The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ)

Blacks do not need selfappoin­ted leaders

- L.A. Parker Columnist L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.

Rev. Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse Jackson receive identifica­tion as black leaders.

Both men rank as prominent subject matter, especially when some Caucasians express dismay about civil rights, Black pride, and other African American pursuits.

Still, a connection of Jackson and Sharpton to the Black Lives Matter movement seriously misfires, especially considerin­g that three American minority women cultivated BLM action.

Not certain when either Sharpton or Jackson entered into the realm of black leadership and wonder exists why our ethnic group requires such frontmen.

Black people own diverse ideas about numerous issues. No need to treat us like black sheep.

Jackson and Sharpton rank significan­tly less important than Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Malcolm X, even Marcus Garvey, in both African American and U.S. history.

Perhaps it’s because they’re living that Sharpton and Jackson receive mention as racist, revolution­aries or black leaders.

Social strategies, ideas and insights about justice and racial equality offered by Malcolm X and Dr. King have remained worthy ideals more than 50 years after their abrupt life endings.

While their agendas seemed decidedly pro-Afro American, both men understood the impact of systemic poverty and issues pertaining to poor people.

Plus, they offered cogent insights about U.S. problems and solutions. Their wisdom moves Black Lives Matter opponents to opt for disses pertaining to Jackson and Sharpton.

Interestin­gly, Caucasians never seem in need of being directed or needing a leader.

No one references New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy as a white leader as his government platforms support equality, racial justice and opportunit­y.

Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora receives identifica­tion as the “first openly gay” person to hold the municipal position but most other published articles and notificati­ons avoid his whiteness, even his Italian heritage.

One could argue that President Donald Trump exists as their man, a white leader heading a charge to Make America Great Again.

One significan­t aspect of Trump’s impact on U.S. lives involves the exposure of extraordin­ary racism, discrimina­tion and bigotry that remains rooted in our society.

Of course, this recognitio­n hardly indicts all Caucasians as millions push back against a Trump agenda. Plus, many minority citizens enjoy opportunit­ies and successes that represent positive aspects of U.S. life.

These United States produce myriad outcomes — good, bad and ugly stuff.

If needing a leader connects to struggle, then one would expect that Jews identify a leader as antiSemiti­sm rampages through U.S. landscapes.

And Latinos? Do they require a leader during these days of DACA fights, ICE raids and almost no movement on immigratio­n reform?

Not really. If government leaders understand issues then their actions can offer positive change such as a new opportunit­y for immigrants without legal status to obtain profession­al and occupation­al licenses in New Jersey.

Gov. Murphy signed driving bill into law on Tuesday.

“Very simply, this eliminates a roadblock. There have been many that have been put up against our immigrant families and communitie­s, against our Dreamers, and this is yet another one that will be removed,” Murphy said.

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 ?? ARINDAMBAN­ERJEE // SHUTTERSTO­CK ?? A movement representi­ng freedom, liberation, and justice, Black Lives Matter has been the center of the racial movement in recent years. The hashtag was founded in 2013 after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin; three Black women took to social media, and a movement began. The organizati­on has multiple chapters around the world, resources, programs, and more.
ARINDAMBAN­ERJEE // SHUTTERSTO­CK A movement representi­ng freedom, liberation, and justice, Black Lives Matter has been the center of the racial movement in recent years. The hashtag was founded in 2013 after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin; three Black women took to social media, and a movement began. The organizati­on has multiple chapters around the world, resources, programs, and more.
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