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'TAVIS, YOU NEED TO MAN UP': Najee Ali's open letter to Tavis Smiley
'I also want you stop killing our dreams.'
*Brother Tavis, Tom Joyner's announcement last Friday that you have decided to quit his radio show has caused quite a discussion in Black America.
You released a statement later that same day indicating that it was not true and that you would address this issue on his program Tuesday (04-15-08) morning.
Well I plan to listen so I can hear your side in this growing controversy with an open mind.
I also want to humbly give you some advice if I may. For many years now, you have served Black people faithfully with tremendous success. Black America is a better place because of your works and no one can take that away from you.
Tavis you have publicly admitted your comments on Sen. Barack Obama and his historic bid to be the first Black President has caused quite a bit of outrage across Black America. Therefore, I for one am glad that you are quitting because it seems that you are trying to kill my dream.
I have nothing but respect and love for you and consider you a friend; in fact your picture is the first thing you see when you go to our organization's website - but this isn't about past work, accomplishments, or friendships ... this is much bigger.
This is about Harriet Tubman, Fredric Douglass, Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr King and the rest of our deceased ancestors who gave their lives in sacrifice for us. This is about Black America's dream of having an opportunity to support a Black candidate as qualified as Sen. Obama. Now, do not get me wrong, no leader is above reproach and criticism when it is warranted.
I believe that Black people have the right to vote and support whichever candidate they choose too, but I, along with millions of Blacks across the country, have waited for this moment in our dreams our entire lives. Your criticism of Obama comes off as if it is an attack and is helping to kill our dream.
Therefore, I cannot support any dream killers that includes Bob Johnson Founder of BET, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and any Black leader or group that has chosen to not support Sen.Obama. I am sure you will explain or spin this to put the best face on it. However, I can tell you personally from being in the barbershops to the coffee shops in South Central L.A. this past weekend Black people felt as if you let them down.
Tavis, Obama has won over 90% of the Black vote. This means you have probably less than 10% of the people (listening to your critiques of Obama) who are with you. (In fact, at that percentage you would probably have better odds of attending a Klan rally and getting away unharmed)
Tavis, There is a saying that perception is reality so you need to realize that to Black America it looks like you have gone out of your way to harm and hold Sen. Obama accountable to a much higher standard than you have Senators Clinton or McCain. In addition, on the subject of accountability does that apply to you as well?
Wal-Mart is a major sponsor of yours. Wal-Mart is also anti-union, pays low wages, and employees must pay for their own health care. Allstate Insurance has turned downed claims and treated unfairly thousands of Black hurricane Katrina survivors. Yet I have never heard you be critical of one of your white corporate sponsors in any manner.
Tavis if you can dish out criticism you should give it out fairly and also be able to take it. You have the right to quit, but I cant imagine Harriet Tubman quitting the underground railroad; I cant imagine Rosa Parks quitting the movement and letting some white man have her seat; I cant imagine Dr King quitting because he didn't want to march to Selma. Tavis you need to man -up.
Tom Joyner on his website stated that he wanted us to call you, e-mail you, text you, hug you, kiss you, get you in a corner and wrestle you and tell you how much we love you and appreciate your love for black people. Everyone needs that sometimes. I have no problem doing part of that for you Tavis, but I also want you stop killing our dreams.
Najee Ali
Executive Director Project Islamic HOPE
www.islamichope.org
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