Recent Deaths Leave Void In Female Leadership

Brooke Hall

Help Wanted. Positions are available for African American women leaders. The recent deaths of Rosa Parks, C. Delores Tucker and Coretta Scott King, leave many to question who will fill their positions as profound, influential icons.

When reflecting on the women icons present today, some would find it quite difficult to recall many.

There was a time when many women leaders such as Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, and Fannie Lou Hamer were present and active during the 1960's and 1970's.

They were fighting for justice, equality, and the recognition of women's contributions.

Today, Davis remains teaching. Shakur escaped to exile in Cuba . Hamer passed in 1977, at the age of 59.

The fight for justice is an ongoing struggle that is waiting for someone to pick up the torch. In addition, the restoration of values, morals and dignity among black women needs to be addressed.

"As direct beneficiaries of the Civil Rights Movement, we are all called to pick up the baton and continue running the race towards equality and justice in America," said Niambi Jarvis, CEO/Founder of Hiyaah Power.com, a Howard Alumna, and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.

"As I have communicated with dynamic women across the country, and abroad, since the passing of such great women, I have implored that we all commit to moving the vision forward," said Jarvis.

Some anticipate the return of Sister Souljah, author of the best selling books, "The Coldest Winter Ever", and "No Disrespect."

In the 1990's, Souljah, a community activist, rapper, and lecturer, captivated Generation X by organizing against police brutality, racially motivated crimes, and the mis-education of urban youth.

As a commentator on New York radio, Souljah spoke to the hip-hop audience about economics, culture, politics, spirituality and socialism.

The Rutgers University alum has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and was a featured speaker at the Million Woman March.

"Sister Souljah influences many with her work," senior telecommunications management major, Anisha Foster, said. "She is highly favored amongst my peers. She definitely needs to resurface!"

Like Bill Cosby, some suspect that Winfrey may become more outspoken after an expected retirement from her talk show in 2007.

Actively participating with Hurricane Katrina and other causes, Winfrey serves as a mega icon among African American communities.

The prominent philanthropist continues to donate millions to black institutions and charities.

"Right now, her position as a host and journalist slightly restricts her from taking certain stands," Terrance Mebane, a senior administration of justice major, said. "If she's not actually on the scene, she's giving money, or covering African American issues on her show."

Juanett T. Davis, a junior television production major said, "She seems to view international issues as being more important. I see Oprah taking on the role as a world leader."

Others see the need for leaders to be quite trivial.

"Our situation is much larger than the need for icons, our next phase should be to implement our own political institutions that will enable us to raise the critical voices and articulate our demands as a people collectively," associate professor of African American Political Thought, Dr. Daryl Harris, said.

"We need independent leverage away from dominant structures. The independent black church exemplifies our potential. Imagine incorporating that with a political consciousness. Figure heads can be more productive with collective support and structural organization. Political institutions can provide one voice, sustain political action, help fund the potential leaders," Harris said.

What ever happened to the mothers of the community? Where is the voice? Others have implied that some black women have become lackadaisical and desensitized with issues that exist within their communities.

"I think we have begun to believe that our predicaments are inevitable. It is almost like we don't care anymore. Most are just concerned with taking care of theirs," Foster said.

"I'm asking women to look in the mirror and see themselves as the next great leader," Jarvis said. "The issues facing our communities today are manifold; thus, we need many leaders on the forefront. Can you be counted on to answer the call?"

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