by Justin Giboney, Esq.
The late Justice Thurgood Marshall once said:
“We’ve got to get involved in the machinery of this country because if we will not, somebody else will be running it.”
That insight still holds true, especially in this time of adversity and transition. At this very moment, decisions are being made that will determine the future of this country. Should our community fail to educate ourselves and fully engage in law and governance, we will have no standing to denounce the direction taken.
Historically, as a community, African-Americans have had good reason to view the American government and legal system as remote, yet menacing institutions. For too long, these entities defined our rights (or lack thereof), but were dynamics that we could not handily affect nor did they reflect our best interest. However, through tremendous trials and sacrifices, significant progress has been made.
With events such as the election of Barack Obama, the potentialities of a strong African-American role in U.S. government and the legal system have never been brighter. African-Americans have earned positions in every segment of the government and legal arena. While there is no doubt in my mind that inequities remain, the supposition that the system as a whole is focused on working against us is lazy, outdated and defeatist.
A democracy cannot function properly without the service, ideas, and direction of the people. Let us debunk the proposition that government works for us. In actuality, the government and legal system, at their best, work with us. Without the people, the machinery of this country shuts down. The first step in beginning to effectively operate the machinery is to educate ourselves on the governing laws. From the U.S. Constitution to local codes, it is important that we familiarize ourselves with the black letter law and the public policy behind it. A basic knowledge of the law allows one to make use of his or her rights and better prevent others from violating the same.
After becoming acquainted with the law and our rights, the obvious next step is to further exercise them. Voting is the minimum. If we find a law to be unfair or otherwise undesirable, it is our duty to attempt to alter or eradicate it. Idle whining and reviling are passé. Government officials do not change things; people do. Contact your representatives, speak in front of the city counsel and propose new legislation. The people are the most important governing body.
President Theodore Roosevelt asserted:
No man is above the law and no man is below it.
It is our responsibility to make sure that statement is this country’s reality. If we choose to take a backseat, we will have no one to blame but ourselves.
Justin Giboney is a young attorney and co-founder of dangerousNEGRO Apparel. Well-versed in civil rights and black empowerment philosophies, Justin combines the lessons of old with his hip hop sensibilities to formulate a powerful message regarding the importance of self-definition, determination and education.
Justin S
Great article.
Obama's election should also shine a light on volunteerism and community organization, which helps getting people thinking in the direction of helping one another and solving problems. That'll really strengthen the next generation of voters and candidates.
December 30, 2008 at 11:55 am
Tre
I agree…we must attempt to influence the system so that it works with us towards our interests and advancement. However, we must also be well aware of what our interests are (or should be) and how our opposition uses the very system they created to keep themselves in power against us. We must also have contingency plans when the system breaks down (e.g. when we vote, lobby, and participate and still receive unfair treatment) other than marching and protesting or just giving up. Like Dr. Amos N Wilson said,
“Black politics and activism without the Black ownership of and control over primary forms and bases of power such as property, wealth, organization, etc., is the recipe for Black political and non-political powerlessness. The rather obtuse pursuit of political office and the ballot box as primary sources of power by the Black community and its politicians without its concomitant ownership of and control over important resources, has actually hindered the development of real Black power in America.”
December 30, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Meshell
Insightful article. Af Am definitely need to be more engaged.
December 30, 2008 at 4:30 pm
The Urban Scientist
Here. Here.
December 31, 2008 at 9:05 am
B Win
Good article. Nuff said!!
January 2, 2009 at 6:48 am
reg
Mr. Giboney, I found your article to be thought provoking and relevant. Truely, if one does not know the laws of this country, for all intent and purpose, they are not even speaking the language. These are indeed exciting times with endless possibilities. Let's embrace them as you suggests, and move forward and accomplish that which has been unpresidented in this country. You are a youngman of principle and character. Keep your eyes on the prize!
January 2, 2009 at 4:53 pm