Tavis Smiley ends State of the Black Union

[JagsPride]

If this was Facebook, I would click the like button on your post right now, because that's all I ever thought it was about.

I think you are failing to understand what the State of the Black Union was. In my understanding and what I got from the ones that I watched, was situations like what you mentioned. Your ideas/program was a byproduct of the SOBU. Now I'm not saying that the SOBU gave you your idea, but it was a symposioum of people who talked about the issues facing Black America and offered possible solutions. It was up to us as individuals to take their suggestions, marinate on them, tweak them and to come up with ways to serve and better our individual communites, as you did with your program. That was the true meaning, IMO of the SOBU conference. It is not for the panels of speakers collectively to go out into the cities and do good. So technically, the SOBU could do nothing. The same with the Million Man March, it wasn't Farakhan and his organizers duty to go out to every city and effect change. It was up to the attendees that were there, those watching on TV and others to go back into their homes and communities and to try and make a difference. Some did, some didn't and most we will never see. The Hoodie Awards that you mentioned, are the same deal. Now I don't know head nor tail of what businesses won the awards. Haven't seen any national recognition, (so I disagree with your national exposure theory) but if it inspires my barber shop or my hole in the wall fish stand to be a little cleaner because now they want to compete for the award or if it helps someone to open a shop in a depressed community to help out the community, then it works. And these are things that I may never see or realize as I drive by on my way to the burbs.

So basically what I'm saying is, I get where you are coming from, but honestly my problem is more with Tavis than the SOBU, and we have to realize just exactly what these things are; vehicles/avenues to come together exchange ideas, celebrate others and to leave inspired to do more. They're not the agent of change, we are.

 

[Dr. Phreeze]

I think you are failing to understand what the State of the Black Union was. In my understanding and what I got from the ones that I watched, was situations like what you mentioned. Your ideas/program was a byproduct of the SOBU. Now I'm not saying that the SOBU gave you your idea, but it was a symposioum of people who talked about the issues facing Black America and offered possible solutions. It was up to us as individuals to take their suggestions, marinate on them, tweak them and to come up with ways to serve and better our individual communites, as you did with your program. That was the true meaning, IMO of the SOBU conference. It is not for the panels of speakers collectively to go out into the cities and do good. So technically, the SOBU could do nothing. The same with the Million Man March, it wasn't Farakhan and his organizers duty to go out to every city and effect change. It was up to the attendees that were there, those watching on TV and others to go back into their homes and communities and to try and make a difference. Some did, some didn't and most we will never see. The Hoodie Awards that you mentioned, are the same deal. Now I don't know head nor tail of what businesses won the awards. Haven't seen any national recognition, (so I disagree with your national exposure theory) but if it inspires my barber shop or my hole in the wall fish stand to be a little cleaner because now they want to compete for the award or if it helps someone to open a shop in a depressed community to help out the community, then it works. And these are things that I may never see or realize as I drive by on my way to the burbs.

So basically what I'm saying is, I get where you are coming from, but honestly my problem is more with Tavis than the SOBU, and we have to realize just exactly what these things are; vehicles/avenues to come together exchange ideas, celebrate others and to leave inspired to do more. They're not the agent of change, we are.

:tup:

 

[XHALE9802]

I think you are failing to understand what the State of the Black Union was. In my understanding and what I got from the ones that I watched, was situations like what you mentioned. Your ideas/program was a byproduct of the SOBU. Now I'm not saying that the SOBU gave you your idea, but it was a symposioum of people who talked about the issues facing Black America and offered possible solutions. It was up to us as individuals to take their suggestions, marinate on them, tweak them and to come up with ways to serve and better our individual communites, as you did with your program. That was the true meaning, IMO of the SOBU conference. It is not for the panels of speakers collectively to go out into the cities and do good. So technically, the SOBU could do nothing. The same with the Million Man March, it wasn't Farakhan and his organizers duty to go out to every city and effect change. It was up to the attendees that were there, those watching on TV and others to go back into their homes and communities and to try and make a difference. Some did, some didn't and most we will never see. The Hoodie Awards that you mentioned, are the same deal. Now I don't know head nor tail of what businesses won the awards. Haven't seen any national recognition, (so I disagree with your national exposure theory) but if it inspires my barber shop or my hole in the wall fish stand to be a little cleaner because now they want to compete for the award or if it helps someone to open a shop in a depressed community to help out the community, then it works. And these are things that I may never see or realize as I drive by on my way to the burbs.

So basically what I'm saying is, I get where you are coming from, but honestly my problem is more with Tavis than the SOBU, and we have to realize just exactly what these things are; vehicles/avenues to come together exchange ideas, celebrate others and to leave inspired to do more. They're not the agent of change, we are.

great post. I think the dislike many have for Tavis has created a dislike for SOBU. As you stated it was only an avenue to raise awareness, and not solely left on the panelist to fix the problems. We have to get past looking at the person or creator of these things, and sincerely evaluate whether the idea can be productive. Now once one can evaluate whether it can be productive, its up to the people(not just the panelist per se) to go beyond it to produce results.

 

[MsJag4Jag]

 

[SUtrp96]

I think you are failing to understand what the State of the Black Union was. In my understanding and what I got from the ones that I watched, was situations like what you mentioned. Your ideas/program was a byproduct of the SOBU. Now I'm not saying that the SOBU gave you your idea, but it was a symposioum of people who talked about the issues facing Black America and offered possible solutions. It was up to us as individuals to take their suggestions, marinate on them, tweak them and to come up with ways to serve and better our individual communites, as you did with your program. That was the true meaning, IMO of the SOBU conference. It is not for the panels of speakers collectively to go out into the cities and do good. So technically, the SOBU could do nothing. The same with the Million Man March, it wasn't Farakhan and his organizers duty to go out to every city and effect change. It was up to the attendees that were there, those watching on TV and others to go back into their homes and communities and to try and make a difference. Some did, some didn't and most we will never see. The Hoodie Awards that you mentioned, are the same deal. Now I don't know head nor tail of what businesses won the awards. Haven't seen any national recognition, (so I disagree with your national exposure theory) but if it inspires my barber shop or my hole in the wall fish stand to be a little cleaner because now they want to compete for the award or if it helps someone to open a shop in a depressed community to help out the community, then it works. And these are things that I may never see or realize as I drive by on my way to the burbs.

So basically what I'm saying is, I get where you are coming from, but honestly my problem is more with Tavis than the SOBU, and we have to realize just exactly what these things are; vehicles/avenues to come together exchange ideas, celebrate others and to leave inspired to do more. They're not the agent of change, we are.

Thanks for answering my initial question.. That's all I did from jump was ask, I didn't attack anyone...

I still feel the way I feel about Tavis... I guess I am more of a person who rather get out and do something rather than hold a panel and collect ideas and HOPE folk go out and handle up... Maybe because I know how our people are .... I just figure if you have the power to organize all of them people in one place, I feel you as the organizer can make more changes with our blacks neighborhoods... and maybe he did, I only said I didn't see any where I was from.
But from the stand point you are coming from, one can say he did do a lot... Honestly I didn't look at it from that stand point..

:tup:

 

[Warndalyn]

I think you are failing to understand what the State of the Black Union was. In my understanding and what I got from the ones that I watched, was situations like what you mentioned. Your ideas/program was a byproduct of the SOBU. Now I'm not saying that the SOBU gave you your idea, but it was a symposioum of people who talked about the issues facing Black America and offered possible solutions. It was up to us as individuals to take their suggestions, marinate on them, tweak them and to come up with ways to serve and better our individual communites, as you did with your program. That was the true meaning, IMO of the SOBU conference. It is not for the panels of speakers collectively to go out into the cities and do good. So technically, the SOBU could do nothing. The same with the Million Man March, it wasn't Farakhan and his organizers duty to go out to every city and effect change. It was up to the attendees that were there, those watching on TV and others to go back into their homes and communities and to try and make a difference. Some did, some didn't and most we will never see. The Hoodie Awards that you mentioned, are the same deal. Now I don't know head nor tail of what businesses won the awards. Haven't seen any national recognition, (so I disagree with your national exposure theory) but if it inspires my barber shop or my hole in the wall fish stand to be a little cleaner because now they want to compete for the award or if it helps someone to open a shop in a depressed community to help out the community, then it works. And these are things that I may never see or realize as I drive by on my way to the burbs.

So basically what I'm saying is, I get where you are coming from, but honestly my problem is more with Tavis than the SOBU, and we have to realize just exactly what these things are; vehicles/avenues to come together exchange ideas, celebrate others and to leave inspired to do more. They're not the agent of change, we are.

:tup:

:bowdown:

 

[Warndalyn]

I have a question...what is it about Tavis that folks dislike so much?

 

[XHALE9802]

Thanks for answering my initial question.. That's all I did from jump was ask, I didn't attack anyone...

I still feel the way I feel about Tavis... I guess I am more of a person who rather get out and do something rather than hold a panel and collect ideas and HOPE folk go out and handle up... Maybe because I know how our people are .... I just figure if you have the power to organize all of them people in one place, I feel you as the organizer can make more changes with our blacks neighborhoods... and maybe he did, I only said I didn't see any where I was from.
But from the stand point you are coming from, one can say he did do a lot... Honestly I didn't look at it from that stand point..

:tup:

I hear what you're sayin but thats just it, some people may not be equipped to do that. Not really talkin about Tavis, but in general. Some people are made to be creators/innovators, some are made to make the creation operate, some are made to canvass, and this list goes on and on...we all have special gifts that can be applied, some may be better in other areas than others. Or better connect with the focus doing what they do. I don't think everyone who (some may) may have the power to organize may have the power or gift to motivate, and vice versa. As you may not have the desire to organize or hold forums, but have the sincere desire to be among the people hands on. Some may have a better strategic goal to hold forums to get folk talking. Dialogue is important and verbalizing the problems is the first step in any problem. All of this is ok! we didn't create this mess in one area, and we can't fix it in one. I think it just all boils down to where people feel their strength lies, so thats where they feel the most secure, and only each individual can know that for sure.

 

[Seeing Spots]

I think the problem with our community is that folks don't realize there isn't one solution to fixing our problems. Everything that is done is great. It doesn't matter if you fix peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for kids to eat after school or lunch or you house ten thousand for after school and reading. It makes a big difference. Many times we look for big answers, when on reality if you as an individual can only save one life and others as a group can save five hundred, it all helps the cause we are trying to reach. Saving one is better than saving none at all. Help folks from your heart, not to be seen be all man. For it is not man that judges you, but the one who inspires you is the judge. :tup: Black love is great, it's knowledge and it's power!!!!

This beautiful post made me cry. :bawling: EACH ONE, REACH ONE! Big things can happen when you have just one little victory, one little victory. I tell my students all the time, if you save one client from jail, a life of crime, drugs, poverty, you have done a great thing. :tup:

As the daddy from the movie "Taken" said to his daughter's stepfather at the beginning of the movie.

"Now is not the time for d__k measuring!"

People, can we stop throwing what we do to help our communities around like its the socially-graceful version of saying "Dis my block, punk," or "I run this social advocacy shat right chea, podnuh."

Y'all starting to sound like Tony Montana hopped off on coke in a bubble bath smoking a cigar saying "Who put this shat together? Me! That's who!"

IMO, I'd rather not know who's doing the work to help our communities. In my line of work, ironically, when folk start beating their chests about what they do, that's when the increased scrutiny occurs and sometimes there are let's say....discrepancies, dig. And those "discrepancies" do more to hurt their particular case more than the work they're doing.

I always applaud people that do good works in their communities. However, don't beat your own chest—show a little humility and let someone else do your PR for you.

:clap:

I stop allowing my tithes and offerings to be published in the financial report for this very same reason. Folk would say, so-and-so made X dollars because they gave this or that. God has richly blessed me and I don't want it broadcasted what I do. It is between me, God and that person.


:bowdown: Bengal E

 

[Dr. Phreeze]

I hear what you're sayin but thats just it, some people may not be equipped to do that. Not really talkin about Tavis, but in general. Some people are made to be creators/innovators, some are made to make the creation operate, some are made to canvass, and this list goes on and on...we all have special gifts that can be applied, some may be better in other areas than others. Or better connect with the focus doing what they do. I don't think everyone who (some may) may have the power to organize may have the power or gift to motivate, and vice versa. As you may not have the desire to organize or hold forums, but have the sincere desire to be among the people hands on. Some may have a better strategic goal to hold forums to get folk talking. Dialogue is important and verbalizing the problems is the first step in any problem. All of this is ok! we didn't create this mess in one area, and we can't fix it in one. I think it just all boils down to where people feel their strength lies, so thats where they feel the most secure, and only each individual can know that for sure.

Excellent...:tup:

 

[SUtrp96]

I hear what you're sayin but thats just it, some people may not be equipped to do that. Not really talkin about Tavis, but in general. Some people are made to be creators/innovators, some are made to make the creation operate, some are made to canvass, and this list goes on and on...we all have special gifts that can be applied, some may be better in other areas than others. Or better connect with the focus doing what they do. I don't think everyone who (some may) may have the power to organize may have the power or gift to motivate, and vice versa. As you may not have the desire to organize or hold forums, but have the sincere desire to be among the people hands on. Some may have a better strategic goal to hold forums to get folk talking. Dialogue is important and verbalizing the problems is the first step in any problem. All of this is ok! we didn't create this mess in one area, and we can't fix it in one. I think it just all boils down to where people feel their strength lies, so thats where they feel the most secure, and only each individual can know that for sure.

True that...

I guess the most organizing I ever did evolved 3 to 4 way calls and end up meeting at a restaurant or someone's living room....lol

Now I'll say this too.. I know several folk who were involved in multi-million dollar deals to where they just gathered at a hotel or restaurant and got it done.. Maybe it's the people I'm around that cause me to think the way I do.

I understand all those different talents you listed.. I guess I honestly thought and still somewhat think some of those talents is a way to get someone's name out and help elevate themselves..

 

[JSU*Toi]

I have a question...what is it about Tavis that folks dislike so much?

He questioned folks blind following of Obama in the primary. Before that Tavis was "King of all Black"

I hear what you're sayin but thats just it, some people may not be equipped to do that. Not really talkin about Tavis, but in general. Some people are made to be creators/innovators, some are made to make the creation operate, some are made to canvass, and this list goes on and on...we all have special gifts that can be applied, some may be better in other areas than others. Or better connect with the focus doing what they do. I don't think everyone who (some may) may have the power to organize may have the power or gift to motivate, and vice versa. As you may not have the desire to organize or hold forums, but have the sincere desire to be among the people hands on. Some may have a better strategic goal to hold forums to get folk talking. Dialogue is important and verbalizing the problems is the first step in any problem. All of this is ok! we didn't create this mess in one area, and we can't fix it in one. I think it just all boils down to where people feel their strength lies, so thats where they feel the most secure, and only each individual can know that for sure.

:nod: I agree 100% :nod:

 

[jsupop33]

He questioned folks blind following of Obama in the primary. Before that Tavis was "King of all Black"

I never understood why people reacted the way they did. Some folks get extra, extra sensitive about Obama..

 

[CEE DOG]

I never understood why people reacted the way they did. Some folks get extra, extra sensitive about Obama..

Man you know this falls under that Dr.Kang column. :lol: We can put Tiger on blast, but you bet not say nothing about the good, doctor, deacon, original pimp. :scared:

 

[SUtrp96]

I never understood why people reacted the way they did. Some folks get extra, extra sensitive about Obama..

The fact any "black" person with name recognition would be upset over Obama says they care more about being looked at as a leader....

I don't get some of them folk..

 

[skyvolt2000]

I never understood why people reacted the way they did. Some folks get extra, extra sensitive about Obama..

Because too many of us are trained to follow, support and DEFEND anything that is black. Especailly if they are politics.

Like many on here have said-we have all these negros in powerful spots and you can name a thing they have done for the black community let alone-the entire community.

 

[jsupop33]

Man you know this falls under that Dr.Kang column. :lol: We can put Tiger on blast, but you bet not say nothing about the good, doctor, deacon, original pimp. :scared:

You aint lying, I told my grandma once that Dr. King had a mistress and she whopped me upside the head. Whenever, those documents get unsealed.. things might get ugly...

 

[SUtrp96]

Because too many of us are trained to follow, support and DEFEND anything that is black. Especailly if they are politics.

Like many on here have said-we have all these negros in powerful spots and you can name a thing they have done for the black community let alone-the entire community.

THANK YOU!!!

My thing is when you read history about previous black leaders.. They organize our people and DID something.... To me it's seems all these folk wanna do is organize...


Shyt it Dr. King and Malcom X were able to get things DONE during those times, I don't see what's the problem now.... and as a black community I think we are WORSE off than we were mentality wise compared to back then...

 

[CEE DOG]

Seriously folks, we all have to do our part. I am thankful for the big national help the black community recieves. I am also thankful for the small help from everyday folks that we recieve. See, the bottom line is that you will never be able to save a whole generation of people, but if you can save some the goal has been acheived. Dr. king undertood that the barriers of skin color would never completely away, but Kings vision of having doors opened to just allow one or more of the doors open was what he gave his life for. When we look at Obama, it's not about the hooplla America tries to portray, but it's more about seeing the vision of those lil girls in Bham died for, the lunch counters that our kinfolks got beaten at, the water hoses they had turned on them. it's about seeing the tradegies of our fore fathers came to frutation so that our kids and their kids can have a better life. Nothing makes me more prouder than seeing a black person reach a goal or a black family seeing their child graduate from highschool, college or even a parent seeing her black male son reach 21. See folks, these are things that we can't take for granted. We can never forget where we came from nor where we are going. We come from strong ansestor who faught a fight so that you and I can dream. So that you and I can live the life we have now. If all you can do is save one child, save that child, if your goal is to save 5000 kids, save those kids, but by all mean fight on. Please fight on. it is not about you nor I having the glory of man praising us for helping our on, but it is about seeing generations of young black men and women achieving a dream and reaching a goal. For when a child has no dream or goal in life, it is a refelction of all of us, because we have failed to provide that child with a dream. Life is really about reaching one, teaching one and helping as many as you can. For what is it for a man to gain the whole world, and have no one to share it with. it does him no good.