Los Angeles, CA - H. Lewis Smith, Founder/CEO of the United Voices for a Common Cause speaks out against what appears to be the beginning of an orchestrated and deliberate attempt to destroy, disrupt and vilify the African American movement for integrity, dignity, pride and honor.
Following closely on the heels of Daman Wayans and Jamie Foxx is another brother who doesn't seem to understand the need to respect his people...Cuba Gooding Jr. While leaving Butter nightclub in New York February 5th, Monday night, Gooding told the gathered paparazzi, "Many times, people say, 'N**gas don't like the cold.'" He then looks in the camera and says, "That's right, I said it." One would think that as a high profile celebrity who, whether he likes it or not, represents our people; he'd have more respect for those of us who are the primary supporters of his career.
It is totally irresponsible for these few black people who find themselves in the public eye to disrespect the concerns of our people with such blatant and reckless disregard. Smith says he understand that not all black people have a problem with the use of the n-word, but one would think that a brother in Cuba Gooding Jr.'s position wouldn't want to upset even one of his own people. As African Americans we all have a responsibility to raise our people up, not drag them down—and this is especially true for celebrities.
Our actors and entertainers respectfully should take note and learn from our distinguished NFL coaches, Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith who demonstrate the highest of class and respect both for themselves and their community. It is hard to imagine either one of these gentlemen dishonoring and degrading themselves or their community with the public use of the n-word.
UVCC takes the position that the contemptuous acts of some of our public figures borders on the line of being traitors to our ascendants. It is UVCC's contention that the turbulent history of our forbearers should be looked upon as hallow and sacred ground and that to take a word like the n-word and embracing it in an endearing and affectionate manner--the very word that was used to dehumanize our forefathers--is nothing less than a lascivious, despicable and disrespectable act. There is absolutely not a single solitary thing that's admirable, honorable or dignified about referring to one another as the n-word.
There should be no one among us who can cast a shadow larger than that of our forbearers. No amount of money, awards, social status should entitle anyone the right to trespass upon the sacred grounds of our ascendants by desecrating their province with the nonchalant use of the n-word. And when it does happen there should be some sort of accountability and it is with that thought in mind that the Benedict Arnold list has been created.
UVCC invites you to visit their website (www.theunitedvoices.org) to join in their fight to restore pride, dignity, honor and self-respect back into the African American community by becoming a member; you can do so by signing up online or put in a request for a membership application by going to the Contact Us page.
H. Lewis Smith is the author of "Bury that Sucka" and the Founder/CEO of the United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc.
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