To be honest, I didn’t expect much tonight when I went to see the advance preview of CNN’s Black in America 2 at the Carter Center in Atlanta. I never made it through Black in America Part 1 at one time - my blood pressure kept reaching dangerous levels.
It looks like CNN responded to the tough-love I know they received after part one. Tonight, I have to admit, CNN put their foot in it big time! Black in America 2 touched on marriage and families, excellence in schools, and training black leaders for corporate America. I truly believe it’s award winning material.
In Black in America 2 CNN's Soledad O'Brien criss-crosses the U.S., reporting on groundbreaking solutions that are transforming the black experience in America. She uncovers pioneers who are making a difference: people inspiring volunteerism, programs that are improving access to quality health care and education, and leaders working to address financial struggles and develop strong families.
I would not allow my grandchildren to watch part 1. I figure they will learn about the dark side of the African American community soon enough. Since they are lucky enough not to live in poverty, and have fathers and grandfathers in their life, the negativity was not something I wanted to promote.
On July 22 and 23 I will watch the show with my four older grandchildren. Their assignment is to write two paragraphs stating what the show meant to them and how they will strive for excellence. Contrary to what our President thinks about black people, not all black children are playing Xbox or worrying about their jump shot all the time (although the president has a pretty good jump shot I hear).
Perhaps President Obama can learn from CNN and find something positive to say about what is happening in the African American community. I read that while I was enjoying the positive stories that CNN was able to unearth about black America, tonight the President gave another tough-love speech to tuxedo and gown-wearing black professionals gathered in the ballroom of the New York Hilton to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the NAACP. He was quoted as mentioning Lil Wayne - I wonder how many people in that audience knew anything about Mr. Wayne.
Thanks CNN for finding some of the positive and inspiring stories – and there are many. As one of the panelist after the screening said, “Black America wins much more than they lose or we wouldn’t be here.” If someone could let the President know that most of us are trying and succeeding, like his mother did, to raise our children to aspire to be doctors, lawyers, and even president of the United States of America. He's not the only African American living a constructive life. As a matter of fact, it was the hard work of the black community that helped to get him in office.
President Obama is just back from Africa and still finds it necessary to criticize the African American community rather than lift up the many accomplishments. I’m beginning to believe he is suffering from a little self-hatred. It may be time for a little tough-love for Mr. President. I know I'm sick of the negativity.
I hope someone convinces President Obama to take a minute from grinning, holding press conferences, and scolding black America to watch Black in America 2, he may learn something.
To read about some of the stories on Black in America 2 visit CNN.com.
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