Today I want to talk about what I call oneTHING-itis and propose a new Philosophy of Progress (PoP).
What’s the one thing we can do to make progress as Black people? Some say, “Do for Self.” Others “Don’t give your vote to Democrats for free”. Focus on Economics instead of Politics. Why bother, the country doesn’t love us. We’re still in the struggle. As if all these ideas, feelings and more are mutually exclusive or have to be competing priorities/ideologies versus being complementary.
I propose that there is no one thing and we need to get over the oneTHING-itis. Instead, a philosophy for Black progress rests on multiple pillars. I propose four to encapsulate all efforts. Build Our Own – Acquire Fair Share – Hold Corrupt Accountable – Live in Prosperity

Build Our Own
Psst! Every country, ethnic group, race (even if it’s only a social construct) must Build Our Own. There is no way to convict all consciousnesses, shame, or beg individuals or some institutions into doing everything for you, even if they neglected and wronged you for centuries. Understand what makes a community or society successful and build up those institutions. Immigrant communities do this. Immigrant communities who partially integrate into the dominate society, but still maintain their own institutions are the most successful.
Acquire Fair Share
You are a citizen of the United States and are due what taxes through government services, Federal, State and Local afford everyone. Just because some other citizens feel you aren’t “true” Americans or don’t deserve these rights Even if they actively try to keep or take them from you is no reason to relinquish your rights to them. Are you saying your citizenship depends upon all of them liking and accepting you? That’s a self-esteem issue, not a platform or movement. They don’t want you to have self-esteem either, then you might start thinking you deserve things without their approval.
Realize the US’ two-party system of government will exist and make decisions about your life, whether or not you participate. At least use your vote, government participation and informed expectation of services as a backstop if not a vanguard.
Hold Corrupt Accountable
Have we been mistreated, yes. Accept as your right to hold those who behave deviously against us accountable. The danger is assuming recompense or compensation will make up the entire difference for the long past, or that we can’t progress before or unless this happens. Or even deciding that we won’t. The idea that we won’t make progress unless acknowledgment and/or recompense happens completely lets the enemy know the easiest way to keep us where we are. No light heartedness intended. Assuming they will take your plea as anything other than license to continue to oppress you means you still don’t understand who they are. Become as devious for justice as they are for injustice. You’re going to have to outsmart them when necessary, to overcome. There is no other way.
Keep in mind they will try to tear down what we build or obstruct us from knowing and building. Progress is an unavoidable ebb and flow even when there is backlash against our successes–if for no other reason than it’s worked to discourage us (trying to “keep” us in what they think should be our place) so far. Waiting until the backlash potential is low is not an option. Too many will needlessly suffer and progress will be forfeited. Justice is not about being liked, accepted or allowed, but obtaining what is our right despite what some may believe and how they behave.
Build the Future
Striving, even thriving isn’t enough. We must have an abundant vision in all areas and believe it’s possible to advance toward it. I can’t believe people say they can’t imagine what our lives would be like if we had never been enslaved or colonized. Really? Our lives and ancestors did not begin with either. How do these horrific events contain your imagination?
There is no one thing to do. This philosophy for Black progress requires all four simultaneous approaches. Realize that this is a combined effort, with different groups focusing on different areas, even at different times and ways. No one is good at everything. And most people naturally gravitate toward exercising their gifts. Instead of criticizing and competing with others, realize that together, people fulfilling these four areas are your allies. View them as such and work with them as if they are capable of seeing this ideal and doing so too until they embrace it fully.