Soledad O’Brien is at it again!  Raising issues, opening discussions, and bringing bigots out of the woodwork.  And that’s a good thing, I think.  I mean, the discussion is good and we can’t pretend that racism is gone.  So, Black in America part 2 is a good thing for Media, for the Internet and for America.

Anyway, last night, part 1 of the series aired and Ken, myself and my brother watched it with great interest.  As you all know, Ken is my hubby and he’s Black.  So, yes, we have a vested interested in Black America for him and for our children.  But, even more important, we care.  I care.  I care what’s happening in Bushwick.  I care about the children that struggle daily to eat, learn, live, succeed.  It’s not about the fact that they’re Black to me.  I’m more concerned that they are children and they will be adults one day.  If anything, people like Malaak and Steve are inspiring.  Not just to Black people, but Latinos, Whites, Asians, etc.

When the night was over and my brother went to bed, Ken and I really opened up the discussion.  I believe, and have for a very long time, that economics plays a far greater roll in many communities than does race.  Not negating that race doesn’t play a role, just saying that poor Whites, Blacks, Latinos, etc., all face similar failures and lack of resources.

Beyond economics, Ken brought up that the Black community is so divided.  So ready to put down one another.  Rather than pump up the successful guy or the affluent person, the tendency is to wonder if  that person is being Black enough [still don’t know what that means].  Take Bertram Lee and the other families that attend the Midwinter Ceremony.  They almost sound apologetic for their success.  Why?  Why were other Black people in the segment so quick to bash them for an “elitist” attitude.  For being exclusive.  I find nothing wrong with like minds celebrating with other like minds and in this world, networking is a requirement.  I simply saw it as just that, networking with like minds.

I think there’s room for many types of “Black” people in the world and as a community, they all should be accepted and embraced.  I think part 1 solidified to me that it’s more about green than Black.  I think the more successful people in the series recognize this fact.  John Rice said, “You need economic power to change the world”.  He obviously gets it.  And let’s not forget Tyler Perry, “He who has the gold, makes the rules”.  Oh, he REALLY gets it.

But even beyond money, Malaak and Steve play the most important role.  They are the first intercept.  They inspire and teach the children.  This is where it starts and where dollars are great, but time and love are just as important.  This is where schools and families need to set standards and expectations as high as our White counterparts.  We brown folks need to EXPECT our kids will go on to college, not just graduate high school.  If we start to believe in our kids, they will believe in themselves.

To some, Malaak’s story appeared to be the “failure” of the segment.  I would love to see these same kids in 5 years.  I hope she continues with her work and I hope that as these kids see more and more positivity, opportunity and love, that they will respond accordingly.  Rome wasn’t created in a day, people. Let’s have some faith!

Looking forward to part 2!