There is a scene – a perhaps prescient and telling one—in Spike Lee’s movie “Malcolm X” - in which Malcolm, with a slight movement of his index finger, instructs members of the “Fruit of Islam” to depart from a Police Precinct. In unison, with military precision and determination, they do. The police Captain or Inspector - can’t remember which - witnessing Malcolm’s silent command is overheard saying “That man has too much power” or words to that effect. Where is Malcolm or his ideological twin now that we, once again, need his wisdom, sagacity and vision?

These are trying, treacherous, and tempestuous times … times when our people who, are still woozing from the inebriation caused by imbibing the saccharine hemlock given to them by false prophets.

Donald J.Trump, to the chagrin of most of the nation, has “bamboozled” the people and assumed the presidency. His occupancy of the office, as relatively brief as it has been, has brought little more than chaos, lies, turmoil, anger and discontent. His ship of state has been more like “a ship of fools” - without captain, compass, rudder or sails or even a clear port of call. Chaos, mayhem and confusion dances in tandem on deck. Death and destruction seemingly is all that lies ahead. I shudder at the thought! Woe be to humankind!

There is, for African-Americans and those others who inhabit our diaspora, as I see it, a burning need for strong, determined, and committed leadership; possessor of a clear vision and goal that serves to guide our people; a leader - man or woman - with sense of command and loyalty. Without this, I fear, our people will surely continue to suffer and perish; consumed by the voracious tarantula that hides and thrives in the toxic and suffocating webs of systemic and institutionalized racism as our people continue to be mesmerized by the hungry arachnids awaiting to be devoured by them.

The tell-tale signs of dread and dismay, are every where. I wish Malcolm was here; but, he is not! We must fend for selves! Yes we can! I know we can. Prior to his sowing seeds of truth searing wisdom and strength in our weary and wandering hearts, our people had been in dire need of well nourished. Unequivocally, before him, many of our ancestral warriors and griots – men and women – had also conscientiously sowed in the souls of Blacks folks seeds of liberating fruits. Slowly, with each passing day, week, month, year our people rise. One day, very soon, voices and visions will take center stage exuding all of the energy which, for centuries, have been held and repressed within us and the explosion will destroy the webs of oppression and corruption and a new nation will spring forth. Till then, I sincerely wish Malcolm was here to expedite the process.