Believe me when I say, I'm not writing this to be controversial; neither is my male ego so large that I'm not willing to hear a reasonable and rational response, because I don't count myself to know all that there is to know about any subject. I would much rather open myself up to ridicule and misunderstanding and possibly learn something, than to keep my mouth shut for fear of rejection. So hear me out, Essence Magazine October, 09 issue, calls it the "NEW BLACK POWER", what does that mean especially when black women, (historically in this country) have always been in closer proximity to the power than black men, so what's "NEW"?  Are they suggesting Black Power without the presence of black men.  It's interesting that this terminology is applied when discussing black women as if black men have always been in positions of power and authority. Excuse me, but isn't this the first time that a black man has ever been the president?  How is it then, that he and the other two African American men appointed, were excluded from this presentation of "New Black Power"?  Were we suppose to assume that like the old "Prego Soup" commercials, that when asked about the beef and potatoes, the response was "They're in there".  This is just a little hard to digest in light of the articles opening statement, "Economic policy, Health Care, National Security--If it's on the Presidents or First Lady's agenda, it's on THESE AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN TO MAKE IT HAPPEN" Am I advocating that their shouldn't be any women in these positions, NO!  But if nearly 75% of the Bush, and preceeding cabinets were men, why are we trying to reverse the polarity to the extreme of excluding the black male. Listen, I'm not that old, but I'm not young either, and I believe that we've bought into the lie that if you see one black man by himself, that's reason for concern, but no alarm, but to have anymore might bring great harm. Except for the two black men that are in the presidents cabinet, a person could almost get the impression that he, (Obama), was attempting to be the only rooster on the farm, or maybe this is clear evidence, that he's only the rooster and not the farmer. Does this "NEW BLACK POWER" include your fathers, brothers, and sons? If this "NEW BLACK POWER" doesn't make a purposeful and determined effort to acknowledge and elevate black men then all "EWE" are going to see is the continuation of the proverbial Lamb to the slaughter, and that lamb being the Black Man.

Be Blessed, Shalom!