized resistance when voting in primary elections.

Where is the survey that reflects those who hold part-time jobs, although they want and need full time employment? Neither do the figures reflect those who, out of utter frustration, has ceased to search for employment, or those who unemployment benefits have run out, or those who never had a job. Women and men who receive welfare are not even counted as the unemployed.

How many politicians have constructed legislature that addresses the problem of poverty, by creating jobs and employment for young people in the inner-cities of Connecticut? Black leaders have become mesmerized by materialism and power, that they’ve taken their eyes off the past and future. It is imperative that we remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives so others could enjoy civil liberties and human rights.

Today in the “age of Obama” we as a people of color must ask the painful question, how Blacks let the culture of conscious and collective action slip right through their hands.

My name is Martha Hood, I am not a community leader or a religious leader nor do I aspire to be a politician I am just the voice of the impoverished speaking until my voice shakes.

Martha Hood PhD