I am not sure that this question was first asked by Rybak, the Strib or even white people in general. For many years, it seems everyone just figured that Moss, Staten, Edwards and McAfee spoke for the African American Community because they were the only ones who were speaking up loudly and frequently. When something happened, they were in the front row. When the cameras went on, they were in front of them. Then other African Americans started getting the spotlight, Natalie Johnson Lee and Don Samuels probably more than most. Shane Price certainly right up there. Add several less visable, but equally active, African American members in the community, and we seem to have a shift in I'm not sure whether to call it power, attention, or dynamics, within the community.
On Oct 17th at the meeting at Farview, one of the complaints I heard loud and clear, was the Revs Staten and McAfee chastising both the mayor and Samuels for not going to them when dealing with the African American community. Rev McAfee's parting words were, "you want a meeting with us, call my secretary" and then left. There were also accusations that since the Mayor didn't go to their meetings, he was not communicating with the community. We heard these same sentiments when Federal Mediation was the topic. I can certainly see why the question 'who speaks for the African American community?' would become an issue. If programs are to be developed, who in the Black community signs off on them? If grants are given out, who is worthy to get them? If issues need to be addressed, then who should set up the meeting? Which group or groups? Ane if one group is left out, then what? Aren't these questions that we have all heard? When Mr Hodges asks 'who speaks for white people?' he cites Rybak, Lilligren, Ostrow and Pawlenty. I find that interesting since they are all elected officials and therefore, can reasonably be said to have the formal mandate of at least the people who voted for them. I also found it interesting that he didn't mention Barb Johnson, Linda Higgins, Natalie Johnson Lee, or any woman at all in his examples, but that's another topic. In the meantime, who does speak for the African American community? It can't be everyone or else we will never come to any accord. On the other hand, it doesn't have to be just one person or group if (big IF) the people and groups are willing to work together and compromise. Anne McCandless Jordan REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
