Super YBPs??
A few weeks ago, a black blogger mentioned that she did not “owe” the founders of established black publications anything for “paving the way” for her to share entertainment news over the web. The comment was based on what she considered the sub par caliber of a few of our country’s oldest magazines aimed at black communities.
Many “black institutions” – universities, businesses, neighborhoods, etc. – have been abandoned by YBPs because they consider them not on the same level as their competition. Too many times I’ve heard someone say they didn’t want to work for a black-owned business or even attend a black church, because of what they consider problems that are avoidable if they affiliate themselves with more diverse groups or even predominantly white groups.
Everybody understandably wants what’s best for him or her and theirs, but do we have no responsibility to come in a save some of our own? Are some institutions not worth saving? Is it best that YBPs come in and start from scratch?
What happens if more colleges go the way of Atlanta’s Morris Brown College or publications evaporate like Ebony Man magazine? Is it okay that institutions that were once our communities’ pride and joy such as Essence magazine and Harlem are no longer controlled by us?
What effect does this have on these institutions’ legacies?
Your thoughts …
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Comment by Gem2001 on 2 June 2007:
I think that death and regeneration are good things. I think one of the biggest mistakes African Americans make is holding on to something once its time has past. Whether that is the old preacher that should have retired 20 years ago, or institutions that are failing,magazines that are irrelevant, or organizations that are incompetent. Don’t fear. something else, possibly better will replace them. This similar argument takes place when talking about gentrification. You need to energy to stave off blight and the best communities are those that constantly evolve and change. Those publications that evolve will survive. Those that do not will die. Those that do not deserve to go into extinction.
Gina from What About Our Daughters
Comment by Kim Says on 2 June 2007:
What? I am aware that these thoughts are rampant across most ethnic groups. However they should recognize the concept of past, present and future. Someone came before us and will continue after us. I have my thoughts about the need for succession planning with many of the established groups. However I recognize some of them laid important milestones. But thoughts going in the contrary occur with the mis-education of a ‘YBP’ or as Carter G. would say a ‘Negro.’
Comment by Sylvia on 3 June 2007:
I agree 100% with Gem2001. The lagacy will always be there, you cant change history. I believe more black colleges should reach out to more white students, instead we struggle for financial aid. “He who holds the gold, makes the rules”The struggles our ancestors went thru for intergration, some of us still try to maintain segragation. how can you keep up with what “The Man” is doing if we keep ourselves separate? Its imperitive that we stay involved with everything thats going on around us. We need to get over it and go foreward!