These are perilous times. Navigating troubled waters,
keeping our bearings, recognizing the dangers and seizing opportunities,
as we go about trying to secure peace and improve our communities,
is not easy. One indispensable requirement is to have space to
examine and discuss social and political issues concretely, in
something other than the sound bites of opportunistic politicians
or the superficiality of much of the major media. It’s now the
beginning of an extended election season and from here on out
we are going to hear a lot of that.
We just can’t rely on the traditional channels.
Be it because of lack of resources, a lack of commitment or simply
to avoid anything that doesn’t return a profit, the communication
outlets in our communities and in the country at large – even
those on which we should be able to depend – usually fail us.
They can be big on personalities and scandal but they shy away
from the real economic and political life of the African American
community, and avoid, like the plague, any connection between
the challenges Black people face and events elsewhere on the planet.
Thankfully, one of the best places to get in-depth
analysis and reports, and the views of people committed social
change is the online magazine you are now reading.
There are people all over the country who have
come to rely upon and appreciate the Black Commentator for analysis
and reflection on the events and developments shaping the world
around them. I say this, not because that’s how I feel personally,
but because I have found it true as I have traveled around various
parts of the country - from people involved in various social
and political activities, organizations of working people and
movement for progressive change.
But just as there are no free lunches, there is
no free media. Yes, the internet has brought about a revolution
of sorts in the field of communications. It has reduced the amount
of resources necessary to get the word out, and it helps free
us from the restraints and obstacles that so often come with complete
reliance on commercial advertising. However, it still costs money.
The stark reality is that if the Black Commentator is to survive
and grow it will require help from all of us.
If you value the work the Black Commentator does
in providing space for a wide range of opinion and analysis of
the critical questions confronting the African American community
and the wider movement for progressive social change, I urge you
to sit down and make a financial contribution to keep this worthy
enterprise going and growing.
You can contribute best by talking out a $50 one-year
subscription. To do so click
here for the Sign-Up Page. If you'd
rather send a check, the Sign-Up Page has a link for the form
to send with your check. You can also go to the Contributions
Page and make a single contribution. Your generosity will
be greatly appreciated. If you want a BC
Paid Subscription and yet cannot afford the $50 fee, you may become
a member by requesting a Complimentary
BC Paid Subscription and choose to contribute any amount you
can afford. Keep in mind that your paid subscription or your contribution
will guarantee that the Black Commentator is available to younger
readers just starting out and sisters and brothers with limited
incomes.
The Black Commentator intends to continue to serve
its readers. Make sure this happens. Join the BlackCommentator.com
community now. You’ll be glad you did.
Peace,
Carl Bloice, member of the BC
Editorial Board
Click
here to contact BlackCommentator.com and Mr. Bloice. |