by Dr. Boyce Watkins
I couldn't help but notice that while many of us have been carried away by the Barack Obama train, some have refused to buy a ticket. I understand completely, because I am the last person to buy anyone's hype. Healthy skepticism is a good thing, and we should all keep it in our pocket.
But haterology is a serious science and diagnosing it can be an art.
My latest patient is Mr. Tavis Smiley. I like Tavis as a person and respect him a great deal. Tavis Smiley has branded himself as one of the top black leaders in America and is right up there with Marc Lamont Hill as one of my most respected colleagues.
While my respect for Brother Smiley runs deep, I know he is also human. In our humanity, one must be realistic when considering the fact that Tavis understands that his business is a business. There is a marketing philosophy that must be implemented, some degree of competition and ultimately, some lines that must be drawn in the sand. After all, there is more than one Tavis Smiley out there, and his work with The Tom Joyner Morning Show (among others) has allowed him to separate himself from the pack. Brother Smiley's success, prominence and power were planned, it didn't just happen by accident.
Barack Obama, by announcing his candidacy for the White House DURING Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union was, to some, a serious line being drawn. I am sure Brother Smiley felt that anyone who is anyone in the black community must be part of his conference. Barack Obama didn't feel that way, and seemed to be less than willing to pledge allegiance to existing Black Leadership.
Tavis Smiley's State of The Black Union conference, along with his work on The Tom Joyner Morning Show and his Covenant with Black America have done a great deal for the black community. However, they have done far more for Tavis Smiley's book sales and power within the community. I can't hate on that. After all, I am a Finance Professor, so I fully understand how capitalism works. Also, my work in media allows me to understand that you're nobody until you convince somebody that you're somebody. It's not what you know, it's.....well, you get the point.
Simultaneously, Tavis Smiley must work through the demons within him that have always christened himself as the next Barack Obama. Shit, I'm sure Tavis Smiley thought he would be Barack Obama before Barack Obama thought he would be Barack Obama. So, it must be incredibly confusing for Smiley to watch Obama go from "just some guy" to the next JFK. Tavis Smiley, Al Sharpton and others have, quite honestly, been humbled. Brothers like Tavis Smiley and Al Sharpton don't like being humbled.
Smiley's tone of "putting people on blast" for not attending his conference is somewhat problematic and reminds me of an area of Finance called Agency Theory. Agency Theory always questions the incentives of the manager or protector and allows you to wonder if the leader is doing what is best for his constituency or himself. Tavis Smiley's decision to "put people on blast" begs larger, more relevant questions: Are you being careful to balance your personal agenda with the broader needs of the community? You, Brother Smiley, sacrifice a great deal for black people, but are you willing to also sacrifice your personal power? If Barack Obama were serving your interests a bit more, would you have a different disposition?
In layman's terms, this sacrifice is like asking a man to allow another man to sleep with his girlfriend if he clearly knows that the other man would make her happier. Only true love would make a man say "yes" to such a request. Similarly, only true love for the black community can lead Tavis Smiley, or anyone else, to give up their own black power to open the gates for someone who might be a bit more effective. I am not sure if Obama is that guy, but alot of people think he is.
I am not assuming that Tavis Smiley's intentions are not honorable. But I am certainly assuming that he himself struggles with this issue, as we all do at some point. Again, it's about being human. Would a bad mother give up her child to a good one? Would a star athlete sit on the bench if it will help the team win?
The same questions can be asked of many other power brokers in the black community, all of whom have been somewhat undermined by Obama's sudden rise to prominence. Obama owes no one, he has a new team and he refuses to be beholden to the Civil Rights Movement. He is like Al Capone coming to Chicago to run the liquor business "the right way". Such boldness makes the haters come out of the wood work. That's a fact.
Obama is benefiting from a landslide of black support, built on social credit being extended on campaign promises. The Black Community is like the loving, committed spouse, willing to ignore immediate needs so their partner can conquer the world. But at the end of the day, something must be delivered.
Smiley understands this and that is why I believe he works hard for black people. At the same time, Tavis must remember the wise words of Spiderman's Uncle: With great power comes great responsibility.
Translation: Tavis - please make sure your attacks on Obama are about the community and not about you. Most of us can't quite tell the difference.
64 comments:
Well said. I was wondering what Tavis problem was and I think you explained it very well.
Please, everything, Tavis says about putting Issues and Actions above Words and Affection are true. A think Taves' point is that someone like Obama who get a lot of support from the black community, including the reasons beind his primary wins should make the time and effort to attend something that means so much and affects the lives of same people who are responsible for putting him in the position he's in now.
Well said, his (Tavis) sin is hubris...i suppose we all stumble through it at times...if Obama is President he should be President for all people not just black people...SI SE PUEDE...GO OBAMA!
Dr. Boyce, this is exactly the conversation I've been having with my wife. She thinks I have a personal problem with Tavis when I tell her how pissed I am with him feeling that his media position makes him somehow a king maker, and that Barack owes him a kiss of the ring.
Bottom line is nothing would sink Barck's hopes faster than to be seen broadly as the "Black" candidate. So consequently, he is maintaining a mainstream relevance. He still gets beat up when he speaks at a black church, and his message is for black consumption.
So in the end, I appreciate your analysis, and agree completely. Tavis needs to relax and put his ego in check. Barack is a dynamic, smart, qualified brother with a gift for oratory and if you couldn't tell, he's my guy!
Mr. Obama needs support not criticism. He is running for President of the United States, not President of Black America. Do not, I say Do not allow the white media newspapers, and news networks to run stories that the so called Black Leader (or leadership) Tavis Smiley, IS against Barack Obama. This is now the time for unity, not shooting a Brotha down because he is not attending one event. Let him get into office. Support him in this historical moment in our Black History to see that a Black Man can make it to the White House. It would do more to uplift our people, especially the children, to say, Yes, I can become something other than a playa, drug dealer, hustler on the streets. I can become the President of these United States. We have ancestors who paved the way, and now we have someone else who may be able to open the doors for people around the world to go from a negative to positive views of Black Americans. Support him, Mr. Barack Obama, do not bring him in front of other folks because of not being able to attend and speak at the State of Black Union 2008. Search your soul for what you are doing. I attended the last two sessions and have and read both the Coveant and the Coveant in Action. What is now Your Action.
Ron Spence
Dr. Watkins,
I was just having this e-conversation with a group of friends. You summed it up so righteously that all I could do was forward your blog. This is the sho nuff truth.
I read Senator Obama's gracious decline and he did offer Tavis the best substitute to fill in during his absence. I thought Senator Obama's letter was well written and he went into great detail to explain his position. If Sir Tavis did not accept that, in no way should he have advertised Senator Obama's absence as a "diss" against all Black Americans. I support Senator Obama fully. And have pledged to assist his campaign with financial contributions as well as time making get out the vote calls on his behalf. The last thing Black America needs is unnecessary in-fighting that the media, and more importantly, the Clinton campaign can grasp and twist to their benefit. It is clearly a devisive tactic and one I hope gets cleared up immediately so we can get back to the task of electing America's first Black President!
I am constantly perplexed on why black people cannot support one another the way they should. I do not subscribe to voting for someone just because they are of a particular race. I am not going to vote for an idiot just because they are black. However, when we have the chance to support an African-American who is knowledgable, articulate, has a proven track record of helping those who have been disenfranchised AND is actually electable, we should support that person. I too hold Tavis Smiley in high regard, but he truly has to realize that Barack (like Hillary) is still fighting for his life in the primaries. Why can't Tavis understand that the man HAS to campaign in the states that have upcoming elections and that he cannot just take off on a whim to do whatever he wants? I think that it is selfish on Mr. Smiley's part. Although Barack definitely needs to address issues facing black America, he has to campaign to EVERYONE if he wants to get elected. Let the man get in the white house first, that way he will actually be able to make real change and not just speeches.
Thank you, Dr. Watkins - your article was straight to the point. My husband and I have been trying to figure out Tavis Smiley negativeness regarding Senator Obama. We both have a great deal of respect for Mr. Smiley along with 100% support for Senator Obama.
Keep the spirit alive - "Yes We Can"
Thanks you.
Thank you for your comments, Dr. Boyce. Senator Obama must campaign in the states that are about to have primaries. Louisiana is not one of those states. Something is "eating away" at Tavis Smiley, and I have written him to tell him. On Monday, Tom Joyner and Sybil Wilkes spoke to Senator Obama via phone and mentioned Tavis' comments. On Tuesday, Tavis stated in his commentary that "Tom Joyner doesn't speak for me; Sybil Wilkes doesn't speak for me" I have watched the SBU before and been both informed and amused. Maybe this year I will need to do something else, but I will probably watch to see how Hillary uses everyone and to see if Tavis "slams", "puts on blast" Senator Obama. The way the primaries are going, Hillary needs to be in another state campaignign also, but she will send Bill, who "tore his pants" with me in South Carolina.
I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO MAKE OF MR. SMILEY THESE DAYS. HE SEEMS TO DERIVE PLEASURE AT PUTTING MR. OBAMA DOWN AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY. I AM DISAPOINTED THAT A MAN OF HIS STATURE IS THE PRIME EXAMPLE OF "CRABS IN A BARREL". THE OLD ADAGE IS THAT IF YOU PUT A BUNCH OF CRABS IN A BARREL, ONE WILL ALWAYS SIT AND PONDER THE SITUATION CAREFULLY. HE WILL THEN FIGURE HE CAN CRAWL UP TO THE TOP AND REACH DOWN AND HELP OTHERS TO ESCAPE. BUT, IT NEVER FAILS THAT A CRAB SITTING ON THE BOTTOM REACHES UP AND PULLS HIM BACK DOWN. MR. SMILEY, REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS.
In one of Tavis’s commentaries on the TJMS he suggested that we “bear down” on both Hillary and Barack to hold them accountable. I agree that we should hold all political candidates accountable, and The Covenant is a great tool to do so. However, Tavis’s idea of bearing down on Barack Obama comes across as pullin the brutha down, rather than offering him a hand of support or praise. I have yet to hear elation or praise in his voice over Barack’s historic primary wins or how Barack’s campaign is bringing all demographics of people together to elect a black man for president. Where is the LOVE, which he so often speaks of? Tavis’s commentaries over the past few weeks have shown me that his helping hands have become claws, used to pull down another brutha that’s trying to come-up out of the barrel. A message for Tavis: Don’t be so “crabby!”
Dr. Boyce,
Thank you for your analysis of Tavis Smiley and his position regarding Barack Obama. In my opinion, Senator Obama is trying to do in his campaign what Tiger Woods has done in the world of professional golf. As anyone in the black community well knows, Tiger Woods has not allowed himself to be pigeon-holed as a "black" professional golfer. The media does enough to remind everyone that Tiger Woods is black, except Tiger Woods. And like it or not, Mr. Woods has permitted his golfing talent do the talking for him.
I realize fully that professional golf and politics are not one and the same. But think of the impact having a black man in the White House could do for our black community overall. Senator Obama's campaign for the White House is already having a positive impact on our black youth. FINALLY, a black man who is not a rapper or a professionl athlete, has opened a whole other world of possibilities for our children.
Let us give Senator Obama the chance to become president and then hold his feet to the fire. Isn't that what "Big Oil" and Halliburton did with "W"?
Why is it that our black community will not band together to support a black man seeking the most powerful position in this country? Voting for Senator Clinton is no different than voting for a white male. White is white regardless of gender. And the black community can best believe that just like every other white politician before her, Sentor Clinton's memory will probably become very short when it comes to the serious problems facing black america if she becomes president of the United States. Let's not forget JOHN KERRY! Where was he when it was time to fight for the millions of disenfanchised black voters which he courted ever so sweetly during his run for the White House?
The heck with breaking the glass ceiling for women, let's see what America can become with a BLACK MAN at the helm. Because, black voters should know by now that if Sentor Clinton become the nominee for the Democratic party, we will all have to suffer with four more years of a Republican running the White House.
Mr. Smiley can you lay off the "Hater-Aide" for just a moment?
Tavis Smiley and Barack Obama are both great men. Tavis made himself look really bad with all this nonsense.
"Me thinks Mr. Smiley protests too much"; perhaps he is being overly sensitive under the guise of being community-minded.
I’m basing my concern on the fact that if “We” as the people; regardless of race, culture or gender, are divided and don’t support one another then “We” are blind to fact that we are making it easy for those who want to create chaos among us. It is well proven that strength is in numbers; Mr. Tavis should not create an issue because Senator Obama could not attend his agenda, the Senator need to stick to his own agenda and let his staff do their job, that’s stirring the Senator in the direction he needs to be in order to connect with the people. Let it go Tavis; you are well respected, your talent is much needed as a part of the united movement, at this point the issues that you are raising is not helping.
It is unfortunate that you (Tavis) have taken an attitude that you are above the importance of a Presidential race. For some time now, I have admired your attempts to educate people and lift life itself.
Ever since last years gathering, you have been on an egotistical rant. I would have thought you above that but apparently the real Tavis is coming through once his feelings are hurt. While the yearly gathering is inspiring and informing, it is however, not the most important meeting in the world. While I don't want to injure your ego, the fact is that your yearly Forum is small in significance to the world events.
The fact is, there are many important people (African Americans) in this world who will not be attending your event. And, I might add, there are many that won't in the future due to your childish, egotistical behavior.
You have been considered in many good ways but now, this rant you are on because someone had the audacity to say no to you because they have something more important (like campaigning for President), you have lost the respect of many of those in the community you claim to support. The State of Black America Forum will lose some of it's credibility because of your behavior and some that would have attended will not. You have done yourself more harm than you know. You have forgotten some of your learning...."Praise in public and criticize in private."
Since I am quite older than you, let me pass on some of my learning: When you judge others, you are revealing your own fears and prejudices; And, let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others; finally, going forward, try to remember this: We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are.
I'll close with a little story (brief):
Two stonecutters were asked what they were doing. The first said, "I'm cutting this stone into blocks." The second replied, "I'm on a team that's building a cathedral." Unfortunately Tavis, you are still working on blocks. Barack is working with the country to build a cathedral. One effort is certainly more important than the other.
Lastly, you have many times spoken of the "crab" mentality. Maybe it's mirror time. You have enraged your community and lowered yourself, in terms of respect. Was it worth the thirty pieces of silver?
....Andrew R. Jackson
153 Upperville Road
Virginia Beach, VA
arjackso@msn.com
Tavis Smiley needs to sit down and shut the fuck up. This brother needs help and is one of the great detriments to our progress as a people. I used to attend the State of the Black Union stuff, but it eventually became the Tavis Smiley show.
This is getting stupid.
The first time that I heard Tavis speaking in this manner, my flesh crawled. I questioned myself thinking that I was imagining things. I am relieved to know that other have the same perception. I wondered what was Tavis's motive. I wondered if he believed that the Clintons would make him Press Secretary or that Tavis planned to trap Obama with the race drama. If Obama attend the debate, he will most definitely place himself in a no win situation. He can't proclaim himself as the Black Folks Champion and expect to win the rest of America. On the other hand if he declines to buy in to the Black Folks Champion,they will attack him on both fronts. Obama demonstrated brilliant judgement to side step this ditch. //////////This entire saga reminds me of the Willie Lynch story. Whether fact or fiction, it certainly rings true and is one of the most effective devisive strategy that has ever been created since the beginning of time. Now here were are as a people with better education and opportunities but yet we are still giving in to the same old trick. ////Another thing, there is an old saying that "you have to catch the fish before you can clean it". Tavis should let the man run his race without hinderance. After obama wins the presidential election I hope that he does only what is appropriate in the site of God and not man. ////You see, this thing that's causing Tavis to act like a fool is that same thing that is happening to some of these celebrities that have fallen from grace. Tavis needs to stop reading his own press releases about himself and have a cold sober reality check. There is nothing extraordinary about his skills. He just worked hard and had good connections. I will give Tavis the same advise that I would to Michael jackson and OJ Simpson, get rid of all of your yes men and surrond yourself with people that love you enought and have the backbone to tell him when he is sounding like a fool. /////////////I had to get this off my chest.
I don't know what Tavis Problem is he really needs to put that EGO in check. Newsflash Barack Obama is not running for black people alone, the same way Dr. King didn't die for black people alone or Christ for that matter. Tavis get a grip this ain't about Barack dissing black america, it's about you feeling slighted. Anyways who the hell appointed you the gatekeeper. If this presidency was about you then you would be facing Hillary not Barack. As my grandmother use to say, if you ain't got nothing nice to say take your slave ass out back with the chickens and sit in the coup. And shut the F**K UP!!!!!!!!!!
p.s........I'm not surprised black ministers where Dr. Kings greatest rivals not the klan. So your actions don't surprise me. Judas kissed Jesus but he managed to overcome anyway and rise to all power. Hallelujah
I am still confused as a young black man that believes to a point of undying loyalty the teachings of Dr. King, How people can say Oboma is to be a president for all people yet they vote for him solely because he is black. They say they don't but listening to most of black radio and there callers it is ingnorant to say other wise. Which will it be? Are we going to be as hypocritical as our wite counterparts? I am very skeptical of Obama because I have followed him from his DNC speech to were he is today and have yet to see what every one in the black community and white for that matter says I should see from his speeches other than his african in roads. I get even more critical when they compare him to Kenedey or King because that is out right bullS&*@. I have seen no substance yet that makes him this black messiah over anyother candidate especially the former in John Edwards. His speeches would mean notta if they were coming from a white face and that is the bottom line. I heard on the TJMS them refer it to a movement that is no longer about the man. I already knew this and I am for the movement but not the Idol they worship. I think Tavis probably feels the same and I also think there maybe a tade hint of ego in there also but not enough to totaly dismiss his comments as haterology. He is simply another victim of a black manor woman no longer black enough if you critize, talk about, or go against the new Black Idol in anyway. What happen to the old barber shop talk. Remember the Movie and the Dr. King contraversy? Why can we not have different voices and yet be the same?
Tavis has really embarrassed himself. I think its a true changing of the guard. Tavis is old school thinking. Obama as president changes everything. everything.
Why do you remove the comments that do not agree with you?
Do we have freedome of speech on this blog?
If you believe that Barak Obama has what it takes and can hold his own, stop expecting him to receive special treatment from any one person or group.
Tavis Smiley is simply holding Mr. Obama to the issues just as he would any other candidate. Check his history.
Also, his reporting of non-confirmed guests is not a new practice.
He has been consistent from the moment this controversy began and I am glad that he is asking for accountability to the issues that not only affect black america but all of america, for one cannot sufficiently survive without the other.
Remember, your vote is currency to the hope that Mr. Obama speaks of; don't sell it cheap. Make sure that the receipient has duly earned it.
For years now I have heard Tavis talk about making our leaders accountable and the fact that we should not let our vote be taken for granted. If Mr. Obama can visit the manufacturing plants why can't he take the time to put in an appearance at the New Orleans conference which seeks to make things better for us as a people. If Hillary can take the time to attend it in spite of the fact that she is lagging behind in the poles and we in Louisiana have already voted against her why can't he. I don't think he should get a pass because he is a brother.
I have always lived by a personal policy, that when there is drama that defies all reason and logic, then there are personal and unrelated issues at stake. Tavis wants something and he seems angry that Barak is standing between himself and something that Tavis wants. I couldn't believe my ears when I heard how Tavis was attacking this man. That just goes to show that Tavis is trying to destroy this man for some selfish, maniacal purpose known only to himself. I am ashamed of Tavis and I didn't start out as an Obama supporter until I actually heard him speak. One thing about it, Barak doesn;t have to allow any monkeys to keep him down. This disgusts me. It reminds me of the joke comparing some black people to crabs. By the way, does anyone know whether or not Tavis has ever been romantically linked to any female on the face of the earth?
Truth or fiction, the basic premise of this letter certainly rings true. I dedicate this to Tavis Smiley to refresh his memory.
See if you can recognize these same principle operating in our people today.
The Willie Lynch Letter
Gentlemen. I greet you here on the bank of the James River in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and twelve. First, I shall thank you, the gentlemen of the Colony of Virginia, for bringing me here. I am here to help you solve some of your problems with slaves. Your invitation reached me on my modest plantation in the West Indies, where I have experimented with some of the newest and still the oldest methods for control of slaves. Ancient Rome's would envy us if my program is implemented. As our boat sailed south on the James River, named for our illustrious King, whose version of the Bible we Cherish, I saw enough to know that your problem is not unique. While Rome used cords of wood as crosses for standing human bodies along its highways in great numbers, you are here using the tree and the rope on occasions. I caught the whiff of a dead slave hanging from a tree, a couple miles back. You are not only losing valuable stock by hangings, you are having uprisings, slaves are running away, your crops are sometimes left in the fields too long for maximum profit, You suffer occasional fires, your animals are killed. Gentlemen, you know what your problems are; I do not need to elaborate. I am not here to enumerate your problems, I am here to introduce you to a method of solving them. In my bag here, I have a fool proof method for controlling your black slave. I guarantee every one of you that if installed correctly it will control the slaves for at least 300 hundred years. My method is simple. Any member of your family or your overseer can use it. I have outlined a number of differences among the slaves; and I take these differences and make them bigger. I use fear, distrust and envy for control purposes. These methods have worked on my modest plantation in the West Indies and it will work throughout the South. Take this simple little list of differences and think about them. On top of my list is "age" but it's there only because it starts with an "A." The second is "color" or shade, there is intelligence, size, sex, sizes of plantations, status on plantations, attitude of owners, whether the slaves live in the valley, on a hill, east, west, north, south, have fine hair, course hair, or is tall or short. Now that you have a list of differences, I shall give you a outline of action, but before that, I shall assure you that distrust is stronger than trust and envy is stronger than adulation or admiration. The Black slaves after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self refueling and self generating for hundreds of years, maybe thousands. Don't forget you must pitch the old black male vs. the young black male, and the young black male against the old black male. You must use the dark skin slaves vs. the light skin slaves, and the light skin slaves vs. the dark skin slaves. You must use the female vs. the male. And the male vs. the female. You must also have you white servants and over- seers distrust all Blacks. But it is necessary that your slaves trust and depend on us. They must love, respect and trust only us. Gentlemen, these kits are your keys to control. Use them. Have your wives and children use them, never miss an opportunity. If used intensely for one year, the slaves themselves will remain perpetually distrustful. Thank you gentlemen."
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Summary
As clinicians our primary question is how do we begin to culturally detox a psyche, which has been contaminated with messages of hate, lies, omission, commissions, false image, false writing etc over 300 years?
The following comment was taken from the Osiris Group:
The Osiris Group cannot over-emphasize that the focus here is not to elevated the Willie Lynches of this period, but rather to help people completely understand the process of how the psyche of African people was reconfigured by this cultural poisoning. This legacy of self-hatred and self-destruction has been passed to each new generation of African-Americans over several hundred years. Once we understand the process of self-destruction, we can begin to construct a solution to reclaiming the psyche of these damage souls.
I was a big fan of Tavis Smiley until recently when I heard him on TJMS, Tavis like most black leaders did not believe Barack could get this far. His attitude about Barack proves what most nationalities believe about the African American man, this society has programed them in such a way that they can,t believe they can be leaders. Tavis has been preaching all these years about black empowerment.How can we feel empowered if we keep all our accomplishments within the black community? We are the only sosiety that is stuck on history, we are at a point where we have to put into practice all that these self empowerment movements have thought us. Barack is on the brink of doing this, lets do what the asians, and orientals do, support each other.!!!! Tavis it was ok to critisize Barack in the beginning but not getting it when the tide turned has made you loose face with a lot of your supporters. Do you believe in all that you preach??? The civil rights movement could not have won without the support of jews and caucacians, can we all just get along. Stop promoting your agenda, I was very upset when BET let you go, you are a great voice for black people but brother get some sleep and rejoice in your brothers'success.
I respected Mr. Smiley, until he started bashing senator Obama on the TJMS. I think its unreal how Tavis is always saying we should stick together in unity and here he is trying to destroy the unity.
Hilliary Clinton doesn't need my vote, but Mr. Obama does.Trust me he's got it 100%.Tavis is being selfish and only thinking of his gains.In order for senator Obama to be our first black president he has to win the votes of all people not just black people. Mr. Tavis, unless you haven't noticed lately America is made up of all races. Mr. Smiley, be happy for the brother and quit "hating" on him.Fron day one you have been so very critical of the man. I couldn't beleive what I was hearing. In my opinion, senator Obama doesn't have to attend your functions,and this doesn't mean that he has turned his back on Black America.Jealousy won't get you anywhere.Mr. Smiley I have lost all respect for you.
It seems from the very beginning while listening to the Tom Joyner Morning Show that Tavis Smiley had a hidden agenda. Specifically, Tavis stated that he had invited all of the candidates, but only one had confirmed presence at the State of the Black Union event two weeks ago. Tavis preferred not to provide the name of that individual (two weeks ago). However, during the early part of this week, I knew when Tavis announced that Senator H. Clinton would be present, but no other candidates had confirmed, except Senator Obama sent in letter, in which he advised he would not be there, that Tavis may have been up to something not nice. As an investigator, it appeared from the inception that Tavis may have attempted to manipulate Senator Obama, not only to exert Tavis's own power but may have attempted to manipulate in favor of Senator Clinton, to allow Senator Clinton to better her ideas and further debate for winning more primaries. I must say that I am very pleased with Senator Obama and his camp for not allowing Tavis to box Senator Obama or any other candidate in for not coming to Tavis's event. I agree with Dr. Boyce's analysis totally. Additionally, it is shameful to bring a black man down while he is trying to achieve on behalf of all people, not just black people. That truly is what love is; Tavis Smiley always talk about love, just as many people talk about Christ, but fail to truly exemplify Christrian behavior. If Tavis truly "loves black people", he needs to humble himself and decrease in order to increase for others, and allow Senator Obama to rise to the occasion of becoming our first black U.S. President!!!
My first reaction to Tavis's rant on the Tom Joyner show was how over the top it was, an attempt at oratory to match Barack's, and the whole feel of it amounted to to jealousy and T's ego had spiralled out of control. It was totally unprofessional of him to do that AND to reject the offer for Michelle Obama to participate in the conference. She would not just be a stand-in. She is an able professional, the outreach director for the U. of Chicago Medical School to the neighborhoods that hospital needs to serve. Maybe that' too grass-roots a job for a celebrity-studded event. It would be great to see & hear her and Hillary on the same stage -- let Michelle show her stuff. Why not? It was rude to not invite her in the first place, and ruder to refuse to have her come. Would they turn away Bill, the first Black President, if he wanted to come (with or instead of Hillary)? Everyone knows Hillary's trying to cut into the precious little time Barack has left to meet (and impress) individual voters. Every day could mean another couple hundred or couple thousand votes and translate into extra delegates. So her call for more debates, or USING TAVIS'S EVENT to try to shame Barack, is as cynical as all get-out.
Thank you for writing about this Mr. Watkins! I think it's a shame how Tavis has used his bully pulpit to try to besmirch Sen. Obama. It's amazing how jealous people get. Because Tavis on his best day could not match Sen. Obama on even his worst!
I agree with most of the sentiments. Tavis if U are 4 us why R U against us?
http://unbohio.blogspot.com/2004/10/tavis-smiley-is-hypocrite.html
I have this feeling that Hillary will pull out at the last minute and Bill will be on the stage instead. Tavis - this will not be a good look. But this is what happens when our motives are not right (or pure). We are humbled.
Tavis... is really ffffn up right about now. I listened to his Valentines Day spot on Tom Joyner. He is STILL at it. I've noticed in a lot of the reporting people leave out the fact that he basically called the Obamas' liars. He claimed he had no correspondence with Michelle.
He will get the message soon enough... when those ratings start droppin and he can't GIVE a book away.
To be honest, Im not one of those people who think of Tavis as a black leader. Sure he has a platform but his use of that platform is suspect... aside from the fact that it is sponsored by corporations such as walmart.
Im not sure what Hillary promised him for helping her derail Obama...but Im SURE she only agreed because she thought Obama would be there too. She is probably lightin him up right now tryin to make sure he forces Obama to be there.
Lesson here. Don't go up against a brotha that just won 80 to 90 percent of the black vote in a primary... there will be repercussions.
I enjoy reading and listening to Mr. Smiley and feel that he is a very intelligent black man. However, this is egotistic on his part. Let's be real Barack Obama shouldn't have to be mandated to be in one place just to speak on black issues. As long as he speaks PERIOD on them is all that should matter.
I honestly feel like our community got to caught up with the Clintons for the wrong reasons. Bill Clinton actually signed a welfare reform bill that no other president would sign and it actually hurt low income people even more. Has anyone else noticed however that NO candidate ever talks about helping out the low income class? And some I even have to give George W more credit than the Clintons because he has at least donated more money to Africa and put the most minorities in office positions than any other president.
I guess I am a disgruntled NYer. I wont be voting for Hilary. She used the state of NY and has done nothing for my region except try to bring in dollars or IT jobs to come to the region... and they still haven't come. As far as her being more experienced I say ha! Being th first lady to me doesn't count. She's a junior senator just like he is.
Either way when you vote just make sure you do your research and pick the candidate that's right for you. Not the bandwagon right.
i think that if anybody can help the "state of the Black Family" it will be having a "Black President" who will represent us... TAVIS, you need to CHILL and you do have a Ego, you think you are the only one helping black's and you are not OBAMA is helping by running for president you need to "TRY and see if you can get a Interview with the first AFRICAN AMERICAN PRESIDENT not tear him down for not coming to your SHOW!! he didnt say he would NEVER do your show he just cannot Do it right now!! HE IS RUNNING FOR PRESDIENT!!
I have lost all love for Tavis. I read his "memoir" and I can see coming from the background he did, he craves attention and accolades to affirm his self-worth. But Tavis is not a politician; if I'm not mistaken the one time he ran for office, he lost. Consequently, he should know how difficult a campaign iis and how important it is to remained focused on winning. There is no doubt in my mind that if Sen. Obama weren't running and the Clintons put on their "Ah Don't Feel Now Ways Tired" church tour, the only person showing up for the SOBU would be Chelsea. Or maybe Socks.
Tavis probably enjoys this attention, negative or positive, people are talking. I'm sure Tavis doesn't care what lil' ol' me thinks of him, but I'll bet he cares that he'll never get another dime of mine.
I hope that by now Brother Tavis has gotten over his temper tantrum and grown up a little bit. He has a platform, but he is not THE black leader. He doesn't call any shots beyond his work and personal life and the proof is that he's been holding the State of the Black Union for years now, and it's still in the same state!!
I really wish Tavis would stop having the State meeting because all the guests do is complain, complain, complain, and give others ammunition against Blacks!! Every time that State meeting is held afterwards I hear all kinds of people in media, who have no idea what it is to be black and in America, and black conservatives saying all manner of negative things about black women and children. Maybe Tavis needs to skip the State of the Black Union meeting this year, too!!
Somebody posted the Willie Lynch letter... thank you, hope everyone read it. I was at the State of the Black union last year in Hampton, VA. Tavis Smiley commented THEN that Senator Obama SHOULD have been with us in Hampton announcing his plans to run rather than where he was. I thought to myself then, "Tavis, how you gon be mad, this YOUR thing not Obamas'?" So I know that these feelings of Tavis' aren't new... he was offended LAST YEAR. Special thanks to the many comments that see right through Tavis' elaborate marketing :D), and let us remember that NO MAN or WOMAN is perfect so let's not destroy anyone for mistakes made. Mr Smiley I hope you read these comments and change direction. We still love you. RUN BARAK RUN!!
Tavis, I just hope u are a sober minded man, unless u wanna take this opportunity to come out and tell us the truth about what u have been taking.If U seriously think that someone should put away Presidential campaign to appear on your Show then something is wrong with u. Claiming to be a black community leader that u are, I invite you to come and talk to our young black people in Canton, Ohio. if u say no to my request, I'm not gonna bash u, well i couldn't even if i wanted, but that wouldn't the solve issues that we have here in Canton, I will understand you had other important things to do, not that u didn't care to come talk to our young people.State of Black Union is not that important or different that a community leader going to inner city, is just that yours is on TV and you think u have to get yes from anyone u call out. Come on Tavis get real, I know you smarter than that, I'm disappointed in u brother
Simply put Tavis Smiley should be walked to the middle of the street in front of his house and shot in the face.Preferably with his children present.
A President Obama is MORE USEFUL and EFFECTIVE than a Candidate Obama, doesn't Tavis Smiley get it? Look, Obama could show up and we'll all make nice speeches. At the end, if he looses, all the speeches at the State of the Black Union will come to naught. If Obama wins the nomination and eventually the Presidency, we'll have better chances of changing black circumstances much more deeply. Alas, it appears Tavis is only thinking of himself. I will still vote Obama, whether or not he comes to the Black Union. The man's just ONE MAN - he can't possibly divide himself up and be at both places.... But there's something to be said about SOMETHING ALMOST WITHIN REACH.... And oh, didn't the man try to reach a compromise by sending his wife? In Africa, we say if you cannot speak directly to the King, speak to the wind. Cheers!!!
Question: Why is it that as "black" people we are so quick to question our own?? Like so many others, Tavis has the audacity to get on national television and question Obama's sincerity to black america. It's almost as if to say that Obama must prove and validate his blackness by attending this Black State of the Union address. He (Tavis) is completely going against the entire premise of the event, the key word being "Union." How are black individuals ever going to unite when we are constantly tearing each other apart. White people don't have to pay us or systematically tear us apart, because we do it to ourselves. If Tavis felt so strongly about Barack not attending then I think there is a time and place for everyting and going public with his egotistical emotions was the wrong way.
For years, Black people have been brain washed thinking that the Clintons were all about black america. Sure those years were highly favorable in our communities. But don't discredit the fact that the Clintons are still politicians and if some of us would take more time to scrutinize them the way we are so quick to scrutinize Obama then we will see some truth come to light.
For you so called Hillary supporters, answer this question for me.... Are you saying that Hillary Clinton (a 50 yr old white woman) knows more about being black in America than a black man? Are you saying that she can do more to help black america than a black man? After so many years of complaining of not having more black leadership on capital hill, you are really going to stand in the way of having the first black president of the United states?... Really???
It's amazing to me that some of you will still support her through all of that. My view of Tavis now is very sour. I agree that our issues are very important, but for years all we have done is "talked" about them. Many black leaders like Tavis are "talking" about them. It takes a different kind of leader with a new strategy to actually do something about them. Martin Luther King, Jr. didn't center his beliefs on only black people although negro sufferage was his plateform. I belive the quote from this speech at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 goes...."... we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's Children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last, free at last, Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!'
All this to say that Barack has accomplished alot of ground by gaining white, hispanic, asian,indian, and muslim supporters and he still has more ground to cover. Martin Luther King,Jr. wanted to have a diversity of supporters as well. I would encourage everyone to read Obama's book "Dreams from my Father", his biography explains it all. And I won't apologize for voting for him because he is black because there are some people who may not vote for him for that very same reason. Not that it's the only reason becuase he is a very quailified candidate, but it's time that our national leaders start to reflect what this country really looks like. We are not all over 50 and white. He is the right candidate at the right time. Issues of the country are becoming more and more homogenous. They are beginning to affect all ethinic communities. Barack has talked about better education for inner city kids, immigrants vs. the african american community, racial injustice, etc. It's not like he is completely ignorning them. Tavis said on CNN today that Barack not attending is an opportunity lost for him, but what I believe is that Barack is on a mission to change the country and if Tavis doesn't stop his bickering, the entire black community may see an opportunity lost.
I posted a while ago about Tavis being offended last year in VA. to restate what someone else posted, Hilary needs votes. That's for anyone who is impressed about her accepting Tavis' invitation. Also, I think she's more like 60 than 50. And finally, I work at an airport and get to meet a lot of people. The polls are right, affluent white males are voting for Obama as well. The bottom line is they're tired of crooks and want change.
p.s. and who in their right mind would vote for "Miss Ann"?
Tavis Who?
I am a black female, married with three boys and 1 girl. I want to know who is this Tavis Smiley that everyone is talking about?
He has never had any relevance in my world/life for my 36 years and I am sick of hearing about a nobody. This is where I am at and firmly believe about this "nobody," he and every other black leader that has spoken negatively of Barack Obama are JEALOUS!! NO if ands or buts. Ponder on this, if and when Obama is president, what will be their platform? What can they say about america and the black man and all the injustice yielded toward Blacks?....NOTHING!
My kids will know about Barack, even if he doesn't become president, but they will never know anything about a Tavis Smiley?
Leave him alone and let him do his thing, because OBAMA will continue to do so with or without the haters.
Tavis Smiley and all his ilk should absolutely know better. Barack Obama, at this critical stage in the nomination process, does not have the luxury of attending SOBU, and this fact shouldn’t in any way be an indictment on his proclivity to do so. The fact that HRC is attending is self-explanatory–she and her camp have to make amends for their recent missteps. It should be noted, too, that the assumption that an Obama presidency should somehow place “priority” on all things black is not only misguided, but in the long-term detrimental to his national electability. The nation has come a long way people, but not that far. Nonsensical debate like this provides fodder that will only strengthen the efforts of “conservative” opponents. Be careful what you wish for–-you get enough folks on the wrong side of this argument and Tavis just might have Mr. Obama at his disposal for any number of events in the future.
What's amazing to me is why Mr. Smiley is letting this become an issue. He understands that Obama made the right decision politically. He knows what the stakes are in March. If he were truly committed to improving the "state of the black union," he would have stood behind Obama's decision instead of letting this become a national news story at such a critical time. Brilliant move on Hillary's part. By showing up she effectively said "Obama doesn't care about you, I do." This is another example black leaders playing games that cost our community in the name of them getting their "props." My decision is to "turn off Smiley". We don't need another "black pope" dividing the community when one of us doesn't show up to kiss their ring. In the words of Bill Cosby "come on people."
The Preacher
Mr. Smiley
Your reputation and credibilty has probably been damaged.
it appears that doing a time when all people have come together behind a candidate that shows true promise, hope and positive change for all people. Mr Smiley you have made your choice and
Siryou have taken the low road, you are envious of Mr.Obama and it show. Mr Obama is not just any Man he is a very special Man.
He is truly a Born Leader.
I feel that Tavis should not speak against Barack. Especially when he is winning the Black vote. Say how you feel in private but two African Americans men opposing each other in public is our typical crabs in a barrel.
It's the House N-----er and the field N----er.
Please Tavis call a cease fire, the only person you are harming is yourself.
Any political strategist knows when a race is at a dead heat you need to go where you think you don't have the vote. I think Barack values our vote but he needs White, Latino Asian votes to win.
It's okay Barack I think most African American's are secure in ourselves to let you go, we push you on, go out there go to the unconvinced. because when you go you go with our love and support Tavis doen't speak for us( the polls says you have won the African American vote)now go to win them all.
And to any African American who votes for Hillary shame on you. Unless you are super wealthy, what is the reason, it can't be healthcare because her program is a joke. Wait and see big Insurance companies with out competition means big business rules and not you. What has she done for you lately?
I would like to read the post of what Hilary can do for me an educated mid-upper class African American woman, convince me cause right now barack has my vote
Tavis needs to go SIT DOWN! I have lost all respect for him with his recent behavior against Senator Obama.
Tavis has grown too big for his britches and feels he speaks for all of "Black America"; when he only speaks for one Black American... Himself.
I watched the "State of the Black Union" and frankly, most of the people on the panel cannot do anything to directly change what is going on in America; let alone Black America.
I watched the interview between Tavis and Senator Clinton. She did not answer one question he asked her; but only made statements. Then played like she is a "nice" woman to later go to Ohio and start yelling about the solicitations Obama sent to Ohio voters.
Tavis... go check yourself. Now, I understand why you lost your job at BET!
Ahh yes,
The voice/words of hate have crept in. Sad thing is that HOPE has and will continue to conquer! As for TAT, "Tired Ass Tavis": what has he done in his short 43 years that makes him so commanding and worthy of ANY attention?!Who built this sandbox that all must come play in? He has not paid civil rights dues; he has only been a been a beneficiary of its privileges coupled with some with corporate sponsorship and mainstream media access. Can you spell WalMart? Do you know where WalMart is headquarted? Arkansas. Who is from Arkansas: Bill and Hill. Who was on the WalMart Board for nearly 8 years? Hill. Guess who got Tavis the golden sponsorship? Bill and Hill. Who threw Tavis a bone in his last book titled "Giving"? Bill. Who was on the Tom Joyner show effusively slobbering overhimself and the book? Tavis. Who with all of that support has failed to openly declare his support for his benevolent Clinton society? Tavis. Why? Because he knows how utterly fucked up he his to be carrying their water given the tides, however, he purports to be this objective, thought provoking journalist on the merits on Barack Obama's candidacy. Tavis is conflicted, co-opted, egomaniacal and oddly irrelevant. He and his ilk have forgotten that black folks are free and unowned! They don't speak for us and cannot broker or deliver us. Blacks need to remember this powerful example and lesson. Many of these appointed and annointed have lost sight of us. We are only in their rear view mirror, as their windsheild is clouded with political promises, corporate sponsors, global access, personal and professional profit and large eogs. It is time we show them who is boss. It is time for all of the "come thru me" negroes to be left on the sidelines for failing to respect our minds, our choices and our oportunities to live dreams and not just hear them "promoted"!!!
Dr, Boyce, thanks for your commentary. It was definitely on point. It appears that Tavis tried to "bully" Obama into attending his so-called annual State of the Black Union (SOBU) by threatening to blast him if he did not attend. KUDOS to Obama for going on with his candidacy. Tavis has gotten caught up himself. Who's measuring Tavis' accountability? What change has the SOBU brought about for blacks? Most likely, none! In no way does Tavis represent educated black people. He's the most ignorant and militant black man I know. He simply uses his media access to advance his own agenda, and not to mention, his own pockets. Lastly, I'm so disappointed in Tom and Sybil for allowing Tavis to voice such negative and divisive statements on their watch (TJMS). This is truly sad.
Hey Tavis, I guess your ploy to embarrass Obama back-fired. I hope your premeditated attempt to obstracize Obama continues to hurt your image, your pockets, and ultimately, your career.
VERY NICE, ENJOYED YOUR COMMENTARY =)
AS A FAN OF TAVIS SMILEY AND OBAMA, I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO KNOW THAT OBAMA WOULD NOT BE ATTENDING... MR.SMILEY IS ONE OF THE FEW WHO WILL ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS THAT MANY OF US HAVE ON OUR MINDS.
I WISH THEM BOTH THE BEST!
I'll have to go with Tavis mostly on this one.
I really can't stop rolling my eyes from this year's election coverage, whether it's from the NYT, Washington Post, CNN, Fox "News," most of the Huffington Post, local papers, liberal blogs or black blogs. Perhaps I'm jaded because of my experience working for my senator. I simply have very little trust for politicians because for the most part, they don't deserve it. This is regardless of party affiliation, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc.
Election coverage is deplorable to begin with. The horse race becomes the focus when it should be the issues. I've quizzed several people on the stances of the politicians they love and hate. All of these people are very well-educated. Few could answer these basic questions correctly but they could tell you what outfit X and Y wore yesterday and quote their speeches.
I really wasn't that familiar with Tavis Smiley until late last year. I love his approach. All politicians need to be asked tough questions and we should all critically evaluate what the needs are for the next 4 to 8 years and what these candidates bring to the table. 3 of the 4 most inspiring presidents in the last century are some of the worst when it came to accomplishments. If we look at all of US history, some of the most experienced were also incompetent or ineffective. Experience and inspiration/hope have become the major talking points for the dems. If that's all they both have to bring to the table, they aren't cut out for the job so time to shift gears.
Tavis is asking questions that need to be asked. In pretty much every other area of life, I support black people and women and especially black women. Politics is one of the exceptions. If you saw how much deception and shadiness it takes to get to the US Congress, you'd agree with me.
Everyone who is running for President should be scrutinized. Any suggestions that a particular race of people should vote for a canidate and sit back and be quiet just so that canidate can win an election without questioning and obtaining the facts is appalling. I don't care if the canidate is black, white, female, male or green!Concrete answers must be obtained now not later. If a canidate assumes they can use a group of people for votes and are unwilling to give their support for the people's cause/benefit/wellbeing because of the fear/assumption of how it may look to others than that canidate does not deserve the peoples vote. No man, no woman should resort to silencing ones voice so blindly. It maybe 2008 but far too many people are far behind the times.
Oh my God! What is Obama going to do about all of those white folks in Michigan and Florida whose Clinton votes have not yet been counted but certainly will be. And they should be counted. The Democratic parties in those states and its voters had nothing to do with moving up the primaries because the state governments, not one political party, determine when such elections will be held. This shows the complete idiocy of Democratic Party leaders and that screaming, hee-hawing jackass DNC chairman Dean for making a rule about something they don't even control. If those two states were heavily Black like South Carolina, by now there would be loud cries of racism for excluding them, just as there will be when these Clinton votes are taken into account. So, Black folks, let's get ready to send the Savior Obama to his inevitable defeat with one big whine about racism after the Michigan and Florida votes are taken into account, while we simultaneously try to demonize such honorable Blacks as Tavis Smiley, Maxine Waters, Charles Rangel, Andy Young, and Quincy Jones who all see the folly of the Obama campaign. All of those folks have a longer, clearer, and better known record of advocating for Blacks than "undercover" Obama. Shame on you, Black folks!
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Did I just read something about Quincy "Uncle Tom" Jones being honorable?? As an African American woman who has a high stake in this election as do so many others, but for so many different reasons, I am stunned that so many have not denounced the comments of Tavis Smiley! He has always been considered by myself to be someone of integrity, but to play to the dictates of Hillary Clinton is shameful. It is quite clear to me that the attacks that have been leveled against Senator Obama from supposedly prominent African Americans is due to a need to be a part of his mystique and because of their own lack of success in being the "change that America needs." Too many of these other Congress people have paid lip service throughout the years Republicans have been in office, but have effected little change. My hope is that Tavis will search deep within himself for what his motivation and true rationale is behind his comments. YES WE CAN, BARACK, YES WE CAN!!!
way it is! If we had a broader selection, Obama wouldn't be the choice, perhaps, but because he's the ONLY man of color running, we can't MAKE him be the right choice. Everyone needs to stop flying off the handle when someone points out the TRUTH! I don't want a BLACK president in office, I want the BEST president. God's plan, is God's plan.
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