I’ve always had the utmost respect for black leadership and it’s diversity. However, I feel the black community is too dependent on the concept of one larger than life black man or woman magically appearing in order to “fight the power” and solve all their problems related to civil rights and inequality. Not only is this mindset unrealistic and complacent but it’s also dangerous.

As former president Barack Obama continued through his presidency, the chorus of dissatisfied black voices got louder and louder with, “What has he done for black people- what has he done for me lately?” Former President Obama was in a unique position compared to most of our black leaders. President Barack Obama wasn’t a volunteer activist or community organizer the last 8 years. He had an actual job, responsibilty. He was elected, he was the president of all Americans whether they liked him or not or voted for him or not. He simply did not have the luxury of single handedly using the White House to right centuries of wrongs against the entire black race. Nor should he have to. Besides, President Obama was surrounded by opposing party members who would have stopped these efforts in a New York minute. Bottomline, the betterment of the black community is the job of every African-American, not just one black man with term limits.

When I hear my people criticize the first black president, these questions come to mind?

What have you done for yourself?

What have you done to improve your community? Do you volunteer? Donate to causes?

Do you know how government actually works?

Are you a registered voter? Do you vote in every election?

Do you know who your state/local politicians are?