By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
As Black Americans reflect on their history, community elders say equal attention should be given to the legacy being shaped for the next generation.
For decades, Black leaders and trailblazers have persevered through discrimination, hardship and systemic barriers. As new challenges emerge, several respected voices say sustaining progress will require mentorship, faith, resilience and collective responsibility.
In remarks shared with the AFRO, Rodney Allgood, Airlee Ringgold Johnson and Warren Thompson offered lessons they hope will endure.
“Black leaders and trailblazers should know that the Black communities have apathy from seeing so many promises of advancement being taken away by political figures and public policy,” said Johnson, a community historian at Washington College’s Chesapeake Heartland Project. “Much of the hope in the past has been squashed repeatedly by programs that are only in the Black communities temporarily.”
Thompson, president and chairman of the board of the Thompson Hospitality Corp., pointed to shifting national attitudes toward diversity initiatives.
“Diversity, inclusion and equity provided so many great opportunities for society and now it has become a negative in people’s eyesight,” said Thompson, 61.
Thompson said future leaders must adapt to the current turbulence surrounding diversity efforts.
“Future leaders have to focus on demonstrating values beyond just diversity initiatives, actively hone their craft and showcase their contributions to clients and communities,” said Thompson. “This approach can help counteract the negative perception of diversity efforts and ensure the Black community’s continued economic and social progress.”
Allgood, a motivational speaker and life coach, emphasized that economic literacy and ownership are essential areas young leaders should prioritize for growth and progress.
“The thing we need to really focus on understanding is money,” said Allgood, 58. “Not just making money – we have plenty of people who have their hustle down to a science – but the knowledge of how money really works. Too many of us have plenty of flash but zero stash, money comes and goes and no generational wealth is built to take a whole family line to the next level.”
He urged greater ownership of businesses and institutions where Black dollars are spent.
“When dollars are reinvested locally, the entire community benefits,” said Allgood.
Beyond economics, Allgood said mindset will shape long-term outcomes and should be intentionally cultivated by elders and parents.
“If we teach our youth to focus on possibilities and keep feeding their minds with what is possible, their young minds will seek to find evidence of that embedded belief,” said Allgood. “Long-term economic and social progress begins with a shift of mindset and focus.”
It’s time to teach the next generation to think differently than any of their predecessors,” Allgood added, addressing his fellow seasoned community leaders. “They have a real opportunity to build a life their grandparents never imagined possible.”