Lead Me to the Promise Land

A leader is described as a person or thing that leads. That definition is very black and white, yet extremely profound. When we think of the term leader we usually have visual interpretations of those that we hold in high regard. Whether it’s a person’s mom, father, pastor, celebrity, or music star, we all have those that we look to for guidance and leadership. Yet what types of leaders are we looking to for direction? Does the substance of their lives convey leadership? Allow me to analyze and question those that we call leaders and why we look up to them.

Tavis Smiley once said that if one is a leader and has no followers then that person should question their own leadership. Most of today’s mainstream role models and leaders are either celebrities or musicians. While the leader’s profession plays a huge part in why we choose leaders, it’s not always the most important aspect. The process in choosing a person to follow is sometimes natural. We often select a leader based upon interest, money, style, swagger, intellect, looks, and most of all those that look as we do. Celebrities have lavish lifestyles and masses of money that attracts many. Yet it is up to us to decipher between what is real and what is a facade. When we look to a person for leadership and guidance, intellect should be what we look for in that individual. The substance of that person’s guidance should lead toward greatness and success, not immediately for riches and popularity. Leaders are also responsible for helping the individual in which they are leading to build a solid foundation. Growth, responsibility, and education should all be a part of anyone’s base. While it is ok to look for leadership from some of this nation’s most beloved stars, it is also important that we hold them responsible for their actions and how they lead.

The great Cornel West has a saying that will ring true throughout the course of history. “You cannot lead the people without loving the people and you cannot save the people without serving the people.” Is there love in the reasoning for one’s leadership? Is there love in the reasoning for following? The person that one chooses to follow should not be because of that person’s popularity or wealth. The love that one shows toward the other should be the basis and the want to lead someone to the threshold of greatness should be the reasoning. Brothers with the nature of Cornel West, Tavis Smiley, Michael Eric Dyson, Tupac Shakur, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Huey Newton and so many more have the desire to lead generations and not just people. Leading cultures and societies into a new way of thinking where no child or individual is left behind is embedded in their speeches and lives. These are the types of people in which we should follow. The blueprint that was left behind by greats such as Martin, Barbara Jordan, Susan Taylor, and Robert Kennedy are what we have to follow for the remainder of our lives. Because of these brothers and sisters we have no reason to make excuses as to why we choose not to lead. Follow their lead and one is destined for greatness.

In order to sustain a great society, one must be willing to give back what was taken from that society. Without certain individuals in this world, one’s assent to success and greatness may only be a figment of the imagination. We are all prisoners of the mind. Having the ability to break free from the shackles of negative thoughts, condensed vision, and insecurity will require assistance. Whether this feat is attained through education or mentorship, it is not unfeasible. The aforementioned people are where they are because of hard work and support. The way to take charge of unconstructive and pessimistic beliefs is through persistence and optimism. It is also vital that one have the backing of a strong minded individual for guidance. Once this is achieved then service back to the community is required. As the great Martin Luther King once said, greatness is accomplished through service. The one that takes the role as servant will be remembered among the greatest in this nation.

“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness…” –MLK. The choice should not be if or when one decides to lead or serve, but how and in what capacity. Let’s make sure that those who we anoint as leaders are built for leadership and have the ability and desire to serve.

-JH