I have to say though, that most of these ‘over educated black folks turned our white people appointed leaders’ fall into the category of the token black person. And there is something about the very nature of being the token black person that sets one a part from the general black community. Whatever qualities made you a token – made you acceptable and stellar in white america’s eyes – are probably the very things that separate you from the people you supposedly come from/represent/lead. So it comes as no surprise that it is often difficult for these chosen ones to lead in a manner that the people they represent can relate to.

As for Mr. Dyson – you can’t take him as a case study and generalize for all of our well-educated supposed leaders. Each one is different, and in terms of your argument I’ve just come to the conclusion that despite his many degrees, professorship, prolific-ness, and public persona, the man just doesn’t know how to write. It is fitting that I came across the account of your experiences with his writing, because just today I was reading his newest work “April 4, 1968.” Now while he does make some interesting points and a plausible thesis I closed the book in pure annoyance halfway thru chapter two because his writing spoke so authoritatively and generally about Dr. King with NO evidence, footnotes/endnotes to back it up. You can’t theorize about an historical event (in this case the death of Dr. King) with out the hard evidence to back it up. That’s high school history 101.

Which brings me to my last point, which is, over educated does not mean well educated. And I think that’s the misconception that keeps people like me and you attempting to read his books. Moreover, don’t think the well educated white folks don’t also see that when they read his books… Which just means that if white folks are proclaiming these over educated tokens to be our leaders, then white folks also know that they are just talking shit that no one understands which will lead black folks no where.

I’m feeling you on the perception of black leaders both in and outside the black community. Just this morning I came across an article which read that former Prez Bill Clinton was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Reading that disturbed me because as a lot of you recall from the 90′s there were people who actually had the gall to say Clinton was the first black president. I always questioned that sentiment because I wondered what was it he did that granted him such a large pass. He liked jazz music? So what, my Japanese friends in Japan love jazz music. He liked fried chicken? Popeyes Chicken is a booming industry in South Korea. He had sex with a chubby white woman? Well….

And there was the ever-insulting Larry Hargrove song, “Leave Bill Clinton Alone” which upon hearing caused me to cry. Taking all of this into consideration I had to ask myself, “Are there even any black leaders anymore?” My answer was “On a national level, no.” I’m not sure if any other readers feel this way or not, but I do. And I do find it rather absurdly interesting that there are (whites) who have “designated our leaders for us”. Some of the gentlemen you spoke of I’ve read their books and listened to their radio programs, but when I do I’m reminded of that old term “Race Man” (which in my humble opinion can be also equate to Token) Only now the game isn’t uplifting the people, but rather playing on white guilt.

Exactly.

It goes both ways doesn’t it?

Angelina & Madonna cannot be compared. They both have white children and more importantly have not tried to pass on their adoptive kids as their own biological children like Michael did. Michael rather randomly had white children.

Whilst he was a black icon, he did a lot in his life to make him (& his immediate family) look less white. There was never any reason for Sharpton & co. to go on stage and start yapping this & that.

I understand your point, but I don’t think white people think the Michael Eric Dysons and Cornel Wests are our leaders. They’re just the ‘go-to’ black academic for the LAZY media when they want the black perspective(s) on an issue. However, I do agree Dyson is obnoxious and pretentious for no reason, but West does connect to people and is all around awesome. But, that’s just me.

As for who our leaders are? Do we need leaders, as a community? This thinking forces ourselves and others to think of Black people as some homogenous monolithic group when that is far from the case (Personally, I think this is the kind of thinkin that gets white people thinkin we are all uber-organized and conspiring to take over, which is just ridiculous). As a people, we have multiple causes, and issues and there are leaders of color in all those fields, whether or not they are recognized as such is another issue altogether.

As for elected officials, there is a new generation of Black politicians a la Barack Obama like Cory Booker the mayor of Newark, NJ, Adrian Fenty, the mayor of Wash D.C., and Deval Patrick – the gov of Masschusetts that are being ushered in on the sly. And, Al Sharpton, Jesse James and the Old Guard need to step aside and retire in Florida or something. If you see the documentary, Street Fight, it illustrates the differences between the Old Guard and the new generation really well.

Cheers.

Part of my initial ranting earlier was over the implied difference between a person with knowledge and an educated person. I think in the context of appraising someone I don’t have any person interaction or first hand experience for a leadership role, my instinct is to look for bona fides when it comes to evaluating why I should listen to person A over person B.

Unless said “knowledgeable” person comes with a resume of experience that demonstrates this knowledge, I have no objective means beyond education. Then, in the context of education, certain accomplishments necessarily mean the person possesses more than book smarts. The process of getting a PhD or MD is not one that you can just make it through. There are certain competencies that have to be demonstrated and they require considerable dedication and sacrifice on the part of that individual.

So, when someone brandishes those credentials, there is more than paper there. Something similar (in my field) is being a licensed professional engineer. So, I must object to what appears to be a cavalier dismissal of education. Furthermore, your comment seems to imply that there is something untrustworthy about education which understandably rubs me the wrong way. (Not only your comment, you just happen to be the one that got this reply).