REMEMBRANCE OF THIS MUCH MALIGN FREEDOM FIGHTER

 Damien Amari Jackson wrote an informative piece on this man whom many of us who were human rights activists in the 60's and 70's reverently referred to as Patrice Lumumba.  He was an instrumental leader and freedom fighter in the Congo assassinated by foreign interlopers and his  fellow countrymen on January 1, 1961.  He was and still is by many, relegated to that Pantheon of Freedom Loving Warriors. The dynamics of that period continue to persist and lend to the current conflicts which have wreaked havoc and devastation in that country.  Mr. Jackson has begun the process of recalling for many of us and introducing to others the significance of this man and how his country needs more people of this caliber to gain control of their own destiny. Those who would like to know more about the genesis and on-going exploitation and violence so rampant in The Congo should begin by reading this article on Mr. Lumumba.

However, don't stop there for there is a wealth of information on this topic and varying points of view on the subject.  Read the pros and cons and decide for yourself as to how you want to view the legacy of this man and his country. 

 

PRESIDENT OBAMA IN THE LION'S DEN

President Obama

  It was a sight to behold and as I sat mesmerized by this young and highly thoughtful leader of the free world; my perspectives on other well known fearless folks were revisited. Yes I went all the way back to the stories I heard over and over again in Sunday School and church about Daniel.  The faith and the courage he must have had to draw on to even endure such an event.

Ida B. Wells, Frederick Douglas, John Brown, Nat Turner, Eleanor Roosevelt, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Fannie Lou Hammer and the list goes on and on.  You may also have your list of heroes and "sheroes"...so I won't be self-indulgent by going on about mine.  The point is well taken..I'm sure.  Yet, how does one face their accusers with such grace, determination, facts, wit and yes that worn out word conviction. I must admit of late...YES WE CAN had become well why didn't we? And YES WE DID became NO we didn't!!!

It was clear by the facial expressions of the GOP leaders that they were amazed and still weren't quite sure of  what just happened here.  Begrudging respect and admiration were on a few faces as the President waved good-bye after giving them "a come to Jesus talk" and setting rather than throwing down the gauntlet.  It was either be a part of the solution or remain the problem, however, I've got a job to do and a mandate from the people which I plan to execute.  After all the grief he's had to endure with this group, he even took their manifesto of "perceived solutions" to read and assess.  Given this President's ability to listen and consider opposing points of view; they are receiving more consideration than they've been willing to give in the past. One thinks of toddlers who can't get their way so they hold their breath and turn red or ashen with anger and frustration refusing to budge although the options they're given just may provide some relief.

I believe that I will ride this one out with the President and see what the end will bring.  He's reminded  me of something that as I grow older find harder to tolerate.  That is to suffer "fools" with logic, facts, wit, determination and most of all solution strategies. Professor Melissa Harris-Lacewell also addresses this in her post on the The Nation .

The Exceptionalism of President Obama

Reid Spoke the Awful Truth about Obama's Racial Exceptionalism

Percy Sutton Interview

Percy Sutton Indepth Interview on Various Topics

THE PERCY SUTTON LEGACY: 1920-2009.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFdBJfnjMLg&feature=related

 My introduction to Percy Sutton was as a young woman during the mid-sixties, who was intrigued by that phenomenal individual Malcolm X also known as El Hajj-Malik-El-Shabazz.  Mr. Sutton at that time was an attorney and friend who stood with Malcolm during the dismal period that preceded his assassination and afterward supported his wife and children for many years.  His position to do so was not an easy one to make given the tumult of that period and Malcolm's controversial stances.  There was civil unrest in the north and south, Viet Nam protests, the women's movement and infiltration of progressive groups by government agencies.

This erudite gentleman who wore his genius and intellect well with a humility that sustained many years of mentorship and service to those who were marginalized by society has been lauded in many news outlets. http://www.visionaryproject.org/suttonpercy/
During his retirement years, Mr. Sutton continued to protest injustices.  I'm fond of an image of him in line protesting with that twinkle and resolve exuding from his eyes.  He was clearly a man who believed that it isn't over until it's over and only the acceleration of the aging process could impede his ability to do what he loved which is to fight for the rights of others to help ensure a just and equitable society.

Rev. Al Sharpton gave a moving tribute to Mr. Sutton citing that he hasn't died.....his legacy lives on and we as people of conscience must continue to struggle for all those principles and values he fought for in a valiant manner. He too, spoke of that light in Mr. Sutton's eyes when visiting him at the nursing home just before his death.

Attallah Shabazz the eldest of Malcolm X's daughters, spoke at the funeral and related the close relationship between her father and Mr. Sutton and how he had been an anchor during the stormy years after her father's death.  She was visibly shaken and asserted that "I will aim to be a symbol in your majesty by any means necessary".

While viewing parts of the funeral, I thought of the many heroes and "sheroes" who've made a significant impact on my life. They've shaped how I view the world and struggle for equality and economic parity for those marginalized by not only our society but on a global scale. The Honorable Percy Sutton is now a part of  that celestial Pantheon of Humanitarians.