‘Monkey see monkey do’ means that one has to look around at what others are doing in order to draw inspiration; compare and contrast. It is depressing and sad that we as people of color have not utilized this natural manner of engaging to emerge and prevail. Neither the native Africa leadership nor the extended cousins of African-Americans present in the world’s most successful nation, are in a position to BAIL the CAT. We do not have mega-corporations for economic/business development but we have mega-churches, because therein lies where we are good copying but not transforming.

God is not a partial creator. Anyone willing to engage themselves must make the sacrifice and quit blaming others, and will get the added blessings of God. Helping oneself is seeking spiritual empowerment and resolve unapologetically never to play second fiddle or catch the rear. Everyone appears ahead except us black folks, yet we are not short on college degrees and its titles.

If we cannot do it here where?

The relationships between blacks be they in Africa, USA or south/central America, is fragile, fragmented and fractured, such that there is no one figure of the race that can command world stage and attract respect. Who speaks for black folks? Not the black clergy, some who constantly demand tithes and preach prosperity for themselves while majority of folks that come to hear the word, earn less than median household income but are encouraged to always GIVE. 

God will not make a special trip to commune with black folks. It is like what Igbos say, one does not leave where there is a great party to attend one where folks are wailing. By proactively engaging one’s mind and hands, one can see the benefits.

Slavery and colonial impacts are EXCUSES and not the REASON. Because of our checkered past, we should have resolved never to let anything or anyone put us asunder, but we are the ones ready and willing to offer our talents and resources to others so we are seen as LOVING but no one LOVES us back. Are we the doormat? Go figure.

Now go take on the day and make something for yourself. One of my Uncles said, one should never ask another to join them for a meal when s/he has not fed themselves properly. Take that further, we are reminded in the case of air plane turbulence, one must secure themselves before a child. The first order of business/survival is self-preservation - Anything else is playing to the GALLERY.

De eje nu!

Ejike Okpa II
Dallas, Texas.