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Straight from the Mike…Were It Not for the Color of the Skin

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There should be little doubt that as historians continue to showcase the achievements and potential for even greater heights for this great nation, they are likely to mention the ‘Achilles heel’ that will no doubt be the race factor and its impact on our society.

We can only imagine what we could accomplish if we could ignore the impact, reference, and constant discussion of race. Instead, concentrate on what I call the apples of gold and pears of silver in our fruit bowl of opportunity. The results would rival our mighty pass accomplishments that could be exceeded if more focus was on the solutions to challenges versus who gets the credit.

Today, we see so much emphasis on the alphabet soup, in this case, DEI. It means Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It is throughout corporate, profit and nonprofit, government, and educational institutions. I think of all the time, human capital, and financial investment in an area, which I feel is finite at its core and shallow at its deepest point. Bottom line, it is about talent and character, not skin color.

We know the issues. It is about ideas, solutions, and civility. I can recall a thought-provoking sermon one Sunday from the pastor that said, there are only two types of people in our society. The thermometers and the thermostats. He pointed out that anyone could look at a thermometer and tell you what the temperature is. However, it is significant when you find a thermostat type individual, someone who can dial it up when it is cool, and conversely, can dial it down when the heat is rising, and maybe tempers are flaring. Which one are you?

Having lived through a time of two separate water fountains, separate levels in theater seating and ‘colored’ restroom signs, I appreciate the new vanguard under the mantra of equality. Moreover, I can recall the total absence of a Black quarterback at any level other than Pop Warner.

Oh, sure, it was made out to be an intelligence thing. There would be the Wonder lick test at the professional football level. One could similarly make the case of SAT and ACT testing. Thankfully, we are living today where talent and mental and physical acumen are increasingly center stage.

It was so interesting to hear about some blowback and whimsical reactions to the singing of the Black National Anthem. A talented, visionary gentleman, and fraternity brother by the name of James Weldon Johnson penned the lyrics for good reasons. He felt through God’s inspiration to express our pride, our suffering, sacrifice, and hope for a better tomorrow. I do not believe he intended for the anthem to be sung in massive public arenas where some folk would, of course, stand but others sit, and others chatting away oblivious to the solemn manifestation of our spiritual feelings and passionate commitment to humanity, liberty and freedom. Surely, one can appreciate the effort to appease the uncomfortable, the naysayers and offer a token of some needing redemption from their racial transgressions and insensitivities.

There is a need to open our aperture wide and focus on the larger picture. We need to respect that some traditional expressions, albeit fraternal and sorority songs, and even the Black power handshake, need to be respected for such a thing called, the occasion.

As we see the month-long celebration of Black History, and an extra 24 hours of celebration at that, wind down; let us remain mindful and steadfast in the belief that the best is yet to come. Let us not get it twisted. Special months and themes may continue. They may be so indicated by the calendar; however, our challenge is to live each day to its fullest and respect other nonetheless.

As Brother Johnson penned it, “Life every voice and sing…. Ring with the harmony of liberty.” And “True to our God, true to our native land.”

  I remain Michael Murphy… 

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