Bury Me Broken

Contemplating Community in the Passing of Constance Baker Motley

[Cross posted at DailyKos]

As an African American taking a serious look into the particular ills of my community, I wonder when the next crop of Motleys will come along. Having an apartment filled with books as a child, I read about the civil rights movement from the standpoint of personal sacrifice, raw truth and interdependence as strength to propel men and women through dark times.

When someone like Motley passes, I can't help but wonder will there ever be a time again for my community, when months and months were spent by the brightest legal minds our community had to offer, hunkered down at Howard, strategizing and challenging; fed, clothed and loved by a community that understood the mission.

The mission was opening eyes and beseeching souls. The mission was for America to truly see.

The 20th century was herculean for African Americans. We had the debate between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois as to what route our community would take toward liberation, industry or scholarship, gradual or more quickly. The Harlem Renaissance was an explosion of blackness, poets, writers, artists, musicians and singers expressing ideas of social justice and identity. It gave birth to the scholarship of the next generation, students attending predominately African American colleges engaged in social justice dialogue.

This was the womb for the Constance Baker Motleys. This is what I quietly ponder before the sun comes up.

When will be my community's next explosion? Where will the next awareness be nurtured? Where will the next awareness be nurtured?

Rest in peace Constance Baker Motley.

posted by niteskolar @ 5:59 AM