Thanks for avoiding comment for as long as you did, and for making constructive suggestions about women being involved with developing strategic leadership as well as support. I always remember the story that Dr. King had mentioned his dream to others before making his historic speech in Washington, D.C., and as the story goes he had not initially planned to include it in the speech. But one of the people who he shared his dream with was Mahalia Jackson.

As you know, any of the women — particularly African Americans — who held leadership positions during the 19th and 20th centuries did so against constant resistance from chauvinist men. This was certainly true in the civil rights movement. Yet as she listened to Martin speak at the Lincoln Memorial, when the right moment came Mahalia was heard to urge Martin: “Tell them about the dream, Martin.”

Bam! The timely, concise, fearless, encouraging leadership of a great woman standing behind a great man — even if it wasn’t “her” man — shook the ground and is still shaking it years later.

Ok, where did I get that story? Frankly, I’m not sure anymore. Mrs. King may have told the story, or Tavis at State of the Black Union when it was here in Atlanta, or it may have been Bernice, Jesse Jackson, Andy Young or Rev. Lowry. Whoever I heard tell it, I’m sure they all have heard it as well, if that helps. But it speaks to your point.

But also, I’ll mention that I did not care for how Jeff Johnson addressed this issue on TJMS. He actually concluded with asking Tavis and Al to give him a call, so he could help resolve things. At best an uninformed approach, and at worst insincere. Either way, a waste of airtime.

Be well,
Carlton in Marietta Where it’s Betta