By
Leroy Jones, Jr.
Political Commentator & Columnist
Washington,
DC (BlackNews.com) –
This past Sunday, in the heart of the “Black Bible Belt”,
inside two prominent African American churches in Selma, Alabama,
there were simultaneous speeches given by two major Democratic
Party Presidential Candidates: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
and Senator Barack Obama, Jr. Not surprisingly, the stirring
speeches by Senators Clinton and Obama were broadcast around
the world by global news networks and will be reported widely
in the print media this week, and no doubt throughout the
campaign.
The
symbolism behind these historic speeches cannot be overemphasized
for they reflect the power, will and vision of the people
who tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge during their march
from Selma to Montgomery on that hot day during March 1965.
That day, now known as “Bloody Sunday,” was a
major turning point in the modern Civil Rights Movement and
the final blow needed to push through the passage of the Voting
Rights Act of 1965.
The
importance of the Voting Rights Act can be summed up by the
fact that in 1965 during the 89th Congress there was no such
organization called the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC),
and no African American members of Congress from the Deep
South. In 2007, during the 110th Congress, the CBC with 43
members (42 House Members and one Senator—Presidential
Candidate Sen. Barack Obama) is one of the most powerful and
influential groups in the Congress.
Senators Clinton and Obama are direct beneficiaries
of the Civil Rights Movement and both acknowledged this
legacy in their speeches. They are changing the expectations
and the playing field of American politics for Women
and African Americans. Senators Clinton and Obama, along
with the other Democratic Party candidates, are continuing
their unprecedented courtship of the African American
community as they run for President.
Like the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Gettysburg,
and D-Day before it, the blood spilled on that Sunday
in Selma was a turning point in our country’s
history. After being beaten and bloodied on that day,
Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga) rose up and remains today
a living and breathing testament to how far we have
come as a country and a people. Congressman Lewis was
fighting for the right to vote on that day, but even
now as a powerful and influential member of Congress,
he continues to fight for both civil and human rights
for all. To witness and live history is a remarkable
experience, and Congressman Lewis’ commitment
and humility are as inspiring as they are legendary.
The
courage and sacrifice of not only Congressman Lewis,
but all of those men, women and children of all colors
who were beaten as they tried to cross that Bridge,
and all of those who have crossed bridges and roads
across the South during those brutal days of the 60's,
fighting for civil rights for all Americans is mind
blowing even today. Not just the famous in attendance,
but also the everyday people who put their lives on
the line to make sure this country would face its contradictions
in the mirror, put aside bigotry and realize its potential
as the great Melting Pot of the World.
These
“Heroes” and “Sheroes” made
things happen with little or no resources back in the
day, and at a great personal sacrifice, simply because
it was the right thing to do and the right time to do
it. There would have been no Movement without them,
but there will be no forward progress without us stepping
up to the plate to finish the good work they started.
So,
as we reflect on the America that was and the America
that is unfolding right before our very eyes today,
please remember to take some time to thank those from
the “Old School” who were on the front lines
of the Movement fighting for the rights that many of
us now us now take for granted. The cause was noble,
the fight was just, and we cannot never say thank you
too many times for all they have done and continue to
do in pursuit of Equal Justice for All - - not just
people of color.
Truly
there has been much great progress in race and gender
relations in our Nation.
Truly
there is so much more to do to make America as great
as its promise of hope and opportunity. But, there is
only one way to make that promise a reality:
We
must sacrifice for a worthy cause and endeavor to make
a difference in the lives of those most in need. To
do otherwise would be yet “another” indignity
to those who labored so mightily before us.
Leroy
Jones, Jr., is the creator of PoliticalJones.com
and a Political Commentator and columnist. He is a regularly
scheduled guest on "The
Right Side with Shelley Wynter" daily radio
show on WAOK-1380 AM (Atlanta/CBS), XM Satellite Radio
and various other media outlets. Email Mr. Jones at
ljones@politicaljones.com
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