The afterglow continues for me after making my way to see Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Family Reunion” last weekend. I was so proud that the shows were sold out all weekend long in the theaters near where I live. Proud, because we showed Hollywood (AGAIN) that if a movie is made that interests us colored folks, we’ll go see it!
I was prepared to laugh at Madea in her house coats with her swinging breasts, but I wasn’t prepared to cry. This one was that deep and moving. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t seen it yet, but just look for the word “restore” uttered by one of the brothers in the film, and get back to me on your impressions.
There’s also a pivotal speech spoken by the grand dame of black actresses, Cecily Tyson, at the film’s family reunion that has such meaning for this very moment in our existence as a people. She speaks to some of our current issues and wonders, “What happened to us?”
Then Tavis Smiley rolls his “Covenant with Black America” tour into town Monday and a colleague of mine utters his concern that there seems to be an “unacceptable level of silence” in the black community. Rallies were held after the televised police chase and beatdown, then more news conferences when a white state lawmaker proposed making it a felony to flee from the police. My colleague knows racist cops and crooked police officers exist, but he wonders, “Where is the outrage when a longtime astor was killed by fleeing suspects?”
I pointed out to him that the lines for Pastor Cole’s visitation and funeral were out the door, but that his point is well taken.
So, why aren’t we demanding more from each other? I told him that he’s certainly not alone in his thinking. That’s why Tavis Smiley developed the Covenant idea and subsequent book. He felt that certain voices weren’t being heard. The Covenant website says:
“No longer can we sit back and expect one political party, one segment of the population or one religious denomination to speak for us or to act on our behalf. It is our responsibility as an entire community to no longer be left behind politically, socially, or economically and to bridge the economic and social divides ourselves, by encouraging a conversation and a commitment that will inevitably benefit all Americans.”
Just as the statement implies, my colleague also believes there are many of you out there who yearn for a safe, progressive and responsible community, but he wonders why you’ve been silent – for too long.
Are you really out there? I believe you are, but you might feel there is nothing you can do. Nothing could be further from the truth. You have a role to play, you have a divine purpose, you are needed in this battle. Every little bit counts.
Do what you can, but don’t be silent any longer.