September 1997
IN CONCEPT
There is indeed strength in numbers.
A recent Los Angeles Times cover story revealed the Census Bureau's projection
that California will continue to outpace the nation. The already most powerful
state in the union, with a current population of 31.6 million, will soar
to almost 50 million by the year 2025, representing more than 1/6th of the
country's entire population. What does it mean for the black community of
both sexual natures? Considering the current clout of African Americans
in the state---a disproportionately large number of black politicians which
goes back to Former Governor Jerry Brown's unprecedented integration of
the system back in the 70's, an impressive number of financially indluential
African Americans due to the Southern California-based entertainment industry,
and a pioneer spirit the has supported to a degree people of color entrepreneurialism
and a well-earned reputation for sexual, social and cultural tolerance---it
means that the more our power is solidified in the most powerful and influential
state in the country, the more power and influence we will have in deciding
the fate of Black America and America as a whole.
Now is not the time to decrease our numbers here. It is the time to increase
our numbers. As California goes, so goes the nation.
I encourage all of you Sisters and Brothers out there who are citizens of
California to stay citizens of California. I encourage all of you Brothers
and Sisters out there considering a move out of your home state to consider
bringing your political voice here where it is heard loudly and clearly
and resonates with authority.
Please understand. This is not to put down any other state. It is simply
a numbers game. Our Latino Brothers and Sisters understand it well, and
because of their growing numbers in the golden state, state policies are
being determined accordingly, even though the racist Alamo defenses of Governor
Pete Wilson, through Proposition 187 and his affirmative action cross-burnings,
are as frightening a white supremacy reactionary scenario as Timothy McViegh's.
There is strength in numbers. So wherever you live, or decide to live. Remember
that!
Stanley Bennett Clay
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