That it causes a stir in the Black community in such a way that African Americans start talking about issues again.

In his latest book, “The Promise of Being Black: The Conversation We Need to Have,” Johnnie Dent Jr. examines many of the problems in the Black community and presents an eye-opening resolution to the issues that continue to plague us as a people.  Recently, we had an opportunity to sit down with Dent to learn more about “the promise of being Black” and here’s what he had to say…

What is ‘the promise’ of being Black?

It’s an indication by future generations that things will turn out well for African Americans based on the commitment, scarifies, and the hard work of our ancestors. 

Is the promise currently being threatened? If so, how?

Yes. If I had to look at it internally, a lot of it is being threatened by our inability to complete basic education, develop a fundamental skill set to be employable, and indulging in unhealthy behaviors. Externally, there are some structures in place that still contribute to a covert form of colonization. But, we can’t get there until we deal with the internal stuff.

Does that bring us to the ‘conversation’ we need to have?

Yes, because we have a certain amount of resources after Civil Rights Movement and integration. We already started off with an unlevel playing field. During segregation, we were already given scraps or leftovers to live off. Integration connected us to more resources but with the hope that we would take full advantage those resources.

We haven’t taken advantage of these resources. What is it costing us?

It is costing us the various scholarships that Black youth would never make it in to, various positions that are outlines for minorities through Affirmative Action, huge amount of legal fees in the court system for people in trouble which dilutes the resources that we have for preventative strategies for adverse initiatives.

What do we need to be talking about?

Defining accountability (what it looks like) and applying it then tightening the reins on accountability. We have to decide if we will accept people with criminal behavior who are Black or if we’re going deal with crime and leave the person’s color out of the equation. We have to ask ourselves if we want educated and disciplined youth or if want to continue spending outrageous amounts of money on shoes, clothing, video games, and tattoos while receiving bad attitudes and mediocre grades from our children.

Where do we begin in terms of uplifting the Black community?

I would like to see a mass movement toward education and personal self-development because education increases employable and entrepreneurism while personal self-development makes you more confident in your relationships. When you bring more, you get more. We you bring less, expect less.

If the promise is fulfilled, where are we headed?

We see a couple of things. We are one of the greatest stories of minorities overcoming the most severe forms of oppression, sexism, White supremacy and power structures in history. It has been proven that, as Black America gets better, America gets better, thereby complimenting the positive-ness of the human equation. You give a level of hope to all of the partners in America who continue to believe in the dream.

What is your goal and hopes for this book?

That it causes a stir in the Black community in such a way that African Americans start talking about issues again.

Who are you targeting with this book.

I’m targeting the frustrated African Americans who extended their resources into Black youth, their family members, and the community at large.

If we begin to have the conversations, as outlined in the book, can we begin to change the dynamics within the Black community?

If I have to say anything about Black America, we have been the masters of a better day. We have always proven, time and again, that no matter what is thrown at us, we always come out victorious.  We have gone through all systems in this country that have been designed to either eliminate us or hold us down. And, yet, we forge ahead. Blacks have to stop listening to the language of the oppressor and draw closer to themselves through reflection and introspection.

Johnnie Dent Jr. will be taking the conversation to 31 cities, all defined as the most dangerous cities in America which are highly populated by Blacks.