African
Americans and Africa: The Time To Help Is Now
By
Leroy Jones, Jr.
Political Commentator & Columnist
It seems
that Africa is once again becoming important. There has been
a subtle shift in focus on issues concerning Africa. From
the genocide in Darfur, to South Africa's triumphs and struggles
as it builds a new country free of the burdens of apartheid,
to cracking down on the conflict diamond trade, and the growing
concern about the political instability in many of the developing
countries on the African continent.
There
are both economic and strategic reasons for this interest.
One is the large amount of untapped natural resources that
the rest of the world needs to run their industrial engines,
i.e. Oil, and the growing influence of the Peoples Republic
of China in the region. China’s increased presence and
influence makes the U.S. and it’s allies very nervous.
Some believe that China has been able to gain a foothold because
of the willful neglect by the United States and it’s
allies to the complex and unique problems faced on the continent.
This
is a special and very important time in the relationship
between the U.S. and the countries that make up the
continent. The nature of the relationship between African
Americans and native-born Africans is a complex one.
Both sides look at each other with both admiration and
distrust. Regardless of these conflicting feelings,
the future of Africa is important to the future of African
Americans. In the global world we live in now, our futures
are tied together.
Clearly,
the major issues and conflicts in Africa are issues
that our country will be dealing with now, and in the
future. At this time in our history, the United States
is very interested in what happens in Africa.
Many
times folks have talked of going back or helping the
brothers and sisters in Mother Africa. History has shown
that without resources and the influence needed to make
it happen, it cannot and will not happen. Times are
changing. With increased political and economic power,
the African American community is poised to begin to
exert influence in a region that they hold close to
the heart. On Capitol Hill, Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ),
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health
of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, has consistently
over the years pushed for more investment not only in
the infrastructure, but also in Africa’s most
important resource, it’s people.
On
the economic front, influential African American businessman,
Robert L. Johnson recently led a delegation of business
leaders to Liberia. Their purpose was to engage the
newly elected President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on issues
of economic development and opportunities in her country.
His trip signals an important and symbolic moment in
the relationship with between Liberia and the United
States. Mr. Johnson is a very successful and astute
businessman, with the vision, influence, and resources
to make a difference in Liberia and the entire continent.
His efforts should serve as an inspiration and a call
to arms to be more aware and involved both politically
and economically in the plight of Mother Africa.
African
Americans have consistently looked for ways to stay
involved and help solve the issues and problems of Africa.
The time to help is now; we must hear and answer the
call.
Leroy
Jones, Jr., creator of PoliticalJones.com is a Political
Commentator and Government Affairs Consultant based
in Washington, D.C. He is the host of "The PoliticalJones
Report with Leroy Jones, Jr." on WIGO-1570
AM (Atlanta). Mr. Jones is also a regularly scheduled
guest on “The
Right Side with Shelley Wynter" daily radio
show on WAOK-1380 AM (Atlanta/CBS), XM Satellite Radio,
Blacknews.com and various other media outlets.
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