This time last year, I was gleefully riding the wave of the 2008 election, clueless that, in less than two months, I’d lose my columnist gig with St. Louis Post-Dispatch. A year ago, I was ready to support a president with a mission to turn long-ignored urban areas into communities of opportunity and hope. This year, I am adrift, with fading optimism and growing frustration.
What ended abruptly in April 2009, actually started in March 2007 with an interview with White House hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. I’m still embarrassed that I basically told the candidate he had no chance of becoming the first black president of the United States. At the time, Obama was a relatively unknown with a name eerily similar to the mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I told the candidate that his opponents, both Democrat and Republican, would surely use Rovian tactics to smear his name and exploit the country’s biases and fears.
My predictions about the campaign were accurate, but I underestimated the candidate. He spoke to the nation’s frustrations with inspiring, techno-savvy media messages of harmony and hope. Hypnotized by the symbolic relevance of electing a visionary black president 40 years after the death of Dr. King, I became a full-fledged “Yes, we can!” Obama optimist.
The Post’s assistant managing editor, however, didn’t exactly share my zeal. In fact, he insisted that Obama was of national interest and, as a Metro columnist, my commentaries about the candidate should be limited. We disagreed on many topics, including that latest missive. I argued that the election was of extreme historical, cultural and social significance, both nationally and locally. I also stubbornly reiterated that the newspaper need not retreat, but boldly embrace the opportunity and challenge to promote racial dialogue and progress within our region.
Not only did I not limit my writings about Obama, I audaciously (or was it naively?) decided to write a book exploring the possibilities of tackling poverty with a national, do-for-self urban agenda. In late March, I accepted an invitation to attend a press conference in Washington, D.C. extended by an international organization committed to addressing global poverty through self-sustainable initiatives. Although the trip had nothing to do with my job (as my bosses maintained), admittedly I gave them a much-desired broom to sweep me off their payroll.
Thoughts of anger and betrayal were quickly overshadowed by a powerful “it’s time” feeling. As a 22-year journalist, born and raised in a city known for ingrained racial polarization, I had written more than my fair share of articles about our “race problems.” Bucking the tide within a region intent on maintaining the status quo while ignoring the potential of its diverse populace had taken its toll. And, honestly, I had grown weary of fighting Post-Dispatch management, so fraught with fear of extinction that they exchanged journalistic integrity for cozy alliances with powerful political, business and conservative individuals and factions.
The termination, in my view, was a signal to switch courses. Instead of simply writing about our woes, I could explore pioneering ways to empower people of my hue and revitalize stifled and decaying urban neighborhoods.
So here I am, almost a year later with my post-election optimism tempered. Unrealistic expectations – extinguished by an ongoing recession, battles over health care reform, unemployment and two expensive wars – have fueled growing cynicism and frustration. Conservative politicians and pundits have successfully played the race card, attempting to validate paranoid perceptions of Obama as a radical, Islamic socialist intent on bankrupting the country and oppressing whites.
In a so-called “post-racial” world, where opportunistic extremists like Glen Beck, Sarah Palin and delusional members of the Tea Party and “birther” movements are regarded seriously, four more years of an Obama presidency is not guaranteed.
I’m also stunned at the chorus of high-profile black leaders who insist Obama has abandoned black voters. Will these individuals hold themselves accountable if we miss out on this brief moment of innovative possibilities?
Thoroughly impressed with New York’s Harlem Children’s Zone, Obama has challenged cities to come up with comprehensive social-service plans that will help poor children excel in school, break out of inter-generational cycles of poverty and tap into their true potential. Obama plans to help fund these nation-wide “Promise Neighborhoods” initiatives next year.
More than a trillion dollars of Obama’s 2011 budget proposal is dedicated to creating and accessing new, well-paying jobs, affordable homes, modern transportation, healthy food choices and quality schools in depressed urban areas. St. Louis, with its impoverished black population and depressing social indicators, stands to benefit from Obama’s other proposed federal programs, such as the Healthy Food Financing, Choice Neighborhoods, Sustainable Communities and Social Innovation Fund initiatives.
My frustration intensifies as I watch those historically locked out of the system passively stand on the sidelines as established organizations carry out Obama’s urban agenda.
Last month I attended a meeting hosted by local individuals working to draft a St. Louis Children’s Zone effort in our region. Their commitment is inspiring and laudable. However, I couldn’t help but note the inclusion of revised agendas, establishment players and the absence of black political, religious and grass-roots leadership. I hold on to the hope of new energy, new direction and new vision. But I fear another safe, familiar and divisive plan, instead of an agenda that could truly empower long-ignored, disenfranchised urban neighborhoods.
At the time of my termination, I was offered an opportunity to work with a major New York City publishing company. Although I miss interacting with St. Louis readers, I do not regret leaving the Post-Dispatch. As I said, it was time.
Still, I’m haunted by the powerful circumstances that led to my departure and the feeling that I’ve somehow drifted off track. I am no leader. I am a writer and a dreamer who was impacted by Obama’s powerful vision of vibrant, revitalized urban communities.
Thankfully, a year after leaving the Post-Dispatch, I’m still writing. Unfortunately, I’m also still writing about a vision that, at this valuable time, should be much more than a dream.
Sylvester Brown Jr., former publisher of Take Five Magazine and former Post-Dispatch Metro columnist, will discuss “post-racial” priorities, his passions and projects 3-5 p.m. Saturday, February 20 at Afro World Hair & Fashion Company at 7276 Natural Bridge Rd. For more information, call 314- 389-5194.
