Photo: Franklin Institute

Two acclaimed minds, Dr. Cornell West from Princeton University and Dr. Molefi K. Asante from Temple University kicked off the Audacious Freedom: Civic Community Conversations Series.

“In framing the event, we thought of the relationship between Richard Allen and Absalom Jones,” states Ivan Henderson, project coordinator at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. “They [Allen and Jones] were revolutionary thinkers, respected leaders, abolitionists, and as the saying goes ‘masters of all trades’ during their time in history. The need continues for those types of public intellectuals.”

If Beyond Race and Racism: Shaping the Future of American Democracy in the Audacious Freedom series is any example, the intellectual tradition is in demand. All free tickets were reserved at the host site, the Franklin Institute within hours of announcing the guest debaters. To satisfy public demand, the debate streamed live on the Franklin's website.

The debate was a friendly exchange. It addressed who African Americans are and problems of race that impact Americans in general and African Americans in particular. Not stopping there, the debate probed successes being achieved by African Americans today and their threads stretching back to the first Homo sapiens walking erect in Africa.

The conversation was deep and far reaching. The esteemed African American colleagues first dispelled notions that racism somehow no longer exists. Dr. Asante pointed out Pres. Barack Obama’s election reflected minority voters casting ballots at record levels as opposed to tolling the end of racism.

An African American taking the oath for the top office in the nation was no doubt historic, but Dr. West also suggested the extraordinary number of death threats against Pres. Obama signifies, in part, that racism still breathes in America albeit more often in subtler tones.

The two professors differed, however, on the role of religion in African American aspirations and expression. Dr. West takes comfort and inspiration from his Baptist roots. If not for the mercy and love intrinsic to Christianity, he believes racism would have generated masses of thugs and gangsters venting black rage countrywide.

While Dr. Asante agrees black resilience is awesome. He surmises such audacious hope comes from the African tradition of valuing character not from idolizing religious falsehoods, for example, that of a white Jesus or mixing greed into religious practices. Criminality breeds where character is lacking.  Unlike most people of African descent, young thugs, according to Asante, have yet to understand the value of character.

Dr. Asante believes race oppression perpetuates because education in this nation has failed people. He speculates the world would and can still be different if racism and its grave historic consequences to Native Americans and other groups were explored rather than largely ignored. Such holocausts make people of European descent uncomfortable. They turn away rather than examine unsavory corners of their souls. This is a necessary examination to build self-awareness and cultural understanding. Truth in history and the soul-searching stimulated, explained Dr. Asante, can do everyone good.

Permanent exhibit at the African American Museum in Philadelphis inspired dialogue series

This dialogue was filled with hotly debatable comments as were the audience questions that followed. Ivan Henderson says this is just the beginning of monthly dialogues planned with partners throughout Philadelphia. He explains, “These dialogues are viewed through the lens of the permanent Audacious Freedom exhibit at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Audacious Freedom tells the story of African Americans in Philadelphia (1776-1876). Richard Allen and Absalom Jones are just two of the founding figures highlighted in the exhibit.”

For more information about upcoming dialogues visit www.aampmuseum.org or see the charity clipboard on this web page.

Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 – Jan. 1)                                                                                                                                 Less controversial is the celebration of kujichagulia (self-determination), umoja (unity), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith). These seven principles of Kwanzaa (meaning first in Swahili) are honored each day typically along with family ancestors.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia premieres free commemorations in heart of Philadelphia at The Gallery Market East at 9^th and Market Streets beginning at noon on Saturday, Dec. 26. “We are going to host candle lighting ceremonies, which,” Henderson says, “explain to the public the day’s principle.”

Performances in music and dance (as much as the small space allows) should keep the event family friendly. Children’s arts and crafts related to Kwanzaa will also provide takeaways to keep the principle of the day in mind. Each day’s event will end with the screening of Black Candle, a documentary about Kwanzaa created by Molefi K. Asante, Jr.  Kwanzaa happenings carry on through Friday, Jan. 1 in the Gallery plaza, the same area where Santa Claus appears until Dec. 24.

Dr. Ron Karenga fused African traditions with American ones to form Kwanzaa in 1966. He, also titled “Maulana” meaning master-teacher in Swahili, was born in Maryland. While attending college in Los Angeles the 1965 Watts riot and its aftermath captured his imagination. He joined the black power movement. Although a controversial figure at the time, his desire for strong black families and unified communities birthed Kwanzaa with its constructive guiding principles. Karenga sees this celebration as nonsectarian, one that all people of African descent can embrace. 

All rights to article reserved by Gloria Blakely. Copyright 2009.