--Rosalind Muhammad
One
Year Later
FCN
OnlineLONG BEACH--Dr. Maulana Karenga is professor and chair of the Department of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, and national chairman of Us organization. He is widely known as the creator of Kwanzaa, a national Black holiday.
Dr. Karenga served as a member of the executive council of the National Organizing Committee of the Million Man March/Day of Absence, and authored the historic Mission Statement, an outline of the goals of the march based on the themes of atonement, reconciliation, and responsibility.
"It is our primary responsibility to save ourselves," Dr. Karenga said. "A people who cannot save themselves are lost forever."
On Aug. 10, Dr. Karenga chaired a Statewide Organizing Conference in San Diego, titled "Advancing the Struggle for an Empowered Community." Its three-fold purpose was to further develop a Black agenda; to strategize to defeat California's anti-affirmative action initiative, Proposition 209; and to facilitate greater networking among the state's Local Organizing Committees (LOCs).
Since the march, Dr. Karenga has traveled across the country monitoring LOCs.
In the aftermath of the march, Dr. Karenga said he has noticed greater sensitivity in Black male/female relationships, membership increases in churches and organizations, and heightened consciousness.
Nationwide, the goals of the Mission Statement continue to be implemented;
such as creating an independent political movement, massive voter registration,
a Black political convention was held Sept. 27-29, establishing a Black
economic development front, and reaffirming and strengthening the family.
Dr. Karenga can be reached at The African American Cultural Center (Us),
2560 W. 54th St., Los Angeles, CA 90043, or call: (213) 299-6124.
--Rosalind Muhammad
One
Year LaterFCN
Online