Bill Cosby is Right, so Back Off!

You know, the jackasses unloading on the legendary Bill Cosby are really starting to piss The G-man off! It all started a few years ago when "The Cos" began traveling the country and speaking out against many of the ills affecting youth, particularly in the black community, at colleges, universities and public venues. Recently, Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaint, a renowned black scholar, appeared on "Meet the Press" to discuss a book they authored entitled "Come on People: On the Path from Victims to Victors". It was one of the greatest segments in the history of the show, as the duo cited significant problems within black communities, nationwide, and challenged blacks to wake the hell up, stand up and fight for a better way of life. They were nothing short of brilliant in their assessment of both the state of black America and what the outcome will be if immediate action isn't taken. You folks can actually go to the Meet the Press website, click on the archives section and watch the segment in its entirety. I strongly encourage you to check it out, no matter what your race is.

I agree one hundred percent with these men because I have written and waged battle against many of the problems they noted. However, I would take what they said one step further by publicly stating that all the organizations claiming to fight for the decency and respectability of blacks should have far more input in addressing black-on-black crime, violent gangs, gangster rap, staggering levels of unemployment, drugs in black communities, and racial discrimination. Radio and talk show host Tavis Smiley has developed an annual forum to address these issues, but it has not gained the attention and notoriety it deserves. It would probably be better received if he, Reverend Al Sharpton, the NAACP, CORE, the National Urban League, major celebrities and politicians banded together and called a press conference to announced plans to hold a "Black Summit". This would be ideal for two reasons. First, each of these entities may have different views on how to best serve the black community, but coming together would show a strong sense of unity, which has been lacking for decades.

Secondly, calling a press conference would let the world know that they are very concerned about the problems in black communities and they intend to do something about them. If prominent people like Gen. Colin Powell, Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Lauren Hill, Mos Def, Ludacris, Missy Elliot, Eve, Allen Iverson, Shaquille O'Neal, Halle Berry and Denzel Washington came forth to speak out against violence and poverty in the black community and society, imagine what the impact would be. Cosby has taken the first step in launching this initiative, and his comments merely served as a preemptive strike in the war to save black America. Sadly, a lot of black people got stuck in stupid mode and started viciously attacking Cosby, saying he was too insensitive and making a generalization about an entire culture. Well, The G-man thinks the Cosby-haters are a bunch of pussies! Yeah, I said it!! They want to pop off at the mouth about what Cosby has said, but none of them have given anything close to the amount of money that Cosby has toward educating our youth. Cosby has earned millions through endorsements, which he's gladly given to universities and poor inner city kids that couldn't afford college. Unless his detractors are willing to step up and contribute ten times as much or more, they need to shut up, go sit in a corner and scratch their ass.

Furthermore, if they readily embraced positions of leadership in this war, as the amazing Danny Glover, Alicia Keyes and U2's Bono often do when dealing with issues involving Africa, it would confirm to many young people that black people are better than what is projected in the media. It would be unprecedented, and it just might help to curtail some of the negative images that have been unfairly thrust upon many within black society. How can so many, with so much money and power, remain silent and separate while the image of blacks in this country deteriorates?

I don't want to get into all of the sociological debates over why so many young black males commit crimes or end up in jail. The point is they are there, and more and more are definitely headed in that direction. Having a bunch of primped-up black people flashing Ivy-League credentials and intellect on cable news shows isn't going to stop 13-year old kids in Brooklyn or South Central, Los Angeles, from purchasing guns, selling drugs, committing robberies or gunning people down in rival gang wars. It's time to stop the analytical bullshit and lead with some action. I can do my part by writing, mentoring and speaking out on this issue, but I'm not going to get much attention because I'm not Denzel and, with all due respect to Associated Content, I don't write for the New York Times, Daily News or some hotshot hip-hop magazine like "Vibe" or "Source". Get the point?

I pay a heavy price because of those who choose paths of self-destruction, and I'm not alone. I hate the fact that a white woman crosses the street, or clutches her purse, when she sees me coming. I hate it when couples lock their car doors when I cross in front of them. I hate being followed when I walk into an expensive department store. I could be dressed in a $3,000 Armani suit, and it wouldn't make any fucking difference. This is why the press conference, and summit, is so crucial. They could help to eliminate such incidents, but more importantly, it would convey that black people command respect.

The horror of Hurricane Katrina brought hundreds of celebrities together in effort to assist those affected. Many of these stars were black. If they can come together during a natural catastrophe, why can't they come together to help address social and economic catastrophes in the neighborhoods they grew up in? I pray that the reps in the Congressional Black Caucus, prominent sports figures, movie stars, doctors, lawyers, and singers will one day try and make this summit a reality. Black people marched against many forms of racial hatred and injustice during the civil rights period, and the Jena 6 incident was a firm indication of what unity can foster in 2008....and beyond.

THE G-MAN CHALLENGE:This is how much I believe in Cosby and his comments. The G-man will take on five so-called scholars from any Ivy-League college in the country who denounce this article, as well as Cosby's comments and book. The debate can be set up as a fundraiser at your institution, with all proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Club of America. Okay, the challenge has been issued. Now....come get some!