Let Us All Go Back to the Old Landmark

 

(I don't own this video)

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark U.S. legislation that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, the act aimed to dismantle systemic racial segregation and inequality prevalent in the United States. It outlawed segregation in public places, such as hotels, restaurants, and theaters, and banned employment discrimination, thereby enforcing equal access to public facilities and opportunities. The act also strengthened voting rights and authorized the federal government to enforce desegregation in schools and public accommodations. Its passage marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, laying the foundation for subsequent anti-discrimination laws and significantly advancing social justice in the nation.

    During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, the Black church was a hub for organizing and activism. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a Baptist minister, used the pulpit to advocate for racial justice, equality, and nonviolent resistance. Churches often served as meeting places for strategy sessions, rallies, and community support, embodying the intersection of faith and social justice.  Beyond its role in activism, the Black church has been a vital institution for education, economic empowerment, and social services. Many Black churches established schools, provided financial assistance, and created programs to address poverty, healthcare, and housing needs. The church also serves as a cultural center, preserving and celebrating Black music, art, and traditions, particularly through gospel music and worship practices (History.com).

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    Some may think that we have become disconnected exponentially from the church as we knew it and some may even believe that social justice in this nation has become a farce.  They may be right.  Many people today are also fretting about one thing or another.  Right now, it's deportation, educational funding, and high prices but tomorrow it very well may be something entirely different but yet the same.  

Ecclesiastes 1:9 - English Standard Version
What has been what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.

I have lived a little over half of a century and never thought I would ever say, "I've seen this before."  I was born in the early 70s   Although I may have been too young to remember most of what was going on, I was there.  Those of you who are older may remember the following interesting facts:

    The decade witnessed the continuation of the Civil Rights Movement, with African Americans striving for economic equality amidst persistent racial tensions. The women's liberation movement gained momentum, advocating for equal rights and opportunities, leading to legislative efforts like the Equal Rights Amendment. Environmental concerns came to the forefront, highlighted by the first Earth Day in 1970 and subsequent environmental legislation. The era also experienced political scandals, notably the Watergate affair under President Nixon, which eroded public trust in government institutions. Economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, further contributed to a sense of uncertainty and disillusionment among Americans. Additionally, the decade saw a rise in crime rates and urban decay, with cities like New York facing significant social and economic challenges. These multifaceted issues collectively influenced the social fabric of the nation during the 1970s (History.com).

    Sounds familiar right?  Surely, I'm still here and many of you are too. How did we overcome it?  Surely many people complained, yelled, and cried but most of all people stood together.  They locked arm in arm, especially African Americans.  My people had no choice but to plant our feet and use our faith to get through continual strife, pain, and struggle.  Remember the church during those days? That old landmark.  Whether it was Mt. Zion, Mt. Moriah, Dexter Baptist, Ebenezar Baptist, or Whoever Baptist, the church, yours and my church, were our rallying points for everything.  In the 1970s, the church addressed pressing social issues through activism, legislative reforms, and shifts in public consciousness. One of many movements, the women's liberation movement gained momentum, leading to significant legislative achievements such as the passage of Title IX in 1972, which prohibited sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs (History.com).  We overcame!

    The 1980s looked a little better.  Well, it depends on who is telling the story.  I didn't grow up with a silver spoon, but I did have a family that loved me and a community that loved me just as much.  However, things changed drastically when CRACK infiltrated my entire city.  Some areas around the city were hit harder than others.  Everyone and anyone knew someone who was addicted to crack.  Everyone and anyone knew someone who sold crack. In fact, my city had an area that was called "Crack City."  

    The atmosphere changed dramatically.  No longer were we playing kickball, dodgeball, or jumping rope down the street. No longer were we coming home before the light posts came on.   We practically stayed at home.  Things changed from day to night. I remember in my great-grandmother's neighborhood, everyone sat on their porches almost until midnight.  That was no longer during the 80s.  It was no longer safe.  My great-grandmother's home was broken into twice.  Thankfully, she wasn't there.  She knew the culprit but could do nothing because he was cracked out.  During these times, we went to church like never before.  We had to save ourselves because although drugs had always been in the community, crack was an entirely different devil.  While Nancy Reagan told America to say no to drugs, those words fell on deaf ears, and crack took up a life of its' own by creating zombies from one end of the corner to the next.  Families that were the pillars of the community became pariahs.  Men who were good husbands and fathers abandoned not only their families, but they abandoned themselves.  Mothers, oh my God, the mothers sold their bodies and bore crack-addicted children who later became our future representation.  Some of the young folks may say that drugs are still having the same effect today.  I will ask any of them have they watched "The Book of Eli?"  No, the movie was about something far from drugs, but the atmosphere of the movie is what reminds me of some of the things I witnessed as a child.  So, the places that still appear they haven't changed, imagine that area times five.  

    Finally, though, the strong outnumbered those who had fallen.  The brave few reached back to that old landmark to gather the strength to take us into the 90s.  As a whole, we overcame it!  That old landmark!

    The 90s is where life truly began for me.  I was 18 years old and going to college, only to be derailed by war.  I joined the Army in high school because I always admired my military uncles.  I saw how well they turned out and wanted the same for my life.  Little did I know that merely a year later I'd be going to war, Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  Before that time, I had only really studied WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War.  I knew nothing about the desert.

    Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm were initiated in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion, leading to the swift occupation of Kuwait City and the annexation of the country as Iraq's 19th province (History.com).  This war would be different.  We had to fight and survive in terrain we had not trained for.  Most of us didn't understand why were even there.  What a disaster, I thought.  Nevertheless, I knew I'd come back home safe and sound because I was rooted in that old landmark.  Again, my church community discussed these matters as they had always done.  My church family and I prayed together for not only America but for those I would encounter in an unknown world.  

    During that time, my fellow African American family was facing many challenges up close and personal right at home.  One in particular was the Rodney King incident.  Rodney King was beaten by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers on March 3, 1999. The incident was captured on video by a bystander, George Holliday, and the footage showed King being repeatedly struck by officers while he was on the ground. The video sparked national outrage and became a symbol of police brutality and racial injustice. The subsequent acquittal of the officers involved in the beating on April 29, 1992, led to the 1992 Los Angeles riot, which lasted for six days and resulted in widespread violence, looting, and destruction. The Rodney King case confirmed what all African Americans knew.  We would have to accept that we had not moved as far as we thought.  Not much had changed, However, we overcame it!  Rodney King himself asked us, "can we all just get along?"

2000 - 2010 was also filled with one international conflict after another.  Not to mention, Black Americans had their share of challenges again right at home.  Between 2000 and 2010, African American communities in the United States faced a range of social, economic, and political challenges. Despite a modest decline in residential segregation during this period, significant disparities persisted in various sectors. Economically, African Americans continued to experience higher unemployment rates and lower median incomes compared to their white counterparts. Health disparities were also pronounced, with Black Americans facing higher rates of chronic illnesses and limited access to quality healthcare. Politically, issues such as voter disenfranchisement and underrepresentation remained prevalent. The criminal justice system disproportionately affected African Americans, with higher incarceration rates and instances of police misconduct leading to strained community-police relations. However, the decade also witnessed significant milestones, notably the election of Barack Obama as the first African American president in 2008, symbolizing progress and hope for many. I was so happy to witness such a memorable event. this was a welcomed gift especially after we had endured Rodney King.  Another thing, cultural contributions in music, arts, and sports continued to enrich American society, reflecting the resilience and creativity of the African American community.  These years, in my opinion, were filled with hope, more hope than I had witnessed before.  We had arrived!  OR so we thought...but we overcame it!  I had some concerns when our dear president, Barrack Obama, practically denounced his pastor before the world.  What about the old landmark?  I had to sigh and remember that "we shall overcome."

The End of "the Old Landmark"

    2011 - 2021, the Black church began to become a show. Unfortunately, some Black churches became a safe haven for predators rather than the people who needed that old-time way. Those so-called churches dimmed the light of the churches that still stood on the word.  However, as with many others, I no longer felt comfortable congregating with those who seemed to appear more money-hungry than word-hungry and had no regard for their fellow man.  I felt indispensable, a tiny fish in a sea called the Mega Church.  Many of our church leaders no longer spoke on the issues African Americans were facing at that time, such as the African American communities in the United States facing persistent systemic challenges, including economic disparities, health inequities, and criminal justice issues. Despite ongoing efforts, wealth and income gaps remained significant, with systemic barriers hindering asset acquisition and economic mobility. Health disparities were pronounced, exemplified by a 58% increase in suicide rates among Black Americans during this period (History.com). Yet the Black church continued to take from those who were broken but nevertheless, willing to give because they had grown up knowing that the church was a safe place.  

    Let me speak a little about the youth in the realm of criminal justice.  Black youth were 4.7 times more likely to be placed in juvenile facilities than their white peers as of 2021, reflecting enduring racial disparities. This decade also witnessed a rise in secularism within African American communities, challenging traditional religious affiliations and prompting new forms of social and political engagement. Instead of the church, grassroots activism, notably the Black Lives Matter movement, brought racial justice issues to the forefront, and comprehensive federal reforms remained elusive, underscoring the ongoing struggle for systemic change (History.com).  Where was the church as a whole?  I remember, back in the day, the church stepping in and gathering our African American children.

    If we the people...all the people, weren't already challenged, many thought after the 2017 election, we would definitely face an uphill battle.  Donald Trump was first inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017. He served from 2017 to 2021.  All I knew about Trump was, "The Apprentice."  I absolutely loved that show and admired him for how he handled each contestant.  How bad could it really be having him as a president, I thought.  No matter what, I vowed to remain steadfast in my faith and hold on to my remembrance of "the old landmark."  

    During Donald Trump's first term as U.S. president, African Americans faced similar, if not the same social issues of the 1970s, including heightened racial tensions, police brutality, and systemic inequality. Trump's rhetoric and policies, such as his response to the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017, were criticized for emboldening racist ideologies and deepening racial divisions. The Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum in response to high-profile police killings of African Americans, such as the murder of George Floyd in 2020, which sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice and police violence. Additionally, African Americans continued to face disparities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, exacerbated by policies that rolled back civil rights protections and social safety nets. These issues highlighted the ongoing struggle for racial equity in the United States.

    And then there was Joe.  Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021. He was inaugurated on that day, succeeding Donald Trump. Biden, a Democrat, had previously served as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017 and as a U.S. Senator from Delaware for 36 years. His presidency began amid significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery efforts, and deep political polarization in the country.

    During Joe Biden's presidency (2021–present), African Americans have continued to face longstanding social issues, though his administration has taken steps to address some of these challenges. Key issues that African Americans faced include:

1. Police Brutality and Criminal Justice Reform: High-profile killings of African Americans, such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, have kept police brutality and systemic racism in the criminal justice system at the forefront. Biden has supported police reform efforts, including the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, though legislative progress has been slow.

                2. Racial Inequality in Healthcare: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected    African Americans, highlighting disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. Biden's administration has worked to expand healthcare access and vaccine equity.

                3. Economic Disparities: African Americans face higher rates of unemployment, poverty, and wage gaps compared to white Americans. Biden's economic policies, such as the American Rescue Plan, aimed to address these inequities through stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits, and support for small businesses.

                4. Voting Rights: Efforts to restrict voting access in several states disproportionately impact African Americans. Biden has advocated for federal voting rights legislation, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, to combat these measures, but it has faced significant political opposition.

                5. Education Inequities: African American students often face underfunded schools and systemic barriers to quality education. Biden has pushed for increased funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and initiatives to address educational disparities.

                6. Housing Discrimination: African Americans continue to face housing insecurity and discrimination. Biden's administration has taken steps to address housing affordability and combat discriminatory practices.

(History.com)

    While Biden made efforts to address those issues, systemic racism and structural inequities remained deeply entrenched, requiring sustained action and policy changes.  Still, we rise and yes, we overcame!

    We've come a mighty long way from the days when the church was the center of the African American community to only trade the church for tele-mega-church, televangelists, and lots and lots of prosperity teachings.  As those churches get bigger and wealthier, many African Americans have code-switched to the point they don't know who they are or where they come from.  African Americans have lost the common fiber that bonded us all together.  We all shared the same plight.  We all stood side by side with our brothers and sisters.  In fact, the fight for civil rights was done by the predominately Black race but its' liberties have been enjoyed by all.  The disrespect that came with allowing everyone to stand on our shoulders has diluted the hearts of many African Americans today.  For example, every day we hear of someone getting deported and African Americans look the other way.  African Americans have resigned from taking on everyone's fight.  There is no church telling us to do otherwise.  There are no civil rights leaders combining everyone's struggle with our struggle.  Yet, there is no one proposing a call to action.  While the president, yes President Donald Trump, serving his second term, wreaks havoc all over the nation.  It's only a matter of time before Black people become the target.  

    Therefore, I propose we revamp the church.  The church has always played a central and multifaceted role in the lives of Black people, particularly in the United States, serving as a cornerstone of community, resilience, resistance, and empowerment since slavery, as a space where African Americans could find solace, hope, and spiritual strength amid oppression. It became a sanctuary for preserving African cultural traditions, fostering unity, and nurturing a sense of identity and dignity.  There are still many among us who remember that church.  I remember what spirituality did for us.  I remember the church, our old landmark, being the hub, the nucleus, the headquarters for all that ailed Black people.  Let us all go back to the old landmark so that our children's children will know how we got over.  They'll know how to tap into that energy in trying times and they will prevail.

                                                                Researched by:  Nichelle Ruffin