I am so excited that we've been able to get Dr. Peniel E. Joseph, author of 'Waiting 'Til the Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America' for the show this week. You may remember I reviewed his new book (along with another book) here.

I expect a lively discussion about his book - focusing on Black Power, the Black Power movement, and an over-all examination of contemporary African American liberation efforts. I am particularly interested in his thoughts about the current meaning (if any) of the term "Black Power" as well as his thoughts about any potential present day expression of black liberation efforts.

This promises to be a stimulating and informative interview. If, after the show, you're interested in purchasing the book, please remember that you can do so via the Amazon store on our front page!


As always, you are cordially invited to join us live at the show at (718) 508-9712; this Thursday at 9:00 PM EDT!

Here's the part of the review that I did earlier about 'Waiting 'til The Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America' - FYI. MBM

The second book is, by far, my favorite of the two. It is “Waiting ‘Til The Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America” by Dr. Peniel E. Joseph. Frankly, as someone deeply interested in African American history, as well as the notion of “Black Power” (particularly the current relevance of the concept) I found the read to be a fascinating one! The author, Joseph, teaches in the Department of Africana Studies at SUNY - Stoney Brook and recounts the history of “Black Power” in careful detail.

The book begins by focusing on the precursors to the Black Power movement – primarily examining the Nation of Islam and Malcolm X through the lens of the civil rights movement. It discusses Malcolm’s ascendance in the organization and describes the seemingly constant power struggle that existed between Malcolm and Elijah Muhammad. I was struck by the degree to which it seemed that Muhammad applied the brakes to Malcolm’s energy and militance. Although the book did not examine Muhammad’s motivations, one is left with the impression that either ego or some other ulterior motives were driving the NOI leader. On a number of occasions Malcolm would want to either do something or say something on behalf of black people in America but Muhammad would block his participation. Malcolm lamented - “. . . I will tell you this: The Messenger has seen God . . . and was given divine patience with the devil. He is willing to wait for Allah to deal with this devil. Well, sir, the rest of us Black Muslims have not seen God, we don’t have the gift of divine patience with the devil. The younger Black Muslims want to see some action.”

There were a number of things that I found to be particularly interesting. As a youngster, while all of this was happening, I have memories of most of the names and events. The book was fascinating to me in large part because it artfully filled in the holes of my memory. It also delivered additional dimension about many of the leaders of ‘the movement’ who share star athlete-like stature in my eyes. Sure there was Willie Mays and Alan Page and Tiny Archibald from the 70’s, but for me there was also Bobby Seale and Stokely Carmichael and Angela Davis. Waiting ‘Til The Midnight Hour’ does a wonderful job - in a both scholarly as well as a riveting way - of offering considerable dimension about their efforts in behalf of African America.

Dr. Joseph also shed entirely new light for me about the wide-spanning nature of the movement - as well as about particular contributors. In fact, within the context of current sensibilities, some things that occurred are almost unbelievable now. First of these is the role that the poets, writers, and journalists played in the Black Power movement. Poets like LeRoi Jones/Amiri Baraka, James Baldwin and others held real power and influence within the Black liberation movement. The power and finesse of their words commanded a degree of respect and stature within African America that it is hard to imagine happening now. In fact, Baraka was the chair of the first National Black Convention in 1972. The notion of a united African American political convention is hard enough to imagine in 2007, but having a poet as its leader stretches the contemporary imagination! Could we ever conceive of someone like Tupac or KRS-1 holding real political sway over African America – not just to influence minds but to also influence policy?

The second is the fact that there were two National Black Political Conventions at all! In 1972, more than eight thousand people convened in Gary, Indiana under a motto of “Unity Without Uniformity”. It included students, labor activists, elected officials, welfare rights organizers, and feminists with the objective of creating a permanent National Black Political Assembly. It is noteworthy that every major civil rights organization participated – except the NAACP - which disagreed with the convention’s all-black membership. Noteworthy also is that at this convention Jesse Jackson called for the establishment of a black independent political party – the ‘Black Liberation Party’. Some of you may also remember the refrain “Nation Time”, which Jackson also coined at this convention. “What time is it? Nation Time!”

Joseph writes that the convention “promoted an agenda of radical political reform focused on urban renewal, quality education, welfare rights, and economic opportunity fueled by the redistribution of wealth.” Curiously, though, the only two resolutions that passed at the convention were one against school busing and another supporting a Palestinian homeland.

The core of the book, however, is the story of the creation of “Black Power”: the term – by Stokely Carmichael (later Kwame Toure) at the 1966 Meredith March, and the movement – by more militant people within the civil rights movement, the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Black Panther Party, and others. It chronicles Carmichael’s rise in ‘the movement’ from Howard University’s chapter of SNCC to national and international prominence. It offers insightful anecdotes and analysis about the tension between he and the pacifist, perhaps more conservative, MLK Jr., as well as his relationship to the Black Panther Party. Interestingly, Dr. Joesph also talks about Carmichael’s time abroad – in Cuba and Africa, including his relationship to Kwame Nkrumah and Ahmed Sekou Toure. It seems that Carmichael left the United States out of fear for his life. There was a period where, seemingly, many of the Black Panther leadership was being systematically eliminated by the police and FBI. While it seemed he couched the move in geo-political, revolutionary, and Pan Africanist terms, one wonders the degree to which mere self preservation was the motivator.

Dr. Joseph also thoroughly details the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party – articulating the names and events that sparked the development of the seminal African American liberation organization. It explores all of the names and events that highlighted this organization’s impact. It also mentions the role that the FBI’s COINTELPRO effort had in infiltrating the organization and eradicating its leaders.

There were a number of key learnings for me from this book. I’ve already mentioned my surprise at the role of The Black Arts Movement, and the two National Black Political Conventions. The role and influence that Castro and Cuba played is also noteworthy. Cuba offered a living illustration of a successful revolution – in our hemisphere. It provided a tangible example for African American revolutionaries how, with strategic and committed leadership, the masses can overthrow the yolk of oppression by an exploiting ruling class. Revolutionaries of all stripes – soldiers, artists, musicians, etc. were attracted to Cuba and were welcomed – seemingly – with open arms. That Cuban president Fidel Castro seemed to warmly embrace the Black Power movement in America – accepting a number of exiled “soldiers” there, as well as even staying at a Harlem hotel for a United Nations meeting further illustrates this.

Disappointing to me was the extent to which the Black Power movement embraced a sexist - perhaps even misogynistic tone. Famously, Huey Newton was asked what women’s ideal position was in the movement. He replied, “Prone”. Although toward the end of the movement women took greater leadership roles (out of necessity), it is an interesting contradiction that the Black Panthers could be both revolutionary and Neanderthal toward women at the same time. This occurred, all the while having an exceptionally talented cadre of women (like Elaine Brown) in their midst.

In the end, ‘Waiting ‘Til The Midnight Hour’ is a great book – filled with serious scholarship presented in a manner that makes the book a real page-turner as well. I couldn’t put it down and recommend it highly to those who are at all intrigued about this period in our political life in America.

While both books represent polar opposites in terms of their political ideology, they capture important components of the essence of the African American experience. The fact is that today we have both conservatives and radicals within us. These books go a long way toward uncovering the heart of each of these. As I said, I enjoyed them both thoroughly and recommend them highly to you.

Here's some bio info for those interested in learning more about the author!

I really recommend this show to anyone even remotely interested in "black power", the Black Panthers, Stokely Carmichael, Malcolm X and The Nation etc.

Dr. Joseph was a phenomenal guest!!!

quote:

Originally posted by MBM:
I really recommend this show to anyone even remotely interested in "black power", the Black Panthers, Stokely Carmichael, Malcolm X and The Nation etc.

Dr. Joseph was a phenomenal guest!!!

MBM, I did not really get to convey how interested I am in hearing more of the interview... especially his observations of the NOI...

This weekend I will have some time to listen... and I may have questions...

I will try my best to make it to the next interview... and right now I am working on an NOI member for you to interview.. so you can have an NOI perspective from an NOI member as opposed to "observers"...

but it aint easy I tell ya...

sigh...


I still nominate you to interview Oshun... I think many of the women would like that a lot...

I know I would be glued to the computer for that one!

quote:

Originally posted by MBM:
Dr. Joseph was a phenomenal guest!!!

I concur!!

I wanted to call in sooo bad!! Unfortunately, I was listening while I was at work so I did not really get to hear it like I wanted to, but what I heard was phenomenal... I will listen to the whole show when I get a chance...

M'at Hotep Family

Just concluded listening to the interview with Dr. Joseph E. Peniel about his book 'Waiting Til The Midnight Hour' and wow, words cannot describe my feelings. His book will, I am sure, renew my spirit and faith in the movement for freedom and liberation because I feel inspired once again. Many of the things touched on by Dr. Peniel I can relate to because I was around and involved back then but not nearly involved as were others. I also have many books relative to the 'Black Power' and 'Revolutionary' movements. We really need movements now like we once had. On the other hand, today there are many grass root movements. Perhaps its just as well that they are not highly publicizeb because the COINTELPRO is still around and is far better and technicaly equipped now especially with home land securty involved. I have already ordered Dr. Peniel's book of which I intend to read after I finish the one I am now reading. I am reading a book entitled "A Higher Form of Killing' which is a 'must read'. I won't get into the details about the book because you can go on the internet and get information yourself. It is about the use of chemical and biologival warfare or WMD's.

Dr. Peniel spoke of Stokley and Malcolm, two of the many stalwarts of the Black Power movement. These extremely brave brothers both put their lives on the line daily when that faggot J. edgar hoover, the head of the FBI, wanted them dead at any cost. Dr. Peniel touched on them as well as many other warriors who were jailed, beaten, and demoralized. Most of these warriors are dead or in jail. Dr. Peniel did a lot of research to obtain the information he put in his book. There's still a lot of information classified 'Top Secret' that the government will not allow to be shared with the Black puplic at large because it just might spark riots in various cities. Black people of today have no idea what brothers and sisters went through in the quest for our freedom and equality. Thats why its 'Nation Time' brothers and sisters. We have 'Black Power'; if only we knew how to use it. Well, in fact we do have power and plenty of it but we are too divided. Religion is the main culprit. One day a mighty and power people will wake up and then the world will see the real Black People, not these that always drop to their knees when they should be standing tall like the strong Black Men and Women we are. 'Black Power' and 'Nation Time' were our slogans back then. Also we had a good report with Hispanics back then and now the power structure is trying to prevent us from forming any kind of alliance with them because that might be a disasterous situation for them. This immegration situation is bull shit Black people. See through it for what it is.

Everyone should purchase Dr. Peniel's book. It is a history (our history and not his-story) book that tells the story of the Black Power movement and should give us some idea of where, in the schece of things, we are today. Although I have yet to read it, I know it will bring back many, many pleasant and horrid memories but I look forward to reading it. And, as Gil Scott-Heron says, "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". Hotep Beautiful Strong Black People. OLU

This and other books like it, are good to enlighten those that don't know, or that don't know enough about the reality of the times, and the people.

My only critique is many writers such as the author of this book plagarize what is common knowledge, written by others whos writings have expired copyrights. They dress it up and present it like it's new. Anyone can read the Huey Newtons dissertation on the net, Stokely Charmicheals speeches and writings, Malcoms Speeches, martin Luther King had A five Album series of speeches produced and put out on record by Motown, etc...

My second critique is there were many people prior to the times noted who were on the front line and laid down the philosophical foundation that altered the paradigmic frame of reference those that rose during the 50's and 60's were able to evolutionize.

Lastly, the downside to that time, and to the movements, were they were either engulfed by commuistic philosophies that were contrary to their goals because the dynamic of communism had had a dynamic shift from a positive to to one of war-like overthrows per tha communist platform that caused the overthrow of the Soviet Union pre WWII. The other downside is the church,religion, while being a positive base, failed to embrace the realities of the nature of the evil which simply put is without depth, thus the evil depended on the church going to a certain limit when the evil had no limit.

I will also say, these type of books, and discussions allude to the concerns noted all ended and everything is level. WRONG. COINTELPRO is still going on. And, many of your so-called leaders in government, and the media have become agents that serve the agenda of oppression for their own few peices of silver.

Being on the side line, and being on the front line are two different realities, and anyone who wants to know what it's like on the frontline come do some work with me. The entertainment value of "Black Power" loses it's luster when the invisible they sabotage your life in any and every way possible.

It's become very interesting to learn many talk a good game but don't really know, and won't take step one to know the real.

Afrimerican, I'm glad that you put that out there regarding your comments about COINTELPRO. I absolutely agree that 100%. During a documentary about some Russian spies, it was acknowldeged that during the Church Commission only part of the COINTELPRO had been revealed and it was continuing way back in 1975. I'm sure with the "threat" of Arabs renewed during the late 70's the focus only shifted, but the program never stopped.
I listened to the show also and noticed that there wasn't much discussion on the entire scope of Black Power, only the more recent manifestation of black power. I also would've liked to hear more about black women in the a black power movement, past and present. Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Queen Mother Moore, Elaine Brown, etc. They got a passing mention. I think that a book can be written on the women alone. There are some mundane books like about the Black Women's Club Movement that really do chronicle the black woman's support of Civil Rights and Black Power Movements.
The show didn't discuss anything that I wasn't already aware of. A quick comment, Kwame Toure before dying of cancer did chronicle his travels abroad and his life in Africa in his autobiography. I read the book last year. So Dr. Joseph can stop while he's ahead, but I'll give him an A for effort.

Ma'at Hotep EbonyRose

Thanks for busting my bubble relative to Ms. Swain. There I go again; assuming the color of a person just because they appear to support the white power structure in their control of our thinking process. The things that intrigue me are that these same economic and employment problems that now exist in our communities are the same that existed before the influx of so-called 'illegals'. What, pray tell, has changed? However, now the importation of a people of color has made it a problem. The influx of thousands of eastern europeans after the so-called iron curtain or wall came down, the influx of the Vietnaumese after the war, the influx of jews from all over the world and the influx of Polish workers even before these events impacted out communities in the same manner. And they came in untold thousands and many were and still are 'illegals'. There was no problem of them being employed. over Blacks, by the european power structure then. Those same jobs now being held by the so-called illegals were once held by the those immegrants. No one complained then. How can you blame these immigrants when they control nothing? If the powers-that-be can still keep us impovished, then the problem doesn't start with the immegrants, the problem starts with the power structure that has their hand on the prize: economic empowerment. The immegrants don't have to be employed by these capitalist. They employ them because they can and because of the vested interested they have inorder to satisy their constituents: those who buy and own their stock and, of course, their own personal and vested interest.

No one seems to care that the better paying jobs are being out sourced. That includes both you and Ms. Swain. Nothing about this problem from you guys. I have talked to so many foreigners in customer service that I automatically ask for an english speaking person rather than a broken-english speaking person. Where did these jobs go and why? These are the jobs we should be concerned with not about jobs picking cotton, picking fruit, picking apples, slaughtering cows and pigs, cutting grass, janitorial work, etc. This is not to say that these are jobs that our people cannot or should not work. On the contrary. But to get our people to better educated themselves and to feed their life style and livihood we should have something better to offer them than the jobs Ms. swain feels we should be fighting for. Where is the incentive to better yourself and your life style? The menial jobs that Ms. Swain is so concerned with should go to anyone that can subside on the wages they pay. Most of our peoples lifestyle makes this impossible. What about the outsourcing of jobs Ms. Swain? We have always been bottom feeders when it comes to economic empowerment. Nothing new there. At the rate they are putting our youth in jail for drugs, these jobs Ms. Swain is concerned with can only be filled by illegals. You may or may not know this but there are more whites on welfare with link cards than Blacks. Nothing new there. It might also surprise you to know that drug peddlers on college campuses are white and not inner city youth. Ever hear of white college drug peddlers going to jail or even being caught selling drug? White folk almost never go to jail for the same thing our youth go to jail for. Why can't the gestapo police catch white college drug peddlers like they do our inner city youth? And college students spend a hell-of-a-lot more money buying and selling drugs than our youth and nothing is said or done about this. This is a problem we should concern ourselves with.

The many reason for our plight is because we don't have our hands on the buttons to success. The europeans do and should they ever decide to push the buttons to aid and assist us, then and only then, we can achieve the level of success that they sell as the 'american dream'. With us it is the amerikkkan nightmare. If they truly gave a damn, they would build more schools rather than jails, golf clubs, football fields, and hi-rises for the rich and super rich. But, what are they doing with us? They've got us fighting for the crumbs instead of the bread itself.

Brother Jim Chester turned me on to an organization called the 'Farm Bureau'. Although I have not looked into this organization I intend to because this is a powerful group and they have their hands on one of the buttons I spoke of. If they are like most of the powerful groups running this country, we must know what they are about in order to figure out where we fit in the plans. We have economic power if only we would use it. We pay more than our share of taxes because we have very few, if any, loops holes to assist us. This is one of the things we need to concern ourselves with, not immegration.

BOYCOTT is one method we must learn to use. Not to hurt our people but do insure that these capalist groups get the message that we are 'mad as hell and not going to take it anymore'. We should only spend money with those who give back something in return. Economic boycott is what it took to get that racist Don Imus off the air. When sponsors withdrew their economic sponsorship from MSNBC, the television station and radio station acted quickly because they could not afford to lose such an economic base. Economic boycotting works and has always worked when directed in the right way by the right people. Spending our hard earned money has gotten us nothing but hearthaches, hardships and high blood pressure. The rich still get rich off the poor and this will never change. I have been around long enough to know european bull shit when I see and smell it and this immegration mess is just than. Once again, we fall for the okay doke. Slick willie lynch is still alive. Finally, just because a person has a degree dosn't always make them right when it comes to everything about this system on which we have to subside. Many people with degrees become pawns to the establishement because they feel that they have 'arrived' and achieved the ultimate of amerikkanism: join greek fraternities and soroities (when we are not greek), purchase a home in whiteys neighborhood, kids going to school with their kids, and being able to join their country clubs and bridge clubs and turn their backs on the neightborhoods they grew up in. They seem to forget that they are still called a 'nigger with a degree'. There are and were many warriors with degrees who did not become anglo-saxon-negro's although some did become a part of the system within the political process. We are a divided people (in more ways than one) at the moment but with the help of GOD and our ancestors, we will achieve the ultimate: unity in the community. Hotep. OLU

Michael,

It is indeed a small world for progressive black scholars and intellectuals. I am running around continuing to do talks, etc. on this end and feverishly writing at the same time.

Wanted to let you know that I will be on a panel and signing books Saturday, July 21 at the Harlem Book Fair which takes place from 11am-6pm on 135th Street and Malcolm X Blvd. People can take the 2 or 3 train to 135 and they are there. Right outside of the Schomburg.

Please share with your listeners.

Peace and keep in touch.,

Peniel