WHERE ARE TODAY’S TRUE BLACK LEADERS IN A WORLD WHERE PERSONAL GAIN AND BETRAYAL OF THE COMMUNITY ALWAYS COMES FIRST?

In the last 60 years, the Black community in America has faced numerous challenges—social, economic, and political. While the civil rights movement of the 1960s paved the way for many advancements, the decades since have seen a troubling trend: the emergence of self-elected Black leaders who, unlike their predecessors, prioritize personal gain over collective progress. These leaders have been elevated not through grassroots support but through manipulation, charisma, and the backing of wealthy, often non-Black entities that benefit from their influence.

Part I: The Psychology of the Black Community – Gullibility and Emotional Manipulation

The question of why the Black community continues to fall for these self-proclaimed leaders is complex. Historically, Black Americans have sought external sources of guidance due to systemic oppression, but this external reliance has made the community vulnerable to manipulation.

1. Emotion Over Logic: One of the primary tactics these self-elected leaders use is emotional manipulation. Whether through speeches, sermons, or interviews, they tug at the heartstrings of Black people, bypassing critical thought in favor of emotional appeal. Black Americans, many of whom have lived through generations of trauma, are primed to respond emotionally to charismatic figures who promise change.

2. The Desire for Representation: Because of the lack of proper representation in media, politics, and business, many Black Americans are eager to support anyone who looks like them, even if that individual is ultimately working against the community’s best interests.

3. False Hope and Distraction: These leaders know how to play on the community’s desire for hope, offering feel-good rhetoric rather than tangible solutions. While the community celebrates symbolic gestures, little actual progress is made on critical issues such as economic empowerment, education, and systemic racism.

Part II: The Tactics of False Leaders

The modern-day Black leaders of the past few decades have perfected the art of deception, using several tactics to solidify their positions of influence:

1. Co-opting Social Movements: One of the most notable examples of this is Black Lives Matter. Initially seen as a grassroots movement aimed at fighting police brutality, the organization eventually unraveled, revealing a massive misuse of funds. As the movement grew, millions of dollars in donations were funneled into luxury real estate, shopping sprees, and lavish lifestyles for the organization’s leadership. What started as a sincere call for justice became an avenue for personal gain.

2. Selective Outrage: These leaders are often visible during high-profile tragedies that generate media attention, positioning themselves as the community’s spokespersons. However, their involvement often seems to serve their personal agendas more than the community’s needs. When police shootings or injustices occur, they are quick to organize press conferences, but behind the scenes, little is done to effect long-term change.

3. The Propping Up by External Forces: Many of these so-called leaders are backed by corporations or political parties that have no real interest in advancing the Black community. Instead, they benefit from the illusion of progress these leaders create. By presenting themselves as champions of civil rights, these individuals are allowed access to media platforms, funding, and status, all while selling out the very people they claim to represent.

10 Examples of Fraudulent Leaders and Influencers

1. Tamika Mallory – Her visible role in the Black Lives Matter movement and corporate endorsements suggest that activism can be profitable. Questions arose about her integrity when she began endorsing luxury brands.
2. Patrisse Cullors – One of the co-founders of Black Lives Matter, Cullors faced backlash after it was revealed that she spent millions of dollars on real estate.
3. Al Sharpton – Once a leading civil rights figure, Sharpton has become more of a media personality than an advocate, often aligning with corporate interests and enjoying a lavish lifestyle.
4. Jamal Bryant – A prominent pastor who has been embroiled in multiple scandals, Bryant is an example of religious leaders who use their platforms for personal gain rather than uplifting their congregations.
5. Jesse Jackson – Although once a close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson has long been criticized for monetizing the civil rights movement and aligning with corporate interests.
6. Creflo Dollar – Another religious leader, Dollar built a multi-million dollar empire by convincing his followers that prosperity through faith is achievable—if they tithe generously.
7. Benjamin Crump – While Crump’s visibility in high-profile police brutality cases is undeniable, his effectiveness in delivering justice has been questioned, and many wonder whether his involvement is motivated by personal gain.
8. Steve Harvey – As a popular entertainer, Harvey has used his platform to give relationship and life advice, but critics argue that he is more interested in personal wealth and success than the genuine upliftment of the Black community.
9. T.D. Jakes – A wealthy megachurch pastor, Jakes has come under fire for his opulent lifestyle and aligning more with material wealth than spiritual guidance.
10. Kanye West – While once celebrated for his artistic achievements, West’s recent forays into politics and religion have raised concerns about his sincerity and whether he’s manipulating his fanbase for personal and financial gain.

Part III: Honoring the Legacy of True Black Leaders

Unlike today’s self-serving leaders, figures like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and Johnnie Cochran exemplify what it means to truly serve the Black community. These individuals never sought personal gain. Instead, they gave of themselves to the point of risking or losing their lives.

1. Malcolm X (1925-1965)

Perhaps the most notable example of a leader who gave everything for his people, Malcolm X transformed from a spokesman of the Nation of Islam to a global human rights advocate. He planned to take the U.S. government to task on an international level for its treatment of Black Americans, a move that likely led to his assassination.

1. Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)

Ali’s refusal to fight in Vietnam, despite the personal and financial costs, showed his commitment to justice and equality. He used his platform to speak truth to power, even when it was unpopular.

1. Johnnie Cochran (1937-2005)

A legal giant, Cochran fought tirelessly for justice in high-profile cases, defending the voiceless and ensuring that justice was served fairly. His work in criminal justice reform left an indelible mark on the legal system.

1. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977)
   Fannie Lou Hamer was a tireless civil rights activist who dedicated her life to fighting for voting rights, racial equality, and economic justice for Black Americans. As a co-founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), she helped challenge the legitimacy of Mississippi’s all-white delegation at the Democratic National Convention in 1964. Her courage in speaking out about the injustices of racism, despite facing severe personal consequences, including police beatings and threats, made her a true leader. Hamer’s famous words, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired,” continue to resonate as a rallying cry for justice.

2. Assata Shakur (1947–present)
   Assata Shakur, a former member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, is another powerful example of a true Black leader. Though often controversial due to her conviction in 1977 for the murder of a New Jersey state trooper (which she and her supporters contest), her commitment to fighting racial injustice and the systemic oppression of Black people is undeniable. Assata’s activism challenged the brutality faced by Black Americans at the hands of police and the government, and even after fleeing to Cuba for political asylum, her writings and advocacy for the freedom of political prisoners remain influential today.

3. Ella Baker (1903–1986)
   Ella Baker was one of the most important yet unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. A grassroots organizer and mentor to countless young activists, she worked behind the scenes to build organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Unlike many leaders who sought the spotlight, Baker focused on empowering ordinary people to fight for their own rights, believing that “strong people don’t need strong leaders.” Her dedication to participatory democracy and her belief in collective leadership set her apart as a true servant of the Black community.

4. Paul Robeson (1898–1976)
   Paul Robeson was a multitalented figure—an actor, singer, athlete, and civil rights activist. He used his platform as a global celebrity to advocate for racial equality, labor rights, and social justice. Robeson spoke out against fascism, colonialism, and racism at a time when doing so put his career and life at risk. His support for the working class and his condemnation of segregation in the U.S., along with his outspoken anti-imperialism, made him a target for persecution during the McCarthy era. Despite being blacklisted and silenced by mainstream media, Robeson continued to fight for the rights of Black Americans and oppressed people worldwide. His dedication to justice and equality marks him as a true Black leader who sacrificed personal success for the greater good.

5. James Baldwin (1924–1987)
   James Baldwin was a writer, essayist, and social critic whose work continues to inspire people across the world. Through his novels, essays, and speeches, Baldwin explored the complexities of race, sexuality, and identity in America, challenging the nation’s hypocrisy on issues of equality and justice. His unflinching analysis of racial inequality and his eloquence in describing the psychological and emotional toll of racism helped many to better understand the deep divisions in American society. Baldwin’s commitment to truth, even when it was uncomfortable, and his insistence on moral clarity made him not just a literary giant, but also a true leader who used his voice to inspire real change.

Part IV: The Secretive Black Boule

One of the most secretive and destructive elements within the Black leadership structure is the Black Boule. This group, composed of influential Black professionals, often operates under the guise of progress but works to uphold systemic racism by keeping Black Americans in a state of perpetual poverty and dependency. Members of the Boule, often aligned with Greek-letter organizations, occupy influential positions in politics, media, and religion. While outwardly appearing to fight for Black advancement, they are, in fact, agents of oppression, working hand-in-hand with white elites to maintain the status quo.

LGBTQ Agenda: Within this secretive network, there are increasing revelations about how certain Black leaders have used their platforms to prioritize LGBTQ rights over the issues facing the wider Black community. These individuals, many of whom are closeted, have compromised their positions to serve an agenda that ultimately does not benefit Black Americans as a whole.

Conclusion: Seeking True Leadership

The modern-day Black community faces a crisis of leadership. Too often, it is the most charismatic and visible figures who are elevated, while those who work quietly behind the scenes are ignored. The lesson to be learned is that leadership should never be self-elected. True leaders do not seek power or fame; they seek justice, equality, and the betterment of their people.

The Black community must begin to discern who truly has their best interests at heart and resist the allure of emotional manipulation. Only then will they break free from the cycle of false prophets and begin to elevate those who can lead them into true progress and liberation. Is black people truly want to be free and utilize the power that they possess within, in conjunction with the God-given leaders that possess divine vision for our collective ascension then we must hold each of these individuals to the highest standard without any one of these following attributes being suspect even in the slightest way possible. We cannot compromise anymore with these entities who have deceived us year after year and decade after decade.

To truly understand what a leader is, especially in the context of our community, we must first acknowledge that leadership is not about charisma, titles, or how many followers someone has—it’s about service, integrity, and a vision for liberation. A real leader looks like someone who is deeply committed to the freedom and upliftment of their people, not just in word but in action. They prioritize the collective well-being over personal gain, making sacrifices for the future of the Black community.

For Black people in America, the concept of leadership holds a unique weight. Unlike other communities that may not require a centralized figure because they are not facing systemic oppression, we are still fighting for our freedom—freedom from economic disparity, racial injustice, and spiritual oppression. A leader for our tribe, the Black American tribe, must embody the spirit of a Moses, as referenced in the Bible. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, we, too, require a leader who can guide us toward true liberation from the modern-day “Babylons” that enslave us—whether that’s political, economic, or spiritual oppression.

Leadership in this sense goes beyond speeches and social media platforms. A true leader is defined by their actions and the tangible outcomes they produce for the people. We’ve seen leaders throughout history who have been authentic in their leadership—Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman—figures who were willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom of their people. What qualified them as leaders was their unwavering commitment to the cause, their clarity of vision, and their willingness to walk the path themselves, no matter the cost.

The FBI’s directive under J. Edgar Hoover to “shoot down any Black Messiah” speaks to the power and potential that authentic Black leadership holds. Hoover feared the rise of a leader who could unite and empower the Black community, knowing that such a leader could dismantle the structures of white supremacy that keep us oppressed. While many leaders have been taken from us—either through assassination, incarceration, or defamation—the blueprint for real leadership remains.

Rather than focus on the false leaders who rise for personal gain or ego, we should redirect our attention to identifying the qualities that make a true leader. A leader for our community must possess the following:

1. Selflessness
   A true leader prioritizes the well-being of the community over personal gain. Their motivation comes from a genuine desire to uplift others, not from a hunger for wealth, fame, or power.

2. Integrity
   A leader with integrity stays consistent in their moral and ethical values, even when faced with difficult choices or the temptation to compromise for financial or social benefits. They remain truthful and dependable.

3. Courage
   Leading in the face of systemic resistance requires immense bravery. An upright Black leader must be willing to challenge injustices, confront opposition, and stand firm in the face of adversity without fear of retribution.

4. Visionary Thinking
   They must have a long-term vision for the community, focusing on sustainable progress, education, economic development, and security. This vision must go beyond immediate concerns and consider future generations.

5. Empathy
   A leader who understands the struggles, pain, and aspirations of their people can connect deeply with them. Empathy allows leaders to listen, relate, and respond to the needs of the community effectively.

6. Humility
   Unlike those who seek fame or status, a true leader is humble and recognizes that they are part of a larger cause. They do not need to be constantly praised or put in the spotlight; their focus is on the collective advancement of the people.

7. Accountability
   They must hold themselves accountable for their actions, decisions, and promises. A trustworthy leader does not shy away from responsibility and is transparent about successes and failures alike.

8. Resilience
Overcoming opposition from powerful entities requires resilience. A true Black leader must possess the emotional, mental, and spiritual strength to persevere through setbacks, betrayals, and challenges without losing their resolve.

1. Commitment to Justice
   A real leader fights for fairness and equality, advocating for the voiceless and confronting systemic oppression. Their passion for justice is unwavering, and they are not easily swayed by material incentives or pressure from the establishment.

2. Dedication to Uplifting Others
   The leader’s success is defined by the success of their community. They are committed to developing programs, creating opportunities, and fostering environments that empower individuals and families to thrive, securing both their personal and collective futures.

3. Sacrifice: Leadership requires personal sacrifice. Those who lead for us are willing to put the needs of the collective before their own comforts.

4. Action-Oriented: It’s not enough to talk about change. A true leader creates opportunities, organizes movements, and takes definitive action that brings real benefits to the people.

5. Spiritual Awareness: Many of the greatest leaders of our time have been deeply connected to a higher purpose, drawing on spiritual strength to lead with wisdom and compassion.

By focusing on these traits, we can naturally discern who does and does not fit the mold of real leadership for our community. There’s no need to criticize false leaders outright, as their inability to lead will become evident when compared to the standards we know a true leader must meet.

Our goal is to move forward with the understanding that a true leader for Black people must be someone who leads us to freedom—freedom from the mental, economic, and spiritual chains that bind us. They must be someone who not only speaks of liberation but actively works toward it, embodying the strength, resilience, and vision required to truly set us free.

These traits distinguish a leader of integrity from those who seek leadership positions only for their own benefit. True leaders guide the Black community toward lasting empowerment, personal growth, and security for generations to come.