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The fact that 91 percent of black women with a college
degree and 95 percent of black women without a degree voted
for Secretary Clinton, puts a proud smile on my face and in
my heart.
Everything else about last week’s presidential election
makes me angry. Very angry!
While many in the black community are wont to blame black
millennials or the black underclass for allegedly not
showing up at the polls, certainly, if any stones are to be
cast, the first should be aimed at the many “Ain’t I a
Misogynist Too” black preachers who refused to prophetically
address the very real consequences of president-elect
Trump’s ideas and actions of racism, sexism, ableism, toxic
masculinity, Islamophobia, xenophobia and sexual violence.
Instead, as hundreds of physical and verbal attacks and
threats reportedly take place upon people of color and other
minorities throughout the U.S., many of my colleagues are
responding with weak, syrupy “pie in the sky, sweet by and
by” posts on Facebook. Seriously?!
I am also angry that many of my white “Christian” brothers
and sisters would seem to prefer to allow the country to go
up in flames rather than share it with others. Eighty one
percent of white born-again evangelical Christians and 60
percent of white Catholics voted for Trump. In contrast,
folks who do not even go to church supported Hillary Clinton
over Trump by a 68 to 26 percent margin.
Forgive me, but perhaps I mistakenly forgot that violence,
body shaming (lap scarves) or bragging about sexually
assaulting women was a relic of the church from centuries
ago.
The consequence of last week’s election is that there are
dark days ahead where many expect an ultra-conservative move
to limit people’s access to basic needs.
The church, whose message is prioritized not to power and
privilege but to the “least of these,” is therefore
complicit in the coming darkness.
Yet, there are things that we can still do to defend against
injustice.
1.
Increase Financial Literacy and Performance:
Incorporate financial literacy into our preaching and
teaching. From a practical and cultural standpoint, it is a
time to stop wasting money and to begin saving money and
accumulating assets, whenever possible. Postpone unneeded
major purchases and repair our credit.
2.
Buy Black:
The black economy, collectively, would position the black
community as approximately, the 9th largest
nation in terms of buying power. So, a large portion of our
gifts should be for the use of the community instead of
proving that we are better than everyone else. As in the
past, buy only where your interests are supported and
discontinue keeping racist and other oppressive
organizations in business. Buy black and buy local. Support
restaurants like Miss Ruby’s kitchen, J’Mae’s or
Josephine’s. Call ahead and stop complaining about the wait.
Soul Food ain’t fast food, so you already know its going to
take a minute if you want it hot.
3.
Know “where you is”:
We live in a society that, first of all, is flooded in
weapons. So, both respect the police AND support Black Lives
Matter because it might be you or your own kids at the wrong
end of police brutality the next time. Secondly, this
nation, as Gerald Horne, PhD, says, “still has unresolved
issues of racism and inadequate discussions about the legacy
of slavery, Jim Crow and the KKK that helps to portray black
people as criminals which inevitably leads to their
slaughter.” In addition, racism is a part of a global system
of white supremacy and patriarchy, so connect and learn from
a worldwide as well as a local perspective.
Finally,
4.
Remember that “Authentic Power” comes from God alone
and is given for service.
The church needs to reclaim its multi-lingual efficacy,
speaking about God and to God in the language of culture as
Jesus did. When this divine discourse is put into practice,
God will be truly glorified.
Though darkness looms on the horizon, I see the power of God
being manifested in a collective Church serving as a
sanctuary in these times. I see a place where women are safe
and no one can assault them. I see a place where those with
disabilities are able to bless us with all of their talents,
where LGBTQ members’ rights are honored and respected, where
Black, Brown, White, Yellow and Red lives ALL matter, and
where dignity and respect fills the space.
Yes, I am angry. However, if this anger helps to reveal what
God can do through humans and galvanize our work for
justice, I shall indeed be glad.
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, D.Min, at
drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org
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