A number of years ago I adopted the slogan, “You can’t get ahead to public office if you fail to run.” About 50 years ago it became a realization of mine that sophisticated voting was the fastest way to achieve a large measure of equality. However, it has become apparent to me that there were and still are a number of impediments that make it difficult to achieve the degree of voting sophistication that Blacks have failed to obtain.
The late Harvey Adams and I would converse on many occasions about issues that took a toll on the lives of Blacks across America, but particularly across Allegheny County (UP SOUTH). A simple question, “What is wrong with us?” I can hear Harvey’s standard answer: “Slavery.”
He would say Blacks are the only Americans that were slaves in America, and the residues of slavery has transcended generations after generations, none more deadly than “Self Hate.”
Attorney Byrd R. Brown’s campaign for mayor of Pittsburgh would always surface, a Black man who was the most qualified person to ever run for the position and a number of prominent colored persons were effective in defeating him, they loved the Democratic Party more than they did Black people, a perfect example of “Self Hate.”
That election took place about 40 years ago and not much has changed. If a Black male or female with the ability and courage to run without the endorsement, the elected Black officials cry out, “I can’t openly support them!” I will always remember the all-powerful U.S. Congressman Rev. Clayton Powell Jr., he was not the Democratic Party’s candidate, he was the PEOPLE’S CANDIDATE and proved it.
The two most asked questions that I receive are, No. 1: What is wrong with us Black persons? And No. 2: How do we as a people develop the strength to do that which is right?
My direct answer to those people is, you can attend and graduate from the most prestigious institutes of higher learning anywhere in the world, but the final solution is there has to be something special in a person to perform WHAT IS RIGHT.
Why am I voting for Turahn Jenkins for Allegheny County District Attorney? It’s easy for me. Turahn Jenkins possesses all of the following qualities: Bright, bold, Black, concerned, committed, courageous, determined, dedicated, educated, earnest, fearless, finisher, gentleman, gifted, humble, and honest. That is his BIO.
(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a contributor to the New Pittsburgh Courier.)
About Post Author
