A Black Man First
BY CLARENCE BARR, II
Just when I thought that President Barack Obama was on cruise control, basically easing through his second term in office trying not to break a sweat, he did something that let me know that he was still willing to mix it up a little bit.
I couldn’t help but take pride in the President last week when he made it a point to address the controversial “Not Guilty” verdict following the George Zimmerman murder trial. He could have easily avoided the issue or gone the typical politician route by releasing a stale, pre-fabricated statement. But that’s not what happened. Instead, he threw himself directly into the fray by choosing an actual side.
During an unscheduled, unrehearsed, impromptu press conference, President Obama seemed to express controlled anger and clear disappointment at the decision to free Zimmerman while refusing to shy away from the racial element of the issue by comparing himself to the teenage victim Trayvon Martin. Though his gestures were subtle and his words were carefully chosen, there was no mistaking his underlying tone that spoke volumes about his identity awareness and how he understood that it could have just as well been himself or one of his children who were slaughtered by an individual like Zimmerman.
For me, it was refreshing to see a Black man in a position of power and influence unafraid to stand by and acknowledge how controversial topics directly affect him as an individual. It was a rare sight in this post Michael Jordan era where a host of athletes and celebrities make it a habit of tap-dancing away from trouble because of their fear of being ostracized by the white establishment.
While I was watching President Obama speak, I couldn’t help but think about how incredible it would be if more Black men and women in positions to make a difference could exhibit that type of courage. Refusing to be whitewashed and getting a kick out forcing others to deal with their presence.
Just making it means nothing if you’re not willing to use your authority to affect change. I think we all know a few individuals, principals, police officers, judges, office managers, and teachers who could really benefit from mastering that lesson.
Anyone wanting to contact Clarence Barr can reach him at: Clarence Barr, II, 43110-018; P. O. Box 7007; Marianna, FL 32447-7007. Reality On Ice is © by the Florida Sentinel Bulletin Publishing Company.
