As the Kansas legislature draws to an end, Black Kansans should have
no doubt that any of those issues that concern them or directly
affect their livilyhood in the state was addressed.
Nothing addresses the over-representation of us in poverty,
incarcerated, unemployed, disparate in government funded contracting,
or even education was directly tied to legislation or the budget.
Yet, we will continue to side with partisanship over substance! I am
asked to support democrats whom delivered little to nothing for Black
Kansas. Come to think of it, I can't think of much they have
delivered of substance over the last 10 years. Since republicans
traditionally ignore Black folks all together in Kansas as it relates
to their legislation, I am not shocked, but the furor over voting
democrat; as if they are delivering something amazes me.
Have Black folks lowered themselves so low as to accept token lip
service over substantive action? That we truly believe one party is
more progressive over the other, even though that party can't show
one thing that has made our future looker better than ever due to
their leadership?
It is sad how we have organizations and so-called in the state that
lack the backbone to demand state legislation that would be
meaningful to a long-forgotten Black Kansas. That our most important
battle is on racial profiling which has nothing to do with putting
food on the table, jobs in our midst and opportunity within our
reach. We allow 28 percent of Black women to comprise the welfare
rolls while they only constitute less than 3 percent of the state
population. We say nothing; do nothing to force our legislative and
community leaders to address the fact that over 34 percent of Black
men languish in Kansas prisons although they represent less than 3
percent of the state population. We make no fuss over the state
buying millions in products and services but only doing thousands of
dollars of business with Black businesses. If an alien came to the
planet and observed all this they would have to contend Black folks
don't have it together and lack the backbone, courage and willpower
to take tactical responsibility for their future.
The day is over whereas Black folks should want; or accept a Black
face in office merely for the sake of saying we have one. The time is
long overdue that Black Kansans become vocal to leaders in the state
(regardless of race) and demand they take our issues; not as a
minority, but as a people to heart and prove they don't only live to
perpetuate opportunities for those that look like them.
We have been hoodwinked and bamboozled into thinking prayer, lip
service and rhetoric will deliver us to the worldly opportunities
everyone else takes note of and enjoy.
Back in the day, if one was called a weakling on the playground, they
would be fighting words, but being seen as a weakling today is merely
brushed off with kitchen room gossip and a patented excuse. It seems
that until 90 percent of sisters are on welfare and 60 percent of
Black men are in prison, and 70 percent of Black youth are
unemployed, uneducated, and selling dope to their own peoples will we
begin to maybe open our eyes and see it is 'we' who are responsible
for our livilyhood; and not others.
