By Phillip M. Bailey
Black History Month has ended. But before you put Martin, Rosa and the March on Washington back on the shelf until next February, a few random thoughts on February 2005 in America and abroad:
Sexual assault charges against Bill Cosby were dropped, although an attorney for the accuser says her client may bring civil charges. Astonishingly, critics spared Cos’ sexual exploits — both alleged and factual — the vitriol he spewed on poorer blacks months earlier. I’ll do the same -— no need to kick an old man while he’s down.
Australian scientists recently concluded that human fossils found in Ethiopia are 65,000 years older than original estimates. The new data makes them the earliest remains of modern Homo sapiens, strengthens theories of humankind’s African origins and proves our species had significant time to evolve cultural attributes that spread to Asia and Europe. All that remains now is entrenched scholars, who still proclaim civilization, particularly Egyptian, is “Not Out of Africa.”
Locally, councilwoman Denise Bentley resigned from the Louisville Metro Council for a spot in Governor Fletcher’s administration. We’re surprised … because? Bentley has been batting for the Kentucky GOP in what seems more like a personal tantrum against the Democrats than serious ideological difference. Last November, Bentley — like prominent clergymen before her — endorsed uber-conservative Anne Northup, and became the congresswoman’s first non-clergy surrogate. Thank you, Ernie, for taking her off our hands. While you’re at it, why don’t you move the rest of Queen Anne’s court to Frankfort?
But the loudest buzz this Black History Month was that entertainment and fashion mogul Russell Simmons is being seriously considered for the presidency of the NAACP. While reeling from an alleged White House-motivated IRS probe, the last thing the tattered organization needs is to continue propagating the ragged platitude that hip-hop is the solution to organizing disaffected black youth. If the NAACP faithful court Simmons in hopes that his wealth, recognition and marketability can translate into hefty youth membership, they’re missing their mark … again.
The lack of membership, enthusiasm and support isn’t due to the NAACP’s lack of hip-hop ethic; it’s because the organization has been noticeably absent and politically tone-deaf on many crisis issues that cut to the heart of black communities. Undoubtedly, a Simmons presidency — like his hip-hop political summits — would generate media attention and revenue. The new NAACP would be sporting Phat Farm, Baby Phat or whatever else the Def Jam machine puts on the market.
But if Simmons does seize the reins of the NAACP, what new frontier will he establish? Polls indicate that the black youth the NAACP careerists hope Simmons can galvanize typically have some decidedly unorthodox viewpoints. Among them is an ardent pro-business, self-help, nakedly entrepreneurial philosophy similar to Booker T. Washington’s. Imagine, the NAACP recruiting and led by a Bookerite. W.E.B. Du Bois is spinning in his grave.
See you next February.
Phillip M. Bailey is a junior double-majoring in Political Science and Sociology, Chair of the U of L SNCC and a columnist for The Cardinal. E-mail him at: pbailey@louisvillecardinal.com
