Wednesday, May 29, 2013
What a week. Not only did Chokwe Lumumba come out on top in the Democratic runoff for mayor, but he caused an explosion in racist comments like we haven't seen in these parts in years. Or at least since President Barack Obama was re-elected last fall.
And while many of the ugliest comments were from outside the city limits, we were shocked by race rhetoric from Jackson voters, as well as efforts to tamp down real conversations about race in social media because, some believe, talking about race keeps racism alive.
This, of course, is twisted logic, even when well-meaning. It never works to push people's racist thoughts just below the audible surface and then pretend it's not there. And unity has never been built on denial.
It is vital for our residents to understand that racial understanding only awaits on the other side of uncomfortable, in-depth dialogue. "Unity" is not about blacks and whites deciding to support the same candidate, even if for different reasons, and then proclaiming that unity has been achieved if they are successful. If that was true, Frank Melton would have brought remarkable racial harmony to city hall eight years ago, and there would be no need to discuss race.
But there clearly is a serious need. Some of the comments we saw were remarkably ignorant and illogical. One man, on the JFP Facebook page, equated Mr. Lumumba with former Gov. Ross Barnett. What is remarkable and offensive about that comparison, as Mr. Lumumba points out in an interview with R.L. Nave (see page 7), is that the presumptive mayor has long been an advocate for equal rights of African Americans, and there is no evidence that he has wanted to take away rights of white Mississippians. His past activism may seem radical by today's more integrated standards, but in the wake of the 1970 Jackson State shootings by police officers, there was a certain logic to moving people to a safe space they could call their own.
Agree with that idea then or not, there is simply no comparison between Mr. Lumumba's past activism and that of Barnett--who stood against ending government-enforced Jim Crow segregation against African Americans, against allowing blacks to vote, against integrating the schools, against allowing our friend James Meredith to attend Ole Miss. And, yet, we have a reservoir named after Barnett, and his name appears on a huge green sign hanging above Interstate 55.
This kind of false equivalency is not going to promote unity in our city or state. Neither is pretending that race division no longer exists and ignoring that the biggest challenges in our city directly resulted from past white supremacy.
Yes, we hope and believe that Mr. Lumumba will help have those conversations. But it is not up to him to heal these divisions and cure the willful ignorance about our racist history, which led to groups like the Republican of New Afrika, not the other way around. It is up to the rest of us to ask, listen and engage--and not tell others that they shouldn't have the dialogues. We must.
Comments
justjess 10 years, 11 months ago
Great post!
CliftonWhitley 10 years, 11 months ago
Amen!
js1976 10 years, 11 months ago
What I find remarkably ignorant and illogical is to expect a racist to "unify" the city! Call his actions whatever you like, it was racism until he ran for public office!
So please excuse those of us that refuse to ask, listen, and engage with a man who past portrays anything but unification!
Knowledge06 10 years, 11 months ago
js1976 your thinking appears to be from 1976. It's okay for you not to want to participate in moving Jackson forward. Just don't get in the way!
patjackson 10 years, 11 months ago
js1976 and justjess I agree totally!!! The city of Jackson doesn't need to go backward, it needs to continue to press forward. A man's actions speak for him - past and/or present. Only God can change an individual and when you don't acknowledge Him, He doesn't acknowledge you. Let's truly make a difference on Tuesday...Unity is the only way!!!
js1976 10 years, 11 months ago
Knowledge, regardless of what era my thinking appears to come from, it doesn't change the fact that many others share my same views. If not, why would we even be having this discussion on this thread? Just asking us to overlook his radical past simply is not enough for me!
I still firmly believe that it is ludicrous to believe that a man who's past is questioned by so many stands a chance at doing anything but increasing the divide. So if that's your idea of moving Jackson forward, then I wish you good luck!
donnaladd 10 years, 11 months ago
js1976, what did you http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed...">think of Kirk Fordice? Are you http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/...">familiar with Sen. Chassaniol (of the Senate tourism committee)? http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/...">What about former Sen. Trent Lott? Concerned about their radical connections as well?
js1976 10 years, 11 months ago
Donna, the radical connections of Fordice and Lott are of no concern of mine. Considering they are no longer in office. In regards to Chassaniol, I am not familiar with her. I do see that she has been the guest speaker at the Council of Conservative Citizens convention in the past, and I would agree that affiliations such as this question her ability to lead this state forward.
If you affiliate yourself with a "racist" organization, your are labeling yourself as a "racist" as well! This goes for white politicians too.
donnaladd 10 years, 11 months ago
Did you speak out against them, js1976, as you are Lumumba? How do you feel about Lydia's role in state tourism when she is the honored keynote speaker for the CofCC?
And I'm in no way equating the RNA with those groups. I've seen no evidence, and I've looked, that the RNA was trying to take away the rights of people of other races. Thus, not "racist." Were some of the members bigoted? Perhaps. But it's not the same thing. We must be smarter.
sarahmina 10 years, 11 months ago
I had not seen this kind of race mongering since I left Alabama for high school in California in the late 1960s - woops, EXCEPT for the past presidential election. It was like stepping back in time to the days of George Wallace, Ross Barnett, and more recently, Tea Party fanantics. Even the JFP got into the mix by using incendinary words to describe Mr. Lumumba, like militarnt, their headlines yet knowing they were untrue (even saying so but so far at the bottom of the article, the damage had been done.) . But alas. finally, a thoughtful and commanding piece from the Jackson Free Press. The author got most of it right. Mr Lumumba has been an advocate of equal rights for African Americans, true, but it is also a fact that he has been an advocate for equal rights for "ALL" oppresssed people, regardless of race.. Never the less, it shows a willingness to listen and what seems to be an honest attempt at understanding. More importantly it encourages the unification of the citizens of Jackson on all levels. You even got Donna Ladd coming to the table seemingly without her "all knowing what is best" commentary. She is at least, at the table. As for js1976, reason seems to be out of the question as does a regard for TRUTH/FACTS. If you just want to believe Mr. Lumumba is a racist, nothing anyone says is going to change your mind. That's too bad because it continues to highlight your level of denial and irrational fear. If you can't think outside of your own prejudice and fear to find the truth and can't stay silent either, maybe it would be best that you move some place that is welcoming of intolerance and illogical thought. At least that way, you will not impede our progress.
donnaladd 10 years, 11 months ago
Sarahmina, with the tone of your comments, you're going to have to convince me that you're "at the table." I'm not seeing it, with due respect.
And, thanks, I wrote the editorial this week. I've never pretended to be "all knowing" on race issues; you're hearing what you want to hear. I am willing to have the conversations; and choose to ready, study and think, including from some smart folks on race issues; and as a result have been part of wonderfully fulfilling conversations that taught me tremendous amounts, including mutual respect with others who are trying to do the same thing. I've also learned that it's not good enough for some people, and I'm fine with that. I also try to be compassionate about where that anger comes from, even as I wish it was used more productively.
All I or anyone can do is try very hard and hope that others will join me in that uncertain space.
I also agree on the horrible racemongering around both Obama and Lumumba. But I also know, and have seen, people evolve on who and what they think is "racist," so I will not give up on that front, despite your or other people's disparagement and pessimism. And that goes for people of all races who'd rather me shut up. Ain't happening, so settle in. ;-)
js1976 10 years, 11 months ago
Actually Donna, I didn't speak out against them. Not because of their affiliations, but because of my age. In regards to Lydia, I don't know much about her other than what I briefly read earlier. I did state in my earlier comment that I belive her affiliations with the CofCC raises a valid question about her leadership ability.
I will say this, using the term "bigot" would probably be a better choice of words for any future discussions. However, I do disagree that the RNA was not attempting to take away anyones rights. They were demanding control of LA, MS, AL, GA, and SC. How is that request not an attempt to take away the rights of citizens that resided in those states?
@Sarahmina, whose TRUTH/FACTS do you expect me to believe? Yours, I think not! Your convinced Lumumba is the savior Jackson has been looking for and nothing anyone says will change your mind. So please, don't expect me to change mine!
dorothyt 10 years, 11 months ago
Here we go again... will it never end? Of course the answer to that is "No." The haters will always be with us - but they don't need to get all of the attention (which only seems to encourage them). It seems to me that so many of the (who I call) "Shouters" are the ones that get the most attention, while thoughtful posts, letters to the editor, editorials, etc. such as this JFP editorial "Time to Get Real About Unity", that call for us to work together, coalescing behind our new mayor (whether we voted for him or not), doing our part in moving our city forward, get little attention or even get responses calling them things such as "pie in the sky," "kumbayah," or similar put-downs.
How many of the people who are excoriating Mr. Lumumba have actually met him, or talked with him? It seems to me they are basing their rhetoric on what they have read or others have told them. Some are simply saying it because they want it to be true - because if they found out that Mr. Lumumba is actually wanting to be the mayor of all of the people of Jackson, and is willing to sacrifice and give of his time, talents, and skills to make the city better for ALL of its residents, they (the "shouters") might have to eat their words....and many of those words would taste really terrible.
The truth is, there are many people in this city, people of all races, ages, genders, nationalities, educational backgrounds, income levels, neighborhoods -- all of those "differences" we focus on -- who are ready and willing to work TOGETHER. I'm thinking particularly about Working Together Jackson (WTJ) (www.workingtogetherjackson.org) but there are others as well.
There's enough work to be done to engage everyone - if you have "a mind to work" - as members of WTJ say. It's time to put all the junk talk aside, and put your hands and feet, your hearts and brains, where your mouth is - and work beside your neighbors to build this community.
Mayor Johnson, in his State of the City address earlier this week called for all of us to "Stand up for Jackson!" We need to take that challenge. I for one, will be showing my gratitude to Mayor Johnson when I do so, and after the election on June 4th, will continue to "Stand up for Jackson alongside my neighbors and all of our elected officials to show what we are capable of doing when we all work together with a common purpose.
donnaladd 10 years, 11 months ago
You don't seem to know much about Lumumba and the RNA, either, js1976, and that happened long before Fordice and Lott played footsy with radicals. That' didn't stop you that.
I agree that there is a difference between "racist" and "bigot," but bear in mind that there isn't real good evidence yet that Lumumba is a bigot, either. You might consider just skipping the assumptions and name-calling and be specific about what you're concerned about, which is what we've done with all the candidates.
Lindahelen 10 years, 11 months ago
"the presumptive mayor has long been an advocate for equal rights of African Americans, and there is no evidence that he has wanted to take away rights of white Mississippians."
I think there is some confusion in the white community that 'equal rights for African Americans' somehow translates as 'loss of rights for white Americans' and thereby the cries of 'racism' arise.
I get the impression that Mr. Lumumba wants to lift up the African American community--but so far nothing I've read states explicitly that he wants to do so by 'pulling down' the white citizens of Jackson and the surrounding metropolitan area. The first does not necessarily imply the second.
Some of his ideas--urban farms was the first to catch my attention--have worked to great success in other parts of the country and wouldn't raise any eyebrows in say, Seattle. Rainbow Whole Foods and Tougaloo College have created a successful community garden project and several of our elementary schools have applied this concept as a way to educate our kids about healthy eating habits--I don't see any reason at all why this concept can't be expanded, to the benefit of both the city overall and the more economically challenged wards where 'food deserts' are a daily reality.
Here's a challenge to the restaurant owners of our city (particularly those who worked on Jonathan Lee's campaign--you know who you are): get behind the creation of city-sponsored community gardens with a commitment to purchasing a percentage of the fresh produce grown there for use in your restaurants. Citizens in each ward can either pay a co-op fee or log a certain number of hours of work at the garden and in return receive a weekly box of fresh vegetables during the season. And how about the local community colleges (those with landscaping design/agricultural programs) joining in by assisting with design & maintenance? Or a home economics class teaching canning? After all, in our climate, we have a long growing season and abundant rain--good growing conditions for lots of plants other than just lawn grasses. Eliminating food uncertainty is a critical step towards addressing the problems of poverty, which is the root cause of most crime.
The above paragraph is just one example of how I actively looked for common ground with Mr. Lumumba's platform--and found it. I urge others who might be less than enthusiastic about his impending stint as Mayor to do the same. You might be surprised how much common ground actually exists when you start searching for it with an open mind.
js1976 10 years, 11 months ago
Donna, Fordice and Lott no longer hold public office! So I don't understand why you keep bringing them up. Let Fordice rise from the grave and run for Govenor again, then we can hold a discussion about his affiliations. Until then, they are irrelevant.
In regards to the RNA, what have I stated that wasn't factual?
donnaladd 10 years, 11 months ago
Easy answer, js1976. The same people, if not you, who are yelling the loudest about Lumumba being a "racist" for his associations with radical groups didn't exactly make the same noise about those men. And the senator darling of the Council of Conservative Citizens is still in office.
And, no, history and consistency are never irrelevant.
As for the RNA, you said it was a "racist" organization. My point is that I haven't seen evidence of that. You can consider it a radical or even separatist organization, but the racism part is unsupported. They weren't trying to deny rights to people of another race, and there is certainly no evidence that Lumumba has tried to do that, either, that we've seen.
Words matter. And calling someone or a group "racist" doesn't make it true. You could call me purple, but I'm not, so you would also be wrong about that.
js1976 10 years, 11 months ago
Donna, most teenagers could care less about politics! I wasn't even old enough to vote when Fordice was elected. As far as the senator "darling", write an article about her in the JFP and I'll comment on it. I've already given my opinion about your "darling" senator, so I don't know what else you expect me to say!
As far as the RNA not being a racist organization, our perceptions differ drastically!
donnaladd 10 years, 11 months ago
We've written several articles about her in the JFP, js1976, and I've linked to them.
You still have not explained why you think the RNA is a "racist" organization. That word means something; show us it applies here.
js1976 10 years, 11 months ago
Donna, I have stated my opinion of Chassaniol. I repeat "I do see that she has been the guest speaker at the Council of Conservative Citizens convention in the past, and I would agree that affiliations such as this question her ability to lead this state forward."
In regards to the word "racist" and how it applies lets look at one of the many definitions of racism. Hatred or intolerance of another race or other races. One does not have to discriminate against another to be considered a racist, but mearly the hatred of another race. That would be why I will continue to state the the RNA is "racist".
Scott1962 10 years, 6 months ago
I've noticed that rather than try to defend Obama anymore many of his supporters will instead point to something Bush Lite did while he was in office that was similar to whatever negative mark Obama has made for himself. Does that validate his being wrong simply because Bush was wrong? Is it ok to justify stupidity by finding the worst possible example and holding it up as the bar? No it isn't. The only outcome of that argument is that we've had two presidents in a row capable of making stupid decisions and nothing else. Likewise it appears the man raises a valid point that rather than lending examples of why he/she is wrong.... you instead run back into the past (your favorite place to live in) and drag out the best bad examples you can to hold up as your argument. What the hell does Kirk Fordice have to do with Lumumba? Your intention is to frame 1976 as a hypocrite which is an area I really think you should stay far away from princess. And let me give you an example before you ask. Several months ago I read a column you wrote about the mean ole GOP and how they sell fear. That's all they have you said and anyone who sells fear is empty blah blah blah. Then I went over a few pages to another column of yours that started out "Be scared.... be very, very scared" on the subject of abortions or something I forget exactly what. I think what the man is saying is that his past could easily lead one to believe he is the worst kind of racist and a whole room full of ghosts won't change that.
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