At least once a year the majority of us pay tribute to deserving Black men and women, deceased, living, local, nationwide and even worldwide. Every one of these individuals has made a difference. Nationwide there was Sojourner Truth, Madame C.J. Walker, Harriett Tubman, Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, all deceased. Nationwide two living persons stand out Oprah Winfrey and Bill Cosby.
We all remember those long time ago men, who were nationwide leaders, WEB Dubois, Frederick Douglas, Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X. All are deceased.
The following are deceased Pittsburghers. Frankie Pace, Billie Brown, Coretta Ogburn and Alma Illery all had a relationship with the NAACP. The remaining stalwart is Alma “Speed” Fox.
The following men are deceased: William “Muggsy” Moore, Mal Goode, Attorney Byrd R. Brown, Jim McCoy, Matthew Moore Sr., Sylvester Pace, Bernard Jones, Dock Fielder Jr., Euzell “Bubbie” Hairston, and the Williams brothers Jake and Frank.
At a later date I will write a column about a living Black man, who is in his 80s and is still making a difference: Dr. Herman Reid.
This column is the result of what I witness everyday throughout Allegheny County. There is an almost complete absence of Black men and women who are making a true difference. I am not saying there are not any, but I am saying there are a lot of pretenders just taking the money—and if the shoe fits wear it. My column two weeks ago was David vs. Goliath and I received a letter with no name or return address and it simply stated that Blacks have no money and that we continue to beg others. If there had been a return address I would have responded with the following response. Black people, our churches, mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles know best how to save our children. It is a gigantic lie when some with influence disguise themselves as benevolent slave masters, who openly boast they know what is best for Black children. If they look throughout history they will find that the sense of pride and the “I can do” attitude that carries Black people through life’s adversities emanated from the Black church.
Kingsley Association needs help.
(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributor to the Forum page.)