The BOOKS Challenge
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Posted By: Jason Breckenridge on August 02, 2023 A few weeks ago, I found myself embroiled in a minor altercation, as a senior and rather vociferous companion challenged my basketball acumen. Our dispute centered on whether LeBron and the Cavs attained multiple triumphs in the third finals clash against the formidable Warriors during the 2018 Finals. My friend seemingly relished these debates, basking in the thrill of being right, and thus, we exchanged words for about 5 minutes before I encouraged someone else to, "look it up!" Indeed, we inhabit the information era, where uncertainties dissolve with a mere click, thanks to search engines. And so, the trajectory of our verbal clash shifted as we ventured into the "books," the troves of authenticated statistics and facts. My companion's stance began to waver reluctantly, and he ultimately yielded to the weight of irrefutable truth. Thanks to the power of knowledge readily accessible at our fingertips, our minor dispute found swift resolution. However, fate had other plans in store, leading us to another spirited confrontation, this time revolving around a subject dear to my heart: racism and slavery. Once again, my seasoned companion assumed a polarizing position, seemingly impervious to being wrong. Unfazed, I presented my insights on the matter, but to my surprise, this altercation proved more intricate, defying facile resolution through a mere statistical analysis. Alas, my usual retort of "look it up!" lacked the power to sway the conversation. It was as if my opponent sensed the nuance, dismissing the authority of books with a derisive remark, "Damn those books you're reading." This unexpected turn left me momentarily speechless, and I quietly withdrew from the scene, ceding him the perceived triumph. Now, amid these encounters, a pivotal question emerges - where can one find unequivocal facts pertaining to topics entwined with racism and white supremacy? To discover an authoritative point of reference requires overcoming certain challenges. This quest, henceforth christened "The Books Challenge," aims to guide us to a conclusive destination. During discussions concerning history, especially within our communities or with less educated individuals, a crucial reminder must be voiced - since none of us were present during past events, we must rely on historians' logical assessments. Engaging in dialogue is encouraged, but in matters of profound debate or discourse, reference materials emerge as indispensable allies. Ignoring this wisdom may lead to a futile expenditure of time. Allow me to introduce one of my cherished aphorisms: "Necessity is the Mother of all Invention." This profound statement underscores that the responsibility of unraveling the complexities of systematic racism squarely rests on the shoulders of Black people, who have endured the brunt of this abhorrent scourge. No other group possesses more experiential knowledge and verifiable evidence of this phenomenon than our resilient community. To consider any other perspective would evoke memories of the pseudo scholarship prevalent during slavery, where only the white narrative held sway in social and scientific realms. Although racism and white supremacy may have been born of European minds, their involvement constitutes an inherent conflict of interest in discussions seeking to dismantle these oppressive systems. It is noteworthy that there are white scholars who align with the advocates of counter racism; however, they often find themselves relegated to the peripheries of mainstream society in these discussions, an ironic twist indeed. Now, let us embark on the challenge at hand: Identifying a triumvirate of esteemed Black scholars who embody the pinnacle of insight regarding systematic racism. My chosen three are Dr. Amos Wilson, Dr. Francis Cress Welsing, and Mr. Neely Fuller Jr. Their profound wisdom and knowledge have been skillfully woven into a holistic system christened "Planetary Chess." I cordially extend an invitation to you, dear reader, to take up this scholarly gauntlet and present your choice for the paramount place of reference, ardently defending the merits of your selection. Let the intellectual exploration commence! If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Jason Breckenridge
Philosopher, Self Employed Prairie View A&M University class of 2007 Member Since March 2023 |
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