Kennedy and Vick: A Tragedy of Redemption?
Sen. Edward “Teddy” Kennedy and Michael Vick are two celebrities who triumphed over tragic situations. Whoa Nellie! Let me bring you in on my thought pattern this morning as I drove to work thinking about the loss of the “Senate Lion.” What is redemption and how does America tally its votes? Does the color of one’s skin define how much, if any, of that forgiveness vote one is to receive? Let’s recap the dreadful scenarios and their outcomes.
The Massachusetts treasure that served nearly half a century in the Senate died from brain cancer at the age of 77. Elected at age 30 to a Senate seat once held by his brother, then-president John F. Kennedy, Sen. Kennedy held true to his liberal family leanings as he championed the cause of the less fortunate and underserved. His years of service were honorable and most vital to all of the social legislation that passed during his tenure. From the 1965 immigration bill that opened U.S. borders to Asian and Latin American immigrants, to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act that eased the path for women to sue for alleged wage discrimination, Sen. Kennedy successfully maneuvered the political waterways to effect change. He fought tirelessly despite the sinister activities of Pres. Nixon to pin impropriety on him and his family. He led the political effort to enact the Civil Rights Bill of 1990 whereby he found himself at odds with leadership in both parties. Many applauded his passion to make sure that Robert Bork did not join the Supreme Court and lastly, he broke ranks with the Democratic powers to support then Senator Barack Obama to endorse a “change – we can believe in.” America has much to be thankful for in the work of Sen. Kennedy.
However, Sen. Kennedy was no stranger to the redemption plea press conference. His alcoholism battles surfaced to the public domain numerous times. During a visit to the JFK School at Harvard in October 1991, he admitted his personal faults and “disappointment of friends,” which critics argue was only due to a tough upcoming reelection battle. In the announcement he recognized his shortcomings and challenges of his private life and took responsibility by admitting his need to overcome them. The situation that many felt kept him from the White House and continues to haunt his legacy was his admission of guilt of leaving the scene of an accident in Chappaquiddick (Martha’s Vineyard) on the evening of July 19, 1969. On that fateful evening, the senator drove his Oldsmobile off a wooden bridge and Mary Jo Kopechne, a former secretary to his late brother, Robert, died. The controversy surrounding his eight-hour delay in reporting the accident to the police is still a mystery. He pleaded to the public that he made a heroic effort, swam to safety, but he could not save her. Kennedy stated that he was “overcome by a jumble of emotions, grief, fear, doubt, exhaustion, doubt, panic, confusion, and shock…my conduct and conversation during the next several hours make no sense to me at all.” He served a two-month suspended sentence. Sen. Kennedy even went before the press to beg his constituencies for support as he considered resignation. Ultimately, he returned to work on July 31 amidst a firestorm of innuendos, suspicion, and distrust. America forgave him though and life moved on for our dear senator. He communicated with liberals and conservatives to pass legislation and advise presidents. Tragedy was conquered.
Michael Vick’s case has been analyzed and exorcised by critics and supporters. A rather reclusive NFL celebrity, Mr. Vick did not seek out the press like most leading quarterbacks and star players. His fame and money came primarily from outstanding play on the field. Mr. Vick continued his childish ways while in the league though and soon his activities bit him in the butt. Pun intended. He pled guilty and served an 18-month prison sentence for his involvement in the Bad Newz Kennel dog fighting operation. Besides funding the operation, his two partners said that Vick helped kill dogs that didn’t fight well, and that the three men “executed approximately eight dogs” in ways that included hanging and drowning. Mr. Vick displayed disgusting and disturbing behavior for a college-educated man. Does winning really make one forget past indiscretions for a man of color? Historically, no. Despite a plea to the public for a second chance and the opportunity to assist in the animal rights movement, Mr. Vick remains vilified and targeted by the press and zealous activists. Tragedy trumps performance. (Note: Kobe Bryant is a good case study for research.)
Now, it is very fascinating that one man pleads guilty to negligence in the accidental death of his friend and he overcomes (possibly due to his family name and skillfulness as a politician) to the extent that he can enjoy a life as the patriarch of the Senate. Did his drunken stupor and lack of action impede a possible rescue and survival? Time will never tell. Nonetheless, he rose from the ashes of national scandal and tragedy to serve in one of the most important elected positions in all of America – the U.S. Senate. He created, collaborated and connected ideas and people to make America a better place. Yet, the other man pled guilty to negligence in the death of man’s best friend – dogs. Did his ignorance and actions paralyze America? Time did tell – no. We got on with our lives and focused on survival during this recession by vacationing less, eating at home, reaffirming our faith, and communicating with our loved ones more. Although we followed the Vick story and held various passionate opinions, his life and destiny did not define our daily actions. Yet, today many can’t move past this tragedy and find forgiveness. Some Americans are still stuck on his illegalities and wish to keep him from employment. Mind you, this employment does not even touch on the magnitude of global political service but rather playing the game of his youth – football.
And should we be reminded that we are a capitalistic society that functions as a free market system. Jeff Lurie, the Eagles owner, has the right and privilege to acquire assets to generate profits. He views Mr. Vick as a valuable property and took the risk to pay him to increase brand awareness, increase ticket sales, and to help the team win. Mr. Vick should be given the opportunity to find and keep gainful employment. It isn’t like he is making life and death decisions for our society. He’s only playing the game of his youth. It’s just not that serious folks. In addition, it is a rather wasteful usage of energy and money to spend time picketing and developing strategies to get the Eagles to change directions. Wouldn’t that money be better spent organizing and fighting against current dog fighting operations or other abuses of animals?
Did the dogs have a voice? No, and neither did Ms. Kopechne. May all life forms rest in peace. The justice system ruled and we need to practice forgiveness. It is not hard to see how race can be viewed as the only difference in these two predicaments though. Even so, it is time to look within ourselves and apply those merciful and necessary values to a painful situation. The healing will be good for all of America. We should bury these tragedies now and find the real redemption story. Sen. Kennedy is at peace now. Let’s practice absolution and do the same for Mr. Vick.
Questioning Black Leadership: If Barb’s In Charge — Should You Watch Your Wallet?
As a leadership scholar and proud member of the Black Greek Nation, I find it quite appropriate to comment on the sad state of affairs regarding the recently filed Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority lawsuit. President Barbara McKinzie and the executive director are being charged by eight sorority members of financial impropriety to the extent they want them removed immediately from leadership. Since the case has not been heard in a court of law, one should only share opinions (humor permitted) on the specifics of the allegations. However, since this latest announcement seems to suggest a pattern of inadequate leadership in some of our most cherished Black non-profit organizations, I write because I am very concerned about why our community continues to cling on to leaders who repeatedly demonstrate an inability to be accountable, effective and in touch with today’s reality. A few years ago another Barbara, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s president Barbara Moore, was charged with similar activities and the smoke has yet to clear on the internal damages inflicted on the organization. Moore did finally admit to using the sorority’s funds for her own needs though. Both sororities are purposed as charitable organizations to foster sisterly love and service to others yet find themselves dedicating dollars and time to legal matters and media hysteria. Sisters are blogging and posting vitriolic comments about who’s to blame, why the organizations are even relevant and necessary, other sorority options and even thoughts of why the lawsuit doesn’t even matter. If only we can generate this type of intense dialogue to find practical solutions to important matters like our educational needs in the Black community.
Clearly, the Black Greek Nation has lots to be proud of in America. And if one did any bit of research on the history of the Divine Nine, one would discover that every Black American owes a great deal of gratitude for their courageous, tireless and pioneering efforts in the areas of law, science, education, engineering, athletics, entertainment, art, medicine and industry. In fact, most of the progress obtained by Blacks can be directly attributed to members of Black fraternities and sororities. (In particular, the founders of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity should be celebrated for their vision and commitment to educational achievement that spurred the entire movement.) The inspiration and love provided by these organizations represent the heart of many college campuses. Fraternities and sororities have also been the leaders on campus to initiate community service. They have expanded their presence by establishing chapters across the world. Projects include efforts to support mentorship, academic achievement, technology advances, and healthcare. So sadly this accusation hurts everyone who pledged their life to the mission of these special service-focused groups. The answer as to what really forced the AKA sisters to resort to legal action may never come to light. And the questions will surely continue to increase in number and swirl around the issue of Black leadership.
Did Barbara McKinzie demonstrate any history of financial problems? Well, in the mid-1980s as a board member there were concerns of her financial wrongdoings and possible drug usage. And how did she then get elected to the presidency? Does intimidation and power play a role in the leadership of our most-trusted non-profits? We can’t forget the NAACP’s financial crisis under the leadership of Dr. Gibson that forced his resignation and more recently, Ben Chavis and Kweisi Mfume’s inappropriate sexual activities that caused the organization to fork out over $400,000 in total settlement. Is the sorority’s membership really informed and do they even care about national policy and procedure? Are wearing the colors of our fraternities and sororities more important than the ideals and mission? Was McKinzie acting alone and in secret? Former Texas Southern president, Dr. Priscilla Slade, said she was not acting alone in her spending of over $500,000 to improve her palatial 6000 sq. foot home (including a $17,800 sofa) and to pay for bar tabs, manicures, spa treatments and exercise classes. However, once discovered the actions of this HBCU leader proved to not reflect the university’s mandate to provide socially responsible public service and thus, she was fired. (A mistrial was declared in the final ruling of the criminal case and the governor asked the entire board of regents to resign. The CFO was sentenced to 10 years.)
Why did the board approve of McKinzie’s financial transactions? The tax returns filed in 2006 and 2007 appear to have been questionable and over $500,000 was spent on legal fees to address various accusations by members. The improper usage of the credit card by McKinzie was surely monitored by someone with authority. Who signed off on these business dealings? Having tax-exempt status does not give leaders the right to spend money on that which does not further the aim to help society. And certainly, the IRS doesn’t expect the non-profit’s investment accounts to be managed in highly aggressive portfolios that increase risk and exposure to the volatile stock market. Georgia’s only college started by and for Blacks, Morris Brown, had its accreditation removed after their financial disgrace whereby the former president Dolores Cross embezzled funds. After the outrage the school’s endowment dropped to zero and former students even filed lawsuits. Today, there is no information listed under ‘Fiscal Affairs’ on the college’s website and they are having trouble paying its $200,000 water bill. Folks are questioning whether we even need all 103 HBCUs. Does the misappropriation of money by leaders make one question the need for Black organizations? Can one bad apple really spoil the bunch? Not surprisingly, white America has no pass on this issue either. The United Way of America has yet to rebound from the financial scandal that continues to make most citizens leery of the workplace donation folder and recruitment emails. Local chapters still attempt to provide full disclosure on salaries and benefits to calm nerves and open checkbooks.
And lastly, why aren’t we holding Black leaders accountable for their actions? Blame it on the psychology, sociology or spirituality (lack thereof) in our community. (Not the aaaalllllccccooohhhooolll!) The damages from slavery have been well documented and researched by academia. However, I vehemently argue that we should be in the “despite of” stage. Our community has been held back, discriminated against, shaken up, economically impoverished, mistreated, uninformed, scandalized, and poisoned. Well, despite of all that, what’s next? Despite all the glass ceilings and trap doors, what are we going to do next as a people? Sit paralyzed? Should we continue to support undeserving leaders as they milk our bank accounts and our motivation? Despite all the hardships we have faced and will continue to confront, we all need to take a closer look and start our own evaluation of Black leadership. We should expect more and demand more. We should shift our time and talents to organizations that are fiscally prudent and visionary. We should not let the cloak of brotherly and sisterly love blind our eyes from the true prize — educational and economic empowerment for our community. We should politely ask questions and get answers. Our community is on life support in many areas and we need leaders that are willing to act in urgency and with morals. Our wallets can’t afford anything less.
