|
The death of Reverend I.J.
Johnson last week marks the passing of the guard to others
in Toledo from the militant resistance of the Civil Rights
black church – which in recent times has become more focused
on the black middle class than the rights of the least, lost
and left behind.
When I ran into him at
church or community events and even while relaxing at places
like Miss Ruby’s Kitchen, we would always joke about a
member who was unaware that we knew that she secretly
belonged to both of our churches at the same time. The
lesson he kept emphasizing was that it is important to
recognize early when others – particularly church members
and followers or fellow clergy and politicians – are trying
to “play” you and that you don’t always have to let them
know that you are aware of it.
Johnson, short in stature
but large in benevolence, would always remind everyone how
he marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King in Alabama. And
back in the day, there were others who may have been more
vocal, but the diminutive figure with a big heart was always
present to let others know, as he once told me, that “it is
important to be right but more important to be kind.”
Johnson, along with
perhaps the late Rev. A.L. Roach, Rev. John Roberts and Rev.
Floyd Rose, in my opinion, would occupy a space on the “Mt.
Rushmore” of the political world of Toledo Missionary
Baptist Church clergy. He will be missed.
My Thoughts on the May 8
primary?
In the race for Ohio
Senate district 11, Michael Ashford, as expected, dominated
the central city wards of zip codes 43604, 43607, 43610,
43620 and to a lesser degree 43615 and 43608. However, it
was not enough to offset Teresa Fedor’s superior performance
in the Oregon, Maumee and Springfield suburbs and commanding
dominance of the East Side, Point Place, South and West
Toledo.
My sources tell me that
Ashford performed better than they even dreamed of because
of the small representation of people of color compared to
Caucasians in the district. Nevertheless, Ashford, who did
not have a “Carty running interference for him as did
term-limited incumbent Edna Brown, otherwise ran a good and
smart campaign.”
The bottom line is that
despite the paltry14 percent turnout, “the candidates are
now our candidates.” Hopefully, the next chairman of the
Lucas County Democratic Party will be able to generate an
enthusiastic turnout for both the November general election
and subsequent primaries. Look for Ashford to land on his
feet at the state or municipal level.
Secondly, the passage of
Issue 1 is extremely good news. For years elections in Ohio
have been unrepresentative of voters’ preferences due to
Ohio’s radical gerrymandering of its congressional
districts. Prompted by the League of Women Voters and
others, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved a radical
revision of the rules, which forces legislators to come up
with a plan to come up with more competitive districts.
Since 2011 Republicans have been able to win 75 percent of
congressional seats while garnering only a slight majority
(50-60 percent) of the total votes.
Finally, much has been
made about the black divide in the Democratic Party whereby
some black voters tend to easily forgive others while
holding grudges against “their own.”
It is true that our
community often majors in minors as we are quick to exercise
the nuclear option if a black candidate provides resources
but does not show up for our forums. We then turn around to
provide overwhelming support to others who may be present at
election time but then disappear when it comes to
legislating policies and providing support that strengthens
the black community.
Yet, it is equally true
that young black millenials, perhaps the most criticized
local voter demographic, are primarily concerned – not about
“Kanye West or Stormy Daniels” – but about the issues that
impact our community.
Are these black millenials
more radical or militant? Are they sometimes cynical of
“traditionalism” or old and less effective ways of
addressing new issues and challenges?
Yes and Yes!
However, the good news is
that while the leaders of the Civil Rights movement are
headed for emeritus status, millenials and organizations
like the CRSN “are more plural - in terms of class,
sexuality, and even concern about various racial groups,”
and thus are even now OUR future.
It would be a great
blessing if the divided mind of the black community can find
a way to unify for the rocky road ahead in the 2018 and 2020
elections.
And if we, above all,
remember as I.J. Johnson demonstrated in his life of service
and activism, that “it is better to be kind.”
Contact Rev. Donald Perryman, D.Min, at
drdlperryman@centerofhopebaptist.org
|
