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In every family, disagreements arise. They are a natural part of human interaction, and our Black community is no different. However, the way we handle these disagreements under the ever-watchful gaze of the non-Black community can either fortify or fracture our bonds. It's time for us to hold the tension of our feuds with love, intention, and wisdom, recognizing the power we hold when united and the potential for healing when we are intentional about our growth.
One of our greatest leaders, Malcolm X, once said, “We cannot think of being acceptable to others until we have first proven acceptable to ourselves.” This profound insight speaks to the heart of our need to address internal conflicts with a deep sense of responsibility and care. Our disagreements should be spaces for growth, not for public spectacle. When we argue and feud publicly, it often serves to undermine our collective strength and distract from our shared goals.
The non-Black community's gaze is often laden with stereotypes and misconceptions about our ability to unify and lead. Public displays of discord can feed into these harmful narratives, making it crucial for us to handle our differences with grace and privacy. This doesn’t mean we ignore our issues but rather approach them with a mindset of healing and unity. As Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” Our survival and progress depend on our ability to come together despite our differences.
Intentional healing requires us to be thoughtful about the methods we use to resolve conflicts. We must engage in active listening, empathy, and constructive dialogue. Our elders, with their wealth of experience and wisdom, play a pivotal role in this process. They are the pillars of our community, and their guidance is invaluable in navigating the complexities of our internal dynamics. Elders can mentor our youth, providing a bridge between generations and ensuring that our leadership journeys are rooted in a deep understanding of our history and values.
The words of Maya Angelou remind us of the importance of unity and collective purpose: “We are more alike, my friends than we are unalike.” Even when we disagree on methods, it doesn’t mean we are in conflict if we share the same outcomes in mind. Our diversity of thought is a strength, not a weakness. Different approaches can lead to innovative solutions, but we must always keep the end goal of collective upliftment in sight.
We must remember that our shared history is one of resilience and solidarity. From the first revolt of our African ancestors to the Civil Rights Movement to the present day, our greatest strides have been made when we stood together. It is through unity that we can continue to challenge systemic injustices and create lasting change. As we move forward, let us be intentional about fostering a community where disagreements are handled with respect and where our elders are revered as integral to our progress.
In conclusion, let us embrace the wisdom of our ancestors and the strength of our community. Let us hold the tension of our feuds with love and intention, always keeping in mind the bigger picture of our collective liberation. By doing so, we honor our past, empower our present, and pave the way for a future that will realize the dreams we have of those who come beyond us. As Nelson Mandela said, “I am not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.” We must get this right, so we need to keep trying, together, with love and unity as our guiding lights.
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