To some Blacks, Obama remains non grata
Photo: Jae C. Hong/AP
The man pointing in protest is Diop Olugbala, 31, a senior organizer with the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement. The focus of Olugbala’s finger, Sen. Barack Obama, was busy addressing a Florida town hall about the economy, and Obama stopped his speech to calm Olugbala until the question-answer period.
Olugbala, who has worked with InPDUM for eight years, had his sign taken away and then waited for Obama to finish his speech. Then, with cuffs-rolled, Obama turned to treat with Olugbala. Here’s what went down:
Notice the stuttering? Obama got thrown for a minute.
Notice the microphone? Let Olugbala hold the thing, he’s a grown man.
Notice Obama turn his back on Olugbala and transition into “The only way that we’re gonna solve our problems in this country is if all of us come together - Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Young, Old, Disabled, Gay, Straight - that i think has got to be our agenda…aight?” While that was going on, an older black man ripped away a smaller sign from a deflated-looking Olugbala.
There is clearly a division between some Blacks and Obama. This is not news to Chicago; see recent New Yorker piece by Ryan Lizza. But Olugbala said the senator’s skin color is not an issue.
“I don’t think color should be the basis for the quality of his campaign” said Olugbala in a phone interview, and added that there are 54 imperialistic leaders in Africa who all have black skin.
Per Obama’s response, Olugbala’s said he wasn’t satisfied or surprised. He said the senator continues to talk, but offers “no real solutions.” So how could Obama please Olugbala and InPDUM? “One thing: denounce the U.S. government’s attacks on the African community and reveal the parasitic relationship between blacks and the U.S.” Olugbala said.
InPDUM was founded in Chicago in 1991 by the African People’s Socialist Party, and Olugbala said the organization’s mission is to help the African community achieve self-determination. InPDUM has branches in the US, Africa and the United Kingdom.
Asked if such protests have been organized at McCain campaign stops, Olugbala said they hadn’t, but that they wouldn’t be ruled out.
BLOGOSPHERE REACTION
Some have called Olugbala a heckler. I disagree. A heckler is relatively causeless - someone who loses sleep when Alex Rodriguez hits a home-run despite his disparaging remarks. Olugbala is a protester, and thanks to him a conversation may begin. A presidential campaign needs to have debate, which there has been a depressing dearth of lately.
McCain v. Obama? Anytime…
Need more?
One Response to “To some Blacks, Obama remains non grata”
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