Brothers, we have to look at this thing strategically.
The prison population is on the rise due to both systemic oppression and arrested personal development of the African American man. So we, as chapters must address both of these issues. In addressing both of these issues, we must also assess each chapter's resources. At the grassroots level, we must go out and mentor young boys. Teach them what it means to be a real man. Negate the negative and destructive images they may see in the media and in their communities. This gives the boys hope, and hope is half the battle when you talk about overcomming systemic evils of racism and poverty. Then look in your chapters, find those brothers that are grad students or professors, brothers who know how to research and write. Use those brothers to publish opinion articles and position papers in the local media, voicing facts about racial profiling, dispproportionate drop out rates and poor testing scores of African American students in the local school district, and redlining by banks, mortgage lenders, and real estate agencies. These pieces can then address the systemic barriers to our COLLECTIVE liberation. Also, host educational forums for your "votless people..." campaigns about different issues so as to eduate our community about the political process affects all of us. And encourage everyone to vote every election. If there are any brothers left
enocurage them to attend school board and city council meetings regularly, and get on the citizen concern agendas as much as possible. This way, the elected officals can know that the black community has a voice, and that voice when it is articulated by Alpha, will always be vigilant in the ongoing struggle for collective freedom, justice and equality.
Just a few strategic suggestions.
Blackwatch!!!!!!