Veteran radio and television host Tavis Smiley has taken a nationwide beatdown for critical assessment of America’s first black president, Barack Obama. For the past four years, Smiley has insisted that Obama be challenged to speak out and be held accountable if he doesn’t address the disproportionate economic and social woes that plague African Americans. Smiley’s proclamations have met heated derision and denunciation from thousands, some who consider him a treasonous “Obama-hata.”
I was never a hater but, in my mind, black folk had a brief window to accomplish all the things we complained about while President George W. Bush held office. I couldn’t understand why black leaders didn’t have an agenda at the ready once Obama was elected. Here’s what I wrote in my March, 2008 St. Louis Post-Dispatch column:
“Yes, Obama, like all politicos, should be held accountable. But what about guys like Smiley and others who for years have pontificated about the things they now expect Obama to address? Why are we waiting on one man if we have an action plan?”
Who knew, I’d be working for the man a year after posing that question.
In 2009, I became a researcher and consultant for some of SmileyBooks’ authors. In late 2010, Smiley flew me out to Los Angeles to discuss “Fail Up: 20 lessons on Building Success from Failure,” the tome published this year to commemorate his 20th anniversary in broadcasting.
In the time we spent together, I learned the back story of the whole “Obama drama.” I hadn’t considered the perspective of a black commentator who, for years, challenged white Democratic politicians to articulate their specific plans to address the needs of their most loyal constituents – black voters. The hatred, threats and vicious attacks he endured after applying that same maxim to a black presidential candidate underscores the downside of standing on one’s principles in the face of overwhelming power.
Love him or loathe him, it’s hard to totally dismiss Tavis’ call for political redress when black people still struggle with disproportionate rates of poverty, crime, unemployment and economic stagnation. Nothing is promised. If, by some chance, Obama isn’t re-elected, many will have to reconcile the reward of symbolism over substance.
While listening to Tavis’ stories of perceived “failures,” I grappled with my own foibles and the lessons each provided. Smiley’s oft-used phrase; “We plan and God laughs” resonated with me. After an unsavory departure from the Post-Dispatch in 2009, I was confronted with the frustrating reality that black leaders weren’t going to push an urban revitalization agenda. Watching Smiley navigate the fast-paced, competitive media empire of his creation inspired me to stop whining and waiting for others to do what I envisioned.
Early this year, I told Tavis about When We Dream Together, the nonprofit I created with a mission to deliver the public/private resources to everyday people so they, too, can create vibrant, self-sustaining communities in our region. He candidly expressed his concerns. But, without hesitation, he offered to host a fund-raiser for me when he came to St. Louis to promote his traveling exhibit, America I AM, at the Missouri History Museum.
On June 17, I’ll present “An Afternoon with Tavis Smiley” at the History museum. There, I will officially launch my nonprofit and its accompanying website. Then, I will turn the stage over to Tavis so he can engage with you, the audience.
You may leave the event still in sharp disagreement with him. That’s OK. The event will reflect the time I shared with Tavis. You’ll be reacquainted with a kindred spirit and reminded of our inherent ability to overcome life’s inevitable setbacks. Join me. I guarantee and afternoon of empowerment and enlightenment during this important talk with Tavis.
Sylvester Brown, Jr. is a freelance writer and founder of When We Dream Together, a local nonprofit dedicated to urban revitalization. For more ticket and more information about the June 17 event with Tavis Smiley, contact the Missouri History Museum at 314-361-9017
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