In 2007 our communities are in turmoil and it is my fervent belief that if the Black communities are to be resurrected the current ministers must move to the forefront and assume the position of leadership that they have abandoned. Black politicians filled the void that the preachers left and for a number of years they were efficient and effective by providing a substantial numbers of jobs and delivered the vote for the Democratic Party. However, over the years the influence of Black politicians has waned and with it also the respect from the Democratic Party and the calloused attitude where the Black vote is taken for granted. Political parties now perceive the majority of ministers not as ministers but businessmen who are consumed with economic development. They also see them as men more obsessed with bricks and mortar over character and Christianity. An astronomical number of Black men no longer attend church because they view many modern preachers as actors and con men who prey on women-particularly the older women.

There are those of us who have been around for a few years and we realize that life can run in cycles and it is time for the ministers to reestablish themselves as the leaders of the communities and ascend to their position of leadership. With the upcoming election in May 2007 religious leaders have a golden opportunity to send a message to the politicians locally and otherwise that we as Black voters have become the architects of our own political future and we will no longer permit selected colored politicians to betray us for limited personal gain. If Black voters and members of churches across this county are to be emancipated the ministers must get in their pulpits and not only say "vote" they must say "who to vote for."

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