The Black community is once again at a watershed moment. Because of the increasing issues of social justice and equal protection under the law, as a collective Blacks need a voice in America. Fortunately, there are Black leaders who have been on the forefront of Black causes for many years, and in some cases, decades. Like it or not, these Black leaders speak for a divergent and diverse majority of the Black community.
The Honorable Min. Louis Farrakhan
The Hon. Min. Louis Farrakhan has been involved in the liberation and uplifting of the Black race for decades. Before he became the leader of the Nation of Islam, he was a powerful speaker and chief lieutenant of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad. His leadership as the head of the NOI has changed the lives of thousands of Black men and women who have transformed their lives based on the teachings of the organization. Min. Farrakhan has always spoken of the need for economic development and empowerment in the Black community with a feasible framework for success. When Min. Farrakhan speaks, people stop, listen, and in many cases are challenged by his wisdom and knowledge. A controversial figure for his views on the White power establishment and its oppression, it can never be said that Farrakhan does not have the interest of his people at heart.
Rev. Jesse Jackson
Rev. Jesse Jackson has been involved in the civil rights struggle for more than 50 years. As head of the Rainbow/Push Coalition, he has used his talents and power to work behind the scenes for Black business. As well as being a former presidential candidate, he achieved international fame for negotiating the release of American hostages in countries hostile to the United States. Jackson has also been involved with recent protests against police violence and is very involved in bringing attention to the violence and poverty confronting the city of Chicago.
Rev. Al Sharpton
Rev. Al Sharpton is perhaps the second most controversial Black leader on this list. Currently, he hosts a nationally syndicated talk show and is a host on MSNBC. Sharpton is also head of the powerful National Action Network and has been active in the protests of the recent killings of unarmed Black men by police. He has been called a race baiter by conservative media commentators and is hated among many conservative groups. He has been called an opportunist by both Whites and Blacks; however Sharpton always states he never involves himself in a situation unless he has been invited by the family. The very threat of attention by Sharpton and the National Action Network caused Sony Entertainment to call upon him as a consultant in certain projects. Through the National Action Network, Sharpton has created opportunities for change and justice throughout the United States.
President Barack Obama
As the first Black president of the United States, Obama has made history as perhaps the greatest president in modern times. When Obama took office the country was suffering from an economic recession, record economic unemployment, and increasing gas prices. Now in his second term in office, the economy is growing, unemployment has dropped, and gas prices are as low as $1.98/gallon. His leadership is not only that of America but also he is the “leader of the free world.” As such, he has ended the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan increasing stability in the region. Obama will also go down in the history books for the landmark legislation of the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare as it is popularly known.
