The African and Brother Man

commentary by Raynard Jackson

I received a call from a good friend of mine earlier this week. He’s a Black gentleman who worked very high in the Clinton administration. He’s one of the top political operatives in the country.

He called me because he wanted to get together and talk. He was extremely frustrated with his dealings with African leaders. He asked me why African governments seems to always hire white lobbying firms to represent them in the U.S., but then ask Black’s to join them in the struggle to make Africa more stable?

Having done a lot of work in African countries for various presidents, I have often wondered the same thing. So, I began calling other friends with various levels of knowledge and familiarity with Africa. My friend’s experience was very common among most of those I talked with.

Part of the problem is that African’s think the “white man’s” ice is colder than the “Black man’s ice.” Last time I checked my chemistry book, water freezes at 32 degrees, regardless of who puts the water into the freezer.

One thing I have learned and noticed during my many trips to Africa is a lot of these attitudes are taught to Africans. They are taught that Black Americans are not serious people, they are criminals, and they should not be trusted. Most African’s only image of Blacks come from BET or the Hip-Hop community.

Two weeks ago I had a heated conversation with a friend of mine from Ethiopia. She has been in the U.S. for about 10 years. I asked her has she ever dated a Black American. She emphatically said, “NO, and I never will!” It was not only what she said, but the disdain in her tone of voice. It was though the very thought of dating a Black American was repulsive to her. When asked why, she said because they are not Ethiopian (she doesn’t date outside her culture). I told her she sounds just like some of the good ole boys from the south when it comes to Blacks dating white women and her comment was simply idiotic. Is discrimination based on culture equivalent to discrimination based on race? I will be dedicating one of my radio shows to this issue very soon.

I cannot count the number of times I have had to challenge my treatment by Africans in my own country! I am amazed how many Africans are surprised that I can speak with knowledge about many countries on the continent. When they hear me discuss local issues that one can only know if they have been to a given country, their whole attitude changes.

What does it say about how Africans view Blacks when a very connected political operative can’t get a contract to represent an African country? You would have thought that Obama’s election would have shifted that dynamic somewhat, but it hasn’t. But, as soon as African’s get in trouble, they run to the Congressional Black Caucus for relief. The CBC should tell them in no uncertain terms, “when you hire some Blacks to work with you, then come see me.” I have seen white elected officials do this on many occasions when it comes to their own.

I have donated thousands of dollars worth of professional services to African causes and charities only to have them contract with others once they get money. I now refuse to deal with any African cause or issue unless there is a budget for professional services.

So, when my friend expressed his frustration with me, I could definitely relate to his situation. Until Africans change their attitude towards Blacks in America, there will always be a rift between the two groups.

This attitude is the underlying reason that the continent has not progressed more than it has. Africa has everything it needs to sustain the continent and be truly independent. But, they can’t continue to beg others to do for them what they are not willing to do for themselves. They want Black entrepreneurs to invest in their country, but refuse to hire Blacks who can assist them in making this happen. One of the largest IT firms in the world is owned by a Black, one of the larger restaurant owners in the country is owned by a Black, some of the best medical professionals in this country are Black, and some of the best architects and engineers in this country are Black. So, then why does Africa refuse to recognize this with their dollars? How many African presidents have ever given a speech at a Black college, visited a Black business owner’s company, or visited a Black media company? The answer is very few.

So, to my Africans both here and on the continent, don’t call me “Brother” and then give all the opportunity to others. Don’t call me “Brother” only when you need help. Africa is where it all started and where our ancestors departed. So, when you come to the U.S., when will you recognize your own family? BROTHER!

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-based political consulting/government affairs firm.