By Phillip Bailey
With almost two-thirds of the final vote, Association of Black Students President-elect Rosie Washington was given a clear mandate by the ABS to continue the organization’s thrust for social justice.
Washington’s victory also represents a referendum on the type of leadership African-Americans entrust with the reigns of its umbrella organization.
At the University of Louisville, the black student community has two contrasting poles of leadership. One is obviously defined by direct action, incisive commentary and grassroots politics. The other utilizes accommodation, social popularity and organizational bureaucracy.
While not referring to OJ Oleka’s candidacy or constituents directly, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee Chief of Staff, Mikal Forbush recently accentuated the flaws of the latter’s temperament.
In a public essay entitled “The Ambiguous Peacock: A Critique of The Black Middle Class,” Forbush bemoaned the students who are certainly popular, intelligent and earnest enough to lead, but maintain an “ambiguous, apolitical [and] moderate for moderate sake approach” to the more pressing topics of the day.
Forbush’s commentary piggy-backs off the words of sociologist E. Franklin Frazier’s “Black Bourgeoisie” in 1957, which chastised the black middle-class for choosing a “world of make-believe,” where looking good mattered more than being well-read or politically aware.
Last week’s results vindicated that viewpoint.
Still, the overall community is seeking reconciliation after a bitterly debated campaign.
Washington is obligated to find ways to return tranquility to the organization’s membership and move forward. She can start with her opponent’s constituents.
Their views matter regardless of how small their electoral presence. Considering that Washington’s speech advocated a return to the communal spirit of ABS’ genesis, no group will be shunned unless they choose exile.
The first major test for Washington is to build a sustainable consensus, not blind unity.
The first few weeks of her presidency will matter most. She inherits an executive board that was largely uncontested and with questionable experience.
Each day after her inauguration is important. Dispelling earlier questions that she lacked preparation for such an extensive responsibility requires an early start.
Meanwhile, her supporters ought to practice a bit of humility and let the past be the past. They have won. No need to be discourteous.
Oleka also has a responsibility. An electoral defeat that exposed his unproven and hollow diplomacy is not a reason to shrink from leadership. Instead, he should have the wisdom to alter previous methods.
Firstly, he must use diplomatic skills he claims to have had to inspire cooperation, not undermine the direct action and social justice tradition of ABS.
Secondly, he has the opportunity to make a difference from within the General Body. He may be unaccustomed to that role, but it should not be considered a demotion.
Oleka’s supporters must also pause for reflection.
By no means should they imitate their more activist-minded brethren. That’s not who they are.
However, they cannot rely upon social popularity alone to accomplish what ABS members consistently demand and need. Will they cooperate with Washington’s mandate or behave like bitter obstructionists?
Moving forward doesn’t require amnesia, just the recognition and comprehension of the meaning of the adage, “I am because we are.”
With Washington at the helm, making that slogan our community’s practice seems more likely.
Phillip Bailey is a senior majoring in pan-African Studies. E-mail him at opinion@louisvillecardinal.com
