Why Tavis Smiley is a Genius- What black intellectuals owe the rest of us.

By: Lenny McAllister

Tavis Smiley’s genius doesn’t come from his radio and television talk shows, nor does it come from his appearances as a guest social commentator on multiple international outlets. It comes from his formation and continuation of the “State of the Black Union” annual symposium.

The genius of the panels during C-SPAN’s most-watched event doesn’t come from the high level of academic acumen on stage at any given moment. It comes from the depth of understanding shared by a common people with a unique history, one that highlights both significant American adversity and accomplishments.

Of all the talking points, we are beckoned to bridge the growing gap between black intelligentsia and those who feel the effects of black-on-black violence, higher levels of school dropout rates and dangerous levels of inadequate health conditions.

Never before have we seen such a deep contrast within the African-American community. We can proudly point to the accomplishments of black authors, professors, businesspeople and politicians in a manner never before seen in America. But we must also realize the stark contrast between those Americans and others who’ve given up on the American dream and, in many ways, have given up on dreaming at all. Over the past several decades, the widening of socioeconomic diversity within the black community has not built a bridge for an adequate flow of education, mentorship, community reinvestment and black solidarity. Many of the problems within black America are not directly dealing with race, but more so with poverty. Unfortunately, we constitute a higher percentage of the poor in our nation—granted, in some part because of racism, but also because of our failure to connect all African Americans, a call that we must receive and enact immediately.

Some panelists spoke to the need to spend wisely and value education zealously. Others spoke to the need for increased federal reinvestment economically. During my panel, I presented the idea of African-American professionals with two or more weeks of paid vacation per year giving one week back to their local black community as a volunteer until we can change the conditions we face.

Why Tavis Smiley is a Genius....