Michael Jackson and Black Politics

(Baltimore) The convergence of Michael Jackson and Black politics is part of the modern tapestry of 20th Century American life. Some of you may take exception; others will wonder why a pop icon and politics are intertwined. Music, arts, entertainment and politics are often commingled sometimes in unhealthy ways. They feed each other as if it were a spectacle at the coliseum during the Roman era. It’s the roar of the crowd, the empathy, the ability to touch people personally, and the acceptance that you are one of us which the audience can give and take away. Jackson over the span of his lifetime had all these traits and political figures wanted to glow in his flame. But like the narrative of far too many figures in history, the adulation was both all consuming and elusive.

The Visual and the Message

As a young man growing up in Baltimore I remember the first time I heard about the Jackson 5. It came from a 13 year old girl who asked me and a friend to go with her to a record shop to buy a 45 record called, “I Want You Back.” When we arrived at the store, the attendant new exactly what she wanted. 45 records were the quintessential music marketing tool for inner city youth. The price point was perfect, one dollar. It enabled you to play multiple artist and songs by stacking them on top of each other, keeping the party going as long you didn’t exceed the stack limit. Before we left we asked the guy to play the song. It was different. It didn’t have the do-wop harmonies of the Temptations or the screaming guitars of Sly and the Family Stone. It was young and spoke directly to our age group (or at least to girls who were of that age).

There was no visual to accompany the record. All it had was the Motown label, showing the Detroit roadways and the writer of the song, “The Corporation.” Note it would be nearly six months before the visual of 5 young Black men on stage. This lapse in time allowed me and my friends to visualize who they were.

This time plays directly into Black Politics. It allows you, the individual, to visualize not just who you are, but who you would like to be in life. This is the key element in Black Politics, defining self. As I look back, the writer of the song, “The Corporation,” is another visual which ingrains a collective spirit. All these traits are subliminal but begin to define modern Black Politics.

Several years before the arrival of the Jackson 5 there are several entertainment events which galvanize Black life for many of my peers. The arrival of James Brown and his song “Say it Loud I’m Black and I’m Proud,” Sydney Poitier’s winning of an academy award for Lilies of the Field, and Nina Simone’s, “Young, Gifted, and Black.” They gave youth gumption, boldness and inspiration. These varied inspirations also forced Motown to change it's motto from "Hitsville" to "The Sound of Young America."


The problem, the people trumpeting this era of youth were over 30 year’s old. They were defining success for generations not yet born.

No Turning Back

Ed Sullivan and his television show was a communal living room for America. He broke ground for Black America by showcasing Black stars. For White America he introduced the majority community to what we as African-Americans already knew, Black America was much richer and deeper than the depictions from Hollywood. His run of securing top acts from America and Great Britain was unprecedented. The rise of the Jackson’s first single and subsequent singles on the charts made them a natural for the show. It would be the first live performance by the group. They were more electrifying than billed. I know in my household, like many Black households, there was instant identification with band members. I recognized they all had neatly shaped Afro’s which I also wore. The age range had something for everyone.



When they finished their performance, Ed Sullivan asked the group to come over. The conversation lasted all of about one minute, but forever changed television and also informed Black Politics. The performance said,“there was a new dynamic going on, and it was youthful.” From then on there were certain requirements for Black Politicians. Afro’s were in - crew cuts out, bold colors in - staid colors out, and more importantly youth was happening. If you could find a band of young kids in your neighborhood it was the right element.

Several politicians road this wave and became some of the early Black mayors in America. There was Carl Stokes in Cleveland, Maynard Jackson in Atlanta, Tom Bradley in Los Angeles, and Gary Hatcher in Gary, Indiana, the home of the Jackson’s. This formula lasted through most of the 70’s as the Jackson 5 became synonymous with success. The take it to man experience was in vogue but excellence was all a part of nomenclature of the moment.


Unlikely Divorces

Success has a way of pulling at hearts. Formulas for success are just that, they are predictable and changing a formula can be built with peril. The disco era consumed Motown artist in some good and bad ways. For the Jackson 5 it was awkward, they had aged and so had their audience. It was no longer about bubble-gum songs but rather “Shake Your Booty.” It also added excesses from sex, drugs, and partying. They were clean cut and the world wanted edginess. It was during this time the group bolted Motown and joined Epic Records. It was also during this time Michael Jackson began to explore projects outside of music. He would be cast in the Wiz as the Scarecrow. Remember what the Scarecrow wanted most; a brain.

If we watch Black politics during this period we see the number of Black politicians swell. Part of the growth is about Black solidarity and the other is about "get mine." The patronage system which Blacks had loathed became the means to reward friends and associates. Those in the system worked the system. At the being of this the era, Dashiki’s and Black Fist were the norm. It was great visually and scared the hell out of "whitey." The disco era produced polyester suited politicians (a euphemism for the type of politics they practiced). The excesses by politicans during this time proved they were no better than the whites they replaced. Crossover appeal trampled racial solidarity. The Bakke Case in the Supreme Court sent the message leveling the playing was out. Affirmative Action became polarizing.

As we look at Jackson and his brothers during this period they seemed more comfortable with white audiences rather than black ones. They had crossed over. Some questioned, "Did they give up their Blackness inorder to appease a public which didn't want to see color(Blues artist Robert Johnson called this “Selling your soul to devil.”)."

Reinvention

Like most Black folk I know status quo is not in option. It will kill you if you don’t look over shoulder. Jackson knew this better than anyone. He dropped all pre-tense of wanting to be in a group and went solo.In Black politics we see the beginnings of this same feeling. Strong armed Black Politicians like Willie Brown in California, Marion Barry in Washington,and Coleman Young in Detroit could “call the tune and people would dance.” (Essentially, do what I want). They were each solo artist who could be Black enough when they wanted, leveraging their power in a white world.

By MJ’s second solo album under the Epic label, “Thriller” he had established a track record and exploited it by writing on his own mirror “biggest selling record ever.” It’s during this period we see the rise of the Reverend Jesse Jackson and his first run for President. Rev. Jackson had all the pre-requisite skills. It was an insurgent campaign that used a core audience (Blacks in urban areas) to win in major cities. He then broaden his appeal via his “The Rainbow Coalition” to scare the "bejesus" out of the establishment. The "Run Jesse Run" slogan is in many ways was talked as much about as MJ’s “moonwalk” at the Motown 25th Reunion Special. By the Democratic Convention the question became, "What does Jesse want?" For MJ it was, "How did he do it?" For Reverend Jackson, "It was can he do it?"

When one reaches the top of the game of life, it’s suggested all you can do is fall down. The critics went after both men. Jackson had the "hymie-town" comment, and questions about the occult surfaced around the Thriller video (each was “much ado about nothing”)

Clearing a Void

Both Jacksons continued to have a hold on the imagination of people but they begat imitators and revisionist. Their critics were vociferous, relenting, and questioned their relevance with their core audiences. These naysayers still could not crack the audience adulation. In the scheme of things they were still relevant, but not as influential. Politicans paid homage to past, but understood being to closely link could be detrimental. In Black politics this is called, “I like you, but I can’t be seen with you.”

MJ following his last major release suggested the record label was being racist a couple of years ago and employed the likes of Rev. Al Sharpton to state his case in public. This I believe was many years to late. No one believes MJ was a victim of discrimination and having Sharpton standing next to him seem to add to the skepticism. Politics does make strange bedfellows.

Both Jacksons had their ethical issues. MJ’s relationship with children gives me the creeps. Reverend Jackson’s fathering a child while still married killed his moral high ground. There are too many similarities with these two men.

Death Makes Us Think

I've thought about MJ a lot since his death. What political linkage would he have made in the future or would he been regulated to a Las Vegas star who’s light went to quickly. I guess we will never find out.

Can't Believe What's Happening

Baltimore - I've watched the fits and starts of the Obama Administration and realize the "world of instant gratification" will never allow him to move beyond point scoring the media has resorted to in the build up to "100 Days."

Multi-tasking is the way of any President. Domestic to Foreign Affairs there is never a dull moment. I am very concern about SAWB's. I know getting the best and the brightest has been the coded message coming from David Axelrod, but like other SAWB's they are missing a mix of people who could bring new perspectives.

I asked several people during the campaign, "Is there a company that matches the candidates vision." Is it Caterpillar? Is it Google? Is it Apple? Who meets the presidents expectations. Forget those who are ideologically opposed to the president. There had been some talk of adding Richard Parsons to the Obama advisers. I'm not certain he's the right person.

Help me out people is there a corporation, business, CEO, and/or CFO that meets this presidents expectations.

Should I Take The Money?

The president is getting beat up on his economic stimulus plan. I am amazed at Republican Governors suggesting they aren't willing to take stimulus money. The person who takes the cake is South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. Governor Sanford who's state has a nearly a 10 percent unemployment rate says he would take the money only to use it to reduce the states debt. Help me here...how is reducing the states debt stimulative? Some have suggest there is something bigger at work?

Part of what's in play is the GOP's message. There is none. Despite Micheal Steele's election as the head of the RNC Committee people inside and outside the GOP are giving him grief.

He got into trouble for taking on the voice of GOP, Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh fired back and Steele ends up with an apology. Two weeks later in GQ Magazine Steele suggested abortion is an individual right. Damn, talk about going after the core of the GOP. He may not be ready for prime time but he's exactly what the doctor ordered to shake this political party.

Steele is facing party operatives he had to fire and they steaming. They will not go away silently. They are planting traps and he seems to step into them. The oddity is the party is talking about replacing him. Go ahead! The time the GOP will be in the wilderness will be strengthen by his ouster.

Finally

There are few places where my voice on Black Politics can be heard. I feel very fortunate for all the opportunities people have afford me on radio. Last week I was privilege to be a part of the last News and Notes broadcast on NPR. The show has had several names and host (Tavis Smiley, Ed Gordon, Farai Chideya, and Tony Cox).

The creation of the Bloggers Roundtable allowed me others who vibe in spaces like this to have a voice and reach people who may have not heard of our blogs...I know for certain I'm not just about venting. I want you to say wow I hadn't heard of that. I hope there is place for mine and all the other unique voices have a place to expand on what we write.

C3

Change Works for GOP Too

Annapolis – Maryland’s first African-American Lieutenant Governor was elected to lead the Republican National Committee today. Michael Steele, from Prince Georges County (a Washington, DC suburb), was selected to lead the GOP after six rounds of voting. He beat out South Carolina Republican Party Chair Katon Dawson. Steele took 91 of the 168 votes needed to become the parties chief strategist and leader. Those watching knew there was something up when Steele scored 46 votes putting him in second place in the first round of voting. The former Lieutenant Governor continued to out distance his five rivals breaking through on the six round of voting. The winner needed 85 votes to win he had six votes to spare.

“It’s time for something completely different,” said Steele. The day did not start with the celebratory mood. Delegates staying at the Washington Capitol Hilton received a flyer under their door suggesting Steele wasn’t “tough enough.” In the rough and tumble world of GOP politics this is big. The party which claims Lincoln has had a tough time coming to grips with it post slavery message.

Up until the fifties most African-Americans were members of the GOP. The party fell out of favor following President Richard Nixon’s so call “southern strategy.” Dixiecrats (southern Democrats) flocked to the Republican Party with the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Most legislatures and governorships were in the hands of Democrats but, this was what some called an “abomination.”

These were coded words for southerners who hailed states rights and derided the intervention of feds in their way of life. Fast forward to the mid seventies and the GOP went after welfare coining the phrase “welfare queens” and attacking “affirmative action” programs as “quotas.” Yea, this is the same party Michael Steele will lead.

This mantra of change is palatable. As I said in an early post the “status quo is unacceptable.” Change comes in all shapes and sizes. Claiming victory with change has its pitfalls. The old guard doesn’t give up power easily and the talking heads will likely find Steele lacking.

My New Best Friend

In the press room where I work in Annapolis all of us recounted the stories where we featured Steele. I was not immune. The phone rings and it’s the press secretary of former Governor of Maryland, Robert Erhlich.

Greg Massoni, “Yes, we were just ecstatic. The governor made a number of phone calls on the Michaels behalf but, we weren’t surprise” by the win. Massoni continues, Michael’s election proves “we’re a big tent party.” The Governor can be credited with launching the career of Steele. Despite Maryland being a Blue State; Erhlich, a Republican won. He was able to take the issue of race off the table by selecting Steele. Massoni recognizes how his time as the second man in charge of Maryland played into today’s selection, “it gets us to the next step.”

Late in the afternoon, Steele’s successor Anthony Brown, Maryland’s current Lieutenant Governor (who also happens to be African-American) weighs in with his own press release.

“I sincerely congratulate my predecessor and neighbor, Michael Steele, for being elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee. I wish Lt. Governor Steele the best in his new role. I am confident that he can bring an end to the RNC’s recent partisan approach to the challenges we face and reach a hand across the aisle to work with President Obama in restoring progress and prosperity to our great nation.”

Final Thoughts

If change is what America wants, they will get it in Michael Steele as the head of the Republican Party. I watched as he has ventured into areas that heretofore weren’t even thought of by the GOP. New ideas will be formulated; he will chase away GOP demons; and is likely to piss-off a few people doing it.

The comparisons to Obama aren’t fair. He’s different but, not a radical. He’s cautious. I’m reminded of a private conversation we had about an education commission he was leading on changing the school culture. He suggested in a report we should “pay math and science teachers more than art and music teachers.” I told him he was wrong. Setting up a two tiered pay system would fracture a system that already has enough problems. He seems to understand, suggesting it was important to get the best and brightest into the schools to teach. I told him then you need to change the conversation and policy.

Steele will tell you if you ask him….I pose lots of difficult questions. I have to…it’s what I do. I know at some point our paths will cross. We will be cordial but when it comes time I will again ask him difficult questions. At the end of the day I believe he will tell you, “Charles is tough but fair.”

Steele would like for you to believe he comes from the traditions of Frederick Douglass and other abolitionist who shook the Republicans to start a Civil War and ended up eliminating slavery. It's great to quote historical figures but it will take more than great quotes.

The GOP has changed the conversation for now but it will take more than a narrative to bring this party back from a hole it has dug for itself.

The Journey of a Lifetime

Washington, DC – I arrived at my location underneath the presidential viewing stand with my colleagues from Maryland Public Television knowing we had the best seats at the capitol. The day was filled with many images that will stay with me forever. The reverence of the crowd and its ability to connect with the president continues to be an enduring conversation. I was especially touched by those who told me their stores about how they had survived the terrible times of “Jim Crow” and the cruel institution of segregation. There collective voices were embodied in Rev. Joseph Lowery’s benediction. “Black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around...When yellow will be mellow. When the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say, Amen.” While I sat watching I kept coming back to the millions in the crowd that filled the mall. It was surreal. Chants of Obama were frequent. They seem to come up like a wave from an ocean. These are some of my observations from my vantage point.

Observations

With the introduction of George Bush we heard the crowd signing we didn’t know what it was until the sound grew louder. The were singing the classic crowd anthem for a loser…”Kiss Him Good Bye” “Nah na nan nah…hey hey hey good bye!!!” Midway through the speech I turned to look and there were Denzel Washington and P-Diddy standing during the entire event. Why did they stand?

What was up with Chief Justice John Roberts butchering the oath of office? The sad part, it’s created new internet rumors (which will not go away). Yes, suggestion is he’s not president because he did not recite the oath (give me a break). News Flash they just did a redo.

In one of the strangest moments, I am looking up at the president giving his address and a bird of prey comes into view high above the capitol. I thought it strange. As I look closely it appears to be a Red Tailed Hawk. I decided to Google what a sign like this means. This is what I learned.
“Part of the Role for the two-legged(man)beside whom a Red Tailed Hawk flies is that of Guardian of the Earth Mother. These are individuals who will possess an astute awareness of the concept of the interconnectedness of all things, and will have an inner reverence for all life. These are the souls that are involved in making the world a better place, whether locally or globally. They will be protectors of the Earth Mother and tread softly upon her, encouraging and educating ~Others~ to do the same. Often, they are either found initiating or actively involved in environmental causes, where their keen perception and insight will serve their chosen ~cause~ well. Yet it is their day to day existence and fundamental philosophy/foundation of action and belief, that distinguishes these individuals as true champions of Mother Earth as they seek to live in harmony with the ~Ina Maka~ and all that She births, provides, nurtures and sustains.”
Deep !!!

Here are my observations on the Inaugural Address.

That's the Ticket !

Washington, DC- Well it's finally here. A story I've been covering for 4 years gets its grand crescendo today. Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. This will be my third inauguration and it doesn't compare to the others I attended.

You'll see I literally have a front row seat (section 2). I left DC last night following a reception for the National Association of Black Journalist, Witness to History. While I'm not the oldest one at the reception veterans of past campaigns were there.

I had to make a critical decision about how I was going to get into the district. All the outlying metro parking lots were full by 7:00 am (yea, I got a late start). With the sun coming up those wanting prime spots were on the mall staking out positions. I decide to take the red line in from Silver Spring.

I find there is mosaic of people going to this event. The most excited maybe those who saw the beginning of the civil rights movement and worked to end "Jim Crow." People are orderly but determined. It's cold today in DC. People are dressed warmly but this will not sway the anticipation. They've come from all over the nation for this event. "I can't believe I'm witnessing this," is a common phrase.

People have their cameras and will click photos of each other. People will be talking about this for generations. The TV audience will surpass events like the superbowl.

I've now got the get in the security line I don't know if I'll be able to post during the event because of the blackout of wireless devices in the area I'm in. But I'll be back on line following the event.

I Love You Back!

Baltimore - "I love you back!" Barack Obama's retort to the crowd at the War Memorial Plaza in Baltimore, Maryland was emblematic of a day which drew attention to the president elect in ways no other president elect has ever had to deal with it.

The "Tour" which I'd like to call it...because it reminds me of a rock tour...has the trappings of "hero worship." I've watch this building momentum. It's palatable. Yes, I have a front row seat to the inaugrual event and will tell you my impressions at the event.

I'm amazed at those who want to downplay this events importance. This is big with lots of symbolism. You might as well call this "National Black Holiday Weekend." Black folk I know have taken off from Thursday to Tuesday. Some without pay others saying I'm cashing in my comp time for this event.

The train trip he took today was symbolic of Abraham Lincoln's trip to the White House. For those of you who are unaware, Lincoln came through Baltimore in the middle of the night because there was an assassination plot. Trains in those days didn't run straight through. So when the president came in at 3 am a group of horses moved the train from one track to another.

The next day a train carrying Lincoln's wife and a brigade of troops stopped in Baltimore. The citizens were upset with Lincoln's victory and were spurred on by a columnist showed up to greet the train and the troops. The troops decided to march through town. They are pelted with dishes, silver ware, and horse crap. The troops fired into the mob killing two and wounding many. The incident was widely reported and became the theme for the second verse of the state song, Maryland My Maryland.

So you can imagine my interest in this visit by Obama. There was no mention of Lincoln today but references to Fort McHenry and the "Star Spangled Banner."

He referenced the American Revolution which he says still exists. "The American Revolution was - and remains - an ongoing struggle in the minds and hearts of the people to live up to our founding creed."

I think he was referencing the change necessary to move the country in a different direction. There is a general sense on January 20, 2009 the world will change. Get a clue people. This job is enormous.

Optimism

There is something going on with this Inauguration. I've never seen anything quite like this. As a journalist I am skeptical. The optimism is evident. Mounting bad news is waved off. International incidents (GAZA) will end on this day. Doubt is not option.

What will I and you see on Tuesday...a spectacle of enormous proportion. Is it me but are officials essential telling people to stay away from inauguration on the mall? Get a grip, people are coming, get over it.

If you get a chance drop me a line about what you hope to see and expect to see. For more pics check out my facebook page.

Mr. Obama Goes to Washington

"O is in the house." That would mean the President Elect Barack Obama is in Chocolate City. It must be nice to move from digs in Hawaii to the Hay Adams Hotel in the District just up the street from the White House. If it's Monday then it means time to get to get to work.


O started his day with making sure the girls got off to school. Then it's off to Capitol Hill to meet with Speaker of the Nancy Peloski. His arrival was like that of "rock star." Lots of pictures.

But events overtake the president elect. Let's start with the withdrawl of Bill Richardson as Secretary of Commerce designate. Apparently, his connection with a contributor and a state contract are under investigation. So back to being governor of New Mexico. Governor Richardson says he didn't want to cause any controversy.

Too bad because Roland Burris is sucking the wind out of all coverage concerning this next congress. Burris, the former Illinois Attorney General, was selected by Illinois Governor Rod Blagovich to replace Obama in the U.S. Senate. It's torn everyone. Congressman Bobby Rush inflamed the situation with his insistence that "the Senate is acting like an exclusive club." Obama was the senate's lone African-American. But this appointment doesn't pass the smell test.

Burris made the media rounds appearing on Tom Joyner Morning Show, CNN, MSNBC, and one last minute press conference at Midway Airport in Chicago. Here's the problem. His credentials were presented to U.S. Senate clerk and was rejected. The problem the paperwork only had one signature (the governors). To validate it needs to have the Illinois Secretary of State Rich White. This is going to get messy.

Burris is in Washington, while noble, is nothing more than a circus. Lots of cameras, soundbites and little to do with being seated. The case most sited is the Adam Clayton Powell's challenge to be seated. From where I sit these are two different cases. However, at the end of the day it may be the Supreme Court which will make the decision. Hey just add this case with the Al Kranken/Norm Coleman race in Minnesota.

Distractions

The Gaza incursion by Israel needs to be wrapped up by Inauguration Day. I'm sorry I'm not buying in this notion that the "collateral damage" i.e. civilian casualties is acceptable. Sorry, an invasion is just that. No there should be no rockets from Hamas. There needs to be a better way. Are Israels recognizing there will be change with Obama? I think you can bank on this.

Change

As I write this Leon Pannette has been announced as CIA Chief. Get ready for change in the slowest moving department in Federal Government. A new survey by Armed Forces Magazine suggest the military is suspect of Obama because he hasn't served in the military. It's common for those with military background to be suspect. I'd like to suggest look at what you military leaders gave you. "You go to war with the army you have not the army you want." "Be innovative." Yea right.

GOP

While most Democrats are celebrating, the members of the Republican Party are spinning over what direction they should go in lieu of Democratic victories. The chair of the Republicans Party is up for grabs. It's a mess in the GOP. A recent CD sent to Republicans called "Barack the Magic Negro" is insulting. There are six people vying to lead the GOP. Two are black, Ken Blackwell and Micheal Steele. Steele has picked up the mantra of change. Blackwell has pushed his conservative credentials. I'm laughing while I'm reading a Politico article entitled "Everyone is Pissed." I for one am putting money on Steele (he is a long shot but with everyone tearing each other down). The bad news the GOP is going to be in the wilderness for a long time. There base in the south is turning people off in other parts of the country.

By Week's End

Barack will give a major address on the economy Thursday. Here's what we know car sales are down, unemployment is up and no one is feeling the need to spend. The president elect wants a package to get people back to work. Will the Congress give the new president the "honey moon" he needs? Good Luck.

Lastly, where's the dog Mr. President?

C3