Professor Tina Bell Wright, renowned author of the book “360 Degrees: The Blueprint for Black Self-Determination,” joined us once again on Hard Knock Radio. This time, our focus was on her recent thought-provoking article titled “Priorities …from Theory (RBG) to Practice (RBH).” Inspired by her observations at the “National Conference on the Black Cooperative Agenda,” organized by the Network for Developing Conscious Communities, Professor Wright emphasized the significance of Black people forming cooperatives.
According to Professor Wright, the challenge lies in maintaining our focus on the collective goal of Black liberation amid numerous competing priorities. Recognizing that everyone has unique priorities influenced by their lived experiences and circumstances, she advocated for finding our own tribe. Referencing the Haudenosaunee coalition, also known as the Iroquois League or Five Nations, she stressed the importance of building communities or tribes based on Empowering, Educating, Elevating, Business, Servicing, and Survival.
Professor Wright cautioned against spending excessive time forming tribes with individuals who do not share our vision. Instead, she encouraged us to invest in healing and take responsibility for our mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. Drawing inspiration from the effective approaches of former Black Panther Bunchy Carter and Dr. Martin Luther King, she emphasized the need for organizations fighting for Black Liberation to position themselves as allies and servants of the community rather than adversaries.
She concluded that people naturally gravitate toward individuals and organizations they can relate to. In our conversation, we also examined the current state of Hip Hop and raised the critical question of whether it is on a path toward self-determination. Professor Wright’s insights and perspectives provided valuable food for thought, prompting further exploration of the complex dynamics within the Hip Hop community.
As we continue to engage in meaningful discussions on topics related to Black self-determination, Professor Wright’s contributions serve as a guide for fostering unity, empowerment, and community building. Stay tuned to Hard Knock Radio for more insightful conversations that shape the discourse surrounding Black liberation and the role of Hip Hop in shaping our collective destiny.
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