Dr. Boyce: Why I Won’t Be Attending the MLK Memorial Dedication Ceremony

martin luther king memorialby Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World

As the date for the Martin Luther King Memorial dedication approaches, I am finding ways to convince myself that I should be excited and inspired.  I think about the extraordinary life of the man whose speeches my mother made me recite when I was 12, and how Dr. King’s intellect was accompanied by the courage and action necessary to impact a nation.   Although I wouldn’t dare compare myself with this amazing man, I can say that Dr. King’s commitment to putting his academic and spiritual training to work for the masses serves as a perpetual model for nearly everything I do each day.

But there’s another part of me that becomes saddened and even disgusted by our decision to celebrate Dr. King’s life in a way that would probably insult him.  Economic inequality has actually worsened over time, and the very politicians who claim to admire the life of Dr. King are quick to urinate on the ideals for which he stood.  In fact, I venture to say that if he were alive, Martin Luther King would not attend this ceremony himself.

As it stands today, black male unemployment is now over 40% in many urban areas, African Americans are being incarcerated at holocaust proportions, and inner city children are leaving school without even learning how to read.  The word “poverty” is rarely mentioned in Washington, and America has become a hyper-militarized international bully, all in the name of corporate profitability.  All the while, the political predators who care nothing about addressing these issues are more than happy to stand and smile at the dedication ceremony for a man they would ignore and ridicule if he were alive right now.  The truth is that they are glad to honor Dr. King with a memorial, as long as both he and his spirit remain in the grave.

We commemorate the life of Dr. King without having the license to do so, like the pastor who recites the word of God as he molests his children and cheats on his wife.  We don’t deserve Dr. King, and our decision to memorialize him while rejecting him is entirely reflective of the hypocrisy to which our nation has become accustomed.  One must also wonder how Dr. King might feel about a country that continues to oppress the people he claimed to represent:  We can’t profess to love a man and simultaneously destroy the people he cares about the most.  To further analogize the contradiction, we can’t build a statue of Jesus while we simultaneously worship the devil.

African Americans may also want to take a moment to reflect on why we are very quick to get excited about America’s commemoration of Dr. King (we unfortunately still need white American validation to feel entirely human), but remember almost nothing about the life of Malcolm X.  Most of us know that without Malcolm, there would be no Martin, but Malcolm had the unfortunate job of presenting a less-digestible form of black leadership.  But by accepting Dr. King’s message of integration while forgetting Malcolm’s message of economic independence, we’ve effectively committed ourselves to a more sophisticated form of slavery.  As a result, we scream about chronic unemployment without having a clue as to how to create our own jobs.  We also find that the milk and honey dream of integration has become nothing more than a nightmare of second-class citizenship.

The point here is not to say that the King Memorial is a waste of time and money.  It’s to remind all of us that we must deeply reflect on the state of the world around us, reclaiming our collective reality without pompous and empty celebration.  Substance must be valued over style, and the duel Pyrrhic victories of having a black president and a memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King must be balanced with a clear assessment of exactly what’s happening in our country.  The monument for Dr. King must not be made of granite- it must be a monument of the mind in which all of us seek to understand and IMPLEMENT the ideals for which Dr. King gave his life.

Right now, the imagery of a Martin Luther King memorial is as false as a church built in the middle of a brothel.  We must earn the right to honor Dr. King in the same way that a man must complete his course work in order to put a degree on his wall.  Dr. King gave us an assignment many decades ago, and we have failed miserably.  So, it is out of respect for Dr. Martin Luther King and his memory that I will pass on the dedication ceremony altogether.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is as Professor at Syracuse University and founder of the Your Black World Coalition.  To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here

 

More From Your Black World:



0saves
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the RSS feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader.
  • Kasie

    I totally agree with you on the premise that it’s throwing a bone to us when we deserve to be eating a full meal at the table like everyone else. Furthermore,  Dr. King and any person of humanity driven individual with a substantial message never uplifted themselves and yearned for praise. They lived their life in a manner of “my message is bigger than me”, so how is constructing a stoned image passing on his message? No, rather than pass laws and statutes we must settle for statues? That’s not equality and I refuse to be apart of such. 

  • Anonymous

    I think I disagree with Dr Boyce about nearly every topic under the sun

    • WizardG

      Dr.Watkins proves his love of his ‘black’ African American family with every issue he is willing to speak out on. We all have our distorted opinions due to the serious psychological stigma our people are harnessed with. We are still following in the path of the “white man” even if we can’t recognize it but some of us want to alert the rest of us that we are not following our own ‘black’ African cultures nor are we that much interested in how others among us are suffering in the ways he submitted in this blog. So go ahead and disagree with every topic and remember that as twisted as we are as a people you are not alone, in fact there were quite a few who disagreed with Dr. King and his approach. Today we have no leaders worth mentioning because no one is willing to sacrifice their lives when they realize that half the black people are too twisted of mind to even recognize the love,care and sacrifice needed to help them help themselves.

      • Anna

        You go ahead and follow Watkins straight into the pits of hell! All day long people like you two talk about getting what we deserve, but to be truthful if you gave 100 people $100 each…some would go spend it on things really needed and some would go put some damn rims on layaway! I see it every day kids in school can’t even get school supplies but their parents are bling bling when a school function takes place. They won’t spend money on educational resources but will own every gaming system on the market. It’s time to be responsible for the choices we make. There is no magical cure for what ails black America. It is not simple but keeping the hatred spewing is definitely not the solution! Yeah I know that unemployment is high, racial discrimination is really ugly especially when you have people like Watkins, Smiley and West making an ass out of themselves at every turn! But don’t dare try to act like Dr King would not be proud of the progress that SOME black Americans have made! The only disappointment that I think he would find is that so many black leaders have taken it upon themselves to put words in his mouth to promote their own agenda. For all of you talking about brainwashing? How would the likes of Watkins, Smiley and West be making money if President Obama gave all the black people in America jobs and a nice little chunk of money so there were no more poor black people? They would change their platform to fighting for the poor white people. And another thing, I am so sick of talking about following our African culture…what exactly is that by the way? Cause the last time I checked, we are here in America because of our African culture. Which still by the way looks a lot like it was when our ancestors were sold off like how many years ago? So really, who has made more progress?

      • Anonymous

        WizardG: And to think that I once thought that you had some merit. You are no better than Boyce, Smiley, West. and the rest of those race pimps. Why don’t you stop making excuses, and blaming Whitey for all of our problems. Every other ethnic group that arrive here, is passing by us, while we concentrate on the same old shit. Crying racism, and complaining about Whitey has been tried and failed. It is now the time to become more progressive, and do for ourselves. What we don’t need is more race baiter’s telling us it’s the White man’s fault. The hell with the White man. Instead of your constant critique of him, why don’t you go out into the community, and educate these young boys that they are not niggers? How they should be sticking together, instead of killing each other. That the way to get out of the ghetto is through a good education, and don’t tell me that there are no educational opportunities available, because that is a damn lie. Every other ethnicity are using them, but Black youth think that the way to the top is the way of thugs like Russell Simmons, P. Diddy, Little Wayne, and the rest of that filth. Instead of you hollering racism, why don’t you offer some new solutions?

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_XZKVTATYI7SLJJ7LIF6G4NEPHM KIKKI

      I agree with you

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Tammi-Summers/50505053 Tammi Summers

    Some people are never happy, the point of the monument is to recognize the sacrifice that Martin Luther King and all those before and after him made in order to end segregation and opression of all races. Change takes time, and yes we are not there yet, but we are definitely making headway. Black men and women own businesses, are graduating with PHds, are CEOs of corporations, OWN television networks, produce movies, LEAD Troops in the military (mind you these troops are mixed races), oh and yes by the way we do have a man of color as our President! This is definitely something to be excited about it should help revive black people and inspire people of all colors, races and backgrounds to not settle for injustice and to keep striving to achieve our dreams.

    • WizardG

      @facebook-50505053:disqus You probably skipped over Dr. Watkins’ statistics when you made your personal assessments of how we are progressing in this still white supremacist racist based country. A few will be successful while the masses will be preyed upon. In order the destroy us it is better for the Anglo-elite and their Nazi hoards to keep some of us satisfied and shown as successful in the media.
      If you really want to see how this white dominated country feels about “blacks” just look towards Africa and Haiti. If you don’t understand what they’re hand in the suffering and genocide of African people is just study a bit more. As for Obama. If you don’t understand the role of the house “N” then shame on you!

      There are only a few of our community who can actually attend the fake love rally anyway. Most of us have no jobs and many are too impoverished. You may be one of the lucky few but you need to understand what is happening to the rest of us! Obama means nothing to us because he can not and will not do anything for us!

      • Kofi

        Real talk as usual my brother!

      • Ugofille2

        Stop wining about Obama and black people who have a little more than most of us. Do you not know that maids and butlers of old knew more than the average black walking the streets today? They worked for people who had the knowledge, but what happened that caused blacks to become so depended on gov. rather than using that knowledge through the years.
        Today, one gains knowledge by being well read and being able to tryly analyize and interpet information. Listening to others comments is just that a comment. Let’s stop fretting about what others do and make your own mark by doing important or necessary things in your own communitees. That’s where change begins!

    • cw

      Please stop yammering.  You’ve missed the point of Dr. Watkins post entirely.  Spare us your ignorance.

      • Anonymous

        You are the one who appears ignorant.

        This is a comment section for a blog. They ask for comments, and those who want to respond, do so!

        In case you do not understand, we all have different opinions, or do you think that all black people think alike?

        If you do not like it, then move on!

        • Kofi

          Who ever you are lady, I doubt seriously that you are black.  If you are, then you need to really need to be schooedl on American foreign policy over the last 6 or 7 decades.  You probably know very little about geo-politics and monetary economics as well.  You should go to you tube and listen to some of the lectures from economists such as Webster Tarpley or Joseph Stigletz.  You can learn about geo-politics from Noam Chomski (especially his talks on America’s role in the underdevelopment of Haiti).  A good book for you:  “Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” by John Perkins

          • Elrancho

            All you say is correct but I think trying to school someone like buckwheatsmomma on anything at all, is wasting one’s time.   He/She is here for one reason only, to interject confusion and doubt into the minds of people who know or seek the truth.  He/She may even be a paid troll for someone such as Bill O’Reilly (who, as I’m sure you know has used various methods in his attempts to hurt Dr Boyce). I, for one, will not waste another moment of my precious life responding directly to the ignorance and hatred which spews from the sick minds of trolls like buchwheatsmomma.  But I am more than happy to speak to someone I can respect, such as you.

          • Elrancho

            All you say is correct but I think trying to school someone like buckwheatsmomma on anything at all, is wasting one’s time.   He/She is here for one reason only, to interject confusion and doubt into the minds of people who know or seek the truth.  He/She may even be a paid troll for someone such as Bill O’Reilly (who, as I’m sure you know has used various methods in his attempts to hurt Dr Boyce). I, for one, will not waste another moment of my precious life responding directly to the ignorance and hatred which spews from the sick minds of trolls like buchwheatsmomma.  But I am more than happy to speak to someone I can respect, such as you.

          • BuckwheatsMomma

            @Kofi,@dc14403badeb2680f6cd144b849918ce:disqus 

            Please tell us why it is so important to you if I am black or not black?  So what?

            Also, stop the ignorance!

            You have no idea who I am or what my eductation has been!

            Been there, done that, so move on~OK?

          • Kofi

            Because this is a forum for blacks to discuss black problems and find solutions for black people.  Getting behind some chainsmoking politician is not going to create jobs.  We have to do it for ourselves.  That’s why I’m commitied to educating folks in my community about exploring their entrepreneurial talents as well as learning how to live healthier lives through better food, and lifestyle habits.  It’s not the job of white folks to do this for us.  Besides they are not capable to do so.

    • Kofi

      You are clearly a educated black who has forgotten. ”We” are not making headway.  “We” are heading the wrong way.  Yes, we have more doctors, attorneys business owners and engineers.  We also have more poverty, drug abuse, sexual abuse, teen unemployment, incarceration and dropouts.  And yes, we do in deed lead troops in the military to go and kill other poor people of color in illegal wars around the world. 

  • sunny dayz

    Thank you so much for having an open eye and a mind that is open and able to think. So often instead of researching people just take what is given for truth and it may be far from the truth. King would not sit quiet under these circumstances and his speeches were all direct and demanded change. I think if King were researched a lot of us would know better, what he stood for. The wonderful thing is that knowledge is still out there so if anyone wants to know they can learn. The brainwashing runs deep but can be overcome we just have to remember that. Again thank you for your insight.

  • Anonymous

    Wow!

    Another downtrodden blog from Dr. Watkins!

    How in the world do you dare to know what Dr. King would be thinking today?

    We have always had poor, under~employed people in America.

    I think even Dr. King would not venture to say that his presence would make everything perfect!

    Dr. King did what he did, and made his contribution. Allow him to be honored with the full respect that he deserves without the usual negatives from a member of the black community!

    Jesus said in Matthew, Mark and John: “The poor will always be with you…” , and they are!

    Dr. Watkins can serve us better by donating his paycheck or other monies to those  who are poor and less fortunate instead of trying to place a blemish on this honor to Dr. King!

    Happy you will not be attending!  Your presence will only be a negative.

    • WizardG

      @BuckwheatsMomma:disqus Who let the white dog in with his race bating comments? Your ID speaks volumes there should be a way to ban scoundrels such as yourself white man/woman!

      • Anonymous

        WizardG,

        Or should I write WIZARD DUMMIE!

        Please stop being so ignorant and small in your mind-set.

        Wake up stupid!

        • cw

          Your name is very suspect.  No self respecting black person would call themselves buckwheatsmomma.  Very odd.

          • Anonymous

            Suspect of what?

            I am a very self respecting human being, and I can call myself anything I want.  You do not know me, and you have no idea what is behind the name.

            Please stop being so typical with your “emotion”, and thought process.

            Carry on with your program, and leave others alone.

          • Kofi

            Why would you have buckwheat in your name?  That is very suspicious, since the character by the same name was always mocked and humiliated on a daily basis.  I think you’re white.

          • BuckwheatsMomma

            @ Kofi,@dc14403badeb2680f6cd144b849918ce:disqus 
            And, I guess your name indicates that you are so black, right?

            If you refer to the character of Buckwheat in the Old Our Gang  series, Buckwheat (whice has nothing to do with my name )was not humiliated on a daily basis. Get your facts straight, and know what you are talking about.

            As for your thinking I am white, so what?

            Do you really think I care about what you think?

            Come on now!!  LOL

        • Kunta

          so we should be happy to see an idol image of Dr. King. Ah i get it buckwheat. Your actually on this blog to sift us as wheat. Get your ass off the blog.  We need a nation of Malcolm’s as i see it. There’s been too much non-violent BS going around while our people endure the brunt of the violence throughout the diaspora.

    • WizardG

      @BuckwheatsMomma:disqus Who let the white dog in with his race bating comments? Your ID speaks volumes there should be a way to ban scoundrels such as yourself white man/woman!

    • Tousaint

      With a title BuckwheatsMomma, an intelligent comment would not be expected. Why not call yourself Skillet?

      • BuckwheatsMomma

        If you are so “intelligent” why would you be so concerned?

        Stick to the topic, and keep your foolishness to yourself.

        As for any comment from you, it would be extremely limited, which I would expect.

        You have proven that!

    • BlackUnity

      What was the rest of that statement? Don’t just recite half of it ,tell the full essence of that scripture.  I don’t think Dr. Martin Luther King would care about some monumental stone. Remember, he stated when I die say I was drummer major for peace and justice. Therefore, he proceeded to say don’t remember me for the awards that I recieved but in so many words he said remember me  by my contributions to eradicate injustice and  humbly dictate peace for all.  All that money raised could be divided and given to several historically Black Colleges. I think the best way to “Keep the Dream Alive” is to continue fighting for equality in this world because Black people have not overcame too much of anything.  I wonder if the individuals who set up this foundation was doing it to promote their fraternity.

  • Dasinger

    I understand.  Others will want to vilify You for Your stance, but I understand.  All who desire to attend should attend.  All who feel that being in attendance is a negative for them, have a bonifide right to abstain from attending.  We MUST learn to see each other where WE are and for WHAT WE represent.  It is true that many will seek to ‘honor’ Dr. King by ceremony rather than actual living, doing and being what he dedicated his life for.  After attend or don’t attend the dedication, let’s do what WE MUST do to ‘collectively’ make “THE DREAM” OUR REALITY NOW!!  No-One is going to do it for US.  Peace & Blessings!!!

  • Williams

    Dr. Watkins, I could not disagree with you more.
    I believe if Dr. King were alive, he would indeed attend and speak on the unemployed African Americans.  

    • WizardG

      @Williams The white elite murdered Dr. King because his leadership among African Americans– “blacks” was too strong, and some of the things he was saying was pissing them off and causing them to possibly lose ill gotten wealth from the Vietnam war among other things. He would not be here because they would not allow him to live. He had been threatened with death numerously and he knew that there was no way to turn back the clock to get him out of that certainty.

      Now whoever created this special event should be scrutinized to the fullest. Many of them still refuse to honor MLKing’s holiday. Dr. Watkins understands exactly who these people are and you would do well to listen to him and consider that this college professor knows things that you couldn’t possibly know about this issue.

      Good people like Dr. Watkins, Dr. West, and others are farther up the chain and closer to the source, but the closer they get to the source the harder it is to keep on the right path. You can tell who is still on the right path by the way the Anglo-elite media and all of their establishments treat them. If you see one getting a job with MSNBC or running for political office you should beware. MSNBC is owned by the Anglo-Elite and they create fantasy and fiction in media just as well as Fox or any of the other elite owned media conglomerations. It goes without saying that politicians are very , very dirty lying cons. If you don’t know now you know!
      King is not alive to speak for the same reasons Obama will not speak in our favor. In fact Obama knew exactly what the con game was going in, and he seems to talk a good game, but if you’re still listening you’re the fool. Like Bush said Fool me once and it’s on you, fool me twice and..uh..uh..Ok Bush is super stupid but only the Anglo-elite could put an imbecile into their fake presidential seat and make it work! Work for themselves that is! Know who your enemies are and keep a closer eye on them.

      • Kunta

        Thanks G. So many of our people are blind to the facts. No one on this blog can tell me of a people who achieved their independence through non violence. I mean true independence. Not some symbolic BS. Unfortunately freedom isn’t free and sacrifice is the wage we must pay, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!!!!

      • Anonymous

        WizzardG; Why don’t you tell us who murdered Malcolm X. I find you no better than the KKK. Your only concentration is blaming the White man. Is this how you earn your living? You call Obama, a tool of the White man, but you are their greatest tool. Instead of encouraging Black people to concentrate on obtaining a better life, you want us to concentrate on hating and blaming the White man. This seems to be your only train of thought, and I would rather be fooled by Obama, than a fool like you.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rudolph-Frazier/1425111565 Rudolph Frazier

    U R Correct

  • http://www.facebook.com/Whodathunkit01 Hafez R Harris

    I’m gonna try to make this short…

    My mother and I was on the second level steps of the Lincoln memorial in 1963 when MLK made his speech.
    His dream was more simple than many think it was today.
    Basic equality…
    We didn’t have it back then. But the day I stood on the stage working next to white folks during the Presidential Inauguration as a Union stagehand with My mother in the audience watching that dream fulfilled was more than enough for Me to understand what MLKs dream was about. 
    And I have been working with My Local Union for the past week out on the site next to his monument next to many others with Confederate grandparents and racist mentalities making the SAME pay and earning mutual respect as a craftsman and brother worthy of getting the same pay. 
    And I saw the monument and thought it was tasteful and simple. 
    And here I am about to go back in the morning and tear down the outside site I helped put up next to son’s and daughters of slave masters as a son of slaves. And I look forwards to that big ass check I’m finna get and I made sure we all thanked Dr. King for making it all possible.
    I will admit that this country aint perfect. But it aint 1957 either.
    The DREAM that MLK spoke of is what every last one of us who now has the guts to get up and get no matter your color is MORE than enough.
    Without that DREAM you may not have become a Doctor. you may have just been another black female housekeeper in some white home.
    Now we suffer from the same illness than many whites do.
    We have fewer married couples in the history of this country respectfully.
    Women make more than most black men now.
    And that is not Dr, Kings Fault!
    That’s ours…
    If you can’t find a reason to celebrate that memorial?
    Then understand this…
    DC had a Earthquake that shut down the largest monument in DC as well as the building that was most important to the Civil War and the Oldest Catholic Church in DC.
    And not one rock fell off that MLK Monument.
    And he now stands taller than any other white person in Washington DC as who he was and not what he did for black folks.

    And it don’t matter if you NEVER see with your own eyes the change that caused his image to stand for all to see in the Nations Capital.

    But if you can’t find anything to consider yourself blessed with because of MLK’s Dream he delivered to the masses in 1963?

    Maybe you should clean out that BS in your head and get with the New World Order.

    You are FREE to express yourself as you please.
    But had you wrote this back in your mother’s time?
    Even the blacks people of that day would have beat your little spoiled butt!

    *evil grin*

    respect

    • WizardG

      Just remember that while you may have your great days..others are falling hard in the background without any recognition or notice..So while we’re sitting cozy and “counting our blessings” others are quietly being knocked off one by one.
      Remember that little quip in the movie ‘Colors’ where the two white cops were looking down on the blacks and one said “why rush down there and run em off and only get a few when we can take our time and get em all”? Never forget that we are still surrounded by haters. They are planning and scheming against us while we are, (some of us) enjoying our supposed new found freedoms and riches etc. Those days are over,  we are now going into a setback that you haven’t been paying attention to.
      Some of us know that our emancipation proclamation came with a stipulation in ‘their’ amendments that states that “prisons can be used to enslave”. So that is where many of our young men and women are headed and of course in great numbers much unequal to those of the whites. (More prisoners in this country than any country in the world and filled with blacks per capita)

      Everything in this country is still about white people you should be able to see it all around you in everything they own, control, regulate, dictate, and flat out take! So some of you may be feeling all blessed and stuff, but watch out because soon you might see something that could shake you to your very core…The Jews were hit with such a surprise during Hitler’s reign. They too thought everything was …Kosher…But even then they had it better than we ever have! In fact they were said to have financed some of those slave ships!
      There is nothing wrong with celebrating the great Dr. King as long as we keep everything in its proper perspective. There is  nothing wrong with having a black president if it actually meant something good was coming from it, but just the opposite is occurring. If you were to see everything without rose colored glasses you might even see that Obama’s position is causing us more harm than good!
      Look to Africa and across the diaspora and you’ll see more “blacks” dying and suffering under the white man’s ‘Obama regime’ than ever before. Don’t you see that it makes it easier for the white man to attack if they have a black man sitting in their fake seat of power? There are too many black people who are totally confused and psychologically handicapped by Americanization and all of its trappings. That is not good and MLK would be addressing that issue I would hope. Yet they had to shut ML King up because he was too powerful and too influential and they have, and will do the same to any black man who is that charismatic.

      There will never be peace as long as the “white man” rules the world. There will never be equality and justice for all either, just the facade of it for the ignorant.

      • Anna

        They were killing each other years before Obama was even in office!!! So what’s Obama got to do with crazy rival tribes in Africa killing each other off?

        • cw

          OMG, your brain is very scary.  Do we have to spell it out for you?    Read the colonialization of Africa and try to understand what is happening there.  It is scary and frightening.  WizardG’s argument is that Obama supports this reign of terror. 

          Read a book, study open your eyes and stop being ignorant.

          • Anna

            At least I have a brain left! I’ve got a better idea! Why don’t we round up you and all of the Watkins supporters and ship you over there! Since you all are obviously a very intelligent group of people, maybe you can help Africa solve all their problems. Even better than that, get one of your ignorant leaders you’ve been following around to run for president and maybe then all the problems that have plagued Africa for HOW MANY FREAKING YEARS?!? will be resolved. Stop blaming everything on Obama!

          • Anonymous

            Anna; You sister, are one of the most delightful and intelligent people that I have encountered on this site, and I’m proud to hear your thoughts that so closely resembles my own. Dr. Boyce, Tavis Smiley, and that Cornell West are all race hustlers, out for their own greed. None of them give a damn about the real challenges that President Obama faces every day in trying to fix the problems of all Americans, not just Black. I keep hearing these Black uncle toms declare how it was Black people that put him in office, even though we are only about 13% of the population, and can’t even put enough votes together in one state to elect an African American senator. They intentionally forget to declare the millions of White, Hispanic, Asians, and others that voted for him. They actually believe that no one can win the Presidency without our vote, even though nearly every republican has for the last 100 years. I look forward to reading your insightful commentary, which are more intelligent than Boyce, in the near future.

          • Black Unity

            I think Tavis Smiley, Cornell West and other Black political leaders can speak for themselves.  Personally, I have nothing against President OBama. Thus, I have something against individuals who state that most of the votes came from them minority groups. That is very funny because many of them were totally against him. On the other hand, with calling people Uncle Tom you must realize that he  was a very good man who was God fearing. I don’t  think- not even you could be considered as an Uncle Tom.  Instead, the term would be a “Sambo,” an ignorant Black person who shuffles their feet everytime  “Massa” is around.” If massa is sick, Ise sick too.” On the other hand, I support Dr.Boyce’s stance on the monument constructed by a ” Chinese”   who was in total opposition of Dr.King. I believe they called  Dr. King a “Lap dog.”  I guarantee you if it was a monument of a Asian it would have been constructed by one of their own. As Black people we do not even have confidence in ourselves thus, relying on others. 

          • Kofi

            Dude don’t even trip on Anna.  She totally misses the point.  People like her are clueless because they don’t know the white man’s history

          • Anna

            You know you’re right I am clueless! I’m clueless as to how you can hate racism when it’s used against you and yet turn right around and use it on others to the same and even more extreme level! I’m clueless as to why when America votes a black president into the white house why it’s more dumb ass black people saying ignorant things about stuff they never even knew existed until they registered to vote for the first time in their 40 yr life span and then actually made an effort to get out and vote. I’m clueless as to exactly what did you think Obama was going to be able to do for you? He does not act or talk ignorant enough so that people like you can even comprehend the message! I’m clueless because Obama did not win in the south, which means that he did not get any more black votes than any other democratic candidate has ever gotten…so yeah I guess it would be in his best interest to leave out certain segments of the black community! Cause we all know how “pookie” gets when something don’t go his way!?! Yeah Tavis(lol, when typing his name my spell check put rabid), West and Watkins is showing him huh!?!

          • Kofi

            Well Anna, I never expected Barry or any other President to do anything for me.  Georgie didn’t nor did Billy.  I realize that just like any corporation, the U.S. has a President, and the board of directors.  Obama serves his board of directors.  You need to do your research to find out who the board of directors are.  Who are the real major share holders? 

          • Black Unity

            What does Obama have to do with this? Firstly, Obama can not give me anything. You keep making statements about Black people being so ignorant. You are the one who sounds like intelligence has nothing to do with you. You are a bitter person who probably has no social life. 

          • Anonymous

            Kofi: I suppose that you and that illiterate Ebonyeyes600, are the only ones that know anything about the White man’s history. but do you two imbeciles know anything about the Black man’s history. Who was it that sold their own people to the White man? Who is it that rob, rape and kill their own people every day in the hood? Who is it that calls their own people niggers? Who is it that terrorizes their classmates that want to learn, and threaten and beat up their teachers that are trying to educate their ignorant asses? Who is it that only goal in life is to be a gangster rapper, or a basketball player? No dude, I think it is you and that other retard Ebonyeyes600, that is clueless, and it isn’t about White history.

          • Kofi

            Bro I never said that blacks don’t have problems.  I got into a discussion with a white guy the other day  and he said that all black kids do at school is play, act kool and brag.  I had to concede the point to some degree.  I agree that we need to stop killing each other, drinking, drugging, over eating and over sexing.  The white man is not making us walk around with white t-shirts and do rags.  As I write this, I’m reminded of the scripture that says: “my people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge”.  Part of our problem is that when we try to share knowledge, brothers and sister reject it (especially the young ones).  You may think I;m one of those poeple who just sit around and rag on the government.  Quite the contrary, I am actively engaged in teaching others how to live healthy productive lives.  I myself am a former H.S. French teacher who is self-employed and doing well.  My motive for pointing out the ineptitude of government is to encourage others to take charges of their lives.  Don’t think that jobs are going to come back because they’re not.  We live in a post-industrial U.S. wherein even engineers are being laid off.  We must do for self.  Each of us as some unique talent or ability which can be used to support ourselves, families and communities. 

          • Black Unity

            Did they call you any names? Do you know history? Firstly, White people owned other whites who worked as indentured servants just like the Black did. Matter of fact the building of New York city was built by white and Black slaves. Now we know that White people have been killing their own since the beginning of time. Look at the separation in Europe, if you were not of a certain social economic class you were not treated fairly. Also, many of them were used as property.  In essence, there are many white children who committ suicide, bully and beat on their teachers as well as parents. You should research your local newspaper from time to time. Well, they are many white children who are trying to become a baller or gangster rapper.  I think you have the basic facts of Black history but do not know the whole truth. What can tell me about Timbuktu or Hannibal?

          • Ugofille2

            I think you should read a bit more about the nature of war. African leaders are becoming wealthy by killing their own people and hoarding the countries wealth for themselves. The same applies to many members of Congress who make laws that benefit the wealthy and sends us to the poorhouse. When blacks truly know about wealth and the drive for power then and only then will blacks rise out of their mental disparity.

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • Black Unity

            Thank you for sharing that!

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

          • usman

            And what is happening in Africa? I am West African from Lagos, Nigeria. I attended College here in the U.S and trained to be an Engineer. I visit Nigeria as well as several African countries each year mainly for personal reasons and for work. What is happening in Africa is that while the Western media confuses people like you about the degradation of Africa, many white owned corporations are setting up shop in Africa, and investing in the continent. Many white folks are buying property in several African nations and living far more better there than they could ever live in America or Europe.
            Our African American brothers however are quick to berate Africa and view the continent as one desolate place. continue being fools and keep believing the white man’s lies. He keeps you from going back to your ancestral land where you have more stake by lying to you that you are better off and lucky to be living in America.

            Let me tell you something, my wife is African American from Georgia. We met in college in Atlanta. After working in corporate America for a several years after college, I decided to go back to Nigeria to scan the economic landscape for opportunities. It was a trickly move and I had to re-adjust to the environment, but you know what? I should have done it much sooner. I am far more successful in Africa than I could ever be in America. I don’t pay a mortgage. I own my house. Most people here have cash money, not credit, and when property is purchased, it is usually purchased free and clear.  My wife does not see herself relocating back to the U.S. She visits often because of her elderly parents, and because we still own a home in Tifton, Georgia. My wife is a teacher and a school pyschologist. She is highy on demand here as a consultant to the Federal Ministry of education, as well as to several private institutions, not only in Nigera, but in Ghana, Liberia, Mali, and South Africa. My wife was in South Africa for a conference a few months ago, and met a few African American families who relocated from the U.S to settle in Cape Town. Some sold all their assets in the U.S packed up and invested in the South African economy. I can tell you, they are much much better off, and much happier than the ever imagined.

            I am not saying relocation to Africa is the way to go, or for everybody, but my point is, stop believing the lies about Africa you hear on White media. There is money in this continent, and while white folks are painting all the negative picture of this place, they are here helping themselves to the resources that abound here. This continent is in need of African American people of all professions to help build it. This continent does not necessarily lack resouces. What is needs are African people with the skills and technological know-how to manage it. While you stay in America struggling and complaining about everything, the Chinese are making inroads into the heart of Africa. Now, we have Chinese people inter-marrying with African people, setting up small businesses and living even in rural communities, while you sit ignorantly in America putting down your ancestral land. Wake up black people. Africa belongs to us. Let us claim our ancestral lands, good or bad. Just because many parts of Africa faces developmental challenges does not mean we should demean our land and our people. There is great opportunity in the midst of all that challenge. White folks recognize it, but you don’t.  

        • Ebonyeyes600

          You gotta be kidding me with your comment right? Obama has not even let African American part his lips let alone do anything for us. 120 million for a statue? Do you realize how many business could have been started in black communities instead of letting hispanics, asians and others open stores and live the good life off of black dollars. Wake Up Black People!!!!!

          • Ebonyeyes600

            My comment was to those who oppose Dr. Watkins and others who speak with logic and common sense. Keep spreading the word Dr. Watkins, some people will never leave their plantation, ghetto, sambo mentality behind.

          • Kofi

            Right on sistah

          • Anna

            Honey you are the one still in the ghetto…there are none where I’m from and with that ole pitiful mentality you have that’s where you will always be…in the ghetto of your mind! While you scold Obama and the supporters of the monument about the cost…I did not hear you say anything about the money that smiley and west went through on their little cross country bus tour to see crap that they could walk down the street to see. To let y’all tell it theys poor black people everywhere and somebody needs to get their story out thare!(in my best southern voice). You know it must really feel crappy to have such a hate filled heart…I have to let you crazy black folk have this cause as much as I like to talk with my people…I can’t stand to go back and forth with ignorant ass black folks that all think they are such intellects and dont know which end to wipe first cause theys shit running outta both ends! Stop hating if it were white people talking crazy about blacks you’d call them racist…so what are you?

        • Ebonyeyes600

          You gotta be kidding me with your comment right? Obama has not even let African American part his lips let alone do anything for us. 120 million for a statue? Do you realize how many business could have been started in black communities instead of letting hispanics, asians and others open stores and live the good life off of black dollars. Wake Up Black People!!!!!

        • Kofi

          Obama has a lot to do with it…There using Obama to lull us in to thinnking that everything is honkidory, while life becomes increasingly hard for everyday blacks, hispanics and poor whites.  The problems with most well-to-do blacks is that they loose empathy for those who do not share their in their fortunes.  Moreover, it seems many elite blacks are well educated in their fields but know very little about the bloody history of American foreign policy in Africa, Southeast Asia and South and Central America.  So theirs is perspective to narrow to see for instance, that Obama is a shill for the ruling elite.   No one in their right mind would doubt that they were killing each other before O came on the scene and that is part of the problem

    • Pooterjr

      Thank you!  You said it the only way it should have been said!  Without Dr. King, Watkins wouldn’t have this venue to make opinions on!

  • CDB

    In that case we might as well stop commerating or dedicating anything to anyone. All those regardless of race or religion who made a ‘monumental’ impact on our lives would roll over in their graves if they see what our country has come to be. Why can’t we find some happiness in this occasion among all the sh#t our country goes through on a daily basis. He had a bigger dream, much bigger than what live today. No need to shun the event, because everything hasn’t gone as he and a small percentage of African-Americans planned. Go because he deserves a monument nonetheless. Optimism, appreciation and selflessness please.  

    • Wallace harris

      I m 64 years old  and i was there when Dr. King marched came .to chicago and when he died. knowing how things were for black people and how they are now , I think every black man and woman will be rolling in their graves to such word as these of Dr. wakins and some of the other white and black undercover uncles are using as excueses for not honoring Dr King on this great day.

  • Bromaninc

    Please allow me to weigh in and express myself. “Progress” viewed (made) by the Black experience in this country would have to be contextually examined for relevancy as to how far/much the majority of Blacks have actually been uplifted within the confines of true equality of opportunity. No question that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would agree!

    Dr. Boyce Watkins simply appears to be elaborating on the criteria for measuring progress. Nothing wrong with that! I am reminded of words from a column written by Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts a few years ago. “Consider, multiple studies prove to anyone who cares to look that every major system in the country–Judicial, Educational, Medical, Financial–is weighted against Black people.” Should Dr. Boyce Watkins be excoriated for telling us to “watch out for greeks bearing gifts” (monuments) in the Trojan Horse manner–while the latest studies reflect that in terms of wealth, Blacks have something like a 20 to 1 ratio to Whites in the USA? Hell no! Some how, some way, we all gotta overcome at the minimum threshold of equality, if we want to have Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. smiling down upon us. As for the recent monument, Brother King would say “The time is not right when the schools of the nation’s inner-cities such as my hometown Buffalo New York, for the last 40 years, have graduated less than 50% of Black males. Twenty five percent this year. He’d tell us all to get busy acting on Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow–Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. He’d also make it mandatory for us to act on Tom Burrell’s Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority. Lastly, he’d want us to act on Clarence Lusane’s The Black History of the White House, especially for contextually viewing President Obama.   

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jaleel-Shakir/100000507876478 Jaleel Shakir

    Very good article Dr Boyce,and I agree completely.

    • Dovie

      WOW! We don’t need anyone to hurt us; we hurt ourselves.  As an older reader who lived through the 60′s, I am disheartened by these comments. When will we really begin to love ourselves and accept our individual differences? We all need to look at the bigger picture which is our spiritual being, which would make us want to appreciate all human beings! Make it simple: don’t forget to love! Trust me! At the end, nothing else will matter.  All of you need to put God first and remember what your parents taught you!

  • Trudeal57

    With all due respect Dr. Boyce, the words spoken in your article has a negetive overtone. If you are not attending the event, that is your choice, but please keep this bad vibe away from the man, Dr, King, with your personal sly words. Stop jocking Dr. King!

  • Nsdap18

    Marching Lootin Coon was not worth the bullet to kill him. He was a communist, plagarist, whoremonger and preached nonviolence while in reality did everything he could to instigate  violence. And worst of all, HE WAS A NIGGER. Not worth a pinch of shit. White Southern Solidarity.

    • Anonymous

      And you are the one who should have received the bullet that killed him! It is low down, low life, ignorant, trash like you who are a disgrace to the human race.  This planet can no longer afford racist, hate-filled, mad dogs like yourself, and you and your kind are slowly but surely being eliminated.Look around you, and wake up!

    • stothstupidity

      If someone is checking these blogs why is this maggot allowed to slither in. There are so many other low life sights he or she could infest. Your jealousy and ignorance is appropriate for someone in your position.  By the way,the only n word in the room in you.

  • Nsdap18

    BTW, his real name was Michael King. He was not a doctor, not a reverend and not Martin. He was everything nigger culture is today: style over substance and a LIE.

    • Bromaninc

      Yo white trash! You so angry cause yo daughters like that rap music, trying to act black and can’t keep her hands and mouth off that foot long johnson. You just grin and bare it when dat mixed gran baby pops up! Wish I had time to reply back and forth but I really don’t have the time cause yo sister promised to be nice to me if I meet her for cock and tail. Haba a nice day you queer bastard!

      • Kofi

        Hey bro, don’t even dignify this white dude with your reply.   Why is he on a black blog anyway?

        • Elrancho

          He’s here to spew ignorance and hate and disrupt intelligent debate.  It’s the way of cowards.  Just ignore them.  They want a response to make them feel relevant but they are not.  Just ignore them.

        • Elrancho

          He’s here to spew ignorance and hate and disrupt intelligent debate.  It’s the way of cowards.  Just ignore them.  They want a response to make them feel relevant but they are not.  Just ignore them.

    • Marjani

      Actually, his name was Martin. His father, Martin Luther King Sr. stated before he died that he had never named his son “Michael” and he had no idea where people even got the idea from. 

      Of course, you would know what “nigger culture” is, especially since your language and “style” shows that you are one. Apparently, you keep up well with your kind of people — so you wouldn’t know what Dr. King’s “real” name was.

      Too busy running behind “nigger culture” yourself to learn a man’s name and pronounce it properly or get it right.

      Fool.

    • Marjani

      Actually, his name was Martin. His father, Martin Luther King Sr. stated before he died that he had never named his son “Michael” and he had no idea where people even got the idea from. 

      Of course, you would know what “nigger culture” is, especially since your language and “style” shows that you are one. Apparently, you keep up well with your kind of people — so you wouldn’t know what Dr. King’s “real” name was.

      Too busy running behind “nigger culture” yourself to learn a man’s name and pronounce it properly or get it right.

      Fool.

  • guest

    This was a very well written article although I see a lot of people are missing the point Dr. Joyce was trying to make. Simply put, this memorial would mean much more if we as a Black community were still striving to excel as we were back when King was alive. I personally believe that most of if is our own doing and lack of drive and motivation. We have to inspire ourselves to want to become educated and make something of ourselves and stop relying on government programs to nurture us through life. 

    • JM

      (smile)

    • Kofi

      Well said.  we need to get off the wellfare!

      • Black Unity

        Who is on welfare more?  Please do not forget corporate welfare which is one of the factors that helped with destroying the economy.

  • Marjani

    Actually, those who hate him stated that he didn’t deserve a monument on the National Mall because he was worthless and because he was a black man. I’m glad it’s there just to spit in their faces…

  • Marjani

    Actually, those who hate him stated that he didn’t deserve a monument on the National Mall because he was worthless and because he was a black man. I’m glad it’s there just to spit in their faces…

  • Anonymous

    Another excellent post from Dr. Boyce! Another reason MLK would reject this pompous act of “admiration” is because America still remains, as MLK once said, “the greatest purveyor of violence in the world”.. and sadly, now we have a black man commanding the anglo-imperial war machine…

    SMH @ THE HYPOCRISY!!!!

  • Anonymous

    Another excellent post from Dr. Boyce! Another reason MLK would reject this pompous act of “admiration” is because America still remains, as MLK once said, “the greatest purveyor of violence in the world”.. and sadly, now we have a black man commanding the anglo-imperial war machine…

    SMH @ THE HYPOCRISY!!!!

  • Anonymous

    Just imagine what Steve “Shuck and Jive” Harvey and “Tom” Tom Joyner would say about MLK if he were alive today raising questions on behalf of the poor and accusing Obama for being a puppet to Wall Street and the Corporate Oligarchs..

  • JM

    I understand Dr. Boyce Watkins’s perspective, and it’s hard not to be come pessimistic about the woes of the world that we sometimes carry on our shoulders, but I feel the memorial commemoration is yet another stepping stone for others to build upon that will create positive change in the lives where that needs to happen. In other words, this memorial will touch the lives that it’s supposed to touch. I do not think the plight of Black America is as horrendous a picture being painted. But who I am to dare to have the audacity to believe and put some action behind the hope that President Obama incessantly speaks of.

  • Strom1296

    You are so right ….. God Bless you for reminding me and the rest of us the true …… peace – out …. DJ Quiet Storm

  • JanetL

    Dr. King gave his LIFE!  That’s reason to celebrate his dream and his vision.  Millions earned the Right to honor Dr. King we live it, walked with him, prayed with him, worked with him, loved him, many Died, many were murdered, Jailed and you have the nerve to tell those who lost lives in this struggle, we have not earned the right.

    You were 12 years old, you don’t apparently have a clue.!

    The point is Dr. King Earned the Right, period!

    All this negative talk against each other, the community, Dr. King, comparing leaders who we respect both, it’s that Willie Lynch Theory still dominating The Black community.

    Most important Dr. King was a man of God and when you say his memorial is as false as a church, you are way out of bounds.

    I am constantly stamied by Dr. Boyce, rather than helping the community being a positive force, you continue to be a negative force.  We understand that the community has issued but they will not be solved working against each other.

    Many died, gave their lives, black and white, for the advantages the community has today.  We might not have achieved the full Vision of Dr. King but to deny the progress is just plain silly.

    If you are not going to get on board and be a positive force, uplifting force all the while getting things done then get out of the way.  We understand that there is much work to do and many are about doing that work in spite of this on-going negative talk.

    You have no idea absolutely no idea of the struggle many endured during Dr. Kings leadership, yet you come along years later and dash the vision and the work of those who worked tiredlessly, died, literally gave their lives.

    This memorial is not about Malcom, it’s about Martin, if you cannot handle that, then say nothing because this continued divisive stand that you continue to take is heart breaking.

    Why is it that the Black Community is constantly divided from within?

    Dr. Boyce I challenge you to break the CYCLE!

    Become a Positive force even though there is much work to complete, and we can address the issues while working together.

    We have young people who’s parents were apart of that struggle, you were not you mother per your own words respected him greatly and for you to yes disrespect him and you most certaintly did, is just deplorable.

    In Christian love, once again I challenge you to get on board, with the problem and heartaches and all as many of us have over the years, we do the work not the talk.  We get tired as well, but if we had given up and threw in the towel, and kept our faith in God you would not be enjoying those advantages you enjoy today.

    You just slapped those who not only died but those of us living who endured a struggle that was horrible.  So do something positive, know the challenges, but don’t just preach about them and pursuade others to join you, work to help eliminate those challenges and you will find that if you do, you will become a contributor to the next generation.

    God never said this road would be easy, but it’s past time that we as a people, work together since we are the only ethnic group that works hard to work against each other.  This community should be one of brothers and sisters no other ethnic has endured so much, many died, many were murdered, raped, beaten, jailed, honor that, and stop taking the easy way out, constantly finding a reason not to pay tribute to those who gave so much.

    The Bible says John 15:13

    Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

    Dr. King did that and so did many others who worked in the struggle.

    No greater love, Dr. Boyce, No Greater Love!

  • JanetL

    Dr. King gave his LIFE!  That’s reason to celebrate his dream and his vision.  Millions earned the Right to honor Dr. King we live it, walked with him, prayed with him, worked with him, loved him, many Died, many were murdered, Jailed and you have the nerve to tell those who lost lives in this struggle, we have not earned the right.

    You were 12 years old, you don’t apparently have a clue.!

    The point is Dr. King Earned the Right, period!

    All this negative talk against each other, the community, Dr. King, comparing leaders who we respect both, it’s that Willie Lynch Theory still dominating The Black community.

    Most important Dr. King was a man of God and when you say his memorial is as false as a church, you are way out of bounds.

    I am constantly stamied by Dr. Boyce, rather than helping the community being a positive force, you continue to be a negative force.  We understand that the community has issued but they will not be solved working against each other.

    Many died, gave their lives, black and white, for the advantages the community has today.  We might not have achieved the full Vision of Dr. King but to deny the progress is just plain silly.

    If you are not going to get on board and be a positive force, uplifting force all the while getting things done then get out of the way.  We understand that there is much work to do and many are about doing that work in spite of this on-going negative talk.

    You have no idea absolutely no idea of the struggle many endured during Dr. Kings leadership, yet you come along years later and dash the vision and the work of those who worked tiredlessly, died, literally gave their lives.

    This memorial is not about Malcom, it’s about Martin, if you cannot handle that, then say nothing because this continued divisive stand that you continue to take is heart breaking.

    Why is it that the Black Community is constantly divided from within?

    Dr. Boyce I challenge you to break the CYCLE!

    Become a Positive force even though there is much work to complete, and we can address the issues while working together.

    We have young people who’s parents were apart of that struggle, you were not you mother per your own words respected him greatly and for you to yes disrespect him and you most certaintly did, is just deplorable.

    In Christian love, once again I challenge you to get on board, with the problem and heartaches and all as many of us have over the years, we do the work not the talk.  We get tired as well, but if we had given up and threw in the towel, and kept our faith in God you would not be enjoying those advantages you enjoy today.

    You just slapped those who not only died but those of us living who endured a struggle that was horrible.  So do something positive, know the challenges, but don’t just preach about them and pursuade others to join you, work to help eliminate those challenges and you will find that if you do, you will become a contributor to the next generation.

    God never said this road would be easy, but it’s past time that we as a people, work together since we are the only ethnic group that works hard to work against each other.  This community should be one of brothers and sisters no other ethnic has endured so much, many died, many were murdered, raped, beaten, jailed, honor that, and stop taking the easy way out, constantly finding a reason not to pay tribute to those who gave so much.

    The Bible says John 15:13

    Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

    Dr. King did that and so did many others who worked in the struggle.

    No greater love, Dr. Boyce, No Greater Love!

  • Ebonyeyes600

    My God gave you the right words to say. No one could have said it better Dr. Watkins. THANK YOU!

    • Elrancho

      I absolutely agree.  He’s the best communicator I’ve ever come across and the only one who is truly a man of principle – something that sadly, has become disposable in today’s world.

  • Donnaharris10

     I agree with you on how we have viewed Malcom X and his contributions. It took both men to bring about change. The harsh reality of what happened to black Americans in my view, is that many of our leaders died or where bought out! With that silence, the holocaust you referred to began. Plus the community did not keep thier identity, but instead, assimulated. This bought about destruction of values as we knew them. With all that being said. It is impossible to not want to be part of the King Memorial celebration. You may not have been afforded the platform to voice your opinion if Dr. King and others had not opened the door. Everyone did not miss the message.

  • http://www.facebook.com/donald.f.guest Donald F Guest

    In one of his last essays: “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community (1968),” 
    Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr. called for a complete redistribution of wealth in America.  His proposed Poor Peoples” Campaign was planned to highlight the economic disparities that were a primary feature of global capitalism and the white supremacist-based racial capitalism of America.  For that he got a bullet in the head.  

    Does anyone wonder that his later writings and thoughts (see Trumpet of Conscience) and his mature political philosophy are ignored and suppressed in all of the corporate-driven, media-driven and liberal politically-driven messages offered in his memory?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_YJW2HKBIBSRGOLC6Y5AVYT526Y Just-Thinking

    Wow, Dr. Watkins, I still think you should go. What we as people have to understand is to learn how to educate ourselves by learning how to save our money, learning science and math and also stop supporting negative norms of society.

  • Soulbrotherian

    This is one of the best write ups that i have read by Dr watkins, however its so prominent today the greed that people seek, the family has broken down no just in america, but world wide, its been evident when you look at the state of what matters to us as humans, and the fact that some children can’t read in this day and age, its because of the lack of parenting and also the hip and crass surrealist way of living, with the materialist factions taking on great proportions of our youth and also the adult mind set. more to come about this, keep up the good work doc, i really enjoy the post thanks

  • Jembequeen

    Seriously?  With the negativity you display here, every day, all the time, you would throw rocks at a statue about ‘reality in black America?’  Why don’t you offer solutions (like people creating their own jobs instead of being slaves to corporate America, for one!) and free info on workshops or links to angel funding sites for good ideas for entrepreneurs?   

    Please.  I’m sure Dr King and everyone else who attended didn’t miss you either.

    • Ugofille2

      I’m so glad to see that someone feels like I do about Mr. Boyce’s message. Doesn’t he know that the Black Greek organizations put this plan together for the memorial and began to fund it. The info shared on these pages are little more than “Yellow sheet journalism”.

      • Tousaint

        Amazes me how we familiarize ourselves with that ”Greek” b.s. but know very little about Black history or the facts about whats happening today in the Black community.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Iris-Boyd/611306703 Iris Boyd

      Well said.  Boyce can’t offer any solutions because HE is a slave to corporate America.

    • PeterBrown

      I have to stick up for Dr. Boyce! Jembequeen who goes on a black news/blog site and talks sh*t about a man with a PHD? Do you have one? Who remembers when Barack first came on the screen, and white folks are like “he’s well spoken!”? The fool went to Harvard! It wasn’t Cameron, or Lil Wayne talking and a lot of people didn’t catch on to that subtle sign of racism!  “Why don’t you offer solutions?” and your asking that question a paradox  in it self! I Like to keep myself informed and how do I? That is by going on this Site for black news! When i turn my TV on all I see is a bunch of people arguing with “teapotheads!”(Founded by the Koch brothers) Look at the interesting articles he has on here! Are a lot of them negative ? yes,(the mike Vic is doing good tho?) but what can you do when you turn to the news everyday and see the DOW dropping, unemployment going up, costs of everything going up? and double that for black people! stay off the site if you don’t like it, but i know that won’t happen because i seen a documentary on the teaBaggers  and they say to go on youtube or any other “popular sites” and if it has anything to do with obama put thumbs down! So as a black man I’m suppose to support building a big statue of MLK? How about we sell it to the rich folks that are so for the “cause” of the black struggle and MLK’s message and give black people some healthcare? How about lower the gas prices? How about we build a statue of Huey P newton? how about 40 acres and a mule?  Ok i’m going to try and answer your ridiculous question “Why don’t you offer solutions?” People turn it into democrat vs republican, pro life vs right to choose, nature vs nurture. We will never get solutions until we unite and stop killing each other over opinions! White people risked their lives getting on those buses,people died(black panthers wiped out!) for what they believed in; union rights, womens rights (rosa parks)!  So what I think is MLK would have wanted more than a statue, is in his “I have a dream” speech. He mentions the  emancipation proclamation, Constitution and the Declaration, and how it took  100 years to get that point at the Washington Monument! MLK wanted Civil rights for every American! But ignorant people were against him(so they were fighting against their rights to freedom) “On January 17, 2000, for the first time, MLK day was celebrated in all fifty states” We Know about struggling, to survive and a big statue of one of two black leaders non-blacks can name w/o “googling”. I’m just saying we still have a ways to go before we reach the “promise land”! Maybe if the US government didn’t Assassinate all our leaders, Maybe their would be more young folks looking up to Dr. Boyce/ rather than GUCCI MANE LIL wayne, drake etc?

    • tousaint

      Seriously? WE wouldnt expect you to understand!

  • Elrancho

    Perhaps, the most wonderfully eloquent and honest pieces of writing I have ever read.  Again, Dr Boyce is correct.  Correct in every way.

  • Rlweitz

    I’m confused!  Dr. Boyce stated “We commemorate the life of Dr. King without having the license to do so, like the pastor who recites the word of God as he molests his children and cheats on his wife.”  He then discusses the importance of Malcolm who I believe at one point in his life was a “pimp”; if what I’ve read is true.  Is this not a bit hypocritical, if it was true?   Does this then not throw a kind-of wrench into his philosophy for not going to the dedication?

    • Rjames9

      This so called Dr. Wakins is just jealous and stupid to even print something this disgusting. He should stay at home.

  • CLIFTON ARRINGTON

    LET  US  REMEMBER  THE  BIG  PICTURE…   THIS  IS  A  MONUMENT  TO  REMEMBER  THE  GREATNESS  OF  THE  LIFE  AND  WORKS  OF  DR.  KING…… THERE  ARE  TOO  MANY  YOUNG  PEOPLE  THAT  DON’T  KNOW  ABOUT  DR.  KING…..    THIS  MONUMENT  WILL  INSURE  HIS  LEGACY ….        

  • Dintellect

    As if you not going really means something. As for me and my family, honoring Dr. King is a priority. Dr. King’s memorial has nothing to do with the current political insanity. Protest if you want. You have that right…and Dr. King had something to do with that. Don’t get that twisted!

  • Real

    I concur. A country of hypocrites and validation seekers. My people make me sick sometimes.

  • Densaid

    Dr Boyce anytime there is an economic down turn our communities have always suffered. We are vulnerable for several reasons. I don’t understand your view on jail- if you do the crime your going to jail! Murder, drug selling it affects our communities the worst and these guys and girls are of little use to their communities and their families. How come your not in jail? The same reason I’m not in jail. I would like to see more information on the causes of the crisis from your website- believe it or not your site runs tons of stories about Black crime- why is that? Where are the stories about those blacks making a difference, going to school or being successful despite the odds? You sensationalize just like everyone else!

  • Neuroworks

    Well said Dr. Watkins!  I honestly feel the exact same way.  It is ashame that alot of our people do not see themselves as you described.  I see so many gay black men that act like Malcom X  and Dr. Martin Luther King did not exist, it is  like they are now fighting for their own gay rights and it has nothing to do with building the black families that are destroyed.  It greatly saddens me that all we’ve been through as a people, this is the level of growth we’ve made.  There are times I feel I’m in world of my own because my people can not relate to alot of common sense discussions and or questions…excuses, excuses when is it going to end. 

  • http://sveltetimes.com John H. Hill

    Dr. King did what he thought he had to do at the time. If he had really stressed employment for blacks, as Whitney Young of the Urban League did, he might have made a greater impact on the economic situation of blacks. I believe he should have placed a much greater emphasis on personal responsibility and the role of family.

  • Anonymous

    Dr. Boyce: Contrary to your thinking, you are not that important. You want to be a big time Black leader, but you are not. Your only concerns are being invited on TV, and radio programs, to collect that daily stipend. You continuously bombard Black people, with any perceived racial slight, instead of getting them to concentrate on building a stronger Black community, without the mention or assistance of Whites. This is the main reason why we Blacks, continue in a spiral downfall, while newer arrived people, spurt right past us. Show us one race hustler, that is having an economic hard time. Even Rev. Sharpton, has toned down his rhetoric, in exchange for a lucrative deal on MSNBC, and he is the least qualified Black person with no journalistic training to achieve this.

  • Anonymous

    I keep reading your blogs, Dr. Boyce, hoping that ONE DAY I will see an idea, a suggestion, a plan, SOMETHING that will promote and support the cause of black folk whom you profess to care so much about.  Yet, all I ever see are criticisms and complaints, whining and bellyaching about others who are out there everyday working hard to try to make a difference.   They say that those who can’t do, teach.   I just hope you are not teaching this bullshit to any of your students.  You seem to be incapable of feeling or doing anything positive and constructive.  And you condemn those who do.  I try hard, but you are so sneaky, conniving, malicious, and mean spirited that I find it difficult to even pity you.  May God have mercy on your soul because I think you are a merciless bastard.

  • Lewis3k

    Dr. Boyce set your feeling aside and not make this an issue about you but rather look at the bigger picture. 

  • Dannybishop21

    How do we find and implement solutions to the problems?

  • Dannybishop21

    How do we find and implement solutions to the problems?

  • Dr. Edwin L. Coleman, II

    Dr. Watkins:

             Your reason(s) for not attending the ceremony honoring Dr. King saddens me.  Why would use THIS  occasion to dishonor a great man.  The premise of your logic is very screwed to make no sense.  Your negative rantings leave me not wanting to read your posts. 

            Please try to offer solutions to problems rather continue to rant to the negative.

  • Caldrum

    I agree,I agree. Well spoken.

  • Caldrum

    I agree,I agree. Well spoken.

  • Altha Cutright

    Dr. Watkins I can’t believe you have a “PHD” I expect this negativity from someone with only a grade school education. What are you trying to do corrupt the people that listen and read your sh$#? this is inexcusable coming from you. Maybe I’m looking at this wrong correct me if I’m wrong I feel you have lot’s of BOOK SENSE but just no COMMON SENSE.

  • Altha Cutright

    This is so sad Boyce do you really hate your people that much? that you would say anything to try and justify why you want be attending Dr. King Memorial. I’m sure you want be miss in the crowd I think you want to make a big deal out of this and be seen on CNN discussing President Obama, because this is what this is about.  

  • Altha Cutright

    This is so sad Boyce do you really hate your people that much? that you would say anything to try and justify why you want be attending Dr. King Memorial. I’m sure you want be miss in the crowd I think you want to make a big deal out of this and be seen on CNN discussing President Obama, because this is what this is about.  

  • http://www.facebook.com/twyche Terrill Wyche

    I agree with you Dr. Boyce. The problem with America today is that it thinks that it can violate Dr. King’s memory by desecrating everything for which he fought and died and make up for it by erecting a statue.

  • Osagyefo1

    My sentiments exactly Doc…LOVE IT…seems as if some of our peeps cant handle our reality.Osagyefo

  • Jodie

    Finally, someone who feels the way I do.  You know Dr. Boyce, I feel the exact same way.  I am one of those individuals who can see your polint exactly, the fact that we can sit at a counter, marry interracially, hold hands blah, blah is no consolation to me when I see once again in my lifetime high unemployment, incarceration at rates that make me want to cry, poverty at the levels it was during the 50s thru the 70s which constitutes chronic unemployment. We have not done enough in this nation to change our manner of thinking when blatant racist insist on running this country under the guise of “taking it back” – back from whom, if we are all citizens of this nation.,  It is apparent that since we do not assimilate into the white element of this society we, African Americans are still mistreated, under-educated, under employed, over incarcerated, consistently misguided to the avenues of prosperity and wealth, our colleges mismanmmaged and not provided opportunity to rebuild, still small all black towns taken over by the establishment through redistricting.  But there are so many more issues that we do not see every day and for thre most part the average person does not know or have time to read the legislation that passes that affects our everyday lives.  Well Dr. B – even if you change your mind, I won’t. 

  • LaEhui

    I understand Dr. Boyce’s position; he is NOT saying that the ceremonial celebration on behalf of King is not well deserved; however, he is recognizing that this has also become a way for White America to choose which of our leaders they will allow representation.  I have met Whites who understand Malcolm X and they are very likely the minority within their own group.  Dr. Boyce raises an important point on this because a large amount of Black people respect and honor Malcolm X and see him as a important critical thinker.  I admit that I resented the fact that MLK could be celebrated but we have yet to see the tenacious merits of Malcolm X receive due honor.  Both of these men were addressing a plethora of ideological outcomes that impact our community wellness, which today continues to translate into mass incarceration, disproportionate unemployment, missing fathers, single head of household black women, failing schools, racism and the list goes on. The universe gave us both of these powerful men and they both deserve respect and honor.  Whites will have to grow to overcome their insecurity of Malcolm X and understand that his militarism was a direct result of their ignorance, racism, and arrogance.  In essence we are waiting for White people to grow up; however, we must not.  We must demand and build our own symbols and honor them in spite of their indignance.

  • Steve

    Although I agree with some of what you have stated in this editorial. As a black man in America, I have learned to overcome diversity and work hard for what I want out of live. I think that this memorial is a great start to honor the man who worked tirelessly to bridge the racial divide in this country. We are not going to overcome something that has manifested itself into what we experience on a daily basis over night and maybe not even in the next ten years. The way I see it, this is like chopping down a tree, you can not knock it down with one stroke but rather several strategic strokes. Given that, I am sadden to hear that a man of your statue refuses to attend this ceremony representing the struggles that we all are trying to overcome, but I understand your perspective. This statue like the others that are erected in our nations capital are symbolism of the work and contributions that our leaders have contributed to this country regardless if we as American’s have lived up to those standards.

  • Anonymous

    The reason blacks are doing so poorly is due to Uncle Sam taking the place of the father in so many black families. 

  • Crispusokereke

    It iis then an irony that you will not be attending. You are a voice to be reckoned with in the Black community; and as such everything that you have stated here should be all the more reason why you must go to that dedication ceremony and say it the way it is.
    Mike C. Okereke