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Sdaly I concur! Since I launched my initial HIv Disclosure Campaign, I have been ostracized and forced to remain silent on the matter. Even worse, I have been emotionally and mentally abused for standin gup agains the homophobia being fed into the minds of Black and White Americans, based on the lies published in the Bible. Yes, I was the "fool" elected to sue the Bible publishers. Sadly, not one person stood by me when I did this. However, depsite this fact, I continue to move forth in the plight to educate Americans on the truth about this wickedness being perpetrated against those who are merely trying tolive their lives in compliance with the United States Constitution. Meanwhile, I advocate for HIv Disclosure. One because it's time we put a face on this silence of who is and isn't infected. Who cares! With the growing number of HIV dating sites, there are enough social netowrks for each of us to date within our own community. Moroever, this homophobia issue derives from each homosexuals lack of confidence to stand up and be the men they are. if people understand the truth they will respect it. But if we don't respect ourselves, we cannot expect someone else to respect us. Therefore, stop crying! Learn the facts. Then, you can see the difference. Read an excerpt at http://defendinglove.blogspot.com Or, learn about HIV Dislcosure at http://afraidtotellthetruth.blogspot.com
Here in Brooklyn, New York the organization inwhich I'm associated with "Watchfu Eye" on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we engage our local and state representives and some churches in our event(s) as we did in the past. The only side-effect is they do not continue to keep it forefront in their daily work. We, as Consumers continue the engagement throughout the year periodically. I'm very much aware of what Mr. Bryant is speaking of and I think people like us should keep it in the forefront with the NAACP, SCLC and others who claim to represent and speak on the plight of Black African Americans.
Leaders are the people in a community who do what they need to do take care of the community's collective and individual needs. The issues of class, caste, intraracial conflict, self dislike, and numerous other issues must be dealt with for a leader to be able to effectively lead. Diversity is a fact of life in communities of color and issues of diversity must be dealt with for effective leadership to take place.
Thanks Larry for your comments. You ask a simple but important question -- "Now what do we do"? As a small but important starting point we must stop investing so much valuable time and energy on the so-called "Leading Blacks” who are not invested in eliminating HIV and AIDS in our communities. I suggest that we simply spend more time sharing the stories and lifting up "Black Leaders" from all segments of our community who are engaged in saving Black Lives from HIV Infection & AIDS Care.
Younga
Dr. Cornel West said it best "You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you won't serve the people." With that being said... It's time to stop looking for leadership and being the leaders of today in our communities.
March 10, 2011