Portland observer., February 25, 1982, Page 38, Image 38

Page 6 Section III Portland Observer, February 25, 1982
FROM THE FRONT DOOR
From the Front Door, it's been a year now since BLACK HISTORY M O N TH . Its tim e egain to
count our gains and set new goals and evaluate our position and our individual contributions to
our own cause. I will isolate our needs, and let's acquire them individually until w e are able to
acquire them collectively as a people.
Here are four areas that w e as Black people need to improve upon.
FAMILY IMPROVEMENT NEEDED:
black men need to demonstrate respectability and accountability to
their families They need to take responsibility and provide a strong role
model for their children—a “for real” image of constructive, productive
performance. Black men need to practice courtesy, humility and under­
standing along with respect and protection for their Black women.
Until Black men do this they cannot expect full respect from the rest of
society, or their women.
to their families and set a strong positive role model for their children —
a for real” image of constructive, productive performance. Black
women need to take full responsibility for their family, remembering
that it is they who give birth to their children, not welfare or any other
social agency.
Until Black women understand and do these things they will not
receive full respect from the rest of society, or their men.
Black women need to demonstrate an image of sincere respectability
SOCIAL IMPROVEMENT NEEDED:
As Black adults we need to become respectful, accountable and take
full responsibility for our community, our children and where we live.
We need to provide a clean, wholesome environment for our families,
especially our children. Our community reflects our true image. If where
we live is dirty, it is because we allow it to become that way. If where we
live is clean, it is because we clean up after ourselves
Until we do this collectively, our homes and neighborhoods will
protect our image of substandard conditions We shouldn’t need anyone
to remind us to clean up after ourselves.
POLICY OF PRINCIPLE NEEDED:
«B ll
As Black adults, we need to develop policies of principle Being Black
is not one of them Being Black is a genetic fact. We need principles
of relationships—truth, honesty, courtesy, humility, accountability and
respect. Especially, amongst ourselves We need to teach our children
these principles Images of dope, alcohol, prostitution, crimes (includ­
ing Black on Black crimes), stealing, and shunning responsibility should
be excluded from our practice as a matter of Black policy of principle
Black policy of principle shall read: Cleanliness, wholesomeness
honesty, truthfulness and respect shall be my policy of principle in all
my relationships from this day forward; and I shall communicate this
policy of principle with a positive attitude to all whom I encounter
Until we establish this policy of principle, we will surely continue to
live by the policies and principles of those who set these same standards
and subject us as SLAVES to those who enforce these policies as laws
ECONOMIC ROOT BASE NEEDED:
We as Blacks need to produce some usable product and service that
we have root control over We need to learn how to grow food, provide a
sense of security and independence in our own relationships with each
other. At present the only thing most Black people have to offer is
LABOR and even that is controlled and priced by others Could it be that
in 1981 we are just as much slaves as our ancestors were in 1781. two
hundred years ago We are still just selling our labor and are a market of
consumers for those who are in charge and are producing and controll­
ing all the goods and Services used in our society (by the way. this also
includes the dope, alcohol, custom cars and the superfly costumes)
None of these are produced or controlled by Blacks. Until we begin to
produce at least what we consume, we will remain dependent upon the
existing establishment For this same reason, we have nothing to
bargain with, except perhaps our LABOR How can we have pride when
we only have ourselves to sell or trade. We cannot expect to get full
respect from society until we collectively produce and control some
specific goods and services that are unique to us as BLACK PEOPLE.
Being Black is not a virtue Acting Black is not a virtue. It is a genetic
fact Performing and producing constructive goods and services con­
stitute true virtue.
Come, join our Mental Health Offensive every Tuesday evening, 6 p.m. 284-7997
THIS SPACE PAID FOR AS A C O M M U N ITY SERVICE BY THE HOUSE OF EXODUS.