In one of the most influential times in American history, I ask this question; Where are the black American Leaders of old? When black Americans, such as Condoleezza Rice, are helping to shape American policies, where are those black American leaders who should be standing behind her in support? The answer to this question is, they are opposing her and what she stands for, as if she doesn’t realize her place in the great scheme of things. Our black leaders have lost their way I believe, and have become so caught up in the “looking out for number one” philosophy that they could never face a resolute person unscripted, so they prey on the uninformed.

The American nation is at a crossroads, with great political infighting, a radical group attempting to overthrow our country, an unpopular war being fought for economical and social reasons. You would think that a number of black leaders would be standing side by side with the President of the United States and supporting those in the field, many of whom are black, fighting this fight for freedom and economic stability for America and its allies. I think the question of where is black America deserves an answer.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard blacks tout their dislike of President Bush, and when I ask them ‘why?’ they all seem to repeat the same statement, “he cares more about the rich than the poor,” with other similar-like comments that indicate a dislike of him simply because he’s white. Many of these blacks think that they are reviving the ‘black power’ spirit while ignoring the fact that ‘black power’ has already been obtained, just ignored by those who merely want to pick a fight just to have a fight.

At what point in history will a black man stand and make himself heard over the many forms of communication flooding our society with a voice that cares more about protecting America, than a bygone myth that the black race is in jeopardy? At what point in history will a black leader realize that every black man or woman whose roots trace back to America’s beginning should now stand and say in one voice, “I stand with the President, I stand for America!” Black America has been there at every point in American history, living and dying right along side white America in order to make this country what it is today. We have earned the right to be called Americans time and time again, and yet our black leaders have constantly misinformed us that we still have a fight on our hands against white America. Many black leaders are looking to make a name for themselves by standing against the current administration, demanding change. And when asked what change would make things better, they mention the likes of Obama. Well please forgive me for not bowing down to the first, so called, real black candidate for the Presidency of the United States, but I need more of a reason to vote for him other than the fact that he’s black, and I still haven’t figured out if he is a Christian or a Muslim. I think America has grown enough to expect more from its leaders, and if that were not the case I would not be writing this letter today to the, so-called, black leaders of America.

I expect more. I demand more.

What a great opportunity I’ve been granted as a black American, to show the rest of the world how much I honor and appreciate the thousands of Americans, both black and white who put on a uniform went into battle and died so that my great great, great grandfather could be a free man in 1864. Many of those who shed their blood over the American countryside probably cared little about the plight of black Americans, or for that matter, the economic stability of this new country but were more concerned with the idea that their country was about to go to war. Moreover, in spite of the fact that brother would have to fight brother they served.

Many of these self-reliant individuals who died in the American Civil War, I have no doubt disagreed with the reasoning behind the war and thought that perhaps giving their lives for people they thought where nothing more than savages was ludicrous, yet they fought and died anyway. To them I say thank you, for their deaths made way for the opportunity for there to be a me.

When will black Americans stop looking outside of who we are? We are the product of a people who have become what is America. Those of us who live in the now should remember those who have come before us who have paved the way for black Americans to be the embodiment of what America has to offer. From slave, to Secretary of State, with higher heights and further accomplishments to achieve. However, beyond what black America could possibly achieve here in America, imagine what we could represent to the rest of the world. A people once slaves in a history so recent that the descendents of those who lived in captivity can speak of there enslaved ancestors with imposing familiarity.

Where is the black leader who will represent the true image of black Americans? Hard working individuals who wake every morning with one goal in mind, security for home and family.

As long as separate but equal is preached in the pulpits of the multitudes of black Americans, divisions we will have. As soon as the many disenfranchised blacks of America realize that right is right and wrong is wrong, and that America was built on a system of laws that are meant to protect all no matter how unjust they may sometimes seem. The laws are what define who and what we are and the only way we can survive as a people is through the fact that each of us respect the laws that have been laid out. And if we don’t, there are means by which to change things where no blood is split and the only thing hurt are feelings.

Where is the black American leader who will demand that the emotionally driven people seeking to blame someone for their life’s troubles, focus not on an outside source for their hardships but that they find a mirror and look at the reflection glaring directly back at them.

Who and what my life is going to be is defined by me. Can you hear that black leaders of America? If you’re not going to look at helping all of America, you can’t help me. If you’re not going to expect the world from me, how could I ever dream of giving you the stars?