Indoctrination And Assimilation Ain't Progression

Part of my lifestyle and happiness is accepting people, particularly my friends and family, 4 exactly who they R. ALL of us have some effed up characteristics about us but outside of any type of deviant, insidious behaviors that harm others, I'm pretty cool with how others choose 2 live their lives. This does not mean I have 2 agree with other's lifestyles 4 us 2 B cool but sometimes, on rare occasions I may have something 2 say about certain parts of those lifestyles, in general. This is 1 of those times. 

My little cousin has decided 2 pledge 1 of the contradictory named Black Greek Letter Orgs. While I philosophically disagree with what these orgs stand 4, (& I ain't arguing with none of U zealot-ass acolytes about what that is no matter how cool we R) I have MANY friends and family who I love, cherish and respect, who R members. Again, people do what they want and I don't desire a say N it.

HOWEVER, as my cousin approaches the pledging process their mother tells me how much the organization is REQUIRING my 21 year old cousin 2 pay in order 2 do so. Foolishly thinking it was an excessive 2-500 dollars I was quickly corrected that it would B $21-2500! R U fu**ing kidding me???

So in addition 2 an exorbitant tuition, extreme school fees and living costs, these "progressive" organizations expect a family (cause who else is gonna run that doe) 2 put 2gether 21-2500 more dollars just 2 B N one of these "U-can't-sit-with-us ass, civic, bourgeoisie social clubs?!? Maaaaaaaaaaaan, FU** DAT! 

Almost all of these orgs R at least 100 years old. N those 100 years of fraternal and sisterly kinship I don’t know (& I’m open 2 being corrected) of 1 fortune 500 company that’s been opened and operated by any one or combination of those groups 2 ensure our people, or even just their members, post-graduate employment. Not 1 Alpha hotel chain. No Omega hospitals. No Nupe farms or food brands. Nary a Delta textiles or Sigma shipping line. Not even a simple National Pan-Hellenic Council political lobbyist group. N 100 years of bringing young educated Black minds 2gether, not a single org has created and dominated a single area of industry as a economic force 4 our people. 

I’m NOT discounting the far-reaching lengths European-Americans have gone 2 KILL Black economic progression N general. I’m NOT saying any other organization has achieved this basic achievement and been able 2 maintain its operation to this day either (recognition goes 2 Garvey’s notable attempts with the Black Star Line, Negro Factories Corporation, etc…). BUT what other organizations have been around as long and boast memberships as large as the BGLOs? If anyone touted unity as the answer 2 collective Black socioeconomic elevation or helping us counter Black oppression, BGLOs have glaringly helped 2 prove otherwise. 

And THESE R the organizations asking 4 upward of $2500 2 join their ranks? So an individual can dress alike, B N step shows and do some basic ass charity drives??? I’ve come 2 the aid of my brothers who I didn’t need 2 “take wood” with N ways that their organizations didn’t. Where was their return on that investment? Do we really need a handshake and goofy ass call 2 help and recognize each other other than a Black fist and a head nod? In my humble opinion I’m only Cing them sell “networking” as the reason 2 join the same way pulpit pimps sell “eternal damnation.” GTFOHWTBS. 

I know we can B a tribal people. Many of us love having secret handshakes, signs and calls 2 distinguish us from that infamous “everybody else.” I’m not knocking that. Some folks R naturally joiners and they need that. That’s their prerogative. GDs, Crips, Bloods, and Blackstones hook up 4 similar reasons and take similar ass whuppins 2 get N. Folks do what they do. But if said organization is supposedly about uplifting a member, Y would they B charging them $2100+ 2 B a part of them. Where the fu** does all that money go when these orgs literally OWN no businesses or political lobby groups? Most of them don’t even have formal “houses” 4 their members 2 live N like their pink counterparts. Naw, this is some bullsh** and I just needed my moment 2 talk about it. Rep yo set if U like but ain’t no rationale 4 taking that kinda bread from a college student. It’s 2 many Black degreed phenomenons out here looking 4 careers and the “Divine Nine” ain’t hiring 1 of them. 

Thanks 4 reading,
K.

I blame colonialism 4 all chaos all over the world. 

~Baba Hugh Masekela

I don’t remember what year it was but somewhere along my lifeline I was asked 2 write a poem 4 and open 4 Hugh Masekela. Coming from a well-versed musical family I was aware who Baba Hugh was but I didn’t KNOW him. I knew “Grazing In the Grass” from repeated plays on the Herb Kent show. I wasn’t fluent in everything that he was and all that he represented. I couldn’t fully appreciate the invitation but I would soon.

It was Margarite Holberg of the HotHouse who booked me 4 the gig. The HotHouse, which had been closed down at that point, was an unusually accessible space N Chicago 4 home-based and international artists 2 come, express their craft and B paid. Audiences could connect with non-commercial artists that made our hearts race that we may not have seen anywhere else N the heavily segregated, heavily regulated city of Chicago. There really was nothing else like it and it was Margarite’s baby. Having produced numerous shows there prior 2 its closing I was honored that I got the call. It wasn’t paying much and I believe I was going 2 turn it down if not 4 the insistence of my then manager, Chamille who felt that this moment, at that point in my career, was more important than money.

I don’t remember the show N vivid detail. What comes 2 mind is the research I put N2 the piece, having some idea that this was way bigger than “Grazing In the Grass.”  What I uncovered (pre-internet) 4 myself was a true revolutionary; a man who had sacrificed much and gave even more 2 the People through his music. I found a lover of people of color the world over stemming from a love 4 those same people in his home country. I found a man who inspired generations 4 6 decades far more than he simply entertained them. And I discovered a king who would never make anyone else feel like a peasant. 

I was taken 2 meet him in his dressing room B4 the show. We hugged. I presented him with a copy of the poem. He graciously accepted. As we talked, I remembered there was a South African word or name in the poem that I had trouble with and asked him 4 help. He asked me 2 read it 2 him. I did and of course I pronounced it wrong. He corrected me. I said it wrong again. He worked with me and wouldn’t let me go until I got it right. I felt like a stupid American but I was so appreciative that he did. Members of the South African embassy were there, native South Africans living in Chicago and many more. I didn’t want my limited, colonized tongue 2 show and Baba Hugh did his best 2 make sure it didn’t. Can’t remember if I got it right on stage but if I didn’t, it wasn’t his fault. HA! It’s a moment that I never 4got and I am appreciative of the light he personally shared with me then.

I am thankful that I was able 2 honor him long B4 his transition and while he could fully receive it. His presence and work made this planet a better place. I hope that the legacy that he leaves us grows and inspires far more 2 grow, evolve and artfully resist injustice wherever and whenever it rears its hideous head. I encourage U 2 dig a little deeper N2 his discography and life and B moved as well.

Thanks 4 reading

Khari B.
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