BlackNationalism101Class#2 As A Legal Reality

Black Nationalism 101 Textbooks: Ten Lessons: An Introduction to Black History and Not Dark White: The 411 on Black Nationalism

Instructor: Mba Mbulu

Class #2 [AudioVersion]

Read pages 180 through 193 in Ten Lessons: An Introduction to Black History. Read the Not Dark White Essay that is below. Be able to expound on the following issues:

(1) When We, Black People, freed Ourselves during the Civil War, We had four options open to Us, but We were not made aware of all of them. Which one was deliberately hidden from Us, and would We have chosen that option if We had been given sufficient knowledge about it?

(2) According to international law, is Black People's claim to land and an independent nation legitimate? Why or why not?

(3) What do Black People have to gain or lose by internationalizing the Black struggle?

(4) What is the importance of establishing Ourselves "as a legal reality."

Questions? Email aset@asetbooks.com and list your course title as the subject.

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"As A Legal Reality"

We are Black People, We are not dark-skinned white people. We need a Nation of Our own. In order to succeed in this endeavor, We need to define Black Nationalism in such specific terms and with such lucid images that Black individuals cannot confuse it with any other ideology or train of thought. If We do not make Black Nationalism crystal clear in the minds and hearts of Black People, Black People will be primed to reject it.

In an earlier essay, I stated that Black People have to establish, as a legal reality, the difference between Black People in the United States and white people in the United States. I emphasized the importance of Us existing "as a legal reality" in order to make the world unequivocally aware of Black People's differences with white people. As a legal reality, We can enact binding laws that will be beneficial to Black People. As a legal reality We can obtain recognition from international organizations like the United Nations. As a legal reality We can gain membership in international organizations like the United Nations. As a legal reality We can make treaties with other countries and establish self-defense alliances with other countries. As a legal reality We can raise an army or a militia and legally defend Ourselves. As "citizens" of Our own country, We can unequivocally act to correct wrongs that have been perpetrated against Us. We won't have to kowtow to racist laws that are enforced by racist authorities. We will have Our own legal reality, and that is the way it is supposed to be.

Among people of normal intelligence, it is taken for granted that a distinct group of people should seek to govern themselves and create conditions that will benefit their own. Each distinct group of people needs laws on the books that are enacted by individuals who believe in them. Each distinct group of people needs laws on the books that will be enforced by individuals who want to enforce them. Each distinct group of people must be able to create a climate that is favorable to the advancement of that group of people. Criminal laws must be fair and equitable, laws governing commerce and access to business resources must be fair and equitable, laws governing personal freedoms must be fair and equitable, etc. All people have the right to live in and the responsibility to seek a political, economic, social and spiritual environment that is healthy and conducive to their well being across the board. No intelligent person or group of people would settle for less.

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The Jews felt that they could only secure themselves by establishing a Jewish nation, and they did so. The Palestinians are convinced that they can only secure themselves by establishing a Palestinian nation, and they are doing so. The French speaking population of Canadians in Quebec feel the need to secure their heritage by establishing their own nation, and that desire is given due regard by the people and government of Canada. Nationalist movements in USSR were denied legitimacy by the Soviet leadership, but that didn't stop several nations of people from going out on their own. The Irish Republican Army feels the need for its people to be independent of Great Britain, and it doesn't bother them that some people and governments are displeased by the idea. Nor were the Boers in South Africa concerned about what the Blacks of South Africa thought about Boer plans to establish an apartheid (white supremacist) government. And, I need not mention the American colonists. The mere fact that they wanted to separate from the mother country was enough to propel them to independence, self government and their own nation.

Independence. Self-government. A nation of Our own. Such political delicacies are what most people are willing to give up their lives and property for. That is because they are necessary delicacies. They allow one to actually own what one possesses. They allow one to leave a valuable legacy to one's children and grandchildren. They allow one to stand up and be counted on one's own terms. They allow one to define the terms and conditions under which their group will have to live. Why is it, then, that some Black individuals are in left field on the issue of Black Nationalism? If you asked them if they prefer to own an Escort or a Cadillac, they would choose the Cadillac. If you asked them to choose between high quality clothes and low quality clothes, they would choose the high quality clothes. If you asked them if they prefer to rent a house or own it, they would recognize the myriad advantages of ownership. If they recognize the value of those type delicacies, why don't they recognize the much more important and critical political delicacies?

Could it be that they haven't been educated properly? Could it be that they are overwhelmed by what their eyes see? Could it be that they fear for their personal well-being? or that they fail to realize that their personal well-being is directly tied to the well-being of Us as a race? Or, could it be that they, those who are supposed to be leading Us, are selling Us out instead? Each of these questions will be explored along the way.

We have to establish as a legal reality the distinction between white priorities and Black priorities. After all, We are Black People, We are not dark-skinned white people. We need a Nation of Our own.

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