There is a line in The Lion King where Mufasa tells Simba he has forgotten him. Simba denies this and Mufasa reiterated this point by saying, “You have forgotten who you are and so forgotten me. You are more than what you’ve become.” I always thought these were the best lines in the movie. African Americans talk about and brag about Black History. In reality African Americans are like Simba. They have forgotten the greatness of being black because of what they have allowed themselves to become. We have integrated sports and business. We had an African American President. Yeah. Okay. Whoopee.
What have these prior statements done for the whole of African Americans? Have any of these previous statements led to an enlightened, proud, productive race of African Americans? Look at the status of African Americans in 2023. Do you see any semblance of pride? Do you see any sense of what could be simply called sanity? All the hoopla about Black Lives and Juneteenth have led to little or no effect on the mass psychosis of African Americans. The African American does not understand their place in the world. This is sad because of all the black people in the US’s past that sacrificed their lives to ensure the survival of African Americans.
Everyone sings praises about how great Martin Luther King, Jr., was. Do you honestly think King would be applauding the status and mentality of African Americans in 2023? Would King be proud to say, “Hey, I am glad I took those night sticks and bullets for this modern African American.” African Americans, like Simba did Mufasa, you have forgotten King. There is no way, no how King would be ecstatic over African American women twerking every chance they get whenever they hear a beat. There is no way King would be pumping his fist over the retardation that has stunted African American male mental growth in the last 30 years. This retardation still has African American males sagging their pants. Many African American males who sag are in their late 30’s and early 40’s. Many African American males in the 50’s and 60’s still look like children in their attire and mentality.
“By any means necessary.” Malcom X once stated this in a speech referring to black rights. Many African Americans love and call themselves embracing Malcom X’s teachings and philosophy. Do you think he would be excited over the fact that African Americans dominate basketball? Do you think he would be elated that the new slave is paid one tenth, if that, of what he makes for master? Do you think Malcom X would be rocking a Patrick Mahommes jersey and bragging that he is part black? Like in that old Sports Center segment, ‘C’Mon man!’ Do you think that Malcom X would be saying we have made it in the USA and everything is hunky dory because an African American coach won the Super Bowl? African Americans have forgotten Malcom because of what they have allowed themselves to become. It is a shame and a disgrace because Malcom gave his life to see that one day African Americans would show progression and power on all levels of society.
Oh yes, African Americans, you have forgotten your proud and righteous heritage. I won’t even begin to bring up Harriet Tubman or Queen Candice. African Americans have also forgotten the lesson taught by the tragic deaths of Emmet Till and others who were lynched. These deaths should have been a warning to African Americans to train their children about where they are and who they are dealing with. African Americans ignored these signposts and in 2023 the murder, spiritually, mentally and physically of African American youth continues unabated. Sad.
Mufasa told Simba, “You are more than what you have become.” I am telling all African Americans the same thing. You are more than pant-sagging mouth breathers. You are more than weave-wearing playthings for any person with a c-note. You have the DNA of what other races would call God. Act like it.
Frank James IV © 2023
beingfrankwithfrank@gmail.com
The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the writer and not of the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper or HT Group, LLC, its staff or management. “Being Frank” is a bi-weekly column exclusive to the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper.
