by Eric Walters
Newly announced presidential contender Barack Obama is no stranger to the spotlight. His bestselling book, Audacity of Hope, was titled after a sermon given by (his) Pastor Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) in Chicago, where Obama is a member. The Afrocentric nature of TUCC and the political outspokenness of Pastor 
Wright has recently become a source of controversy for the Obama campaign.
TUCC embraces black liberation theology—a brand of liberation theology that finds its roots in social justice/social gospel, contemporized by James Cone and other black theologians almost 40 years ago. Guided by the motto, “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian”, TUCC also promotes a 12-point Black Value System that guides its ministry programs and objectives. Below is an excerpt from the TUCC website:
"Trinity United Church of Christ adopted the Black Value System written by the Manford Byrd Recognition Committee chaired by Vallmer Jordan in 1981. We believe in the following 12 precepts and covenantal statements. These Black Ethics must be taught and exemplified in homes, churches, nurseries and schools, wherever Blacks are gathered. They must reflect on the following concepts:
- Commitment to God
- Commitment to the Black Community
- Commitment to the Black Family
- Dedication to the Pursuit of Education
- Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence
- Adherence to the Black Work Ethic
- Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect
- Disavowal of the Pursuit of "Middleclassness"
- Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the Black Community
- Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting Black Institutions
- Pledge allegiance to all Black leadership who espouse and embrace the Black Value System
- Personal commitment to embracement of the Black Value System. "
The contemporary black theology movement in America arose in response to white racism and discrimination. In short, Christ not only redeems, but also liberates the poor and oppressed. Black theology has helped shape black identity, self-respect, and empowerment in the post-Civil Rights Era through its continued emphasis on social justice, the social gospel, and political activism.
Only time will tell if Obama’s affiliation with TUCC represents a political asset, or liability. Some political pundits suggest that the ethnocentric/black emphasis of the 12 precepts/covenantal statements at TUCC, the ambiguous meaning of a “disavowal of the pursuit middleclassness” , detracts from a centrist appeal that Obama needs to win the White House. Others argue that Obama’s association with Pastor Wright (who favors the rights of Palestinians) and membership at TUCC could alienate some voters, particularly those who are white or Jewish. Obama called Wright the night before his February 10 presidential announcement and rescinded his invitation for Wright to give the opening invocation. Alternatively, some think that the TUCC agenda could endear Obama (a product of an interracial marriage) to more black voters.
One may question whether some of the Black Values of TUCC (established in 1981) have outlived their usefulness or should undergo revision. Moreover, the degree to which Obama is obliged to uphold any or all of them is a matter of personal preference and conviction.
Without question, we live in an era where race, color, ethnicity—and the theological perspectives that emerge from them, have now become the new subtexts of the political debate. To be sure, the Obama-TUCC connection should challenge all Americas to engage in a substantive examination of faith that is informed by race (and racism), and its articulation within the political arena.
How Barack Obama defines the meaning of “Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian,” may ultimately determine the fate of his campaign.
Eric Walters is Co-Founder of TheoSyst Group.
8 comments:
This is a very thoughtful and thought-provoking piece by Dr. Walters.
I think it is now coming to light that, although his ancestors were not slaves, Barack Obama is no stranger to the black community. His connection to the TUCC and black liberation theology bears this out, as do many other examples that people are seeing. As recent polls that show overwhelming support for Obama indicate, African Americans are now realizing this.
To answer the question posed by Dr. Walters regarding whether or not his connection with TUCC and black liberation theology will be a liability or an asset, I would say that it will be an asset to those who already support him: blacks and mostly liberal whites of the northeast, west and other parts of the country. But, undoubtedly, the virulently right-wing media, such as Fox News, will latch onto this TUCC/liberation theology connection and try to use it to discredit Obama. They have already tried to malign him because his name is unusual by certain narrow-minded Americans' standards--laughing that "Obama" sounds like "Osama," and that Obama's middle name is “Hussein.” I'm afraid that the Bubbas already will sink Obama's chances of getting elected. I hope that Obama doesn't try to change his beliefs to suit them; we need his voice of unity and reason, and his "audacity of hope.
I did not realize that there was a specific issue with Wright giving the invocation at the occasion of Obama's official announcement. Assuming that he would never renounce his Trinity Church affiliations, asking Rev. Wright not to speak may actually have been a lost opportunity. Obama's association with Trinity and his proclamation of being a politician who shies not from a spiritual identity means that Rev. Wright and Trinity will come up sooner or later anyway, necessarily. At least having the Reverend give an ecumenical invocation, with all of the prodigious eloquence that he can muster, could have introduced the man to a wider audience in a very positive light where people would first have been forced to react to the man that they would have seen and heard before they even had to contemplate what others of the religio-political Christian right would have to say about him. For all of his complexities and eccentricities, Rev. Wright is no lightweight theologically or in broader intellectual terms. Therefore, the Obama camp might as well have broached the issue of their candidate's specific religious anchoring subtly, yet confidently, and on their own terms. A general lurking concern that I would have about one as relatively inexperienced as Barack is the question of whether he has been around enough to have a well-defined and savvy inner circle of advisors, which understands him thoroughly, in all of his depth and construction, and whose loyalties he is sure he can trust? With other more experienced candidates we may not know who their inner circles are comprised of either, but, we know that THEY know and that they are in command of them and the flow of message and meta-message that such circles put out in their names. Obama must rather soon come to grips with this issue.
This is a short thought from Mary:
Yesterday I was ready to state Obama's affiliation with TUCC would definitely not be an asset, but I have changed my perspective. I find it should be viewed no differently from being a member of the NAACP. I am just thankful that he is participating in church where he can worship the Lord! I don't think many people will fault him for wanting to stand up for our race, but I am sure they do want to hear him state he will stand up for all races.
I would like to think Obama's membership would speak to his character. He has aligned himself with an organization(TUCC) which promotes subcribing to a value system and code of ethics as expressed by TUCC. It'a a 'Black' code because the organization is black. It still amazes me that in this day and age we have to avoid embracing who we are. But the code represents a system of values everyone in America should align themselves to. You know we have elected leaders who subcribe to a lot lesser system of values.
I don't feel his membership is an obstacle.
I believe Mr. Obama's association with TUCC is an asset. Although a few white neo-conservatives are trying to make something out of nothing regarding this, most Americans "overstand" that Black love and unity does not equate to white hate. Nor is it the proverbial slippery slope to that end.
It's interesting to note that other cultures (Asians, Latinos, Jews...etc.)teach and preach the same type of cultural unity and love message in their communities, churches, temples and synagogues and their isn't any negative connotation associated with their message.
Their has always been and probably will always be whites and like minded Afro-Saxons who will complain about the problems in African American communities and place the blame upon African Americans and challenge them to do something, and then complain when someone stands in the gap and actually does something for our communities.
To this reader, its more of the same "fear of a black planet" syndrome that some whites have when it comes to anything positive coming out of our communities that they could not either control or be a part of.
Well, I live in the Chi, and I think Obama did the right thing. Trinity has a ministry geared towards and accepting of sexually active homosexuals, the denomination ordains homosexuals.
Now right or wrong, this could be a problem for a run for the presidency. Further, thanks to the evangelical right, people don't really want to hear from Christians in general, not that I blame them, since Christians on the left and right seem to be about everything BUT Jesus.
An obstacle to or opportunity for whom? Right-thinking people in the know of the bigger picture understand that the US presidency, the most powerful seat in the world, is strongly influenced and guarded by the King makers of this world and satan's agents. All they care about is whether Obama or any candidate will be amenable and allow them to sustain their status quo and power. I also believe there are secret oaths, consciously and unconsciously, that all US presidents have to take to maintain certain interests. So religious membership is the least of Obama's many small problems for the US presidential contest. The majority of Americans, in addition to remaining ignorant and morally and spiritually bankrupt, are easily manipulated and psyched by sideline titillation and issues such as whether Obama is black enough,(note: other US presidents have black blood, dig them up and do the DNA), whether he is left of or right of the center or has a funny sounding last and middle name similar to Osama. In other words, depending on what Kings are backing Obama, he can easily be brought up or down any time by the desire of the powers that be. Regardless, He reigns and I believe Obama is a fresh face and voice in the political arena, which also happens to be corrupt and racist. Let's pray in this moment of time that this man called Barack Obama remains a drum major for justice, an agent for change, a strong spiritual symbol of hope and an inspiration for us all to continue the struggle and battle for choosing what is right.
2 Krayze is a young teenager who is studious and exceedingly polite. He is an excellent student and was advanced from third to fifth grade in prep-school. 2 Krayze has an (A+) average in AP Geometry and AP Chemistry both are ‘advanced college- prep’ classes. 2 Krayze’s ambition is to obtain a degree in both Law and Business. He volunteers and does community services for schools, churches, parks, homeless shelters and disadvantaged kids. 2 Krayze is a poet, actor, musician, producer, prolific writer, dancer and an outstanding basketball and baseball player. 2 Krayze is a student of music and for years has written his own lyrics; creates/mixes his own beats, choreographs his performances and works with real “Old-School Musicians”.
2 Krayze’s parents bought him an acoustic guitar when he was 2. At 5, he got his first professional set of drums. 2 Krayze has been in and out of studios his whole life, and when he was old enough to write, he started penning his own songs. Now, 2 Krayze has his own private “state of the art” recording studio with massive speakers, keyboards and computer screens.
2 Krayze says, "I want to be a mega entertainer, actor, attorney and businessman. I am a leader and I set high standards because I am proud to be a positive ‘Role-Model’. I just think an education and a degree should be a major priority for the youth. I see myself as a ‘Superstar’ and I intend to be The Next Big Thing!” 2 Krayze’s musical idols are James Brown, Michael Jackson, Prince, Morris Day, The Eagles, The Gap Band, Marvin Gaye, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones. 2 Krayze’s role-model is Will "Fresh Prince" Smith, the wildly successful bubble-gum rapper, businessman and actor.
“I just love performing," says2 Krayze, who typically wears a suit, hat and sequined gloves onstage. “When I'm onstage, I'm focused and thinking about how I'm going to get the crowd yelling and screaming. I pray for God to bless my performance and for the show to be a success. I never get nervous because it is not pressure, its fun. I'm trying to appeal to everyone, not necessarily just the youth. I hope to have an impact on kids, to encourage them to go to school and college. I also want to reach the adult audience. I'm talking about people ages 1 to 100."
2 Krayze is an artist with positive messages and an up-and-coming actor. He is a mesmerizing entertainer with an electrifying high-energy style performance, complete with a mixture of rhythmic beats, street-dancing and smooth choreography. 2 Krayze writes lyrics about having fun and how kids should “Stay in School” and abstain from sex, drugs and alcohol. 2 Krayze cleverly communicates these messages with pulsating hip-hop musical tracks. Some of his songs are about integrity, respecting yourself and others and loving your mother and father. His CD includes Adult Contemporary (AC) artists such as Michael Cooper from Confunction and some members from the Gap Band.
2 Krayze has started an innovative and affirmative movement with his “Old-School Savvy” and “Modern-Day-Pop-Appeal” resulting in a musical and lyrical phenomenon that gives him a unique “Niche” in the entertainment industry. 2 Krayze is pioneering the direction in hip-hop to show the World that education fused with superior music, positive role-models and innovative artistic expression is the ‘Cool’ way to be ‘Hip’ and “Stay in School” .
2 Krayze was a national and local representative for the NBA’s “Reading to Achieve” program. He performs and speaks at events for the Kings and the WNBA Monarchs. He has been on the news, KTLA Kid’s Day, interviewed by KCRA TV, The Sacramento Bee and several magazines. 2 Krayze is a featured artist on Radio Disney’s “Incubator Program”. Everyone is saying, “2 Krayze, ‘The Chocolate Thunder’ and ‘The Fresh Prince of Newcastle’ is going to be a Superstar”.
2 Krayze is starting a national 2007 “Stay in School” Tour targeting schools throughout the United States. 2 Krayze’s vision for the “Stay in School” movement is fusing education with popular music. 2 Krayze is utilizing his academic, musical and creative acumen to focus on innovative concepts of reaching the youth. EDUCATION… is the Power & MUSIC... is the Universal Language!
The song “Stay in School” addresses the educational devastation and high school dropout epidemic in America. 2 Krayze is spearheading the “Stay in School” movement to emphasize the importance of education and going to college. 2 Krayze is advocating social change and believes the media, radio and record companies should provide positive choices in programming that reflect the whole population, especially the youth.
Many boys aspire to be successful, but 2 Krayze has a few advantages. He has friends in high places, including Joe Maloof, owner, of the Sacramento Kings and Palms Casino/Hotel and G. William Hunter,
Executive Director, of the NBA’s Player’s Association. His parents are music industry veterans. His mom, Renee G., is a former Warner Brothers and CBS Records executive and his dad, George, guided, tutored and managed clients such as Kenneth (Babyface) Edmonds, Bobby Brown, Loose Ends, L.A. Reid, Charlie Wilson, The Gap Band, and others.
NBA Sacramento Kings owner, Joe Maloof, is one of 2 Krayze biggest fans. "2 Krayze
is going to be big. I just know it! Everyone who sees him loves him” says Joe Maloof. Mr. Maloof personally arranged for 2 Krayze to perform at the Arco Arena during half- time for several NBA games and playoffs.
Mr. Joe Maloof and Mr. G. William Hunter, Executive Director of the NBA Players’ Association asked
2 Krayze to participate in various artistic events associated with the NBA All-Star game. "This is just a great opportunity for 2 Krayze to demonstrate his talents and to rap his way to Law School. 2 Krayze
is mannerly and polite. He is multi-talented, and his message is wholesome and refreshing. Maybe people are ready for that. Today, the NBA - Tomorrow, the World.” says Mr. G. William Hunter.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters invited 2 Krayze to the CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION’S 33rdand 36thAnnual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC.
2 Krayze was a featured guest and sat on the panel of the “Young, Gifted & Black Forum” with Reverend Jesse Jackson. 2 Krayze also performed and spoke to the audience about the importance of education and the impact of hip-hop on the youth. Congresswoman Waters is a big fan and admires him for the lyrical content of his songs, his phenomenal music and affirmative messages to the youth.
Reverend Jesse Jackson became an instant fan of 2 Krayze’s after meeting him and observing his performance at the “Young, Gifted & Black Forum”. Reverend Jackson endorses and is a major supporter of 2 Krayze and thinks he is incredibly talented and a positive role-model for the youth.
2 Krayze is also endorsed by many local, state and federal officials.
2 Krayze performed at the “House of Blues” with Bobby Brown. 2 Krayze was “Special Guest” with Charlie & Ronnie Wilson of the Gap Band on several concert dates. 2 Krayze was the featured artist on the “Stay in School All Star Tour” with Lil Romeo.
2 Krayze performed at the NBA All Star Weekend at the following activities:
• NBA Reading Rally
‘Club NBA’ at All Star Jam Session
NBA Center Court - Special Concert: 2 Krayze , Jon B, Amerie & Ruben Studdard
2 Krayze co- produced his just completed self-entitled album. His self-written lyrics and his music deliver positive messages to our youth about:
Staying in School
Graduating from College
Abstaining from Sex
Saying “No” to Drugs, Alcohol & Tobacco
Respecting Yourself and Others
Honoring your Mother and Father
2 Krayze received product endorsements from Stacy Adams and Florsheim, which includes clothes, hats, shoes and jewelry. 2 Krayze has ventured onto the big screen and has completed his first film project. He also has the leading role in the movie listed below:
BROBOT:
An action adventure movie about a kid, who has superhuman strength, is a youthful “A” student by day, an entertainer at night and the first “Teenage African-American Superhero”.
2 Krayze’s websites are: www.2krayze.com
http://radio.disney.go.com/artists/incubator/2_krayze/bio.html
http://radio.disney.go.com/speak/request/html
www.myspace.com/2krayze
www.youblab.com/2krayze
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