A friend distinguishes between “black lives matter” and “BLACK LIVES MATTER (BLM).” The concept in lower-case letters is a personal commitment. He hesitates to commit the BLACK LIVES MATTER global network and its many centers and diverse agendas. Unthinking combination of the two confuses and divides. Understanding his distinction deserves contemplation.
Diversity within a movement might expand its reach, but conflicting commitments and actions weaken the movement, cloud the message and repel possible supporters. If the “eye is on the prize,” what is the “prize?” Whether one is for it or against it, what is the “it?” How can a movement most effectively attract diverse groups, maintain its mission, and expand its influence while minimizing divisive conflict?
Some consider the lower-case concept and commitments too mild and passive. A movement does not arise from such general concepts and vague commitments. Passiveness and gradual progress are largely ignored by national media, while highlighting chaos and fires. An affirmation in lower case may not be not adequate for current challenges. Stereotyping and insults spew from one side: it substitutes for “White Lives Matter”; it echoes status quo, reduction to lower case simply hides racist attitudes; and it supports fascism, hypocritical white liberals and even Uncle Toms.
Shouted slogans generate emotions and valued media attention. As momentum develops, diverse identity groups hop on the bandwagon waving distinctive slogans. Broadsides erupt from the other side: the movement encourages defunding police, violence, abortions and deviant behaviors; its spokespersons are radicals, anarchists, communists, terrorists; the high ideas of equal recognition, treatment, and rights, and treatment obscured by other agendas.
Confused individuals might learn from earlier successes.
The Southern Christian Leadership Council, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Black churches motivated Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis in the face of opposition from both supporters and outsiders. Some insiders argued that the issues were important, but leaders were moving too fast. Martin Luther King Jr. gave an important speech in opposition to the Vietnam War and went to Memphis to support poorly-paid sanitation workers, insiders opposed adding anti-war and anti-poverty to civil rights. Radical outsiders opposed to all he stood for assassinated him in Memphis. Black Panthers under Stokely Carmichael shouted that non-violence was too passive. The Nation of Islam under Elijah Muhammad, which had little in common with traditional Islam, preached that the movement was integrationist, Christian, weak, and too white. His message was less weakened in the north where the church and Black institutions were weaker. Nevertheless, prior to King’s death the Civil Rights movement focused on a few positive changes prior to King’s death — e.g., voting rights, access to public transportation, integrated schools and public facilities.
Rev. Peter Storey, Nelson Mandela’s chaplain at the Robben Island prison, became a leader in the South African anti-apartheid movement and integrated the largest Methodist Church in the country. In 2010, a group of Indiana pastors on a Wabash College-sponsored visit to South Africa talked with him about anti-apartheid activities. One young pastor asked him, “What can one do when faced with overwhelming national problems like apartheid and corruption (a challenge in South Africa)?” He calmly responded: “You just do the next good thing.”
In Montgomery County, individuals can undertake the next good thing to solve local problems resulting from racial discrimination. Local organizations can undertake and support the changes that will enhance the quality of life for citizens of Montgomery County. John Lewis stated in his final message published on the day of his funeral, “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society.”
To heal the soul of our nation we in Montgomery County who either affirm “black lives matter” or chant “BLACK LIVES MATTER” must unite to do the next good things to support peace, justice and harmony. Another next good thing to do this year is use our freedom to vote.
Raymond B. Williams, LaFollette Distinguished Professor in the Humanities emeritus at Wabash College, contributed this guest column.
