Inciting the Divide Amongst Black Political Figures

Tuesday May 1, 2007 – By Collier Lunn

One of the most diverse groups in the United States, the African American community is complex, culturally rich and at times, clearly divided on key issues. While many social, economic and political concerns in the Black community are generally agreed upon, most of them go unresolved due to great differences of opinion and preconditioned attitudes from a time when separation was created by willful design.

One of the most recent events rendering truth to this is the current controversy surrounding Rev. Al Sharpton and Sen. Barack Obama.

An article in a recent New York Post suggests Rev. Sharpton is neither impressed nor eager to support Sen. Obama’s campaign based on “jealously.” It further asserted that the Reverend “has launched a ‘big-time’ effort to tear down” Obama’s chances of a strong run for the presidency.

Other articles circulating further suggest that Sharpton’s position is based on his feelings that Obama isn’t “black enough.” The Reverend has adamantly denied their being any truth to these reports and contends it is media hype created by the Obama campaign. What Sharpton does state is that he wants to “talk about a civil rights agenda as a priority…” and that he will not be “cajoled or intimidated by any candidate.”

In the wake of a nation embarking on perhaps one of its most historic presidential runs, attentions should be focused on the quality of candidates and what they potentially offer citizens of a post 9/11 era rather than harping on unsubstantiated tensions between Sharpton and Obama. One has to question the motive behind such media focus. Is the intent to provide the Black community with sufficient data that will lead to informed and educated questions and choices? Or is there an underlying objective aimed and building a greater divide?

LouLou says:

May 1, 2007 at 5:32 pm

Obama isn’t “black enough”?

↑ Reply

ceecee says:

May 1, 2007 at 7:56 pm

i could be one of those who have bitten the bug, but there is a saying that goes “there’s no smoke without fire” Sharpton had to have said something for people to start drawing these conspiracy conclusions.

Nikki says:

May 2, 2007 at 9:50 am

I don’t believe Al Sharpton. I honestly believe that he may be jealous of all the “serious” attention Obama is getting for his Presidential run, not quite the ‘funny non-serious, but good for show attention’ that Al received. Crabs in a barrel will get us every time.

Tiffany says:

May 2, 2007 at 1:03 pm

This is no longer 1965 and the old fight has been sufficated by the damage that the black community is doing to it’s self. I am personally tired of Al Sharpton and Rev. Jesse turning current political issues into old civil rights march for freedom. That ladies is and gentlemen, is what perturbs me about our old freedom fighters, their inability to see how much we are inablabing our ability to overcome.

Tia says:

May 30, 2007 at 1:20 pm

It’s been said that “Jealously” is the divider of all things great. As African Americans we need to know the candidates and not let “people”, irregardless of how long they have been around “Sharpton” taint our thoughts on who we feel best represents us. Let’s use our own minds and critic who we feel is the BEST person for the job. STOP letting others make decisions for us. It’s your vote and your decision!

Tricia says:

May 30, 2007 at 5:50 pm

I agree that its sound like Sharpon is jealous if you didn’t make these remarks why you blame these comments on Obama’s camp? I agree we as a people need to stop listening to everyone and make decisions for ourselves.