Power in Unity: Solomon Jones on Building the Black Agenda

By Solomon Jones | WURD Radio

After the 2024 election I realized that we needed a Black agenda, because our enemies have an agenda of their own.

Their agenda is designed to stop Black progress, to hide Black history and to harm Black people. But our response can’t be about them. It must be about us. That’s why Black Philadelphians came together Saturday, Feb. 25, at Germantown’s Center in the Park, in a standing-room-only meeting, to begin the process of building our Black agenda. 

With WURD helping to lead the effort, we convened Black experts to identify and name the problems we face. We asked them to share practical solutions. We listened to the community’s questions and mulled over their suggestions. We engaged in a dialogue that included various perspectives. We determined that we’re stronger together.

Linn Washington of Temple University gave us historical context. Iola Harper of the Women’s Opportunity Resource Center spoke on business and entrepreneurship. WURD President and CEO Sara Lomax and Michael Days of NABJ-Philadelphia explained the importance of Black media. Rashaun Williams emphasized the need for reparations. Attorneys Michael Coard and Tim Welbeck shared strategies for racial justice. Dr. Delana Wardlaw identified our health challenges, and Boys’ Latin Principal Robert Parker spoke on education.

WURD hosts Dr. James Peterson and Brother Shomari joined the conversation. And most importantly, you did, too.

But as I looked through the comments from our experts and the community, as I listened to the cries from our people that afternoon, the one word that you spoke over and over again was unity. 

Unity in where and how we spend our money. Unity in looking past our disagreements. Unity in passing our wealth and our values down to our children. Unity in serving on juries, fixing policing and demanding change.

Iola Harper said that if we’re going to succeed economically, we must redirect our money, think about where we’re spending, and dedicate 10 percent of our income to supporting Black businesses. She said we must build local networks and strengthen the ones we have. She said our economic survival depends on learning to love our neighbor.

Principal Robert Parker said we must recognize that our educational system is fundamentally racist. That we, as parents, must walk into the schools, and that we must support the freedom school movement.

Michael Coard said we must stop hating on each other, stop focusing on the negative, find the 10 things we agree on and fix the criminal justice system by serving on juries when called.

And on the issue of reparations, Rashaun Williams said we must fight to get back what was stolen, but we must also pass on what we have. Establish a will. Get right with your kids. Take care of the grandbabies. Pass on your wealth.

Sara Lomax told the community to support WURD Radio, but also to support Black media in general.

All of these things go back to unity — and unity requires a plan. A plan that is constructed and agreed upon. A plan that identifies our assets.  A plan that gives clear direction.

Saturday was the start of that process. Finishing will require one thing above all else–unity.