What did we learn at the CBC Foundation conference?
theGRIO REPORT - Amid the mix of authors, vendors, elected officials and hundreds of participants who attended policy forums and community-building sessions, the husband and father took time to ponder a question that seemed on the minds of many in this largely African-American, upwardly mobile crowd: how's black America doing these days?..
Stephanie P. Jefferson, a communications expert, said while many African-Americans are focused on financial concerns and issues like health care, she’s concerned that black America is facing “a spiritual crisis.”
“America is collectively dishonoring the God of this universe and we [blacks] have become embedded with all the rest,” she sighed. “Faith and family used to be our foundation. But if you’re not in tune morally, things will not go well. We’re seeing the some of that now.”
Jacqueline Glover, 39, an architectural engineer and native of South Carolina, said that black America must push harder to galvanize its intellectual, economic and other resources.
“I think we should get better organized and fight smarter when it comes to injustices,” she said, while standing in the exhibition hall surrounded by dozens of vendors who showcased art, books, jewelry, apparel and other wares.
“I’d like to see us doing boycotts and protests anytime there’s legislation that affects us, such as voting rights.”
Glover, a construction manager in D.C., believes black America has made strides in industry, for instance. She cites the ability of black-owned firms to bid for and receive lucrative contracts.
“More companies are being proactive in terms of working with minorities,” said Glover, who belongs to the National Association of Black Women in Construction. “But there’s room for improvement. A lot of resources are available, but I’m not sure we’re fully tapping into them businesswise or community-wise.”
Carlos A. Watson was hard to miss at the conference. The educator brought a large group of young black males from Brooklyn to the conference. The excitement of the young men was palpable as they attended forums, shook hands with elected officials, and enjoyed off-site excursions to Howard University and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial statue.
“We focus on young black males from the inner city,” said Watson, founder and executive director of African People Exalting, Inc., known as APEX. “We prepare them with manhood training and HBCU college tours.”
Walton, who kept the young men engaged along with teacher Brian Favors, said hundreds of youth have benefited from the mentoring and leadership training. Yet he admitted there have been struggles at times to gain support for his mission.
“People need to get out of the way. There are celebrities and others in our community who have power, money and they refuse to help. Or they’ll say one thing in front of the cameras and then don’t follow through. And that’s more damaging than good, when we’re trying to do positive things in the lives of young men.”
That sentiment—uplifting the community—was echoed by guests at a festive affair hosted by Essence Communications on Friday night at the International Trade Center.
The 5th annual Evening of Excellence honored influential advocates of change and trailblazers, with a focus on armed services and entrepreneurship. This year’s honorees included Sherri Shepherd, Emmy Award-winning co-host of the The View, and Major General Nadja West. This past spring, West became not only the Army Medicine’s first black, female two-star general, but also the first in the entire active Army.
The coveted invitation-only event, in partnership with Southern Company, Perennial Strategy Group and Google, also featured a lively performance by Bell Biv DeVoe, plus an after party.
Vanessa K. Bush, editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, said the publication was “proud” to recognize this year’s honorees who are doing stellar work and making a huge impact both within their hometowns and the African-American community at large.
“Their incredible stories are aligned with what we highlight in the magazine each month—individuals who are selfless and totally committed to making a difference wherever they are. These are heroes who are uplifting our community.”
