THE CHANGE HAS COME... By William Fredrick Cooper

THE CHANGE HAS COME…
By William Fredrick Cooper
Dated: December 4th, 2008

In celebration of our newly elected commander-in-chief, a tremendous sense of humility surged through me as I composed my ‘I Am A Black Man In America’ blog. Recalling the many exhibitions of faith, courage and perseverance of our forefathers, my only hope was that the post allowed readers to fully comprehend the depth of the struggle from the African-American male perspective. Venturing to unprecedented heights with the election of Barack Obama, with the uncharted progress came a final look at the resiliency of our past.

Little did I know that my heartfelt missive would serve another purpose, as it became my Statement of purpose submission in connection with possible participation at the 10th annual State Of The Black of Union. While inclusion with the brightest intellectual and business luminaries of my time would be a tremendous, life-altering opportunity, the significance of the moment would be second in precedence to a humble pebble of contribution in the ocean of Black Unity.

In discussion of ‘I Am A Black Man In America’, my only hope is that my brothers lacking confidence in themselves may be uplifted. While visiting 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue these days provides an excellent blueprint for progress, fundamentally speaking, we need more examples of evolution, and simply cannot depend on that accomplishment alone. Brothers need to unite in love of their queens, become better fathers and spouses, and provide shining examples to troubled youth wearing their paints below their waists. While cognizant that Barack Obama will present a chic portrayal of ‘cool’, the definition of such change in many mindsets must be uprooted, redefined, and replanted in positive soil.

While expecting change from our next president in terms of the many ills stateside, Barack Obama expects us to give him aid as well. Further exploration into the depths of his mission shows it’s not asking very much of us men. A change must come in the image of a Black Man In America, and it must start with us looking in the mirror. Then after a ‘check-up from the neck up’ with regards to accountability, we must embrace change within our communities by showing love. Love to our women, so we can alter a negative perception destroying any hopes of emotional harmony from the start. Love to our children by being around them long enough to grow boys to men. Love to ourselves by substituting guns and other forms of violence for hugs and hand pounds.

Brothers today in America can do that if we try. All it takes is a little selflessness, and a lot of love. That’s how we persevered through grinding times of our past, and hopefully, how we’ll progress for a better tomorrow.

It starts with a confident declaration. Remembering our past as we move into a better future, we should say proudly: ‘I Am A Black Man In America’. Remembering our origins defines our past, present and future.

Then, and only then, will the change come.