State of the Black Union Discussed
By Dr. Boyce Watkins
I’ll start by saying that I love Tavis Smiley and have a tremendous amount of respect for him. Ok, I’ve said it, and I meant it. I hope you believe me as I write.
Tavis Smiley’s work in the Black community is critically important. But there is a difference between being an intelligent guide to enlightenment and being downright self-righteous. Tavis has a way of putting political leaders “on blast” for not showing up at his forums. When he held a debate for the Republicans in the 2008 Presidential Primaries, there were several Republican presidential candidates who chose not to attend. I understand being upset about this, because the Republican Party has paid dearly for its racism and ignorance of the needs of the Black community. Smiley responded to the Republican snub by putting the name of the candidate on the podium even if they were not there. This was a clear reminder to those in the audience that the leader “doesn’t care about issues in the Black community.”
When holding the State of the Black Union of 2008 (some confuse it with the State of Black America, issued each year by the Urban League), Smiley again invited as many political leaders as he could find, with Hillary Clinton being his star for the day. Then Senator Barack Obama, in the middle of a heated battle for Democratic delegates in Texas and Ohio, said that he could not attend the forum. Instead, he offered his wife Michelle to attend in his place. That’s when the drama got heated.
Tavis, appearing to be offended by Obama’s slight toward his conference, proceeded to nibble away at Obama’s heels every morning on The Tom Joyner Morning Show. The segments started with “he-say, she-say”, in which Tavis claimed that no one from the Obama camp offered Michelle up for attendance. But even if they had, Tavis claimed that no spouse of a presidential candidate would be acceptable for the conference, even Bill Clinton.
I must admit that I felt Tavis was doing a “Karl Rove” on the truth. It was also a slap in the face of Black women everywhere who have tremendous respect for Michelle Obama. Finally, Smiley’s words and actions bordered on petty and angered the millions of African-Americans who’d come to believe that Barack Obama could walk on water. While I’ve never felt that Obama could walk on water, I certainly did not understand Smiley’s confused obsession with Obama’s behavior. Smiley’s comments toward the Black presidential candidate reminded me of the same double standard I can sometimes get as a Black professor. You may have Black students who feel a certain degree of comfort with you, and thus empowered enough to attack you more than they would a White professor with whom they have no prior social affiliation. These situations can be nightmares, as they reflect problems with the collective self-esteem of the Black community, which leads us to feel that attacking and hurting one another is easier, and thus more satisfying than working together to fight Black oppression. In other words, Smiley was reflecting the same sentiment held by Black men who shoot one another on the street, but stand in fear of the racism in White America. Aaron McGruder, creator of the popular cartoon, “The Boondocks”, would refer to this as “a nigger moment.”
Phones were ringing off the hook, as I had friends from California to New York calling and asking “What’s wrong with Tavis?” I had no idea, since I don’t know Tavis personally. However, because we run in the same circles, I know plenty of people who know plenty of people who know Tavis. One of my great and respected friends, Kyle Bowser, is one of Tavis’ best friends, and Kyle rang my phone the day after I made my comments. Going through the blogs of other Black scholars, I had a chance to see their reactions. Melissa Harris-Lacewell at Princeton University, an intelligent (though somewhat elitist) scholar, happened to be incredibly poignant in her critique of Tavis Smiley’s behavior.
Melissa angered Tavis by writing a column that asked ”Who died and made Tavis King?”. I wasn’t as direct in my critique of Tavis, but I did have some strong words for him. I did not want to deliver any commentary on the Tavis via the major networks, since I honestly feel that there are some conversations Black folks need to have behind closed doors. But given that we get nearly 100,000 Black readers per week on our website YourBlackWorld, I felt this to be a fitting venue to let the world know how I feel.
I issued a statement agreeing with my friend Roland Martin at CNN, who felt that Tavis was out of line by making such a strong demand on Obama at such a critical time. Yes, Hillary Clinton showed up in spite of being on the same campaign trail, but the fact was that Hillary was well positioned to win in the upcoming battlegrounds states, Texas and Ohio. Also, Hillary Clinton needed to regain the ground in the Black community that was lost when her husband Bill shot himself in the foot. The words out of Bill Clinton’s mouth were so vile, that his own “ghetto pass” was revoked immediately. Clinton had compared Barack Obama to Jesse Jackson, implying that he was simply a Black presidential candidate with no chance to win White voters. While Jesse ran a great campaign, the notion that Obama’s fate would be similar to his own was disappointing for many Black people to hear. Clinton was no longer one of us, and he certainly was not the “first Black president” anymore.
I also felt that Tavis should have been more careful about being too critical of Obama in light of the fact that he was accusing Barack of doing some things that he himself had been doing. For example, Tavis claimed that he was not going to give Obama a “ghetto pass” just because he was Black. Rather, he would challenge him and question him like he would anyone else. First, Tavis’ words presumed (self-righteously) that he knows what is best for Black folks and we cannot make this determination ourselves. No one gives the “ghetto pass” to Ward Connerly (the guy in California fighting against Affirmative Action) or Condoleeza Rice, so the idea that Black candidates get votes only because they are Black is simply ridiculous. A “ghetto pass”, should such a pass exist, must be earned, and Obama had earned the love, trust and support of the Black community. To presume that people were supporting him just because he is Black is an insult to the collective intelligence of the Black community.
Secondly, Tavis himself had been long receiving the very same “ghetto passes” that he felt Black America was unfairly bestowing upon Obama. As powerful and revolutionary as Tavis may have sounded on The Tom Joyner Morning show, the fact that you hear “This was brought to you by Walmart” at the end of each segment reminds you that the message has been diluted by corporate sponsorship. No great Black revolutionary in American history has ever been brought to you by McDonald’s, Walmart, Wells Fargo, or any of the other corporations that sponsor Tavis’ forums.
Additionally, there is a clear reality in the life of Tavis Smiley, one that he cannot ignore: the Covenant with Black America, The State of the Black Union Conference, The “Pass The Mic” Tour, and everything else Tavis has done was created with the express objective of obtaining revenue and profitability for his corporate sponsors. Tavis has sold himself (and I do not use the word “sold” in a negative sense) to White American corporations as the broker of Black leadership. He is the man that many corporate executives believe they can go to in order to reach the African-American masses. We are the drugs, and he is the pusher: White corporate America represents the group of addicts getting high on the profitability of Black consumption.
As a Finance Professor, I must say that I see nothing wrong with the Tavis Smiley business model. I am not here to say that Tavis has “sold out”, for I don’t believe he has. We all sell something in order to make a living, and even the concept of “selling out” presumes that one has managed the thin line between making a profitable trade, versus giving up something of tremendous value. The problems with the Tavis Smiley business model arise when such a business model is pursued carelessly or selfishly. I do not accuse Tavis Smiley of being careless or selfish. However, his attacks on Senator Barack Obama, none of which were thrust on Senator Hillary Clinton, smelled of self-interest from a man who appeared to feel slighted that Obama jumped his place in the line of great Black leadership.
I felt sorry for Tavis after seeing the reactions of our readers on YourBlackWorld. Hundreds of emails and comments were coming in every day, with many readers claiming that they were once Tavis Smiley fans, but not anymore. Overnight, Tavis went from being incredibly popular, to becoming the Milly Vanilly of social commentary. I can’t help but wonder what happened behind closed doors, as I am sure his publisher became concerned that he could no longer sell books. His corporate sponsors were surely aware of the fact that he was not in control of the Black audience they were buying from him. I am willing to bet that his life was a mess, at least for a while.
I hope this year’s State of the Black Union Conference is a bit more balanced. Tavis is a good brother who deserves our respect. But it is my greatest hope that he learns the difference between balanced critiques and flat out “haterology”. I do a lot of critiquing, but when it comes to Obama, I want him to succeed. I sincerely hope that Tavis wants the same.
This is an excerpt from the book “Black American Money” by Dr. Boyce Watkins, to be released in April 2009. For more information, please visit www.BoyceWatkins.com.
“10 Things You Should Consider about the State of the Black Union – by Dr. Boyce Watkins”
Dr Watkins once again you hit it on the head.Tavis is a good brother but he does not respect the people he claims he wants to lead.He talks down to us and exploits Black America’s problems for his own benefit.I wrote in my post had it not been for the bloggers he would have help Hilary win at our expense and would be in the White House as press secretary.Tavis needs to know this is not a game,we are serious about Obama being what we want to represent us.
I would just like to say this – I was the victim of a hate crime while a student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois from 2000 to 2003. I went to a school that’s claim to fame was it graduated more black American males than any other college in the nation, but I was the first black American to rise to merit in the ceramics program at SIU. Under the management of Chair and Ceramic Program Head – Harris Deller. He was my version of Pontious Pilate and I mean that in every sense of the way. As a big-black female – I was subjected to a Brett Thomas white male student who made overt sexual advances and racial stereotyping. It was pretty much managed until a white female student Melissa Mencinni chose to add her sexual desires for black men in the mix. She came in and immediately introduced herself to me as a white women who had something in common with me and we should be best friends … my assumption was yeah – we obviously love clay right? Wrong – it was her idea coming from Ohio that we were going to both chase black men for sex! Now if that was not enough – Brett Thomas decides he’s mad at losing the so called good white women to Smokey Joe’s as he referred to black men. I will just list the sequence of events on public record so the facts are well documented. I was groped, I was harassed, my work was intentionally destroyed, Steve Grimmer the Professor at the time sided with Melissa because they were friends and came form Ohio together, and Lou Perrozzi who had no direct involvement in my physical body begin touched led the campaign to get rid of me for his best friend Brett… Needless to say a false police report was filed and all the while I went to the Ombudsman’s office and filed a claim months before any one did an investigation – the white student and faculty got together a lynch mob and began to do some work by attacking my character and my personal belongings – even cutting the break and trans hose lines of my car [pay back for whistle blowing] I was the only black student in and out of a room that had 150 whites coming and going and these white grad students were afraid of me? Perrozzi who witnessed all the interchanges between his friend and I decided to verbal threaten me [which I tape recorded] that my life would be in danger if I proceeded with trying to get his nasty friend in trouble – Thomas had a track record of attacking – touching and threatening women of all ethnic backgrounds – but because he was white and his father was a big time Physician from Florida nothing came of it]. I went on local news – which got broadcast on NPR Radio … I contacted MR. Tavis Smiley Pants – who never responded back, nor did Jesse Jackson or any other so call self appointed BLACK leader in America … No sir – the only leader that rose up was myself and I fought back alone! I never touched anybody or threatened any of those white students I went above there heads. The Deans of the university covered up the black professors in African American Studies ran when they saw me coming – no I became my own BLACK leader that year. One day after going public – with the police I walked into the studio space I shared with the other students and saw my space was spray painted BLACK … I called the FBI in July 2001 the head guy was to work with me and he told me to sit cool and tight he was on it… Now August 2001 comes and my FBI guy and I devise a plan of attack – then September 11, 2001 came and all hell broke loose. My FBI guy called to say he had to go and I was on my own once again. I called MR. SMILEY FACED TAVIS – emailed him sent letters and where was his state of Black America address on my issue??? I am lucky to be alive – I lived in the area of KKK territory like you would think is in Virginia – It was black people who turned on me or away from me as I stood and fought these idiots alone … But I became the change I could believe in and from that black people got hired in the art dept at SIU and I left a track record of how racist the college was – and left change to benefit other blacks who will never meet me… No I don’t need my future or current President to attend and Uncle Tom Foolery sitting topic discussion that gets some of the elitist self appointed Black Leaders to sit and speak on things that they are not willing to stand up for!!!! From that experience i can say that Tavis Smiley who I met many years prior and Jesse Jackson who I worked with in Chicago, Michigan and Los Angeles were no more honorable than Harris Deller, Steve Grimmer, Brett Thomas, Lou Perrozi, Melissa Mencini, Lori Evans, Brenda Quinn and Keith Renner her boyfriend who campaigned extensively for Obama. Tavis Smiley is a bitter typical Mississippi uncle tom negro – he is jealous and he is evil in his dialogue and inter-racist attack on President Obama! My story goes deeper than I covered in this surface email – it is a painful history. I was in shock at how many jumped on the band wagon to go help out the Jena 6 – who fought back by actually putting hands on their oppressors … no one came for the Carbondale 1 – which is my irony. Tavis a breath of hot air and now that we have our President we can dispose of him or hope he has a radical soul bypass operation – because believe you me when I say there are 10 more in the wings to replace him…
Is it me, or during the 2nd C-SPAN session, did Tavis sound as if he’s still a little “salty” with President Obama?? Did anyone else get that impression?
Absolutley, TennisDiva! Tavis was salty and tried to steer his guests in a direction of anti-President Obama. I have already been annoyed with Tavis, and now I am just horrified at his behavior. I am so glad that no one took the bate. Clearly, he does not know that you get back what you put out. Shame on Tavis!
I also sensed that our dear brother Tavis is still a little ” Salty”, and unfortunately, I believe that there seems to be alittle jealously as well. I truly hope that I am wrong, but that crab in a barrel mentality seems to be rearing it’s ugly little head. I mean I can’t for the life of me understand that comment that he, (Tavis Smiley) made suggesting that President Obama would be showering with blessings upper crust Blacks that currently are surrounding him at present. I mean how can we truly ask all blacks to come together when those like Tavis keep up such childish and unbecoming games.
Oh my god! Tavis is such a hater. I wish he would just leave Barack alone and let him be president. He continuously pursues his own agenda, and I guarantee you that if Barack were to let Tavis be in his cabinet, he would shut the hell up.
In my humble opinion Tavis is distancing himself from the democratic party(the party of the majority of African Americans)and most blacks in his attempt to be nonpartisan…I guess.
Yet in still, it seems as though he is increasingly becoming a Republican dare I say. He even invited the new RNC Chair, Michael Steele to this year’s State of the Black Union (homeboy got a rousing round of boos)Tavis was either setting Michael up or he was introducing him as a new “black community” voice. I of course believe the latter. Barack Obama is not only the voice of America, he is a strong voice of African Americans, black people. Tavis’s voice now, does not sound like President Obama…it now sounds more like Michael Steele. You do the math.
Being present at the event put many more of those “hater-type” tones into perspective. There were alot of points were Tavis seemed salty yet that seems to be his overall persona. Secondly, I would really appreciate more discussion about the overall mental health crisis is that is plaguing our poverty stricken communities as this is primarily the basis for much of the lack of motivation and dismay that exists. Overall, I had an amazing day and I would be interested in traveling to this world again.
I understand that a DVD is available (Re: The two panels that took place in Los Angeles on Feb. 28, 2009). At Tavis Smalley’s 10th Annual Meeting as shown on C-Span. At the end of the program, it gave the telephone numbers to call. But was not able to get those phone numbers. I would like to obtain copies of the discussions of the two panels. Can you help me. Thanking you in advance for your help. Sincerely, Randall Bush Pollard
I don’t understand the point of rehashing last year’s drama? What does it have to do with moving the black community forward? Correction, mobilizing us to stop complaining and get off our butts and take a stand for something besides glorifying celebrities, and materialism?
Where are your heads? Tavis Smiley is the best person going. Talk about Pontius Pilate? Who in the entire world went to Smiley’s Defense when he was crucified? Or, were those posts just left out of the mix? Dr. Boyce? Have you lost your head?
Tavis Smiley clearly has ulterior motives for trying to cast suspicion and aspersion on President Obama. The question is who is behind his divisive disingenuous tactics. It wouldn’t be the first time the slave master tried to use another black against the leader of a slave rebellion. President Obama has come into power with fresh innovative new ideas for moving African Americans and the nation forward in a positive way. Exxon Mobil and Wells Fargo along with many blacks who make a living by exploiting the suffering of the black community must be very afraid Obama may bring change and equity to our people. Scary isn’t it? I also noticed that two-faced Michael Steele was talking differently then he does when he is addressing white Republicans. We all know that Steele is against 98% of the topics discussed at the forum but he wasn’t man enough to tell the audience what he really believes. He sure was singing a different tune at the C-Pac Convention. I’ve got my eye on Tavis. I don’t trust him at all and who gets the money from the CD’s? Didn’t Tavis say the symposium was free, was paid for by corporate America, and was free?
I used to respect Tavis. He’s definitely a sharp and talented communicator. But, after the Obama fiasco, all respect was lost. He showed his true colors and let us all see that he really needs to get over himself. He also made it clear that he’s more concerned about promoting himself than the needs and interests of the African-American community. The “Who Died and Made Tavis King” essay was right on point.
Tavis crucified?please…Tavis brought this on himself. He is a fighter…fighting for the wrong causes. He has helped no one but himself and HIS uppercrusted friends. President Barack Obama is giving everyone the path and direction to prosperity. He has admonished everyone within the sound of his voice to go to school, get your degree. Get in position to receive. He is not freely giving anything (govt. money) away to everyone. You must be in position. You must have a well thought out, on paper, with all documentation present plan or you will not receive from this administration. Black people wake up! Listen to the President of the United States. Study him. Go to http://www.barackobama.com, change.gov. Get the blueprints that are posted their. Go to grants.gov. Get involved in the democratic party. Run for office. Now is the time to be in position for real change and real empowerment. Tavis is on a mission to stear black people to the republican party. If you want to look down on people and see them as not American and spit on black history in the Pesidency of President Obama then join Smiley’s crusade. The State of Black Union has been going on for 10 years now and black communities across the country are still denied quality education, housing, healthcare, access to jobs and training. This yearly event (beauty pageant of the minds) has produced nothing in our communities for people who have fallen through the cracks. I’m not saying it has not been beneficial but it should by now have a larger harvest of success in our communities. Instead the high school dropout rate among black males has increased by at least 15% pts., HIV and Aids has increased dramaticaly in our community, No ones credit has gotten any better in fact worse off because the knowledge on how to set yourselves up for real success has not been addressed properly. Tavis had an opportunity with this event to do so much. He started at the same time Barack started his political career! so no i’m not impressed and tired of attending these things that are not speaking to the ailling, on life support black community. Be the Change! start your own groups that you know will empower others. Encourage black kids to finish high school then go on to college. Tell them step by step how to make it. Tell them to keep their credit from being ruined by paying their bills on time. Tell them to get a job they don’t like and strive to be a manager at that job to build up a resume. Tell them to get their foot in the door and use thier brains and gifts to be a leader not a follower. Tell them to utilize the programs in their city to get summer jobs and internships. Stop them when you see them on a path. Join the 100 Black Men organization in your city and become a mentor. Run for office, councilperson, assemblyperson, senator, congressperson and make sure your community gets the grants and programs they need to thrive. These are the things that should be addressed at the State of the Black Union.
I agree 100% with Carol E. and I want to add that we need to get out our pitchforks and torches and take back our schools. We need more committed and dedicated black educators. We need to get more involvement in overseeing principles and school boards in our community. We adults could stop the violence and end the apathy in the public school system if we would only volunteer to come once a month and help encourage kids and keep order. Why won’t Tavis and others talk about that? Why won’t they talk about starting mentoring programs and support groups for young black males coming out of prison so they don’t end up right back where they started? Talking is wonderful but now is the time for some action. We have enough talent and intelligence in our community to make it happen.
Tavis is not the enemy of the African American community. The enemy is centuries of systemic racism and those who continue to perpetuate it. In order to permanently improve our lot as a people, we must learn to be a thinking people (most people, no matter what race, fall into “group think”) and not rely on the opinions of a few so called Black leaders. We should lead ourselves and our respective communities. We must realize our value and self worth as citizens of this country and make sure we work to knock down the walls that exist due to race based disparities. Our nation is suffering right now, but the African American segment has suffered long term. Let’s stay focused on the important issues and not on the opinions of certain individuals. When we start viciously attacking individuals within our community, often based upon a lot of manufactured propaganda, we only hurt ourselves. Yeah, it’s fine to have discussions when someone appears to have crossed the collective line, but let’s move on. Let’s stop fighting the wrong enemies for to do so is only self defeating and foolish. Moreover, President Obama (who I personally know and respect) will act upon the messages we are sending him. We have to stand together and collectively let him know that it is a priority to us that the vestiges of historical racism be permanently eradicated. We cannot be afraid to make this request. Dr. Boyce, thank you for your invaluable scholarship.
Tavis is so full of himself…but this is nothing new. He has always thought he was more important than he actually is. Yes, he is bitter that the country is so focused on a new messenger. He feels he no longer is “the voice” of the black community. But, the reality is he never really was. He let those that run those people who are his sponsors fill his head with foolish ideas…because those whites went to him to get a feel for what was going on in the black community or find out what black are thinking he got the big head. Travis, you need to learn to share the stage with other people who are just or more important and knowledgeable than you. Stop being a hater….
I only saw the second panel, but what bothered me most was that there was nary a mention of the rising police killings/maimings/frame-ups of our people, nor of our political prisoners targetted by FBI’s COINTELPRO, some of whom have been incarcerated for 40+ years! Our many non-living heroes/sheroes were referenced readily by Tavis and his panelists, but not a whisper about those who subsist under tortous conditions in these prisons.
Its unbeleivable how negative we are let the comments lie lets start new. I thoght the forum was uplifting, and learn alot from it. will be back again next year.
I believe that he is a great talent. A bit egotistical but entertaining. His last album was mediocre….ooops! Are we talking about Kanye West or Tavis Smiley? They both need a reality check.
Of course, Tavis has found a way to promote himself. His agenda, which happens to fill a need for many black people,and makes them feel that their issues are being addressed. However, I agree with the person who said that those of us who care about our communities should be doing what we can to help kids look to their futures. Neither Tavis, or the President, can come to each black community to do what can and should be done on the local level. We need to do this ourselves in order to turn things around in black America. Tavis and the President are showing black kids that they can do well, in life, with an education.
Stop knocking Tavis. Jesses & Al Sharpton. To me, it looks like it will take another 10-15 years for African-Americans to understand Barak just like it took the community 10-15 years to understand the Clintons. The above named civil rights icons will be here fighting for us long after Barak is gone. Remember this!
It seems that Tavis has been drinking the same tea as Michael Steele. Their demeanor towards President Obama has consistently been presented in its most negative form on media which has never cared about Black Americans. People who make their living ‘knowing it all’ when it comes to what ails Black America are finding it more difficult since the election of President Obama. For them, poverty is a means to an end and they must, at all cost, do whatever they can to keep the controversy alive. We all know who our poverty pimps have been, and who is trying to replace those who are no longer relevant. Tavis is washed up and sees that he may need a new subject to enhance his well being. Thus, the attacks on the President. After all, Tavis has made a pretty good living by being Mr. Know It All! Then again, Obama won without his support. So who cares about what Tavis Smiley says or Does?? It’s all about him, any way!
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