First Blacks' Importance To History Making

Leonard Pitts Jr., of the Miami Herald, wrote a commentary in the Austin American Statesman, entitled, “Pitts: First Blacks carry the weight of history on their shoulders,” in honor of Black History month. He shared his opinion about the proper attitude that blacks must carry when being the first to do anything. He shared that Jack Roosevelt Robinson, known as Jackie Robinson, had to endure extreme prejudices from his teammates as well as others during the 1930s and ‘40s so that other blacks that followed him would have an opportunity in the sports arena. He went on to share the importance of such people as Diahann Carroll and Billl Cosby and their roles as being the “pioneers” for blacks on television. He shared the negative impacts that come from the brash, outspoken, against the cuff “first blacks,” such as boxer, Jack Johnson.
Leonard Pitts stated, “Blacks bear the burden not only of their own destiny, but also that of every other African American who hopes to follow. First Blacks must represent.” He said all this to say that he is pleased with the way that President Barack Obama has presented himself to the public as, “The First African American President,” despite the obvious disrespect that he has received from fellow congressmen, such as Rep. Joe Wilson calling him a liar during a presidential address and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland calling President Obama “uppity”; which by the way is all centered around racism. Now, as of Sunday, March 21, 2010, President Obama has made a historical accomplishment for this country by getting a long overdue healthcare bill approved but our own Attorney General Greg Abbott and Governor Rick Perry, have filed a lawsuit; saying the bill is violating Texans constitutional rights; which is all a political game, in my opinion, centered around racism. However, despite, the continued opposition Obama faces, he never forgets what his responsibilities and duties are to all the citizens of America. Pitts says of Obama, “…he seems to have made the decision, like other First Blacks before him, he must govern himself closely..else there will never be a Second Black to follow him.”
It was interesting to read the comments on this blog after reading this article. All I can say is that those opinions posed are centered around ignorance, unless you are one; black; two, walked in that person’s shoes, you can never imagine the impact your role may be on a personal and public level. I say this from personal experience. I not only am black but I have what is considered to other “deficiencies”, I am a female and a single parent. According to various studies, I am stereotyped to be uneducated; poverty stricken, on welfare and my children are destined for the penitentiary. However, I have been afforded the opportunity to be the first black African American female to be hired in two positions that were/are predominately dominated by whites; both male and female. I too, have had to set an example and dispel the stereotypes and to set them at ease that; “some black people are ok and safe.”. By my setting the standard, other blacks, both male and female have been hired behind me in similar positions.
After reading Pitts commentary, I am in total agreement of having the understanding of the importance of just what being “The First Black” to do anything truly means. It’s as though the spotlight is on that one person and he/she can make or break the opportunity for other blacks that follow. Pitts stated, “To be a First Black, then, is to carry every other black, always in consciousness.”