In the midst of Barack Obama’s election, many political pundits and so called black leaders have posed the question as to whether or not Obama is “black enough?” Yes, in the simplest sense, Obama is biracial because his mother was white and father was black..  But, Obama’s skin is brown, and but for his popularity and the scrutiny of his background due to running for president, most Americans—and particularly black Americans—would not even be entertaining such an intellectually unscrupulous question.  Not only is the question inappropriate, it is an abstraction—an illusion of intellectual smoke and mirrors or slight of hand—that can never be answered or refuted. 

Once upon a time, whites were trying to make sure that people with but a drop of black blood were designated as black, and blacks accepted these multiracial persons into their community.  Now, ironically, in Obama’s case, blacks are questioning whether or not he is black enough while some whites, like Rush Limbaugh, sarcastically and disparagingly ask the same question.  But I have digressed, because this question of “black enough?” is not about Barack Obama, per se, it pertains to the many blacks who do not cotton to America’s notions of “blackness.”

So what is being black enough?  Is it based upon complexion?  Is it a question of heredity and genealogy, or culture and experience?  I have been mistaken for being Hispanic, Hawaiian, biracial, and even have been told that I looked like certain Arab terrorists, so I suspect that one’s physical characteristics alone do not make someone black enough.  Moreover, in many respects, it makes me realize how ethnic classifications based on colors are misguided anyway.  Black America, in particular, not only consists of people with many variants of complexions, black culture consists of peoples whose racial heritage is a product and blend of the realities of the sexual impropriety by mainly white men and their rape of black women during slavery.  And due to Eurocentric whites, with their own mixed cultural make-up, trading blacks from hand to hand (and all that came with it), it is not a stretch to realize that many blacks are technically biracial.

So, again, what is “black enough?” My skin is brown, and this makes me subject to the same racism that any other black person in America has faced.  There are areas where I can’t walk without being stopped by the police.  There are still “sundown towns” that I would be loath to be caught in after dark.  If I were buying property, there are neighborhoods that I would be redlined out of by realtors because of my skin color.  In New York City, there are still the shops that would deny me entrance and cabbies that would refuse to stop for me because I am black.  There are still the banks that give me higher interest rates on loans than my white counterparts (if they would give me a loan at all) notwithstanding equal credit scores and financial status.  I would be turned down for certain positions at certain corporations just like any other qualified black man!  And the list goes on and on.  Indeed, what is being “black?” Likewise, what is “acting white?”  There is not a manual that says all black people are supposed to have the same tastes when it comes to clothes, food, music, or anything else.  Am I not black because I can appreciate Vivaldi or Mozart as well as James Brown or Public Enemy?  Does my preference for white zinfandel over a forty ounce malt liquor make me less black?  Does my respect for education, learning and knowledge mean that I am “acting white?”  Do I lose some of my blackness because I enjoy listening to some country music and watching a little NASCAR?  Notwithstanding my personal likes and dislikes, I am still black!  Though I can appreciate things about American culture that appear to be characteristically white, I also appreciate my black culture, history and heritage, as can be attested by my writings and concerns.  In spite of trying to experience many different things that life has to offer, outside of what some might consider African American cultural constraints, I have been labeled a black radical, militant, and even a racist at different times in my life.  So am I “black enough” for the most part, or “acting white” just a little too much?  This whole notion of trying to define blacks by misguided perceptions and stereotypes fueled by an uneven media is ignorant and/or disingenuous.   

Isn’t it funny how Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson accused Oprah Winfrey of being an Oreo (black on the outside, and white on the inside)?  Now everyone has a right to their opinions, but who is 50 Cent to question Oprah’s blackness?  They both came up under difficult circumstances and overcame their troubled childhoods to gain a measure of success.  Of course Oprah wasn’t a crack dealer dealing out death and destruction upon her own black community.  50 cent starred in Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, a movie that arguably glorified gang life and moral decadence, and Oprah starred in The Color Purple, a portrayal of the strength of black women in the midst of racial and gender inequality.

Like Oprah, 50 Cent has given charity to his black community, but he still continues to rap about debauchery and “thug” life, which arguably has a profound impact upon impressionable young black minds.  In 50 Cent’s defense, the Oprah Winfrey Show may not depict the struggles of black folk to the degree and amount that many black people would like, but Oprah does have some shows that deal with many social and economic issues that concern the black community.  But, just because she has shows dealing with worldwide issues on a whole does not make her any less black. Oprah Winfrey will go down as one of the greatest black women in history—revered by blacks, whites, and all other peoples of the earth?  Will the same be said of Curtis Jackson? 

All in all, “blackness” is undoubtedly in the mind of the beholder.  The next time that you are questioning whether or not someone is “black enough,” consider that they may be asking the same about you.  This is purely hypothetical, but perhaps Malcolm X asked whether Martin Luther King was “black enough,” when King was preaching nonviolence. Maybe W.E.B. Dubois questioned the “blackness” of Booker T. Washington when Washington gave his address at the Atlanta Exposition. Though these men may have had philosophical differences on how to empower blacks, one thing that they all had in common was appreciation for their heritage, the desire to take part in the ongoing struggle for freedom, respect for hard work and education, and a strong desire to unify and edify the black community’s social and economic status in an unequal America.   Their lives eptomize the fact that individuals can succeed at using different methods to help blacks in their struggle for equality, and this truth really makes the question of whether or not someone is “black enough” meaningless.

Some people are trying to question whether or not blacks should be using the term “black” when it comes to naming or labeling things or events that have their origins in black culture. One example is the Indiana Black Expo which is a celebration that encompasses all kinds of events, programs, entertainment, etc. that promote “social and economic advancement of African Americans” according to their web site. Today, many have begun to refer to this expo as Summer Celebration because of questions about whether or not people of all ethnicities would feel welcome at this multi-day event that uses the term “black” in its name.

I believe that there is nothing wrong with labeling an event as “black” when it comes to an African American cultural event in today’s America—an America where racism and the effects of racism pervade every facet of life for blacks, and other disadvantaged ethnic minorities. In a perfect world, America would truly be a land of equal opportunity for every man, woman, and child regardless of their ethnicity. But the world is far from perfect, and America is still suffering from a history of exploitation and slavery, and that history is reflected within the institutional racism that is entrenched in American culture.

So, those who would question the se of the term “black” when it pertains to those things that are African American are being a bit too sensitive and hyper-political in their intellectually dishonest pursuit of political correctness. It kind of reminds me of the time when I was student at the University of Georgia back in the 1980s. Black Students were fighting for the right to have a black cultural center on campus. In the midst of the debate, a white student wrote a letter to the student newspaper about how blacks did not need a black cultural center, and that blacks already had their own organizations, holidays and months. He spoke of resentment and had the audacity to ask, “What about a White Cultural Center.?” Now, I thought about it, but I just couldn’t bring myself to allow such raw ignorance to bounce around in the skulls of my fellow white students, so I decided to respond with a letter of my own. I basically responded that there was no need for a White Cultural Center because the whole university, with its antebellum structures named after white southerners, was the epitome of a white cultural center. I let him, and those with like mind, know that I resented the fact that every time that blacks attempt to highlight the rich history and heritage of African American culture—and the part that it plays within an American culture that seems to place white, Eurocentric values on a pedestal—whites feel the need to come up with reasons to further belittle the profound part that blacks have played in making America the powerful nation that it is today. Moreover, I continued by informing him that if blacks have their “own” organizations, and celebrations per se, it is because whites still fail to include blacks within their organizations. I also told him that black history should be taught every month, and not just in February during Black History Month (which is a result of whites’ failure to genuinely and comprehensively include black history within American history). In short, I had to be real with my white counterpart who had lost sight of reality, even though it was staring him in the face everyday. A white cultural center? Indeed!

So, as a black man, I make no apologies for assigning the term “black” to an event that emphasizes the richness of African American culture, and places the advancement of black social and economic progress in the forefront of the minds of not only African Americans, but all Americans. And, in my estimation, the same whites that are reluctant to attend the Indiana Black Expo because of the name, are not going to attend an event that is sponsored by African Americans even if the term “black” is taken out altogether. Moreover, for those who ask if I would take part in a white expo, I will let them know that every black American that has ever lived has attended a white expo because white culture is the dominant culture within all facets of America. And, furthermore, if the tables were turned, then there would be no need for blacks to label anything “black.”

I can’t put my finger on it, but there seems to be something perverse and inherently wrong with denying “blackness” in the midst of overwhelming whiteness, when the powerful whiteness exists because of the oppression of the “blackness.” Moreover, America would probably benefit and prosper exponentially if we would learn to strive for the color grey. And this will only happen if blacks are given equal social and economic, as well as political opportunities.

Sometimes I feel like the terms “black” and “white” are pretty odd.  This became especially poignant when my son was a pre-schooler.  He had learned all his colors and began to challenge me when I would refer to this person as black and another as white.  He would immediately point out something that was clearly black, like my computer, and say “This is black.”  Likewise, he would pick up his notebook paper and say “This is white.” He is nine now, and though he’s “figuring out” the racial differences, I still believe that in his innocence and naivete, he still sees the distinction as “crazy.”

So what of us adults?  Are we so jaundiced by our history and experiences that we have really been duped into believing one great, big lie?  Don’t get me wrong! Due to cultural and historical contexts and restraints, I consider myself a black American.  It’s not only convenient, but it’s a way to identify with a group of people whose heritage and culture is like mine.  I take pride in my “blackness.” But, being that I obviously have a mixture of different ethnicities in my bloodlines—complete with a Scotch-Irish name—why do I have to accept being labeled as a color?  What about “blaucasian,” or “blindian”?  What about an “X-man”? How about plain old “whack?”  Of course I am being facetious, but do you understand the point?

Perhaps color, in reference to labeling people, is a misnomer.  It not only allows black americans to divide themselves into different shades, it has allowed Americans to divide their nation.

I just saw Hotel Rwanda for the very first time, and it was very enlightening, thought provoking, and disturbing.

To think that Belgians were in many ways the fomentors of the divisions by deliniating the Rwandan people by height and nose width, and then the Rwandans just ran with this distinction is incredulous. But it happened. Of course there are other supposed differences from what I have gathered online, but there are truly no meaningful distinctions. It seems to me to be similar to how the slave masters made differences between the house slaves and the field slaves in this country, and now—in our ignorance and stupidity—we have perpetuated divisions between light-skinned and dark-skinned blacks.

It seems to me that the extremeist Hutu groups that started the genocide against the Tutsis (and supposed Hutu Tutsi sympathizers) couldn’t even tell who was Tutsi and Hutu without looking at their ID. It’s crazy. Many of them intermarried anyway, so what was the real difference? The genocide, when you get right down to the basics, was ultimately based on how whites originally decided to split the people up. And the blacks fell for it. Unfricenbelievable! And then, decades later the powers that be (i.e. the whites[not all of them]) stood by while the genocide took place. Man, oh man! This is too much.

Blacks, the world over, need to stop separating themselves, disriminating against one another, and killing each other over tribal, racial, cultural, and ethnic differences, because all of us “don’t fall too far from the tree,” if our actions are any indication.

Edwards. Obama. Edwards. Obama. Edwards…Who am I kidding? Obama is my man! Barack Obama is intelligent, analytical, seasoned, practical, and likeable. And more importantly, Obama has a perspective that John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and other candidates can never have, because Obama had to overcome obstacles as a black man in America that the other candidates never had to face. This makes Obama generally tougher, smarter, and more genuinely empathetic as it pertains to Americans’ struggles in their pursuit of the “American Dream.”

Obama seems like the kind of man that understands and appreciates the fact that America is at a historical crossroads. America can continue to bankrupt itself by allowing the rich and powerful to deceive the masses into supporting policies that are weakening America at its core, or America can strengthen itself immeasurably by supporting and truly embracing the humanity that is embedded within our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the Christian spirit upon which America’s laws are based. He understands that people in this country have ideological differences that have ultimately weakened our socio-economic standing in the world. He understands that the politricks of the Republicans have led a large portion of America to support positions that not only bankrupt the dreams and/or pocketbooks of the “little man” in America, but have also duped these same Americans into supporting an ill-advised war in Iraq that has severely weakened our social and moral standing in the world.

I believe that Obama Knows that race has been manipulated—much like a blacksmith forms a piece of steel into a sword—and used negatively in the hands of the GOP, like the in the case of Willie Horton. But he is slick enough to do some political jiu jitsu to turn his blackness—not only of skin, but in experience—into a positive that should be appreciated and respected. Because of his experience as a true African American, he can appreciate the struggles, concerns and desires of all Americans, not just the rich, white men in their ivory towers. Moreover, Obama knows that the America’s future is literally dependent upon whether or not we improve the quality of education and make sure that this quality education can be accessed by all children of America regardless of race, gender, or economic position. But, his belief about education is just one example of Obama’s human understanding. Just like any other sane-minded American, he realizes that basic healthcare should be available and beneficial to all people; that it is pure lunacy to put off investing in more efficient energy sources that will free America from her dependence upon nations that don’t have America’s best interests at heart; and, that supporting fathers who are trying to improve the lives and conditions of their families is extremely important to the wellbeing of our nation. Obama’s issues are America’s issues. See for yourself at barackobama.com.  

Even though Obama is the perfect candidate to address issues that are relevant to all Americans, many whites will ignorantly and blindly refuse to get on Obama’s bandwagon because he is black. This is the legacy of racism that bewitches America’s ability to live up to its position as the beacon of freedom and liberty. But why many blacks won’t support Obama’s candidacy is a mystery. Some blacks who took part in the civil rights movement are suggesting that Obama isn’t black enough, or that he hasn’t truly addressed the concerns of the black community. Their position is somewhat overly critical—if not hypocritical. The civil rights movement was all about giving blacks equal opportunity under the law. And, now that a black man has the best opportunity in history to actually win the presidency—especially at this time when the world believes that America has lost touch when it comes to behaving responsibly due to overreaching foreign policy (as in the case of Iraq, Iran and Korea), and under-reaching domestic policy (like the case of Hurricane Katrina)—they want to disparage his efforts because he hasn’t tapped to the tune that they are singing. It’s not like Obama hasn’t done anything. According to his web site, “Barack put law school and corporate life on hold after college and moved to Chicago in 1985, where he became a community organizer with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment. The group had some success, but Barack had come to realize that in order to truly improve the lives of people in that community and other communities, it would take not just a change at the local level, but a change in our laws and in our politics. He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard in 1991, where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Soon after, he returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law.” But, still some black leaders in America attempt to question Obama’s legitimacy as a black man, and leader, because he hasn’t catered to their view of “race politics.” The fact that he isn’t one of them is probably a plus. It reminds me of Luke chapter 9, in verses 46 to 48, when the Apostles asked Jesus about who was the greatest among them. Jesus replied, ” For he who is least among you all” he is the greatest.” Jesus followed it up in verses 49 and 50:

[49]”Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”[50]”Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

The truth is, whether or not many within the old guard of the civil rights movement want to admit it, the state and health of the black community has been on the decline since the Reagan years, and there hasn’t really been one black leader who has been able to stem the tide by making those in power understand that a healthy and prosperous black community is paramount to the success of the future of America. Obama is a leader of men that can help all people understand that the economic plight of low and middle income communities, with all of its social implications, will either be the savior or the downfall of America’s future leadership in the global marketplace. In this day and age, where some want to pretend that racial disparities don’t exist, Obama’s way of addressing the concerns of the “little man,” and not wearing his race on his sleeve, may be the best way to not only address the agenda of the black man in America, but all men in America. So, it would be politically correct and expedient from a black perspective if these black “leaders” would support this black leader. I guess that if he had catered to the media circus of high profile white-black, racial incidents as opposed to attempting to address the common sense concerns of all people of color many of the hypocrites would have been happier. I guess that their understanding, and sense, of history tells them that it is better for them to support a white person who may have some empathy, but really does not know what it is to be black in this country. Or perhaps, they are just too afraid to let their past marches, sit-ins, and other activism actually achieve a great victory in the form of an Obama nomination. Or, perhaps a successful Obama has catered to their underlying crab-in-the-barrel mentality. This is a symbolic, profound and poignant moment in America. The world is watching, and history will be an unforgiving critic of a “great” nation that continued to press in the wrong direction, even though the road to true greatness begins with a simple and easy, yet bold step in the form of genuine support for Obama. Not only do black leaders and other black people need to fall in line, all Americans who truly want what is best for this country will follow Obama.

Obama’s issues are colorblind, as well they should be. In my estimation, Obama is being smart by addressing the concerns of not only his people, but all people. Isn’t this what we want for our country? Don’t you ultimately want your offspring to live in a country that judges people “by the content of their character, and not the color of their skin,” as Dr. Martin Luther King envisioned? This should be the goal of all Americans. This is one black man who will stand by Obama’s side, and not make hollow arguments as to why Obama can’t or shouldn’t lead this nation. Obama is a true visionary whose beliefs transcend race and politricks. If given the chance, he will lead this nation, and the world, in a direction that benefits humanity.