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Conservatism, Reaction, and the Elder's Responsibility: A Message to My Age Grade

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Conservatism, Reaction, and the Elder's Responsibility: A Message to My Age Grade Great Day, Fam. This one right here? It’s not for everyone. If you’re not at or approaching Eldership—defined in our tribe as about 55 years old and up—you might not feel all of this. But if you’re curious, or if you’re one of those younger souls already walking with wisdom, you’re welcome to keep reading. This message is for the Elders. For those of us who should know better. And yes—I’m including myself. Let’s Start With the Mirror I’ve got to confess something. I’ve been guilty. Guilty of being reactionary. Guilty of falling into the trap of conservatism. Guilty of romanticizing the past. Guilty of looking at our young people and calling them “soft”—as if we were born warriors, as if we didn’t have to become who we are through fire, failure, and guidance. Many of us Elders are stuck in a loop. We remember only the highlights of our youth—the toughest times we survived, the boldest moments ...

History is Not the Revolution: A Hard Truth I Had to Face

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History is Not the Revolution: A Hard Truth I Had to Face For years, I believed that knowing history was revolutionary. I thought that my Black Studies degree, my ability to recite historical facts, and my understanding of African civilizations meant that I was participating in a revolution. But I was chasing an illusion. The Illusion of Historical Knowledge as Power There is a glaring hole in the conscious movement—a political void that many of us never realized existed. My education provided knowledge of history but omitted the political strategies required to challenge the system. And perhaps, during my time, it was expected that those who truly wanted to understand the politics of revolution would seek it out on their own. But I missed that part. I never learned about the political dimensions of movement building—the economic strategies, the discussions about capitalism, socialism, and class struggle. Instead, I was left with historical knowledge that, while empowering, did not dir...

A Look At Our Current Reality - Reaching Umoja

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Unity is important, because it helps us to see that we can be like the branches of a tree — each with our own unique size, shape and position. But when we come together as one strong trunk, great things happen! We can help others in so many ways. Think about all the times you have been helped by someone else — a parent or older sister; perhaps a teacher at school — maybe even someone you don’t know! Now think about the times when you have helped others — when you have encouraged your little brother to persevere through his homework; or maybe when you took care of stray dogs in your neighborhood. Lastly, think about how helping other people makes you feel inside. It’s good for them and it’s good for us too! You may not realize it but helping others is part of Unity. By doing this we make each other stronger. We lift each other up, and Life becomes easier for everyone concerned. And when we live Life this way then everything works better: families get on better; communities work better t...