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Posted Friday, May 30, 2008 7:17 AM

The John Brown Awards For My Favorite White Guys [Response]

Marc Lamont Hill

Melissa,

I love your list! That said, I'm fully expecting you to renege on your Michael Pfleger pick if Obama doesn't get the nomination. Here are a few more, in no particular order:

Dennis Kucinich - In addition to fighting for the civil liberties of all Americans, Kucinich has paid specific attention to the struggle of African American people. During his presidential run, the Ohio Congressman was the only one to unequivocally support reparations, as well as acknowledge the racial dimensions of the No Child Left Behind legislation. 

Tim Wise - For the past decade, Tim Wise has written and spoken about anti-black racism, white supremacy, and white privilege. Unlike many white activists, who take such stances for purely opportunistic purposes, Wise has consistently demonstrated his sincere commitment to social justice.

Paul Farmer - This Harvard trained physician and anthropologist not only works on the cutting edge of research, but also works tirelessly to provide free medical care in central Haiti. His organization, "Partners in Health," has provided critical support for people from Russia to Rwanda. He is the true meaning of a public intellectual.

Brad Pitt - I'm not sure what his politics are, but Pitts' commitment to rebuilding homes in New Orleans places him in front of many others, including our own government.

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Member Comments

Posted By: Kinsmankid (May 31, 2008 at 6:09 PM)

I'm from Cleveland, so Dennis Kucinich would be at the top of my list, too.  I also would include Michael Moore and Bill Gates.  Gates in particular because of his work in trying to improve public education with the small schools concept.


Posted By: Rocky Mountain (June 2, 2008 at 6:04 PM)

It's really too bad that a maniac - John Brown - is used as some kind of anti-racist exemplar.  That is unless that's the only way you think racism is to be overcome.  He may have had some kind of vision but I wouldn't want random murder to be part of my way of doing things.


Posted By: ChgoCowGirl (June 2, 2008 at 11:37 PM)

Melissa, Great Idea!  I think John Brown is quite a hero.  I will never forget while I was stationed at Marine Barracks 8th & I our company went to Harper's Ferry to complete a forced march (hike) some bright officer thought this would be wonderful opportunity to lay a wreath for the "Marines" that died during the campaign. I have always felt that this was a slap in the face of the Black Marines that were present.  What were "we"  expected to memorialize ,the Marines who went there to slaughter our ancestors.  I can truly say that day I was embarrased to be an United States Marine.


Posted By: K (June 3, 2008 at 2:30 AM)

ditto on Tim Wise


Posted By: MarilynJean (June 3, 2008 at 5:01 PM)

ditto on Tim Wise..double ditto, but Brad Pitt? really?


Posted By: cancan (June 3, 2008 at 7:27 PM)

I like both of your lists.  I would also recommend Thomas Shapiro who writes about wealth disaparities between the black and white communities.  His The Hidden Cost of Being African American: How Wealth Perpetuates Inequality is a must read.


Posted By: Jaxie (June 4, 2008 at 4:15 AM)

Back to Florida politicians; Robert Wexler faced down a crowd of his constituents - mainly older, Jewish (and disgruntled) voters following the RBC meeting.  He handled it masterfully according to a friend of mine who was there.  May have actually changed some minds.

He gets a a favorite white-guy nomination in my book, and he is one of the few Florida pols I can stomach at the moment.


Posted By: nanny6 (June 9, 2008 at 9:44 AM)

Paul Farmer is a wonderful man,but for voters,doesn't he need someone with foreign policy and economic credentials? I want him elected. Otherwise,I'd also push Kucinich or Ted Kennedy (counting on his recovery)


Posted By: rmiller1959 (June 19, 2008 at 9:38 PM)

No one is going to agree with me but I'm going to say it anyway. George W. Bush appointed blacks to the two highest foreign policy posts in the land, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor. Unless and until Senator Obama is elected President, Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice are the highest ranking blacks in the U.S. Government.

President Bush has also done more for African health and development than any other President in history, Republican or Democrat. Talk to the parents of African children who are alive today because of AIDS drugs the U.S. provided under Bush's leadership and you'll understand. He didn't do it out of political calculation, either; who in America or the U.S. government gives a hoot about Africa? President Bush said doctors who had no medicines would tell African AIDS victims to "go home and die" and he declared "In an age of miraculous medicines, no person should have to hear those words." And then he did something about it to the tune of $15 billion committed to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa, benefiting 1.3 million lives. A similar initiative is targeting malaria. As a result, his approval rating in Africa is 80%.


Posted By: soulsistah02 (June 20, 2008 at 5:27 PM)

I believe that you and Melissa have compiled a list of honorable recipients for the John Brown Awards. Though I cannot improve the list in any meaningful way, I would like to offer up two individuals as honorable mentions: David Gergen and Jack Cafferty.

David Gergen, professor at the Kennedy School of Government and political analyst, has been a beacon of light (Roland Martin notwithstanding) in the journalistic sespool otherwise known as CNN. Besides Martin, Gergen has repeatedly offered fair and balanced critiques to all of the candidates and issues, and at times, had to put "boy wonder" Anderson Cooper and Campbell Brown in their places.

I selected *** Durbin, senator from Illinois and Obama supporter, due to this simple phrase: "the hottest ring in hell is reserved for those who [criticize] Michelle Obama." Though the Obama campaign desires to steer clear of name-calling and divisive politics, I believed that Durbin had to go on the offensive to demonstrate outrage about the below-contempt efforts to ghettoize and demonize Michelle.


Posted By: soulsistah02 (June 20, 2008 at 5:29 PM)

How I love censorship! LOL. The two honorable mentions are David Gergen and Richard Durbin. I thought I had erased Jack Cafferty, but it appeared in the original post. Oh well...


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