Commemorating Black Solidarity Day
In 1969, community activist and Brooklyn College professor, Dr. Carlos E. Russell, established a specific day in which Amerikkkanized-Afrikans; regardless to ethnic, political, religious or spiritual affiliation; will collectively advocate to be a cohesive, self-determining people.
Since its inception during the Black Power era; when many urban organizations were combating against government-sponsored executions of their leadership, police terrorism, poor healthcare and sub-standard levels of education; this day commemorates many accomplishments along freedom road which are often overlooked by the public (mis)education system and the mainstream media.
Russell was partially inspired by Douglas Turner Ward’s fictional play ‘Day of Absence’ – whereupon a small town in the rural South, suddenly devoid of its Black population, is crippled by their absence.
Acknowledged annually during the Monday prior to election-day in November, Black people are advised to not attend school nor work and are suggested to suppress their money from Caucasian-run establishments, and to patronize Black-owned businesses instead, in a display of their economic, political, as well as social influence.
Education about the true power of politics is shared with the Black community to help guide their decisions the following day which will help empower their neighborhoods.
The principle of ‘self-determination’ is strongly urged in an effort to be recognized as a self-sufficient people who no longer rely on the crumbs tossed to them by their oppressors.
This is a day, more so than others, when responsible Black men and women reaffirm their commitment to properly educating the youth and uplifting their communities.
“Various cultural, educational and other traditional events are conducted in commemoration of many freedom fighters who struggled against the imperialists in the past,” adds community activist La Meh Nua. “This is a day when we strive to do away with all the self-hate, back-biting and the negro mentality which we’ve been indoctrinated with; and we cherish our great qualities.”
He concludes:
“We should function as a nation within a nation and stop allowing ourselves to be pimped and blood-sucked by the over-seers. This is our day when we also reach out to the children and put them on a righteous path by teaching them true history, and not his-story!”
