Proposal for the National Black Council Of Elders

PROPOSAL FOR THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL BLACK COUNCIL OF ELDERS (NBCOE)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROPOSAL FOR THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL BLACK COUNCIL OF ELDERS (NBCOE)

MISSION – To engage, aid and assist in the building of a National Movement and Network, through the establishment of a National Council of Elders (NBCOE). The NCOE’s role and function will be the provision of spiritual guidance, formulation of policy and the development of programs, services and various projects which will contribute to the growth, self-governance and economic empowerment of the African American Communities nation-wide.

Therefore a charge was given by The Friends of The African Union (FAUhttps://friendsoftheafricanunion.com, to, Mwalimu Kabaila ,Chief of Staff, Congresses of FAU to design and establish the NBCOE.

Purpose – The purpose of the NBCOE is to build Council of Elders in localities wherever blacks inhabit  in this country, around foundational Principles of Unity and Principles of Cooperation. These principles will provide an over-arching and unifying ideology for the collective mission of building a National Community and unifying with our Global Family in Africa, and her Diaspora.

RATIONALE

The formation of a National Black Council of Elders necessary, and will serve as the hub of a National Rites of Passage structure and institution, for the following reasons:

1. The National Black Community has never had a certified leadership cadre which, sprang up from its own making. The dominant society has usually created our “leaders” through control and manipulation of the media, thus to shaping public opinion. The NBCOE is a policy making, program, formulating and project initiating institution which, bases its mandate on proven African values, principles, views, vision and aspirations. Study of the Mbongi political system and philosophy of the Bantu people is very instructive in this regard. (http://djelibooks.myshopify.com/products/mbongi-an-african-traditional-political-institution-by-fu-kiau-fukiau).

2. In the African American context, our social reality dictates that our approach to the formation of a National Council of Elders, takes on the character of a United Front Structure, in order to have each sector of our National Community represented in all of its diversity. We shall define, below, what a United Front is for our purposes. Thus, it is diverse, representative of all sectors, and is multi-dimensional and founded on a system which requires adherence to a system of African values, as opposed to European laws, which can always be manipulated by the ruling/race class.

3. There are several philosophical and theoretical foundations and basis for the National Council of Elders as a United Front Institution: 

   A. The virtues of Ma’at will provide the Spiritual and Unifying value basis, without interfering with anyone’s existing belief system. Rev. Dr. Nikita Imani who, wrote the seminal book on Mbongi, makes this point very clear. He is a highly respected Christian minister, but elaborates extensively on how Ma’at is a unifying ideology for all African descendant peoples. He further posits, how African values, ethics and morals serve as the foundation for African social constructs. Hence, discarding abstract system of laws, many of which contradict each other. He states that Truth, Justice, Harmony, Balance, Order, Reciprocity and Propriety were the social glue which held Kemetic Society together for over 5000 yrs. 

   B. Operational Unity will be the second theoretical underpinning for NCOE as a United Front Structure. Operation Unity is based on the concept and practice, that we all come together to focus on common goals, objectives, plans, aspirations and mission. The purpose for coming together is not for any one person or organization to push their own agenda nor ideology. This kind of behavior would be cause for sanctions), or more. Operational Unity dictates that we pro-actively, pursue and promote our collective positive Agenda of Nation Building plans, policy and programs and that we reserve any differences for another forum, time and place.

    C. “The Battlefront is everywhere” is, the strategic and tactical lesson which we learn from the African Revolutionary, Amilcar Cabral. This precept is based on the notion that, our interests are everywhere, and that we must have them protected and promoted in every sector of society. Although, the NCOE is not defined as a protest or electoral politics organization, it can and will direct how these and other movements can assist in the achievement of our collective goals and mission. In this regard, it would act as a control, command and coordination center, where information flows in, is analyzed, and then, forwards disseminated information, commands and/or directives which serve our strategic mission.

    D. Everyone has their Role and Function in Nation Building, even agents. None should be summarily dismissed for past bad acts, though they can be isolated until such time as they may serve some useful purpose. Agents can be given bad info to take back. Sun Tzu, in his book, “The Art of War”, talks at length on these kinds of tactics. It is Key, though, that we realize that we are at War, as our people are not just being killed on the streets and in police stations, but  through our food (please see NBCOE agriculture and food campaign, appendix G), air and water; which are being purposely contaminated and poisoned.  In addition, our economic sustenance is being cut off, our men are being imprisoned, resulting in the breakup of up our family units.  Our values are undermined and our visionaries are being suppressed by mass media.

FOUR KEY ELEMENTS IN BUILDING A COUNCIL OF ELDERS

          PRINCIPLES OF UNITY

1. Unity – Operational Unity, or organizing around our common goals, objectives and aspirations. Agreeing to disagree on those matters we may differ on, but moving forward promoting a positive Agenda which brings our people together towards a common end.

A. Levels of Unity, including self, family, community, neighborhoods, national Black community, diaspora, global African peoples, and w.

2.  Self Determination – The right and responsibility to exercise our sovereign right to determine our own identity and destiny as a people and national community, especially where our rights are continuously violated and disrespected by the dominant society. 

3. Collective Work and Responsibility – The recognition that Nation Building is a shared activity and endeavor, even a duty, as a member of the African Community. This duty requires a commitment to the Rescue, Restoration, Reconstruction of African values, institutions, monuments and most importantly, the African Personality which Franz Fanon refers to.

4. Cooperative Economics – This principle is grounded in the African concept of communitarian values, which determines that wealth is shared for the betterment and enrichment of the entire community, and not for a small elite.

5. Purpose – Our purpose is the vocation of building a National and Global Community which not only houses our collective aspirations, but allows for us develop and defend our interests as we define them, as a self-determined people.

6. Creativity – This principle has social and sacred meaning, as it refers to the quality of the community we seek to build, which is many African societies, meant “To Bring Good to the World”. Thus, it is our task to leave the world more beautiful and beneficial that what we inherited.

7. Faith – Faith inspires, uplifts, elevates and sustains us as we engage in the process of restoration and reconstruction of our values, culture, institutions, lives and the paradigms which our Ancestors laid down for us to follow. It is grounded in the belief that we struggle for a more perfect and righteous world, and that within this endeavor, we, at the same time, create a New African Man and Woman.  

PRINCIPLES OF COOPERATION                                     

1. Mutual respect for the autonomy of each organization and entity to enter into this formation.

2. Respect for agreed upon rules of order and decorum when engaging in common action, in meetings, conference calls, and personal interactions.

3. Respect for the diverse value orientations and interests of persons and organizations, even as we engage in the process of merging our values and interests into a mutually agreed upon set, which moves our agenda, goals and objectives forward in a positive manner, in order to achieve intended results.

4. Commitment to engage in the sharing of resources, skills and talents which allow us to coordinate, cooperate and benefit from the unity we build and establish.

5. Sharing in the responsibility to be productive in the interest of our larger community, and to work in tandem with other generations, that we may learn from each other, in love and struggle.

6. Whatever ideology brought you to the table, leave it at the door, for our common goal is to formulate and design a Common Mission, and that mission should be our focus when we sit at the Round Table. Allow your ideology to keep you inspired when you go back to your respective organizations, but in a United Front, let our common goals guide our actions, strategies and deliberations, as we are ONE.

7. All potential for conflicts to arise, must be addressed as soon as they arise, and escalation cannot be tolerated in the interest of Community Harmony. Where any conflicts may arise between or among groups, factions, communities, entities or persons, each must submit their grievance(s) to a Conflict Resolution Board within the Council of Elders who will convene to either mediate or arbitrate such grievance in accord with the values of the African Community. African social order is not based on a system of laws, but founded on a set of Sacred Values and Principles which establish Social Harmony. When such Harmony is thrown out of Balance, Order is Re-established, and Justice served, by arriving at a Balanced Judgement based on Truth, Propriety and Reciprocity until Harmony is brought back into Balance. This is the way of our Ancestors. 

2. ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION CHART (currently being revised)

NBCOE Membership composition and Responsibilities

This is an historic endeavor which we as a National Community embark on, but it is within our power to not only change and transform ourselves, but to build a social construct which will allow our children to grow and develop as full African Men and Women. This will take tact, experience, knowledge, study, research, diplomacy and most of all will require that we leave our egos at the door, when engaging in this process. While each of us may feel that we have many or all of the correct answers to our liberation, how much has that position empowered us, as a collective Community? If you answered honestly, then you have begun to realize why we need the collective action which a Council of Elders would bring. However, if we are to build an effective NBCOE, we must at the same time seek to build New African Men and Women, who have, or are willing to take the Sankofa Journey back to their African Personality. The most singular rationale for creating a NBCOE is that we have a space and forum by which and through which we can express our African Personality and realize the fullness of what it means to be African and Human, in order that we can make our unique contribution to Global African Liberation.

1. The Council of Elders shall be made up of Women and Men who, have proven long term commitment and capacity to preserve, promote and protect the interests of African people. In addition they must process the proven ability to maintain integrity, intellect and involvement in the affairs of the Black/African Community. These elders must be able to establish a degree of stature and respect in the community, in order to build and maintain Unity, Harmony, Balance, Justice and Order in our Local and National Communities.

2. The first and foremost priority for a Council of Elders is to be Caretakers, Gatekeepers and Stewards of African culture in all of its many and diverse manifestations, (i.e. its values, principles, progressive rituals, traditions, history, paradigms, cosmologies, worldview, languages, indigenous industries, dances, songs, cuisines, political, social and economic theories and practices, and most of all the integrity and control of our African Land Base, Mother Africa). In these areas, the NBCOE must be uncompromising, determined and vigilant.

3. The Council of Elders will provide Leadership and Governance of Black/African American Communities. One of its key roles and responsibilities will be to design, manage and institute policies, programs and projects which will build and advance the best interests of our people and communities.  Key areas include, but not limited to, Health and Wellness, Housing, Education, Youth, Women, Defense, the Elderly and Disabled. Another key area is Industry Growth and Development to insure Economic Development and Job Security. In this capacity the NCOE must also develop the resources to build the Institutional Capacity and Structures which will ensure Economic Empowerment and Cultural Growth.

4. The Council of Elders shall create, facilitate, and provide guidance and direction for Institution Building with special focus on Key Growth Industries.  These include, but not limited to, African centered Education, Redefined Health Care Delivery System which emphasizes Holistic Approaches, Agricultural Programs which, prioritize Food as Medicine and Medicine as Food, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Sustainable Energy, Waste and Water Management, Trade and Commerce, Manufacturing, Cultural Travel and Tourism,  Community Security and Defense, Creative and Cultural Production (Dance, Music, Theater, Drum, Performing Arts, Literature, Sport, Technology, Fine Art).

5., the NCOE will mandate Commissions to carry out certain policies, or to do research in order to formulate policy, programs and projects which advance the interests of our communities, thus allowing the Council to fulfill its role and function as a governing entity in our National, Regional and Local communities; As Dr. Maaskelah Khemet outlines in her book, “Calling the Elders”. Please refer to Dr. Khemet’s book as it provides a workable model and paradigm for the work required of the NBCOE.

6. The Council of Elders will  be responsible for establishing policy for forming alliances and coalitions with groups outside of our community ,in furtherance of our community’s collective goals and objectives, as well as our short and long term interests, as the Council defines them.

7. The Council of Elders as a governing body, is mandated to represent the collective interests of African descendants in the US, encourage and support the building of NCOE’s in other countries where African descendants inhabit, and build  communications and networking structure with these entities. The NCOE is also mandated to represent the collective will and, aspirations of African descendants in international bodies such as the UN and African Union. This being an act of Self Determination, and allying with groups like CARICOM, which represents African Descendants in the Caribbean Region. As a governing body, thence, can also initiate and mandate the formation of a Diasporan Commonwealth, in association with other Diaspora peoples, which will represent the interests of the Diaspora as a whole, and not just disparate groups. The NCOE can also mandate a Commission(s) which, will present the best options to revive the Fihankra Tribe established in 1994. Of which, all African descendants of the slave trade have a right to belong to, given all such diasporans and organic relationship with our Motherland, with land set aside for those wishing to repatriate.

8. The NCBOE will establish guidelines, policy, procedures and protocols for the resolution of community conflicts and seek agreement, at local and national levels. The NBCOE will serve as an Appeals Court and Supreme Court, for any behaviors personal and/or organizational, which cause community disharmony. As the NBCOE are the Stewarts of Community Values as embodied in the Nguzo Saba and Ma’at, it shall also have the power of being the final arbiter or mediator in such disputes. 

9. The NBCOE will provide a context and the structural capacity for African Americans to step on the World Stage as a Free, Proud and Productive people. We, as a people, and a National Community have a unique historical contribution to make to Global African Liberation, Human Freedom, and Human Progress, especially since the system of domination, sought to dehumanize us, and remove us from humanity. Our organizational efforts will not only bring our people closer to liberation. It will also bring the whole of humanity closer to full and final Human Liberation, such that all of our children can walk in a warmer Sun, truly for Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

10. The term for the first National Black Council of Elders shall be a year after initiation, or until the first Constitutional Convention, whichever comes first. Service past the first year must come at the Consensus of the High NBCOE

11. The NBCOE and High Council are the nucleus for the building of a Rites of Passage Program, from cradle to Elder, and beyond (see appendix B)

12. Build Ministries for an African American Nation, from a holistic perspective( see appendix I).

High Council-NBCOE

The High Council – functions as Board of Directors for the NBCOE. The High Council shall be responsible to oversee implementation of policies and program in accord with Maatian and Nguzo Saba Principles. They also have ultimate authority in resolving disputes and are the last resort of appeal in cases needing arbitration. The NBCOE and High Council are the nucleus for the building of a Rites of Passage Program, which integrates all sectors of our community from cradle to Elder, and beyond (see Appendix B)

Organizational Structure-NBCOE

Presiding Elder

Until a process of selection is completed, the Chancellor of the FAU, Bishop Nathaniel Snipes shall serve as Presiding Elder over the High Council. Nomination for Presiding Elder of the NBCOE, shall be made at the first meeting of the NBCOE.  In addition, the election of the Presiding Elder shall also take place at the first NBCOE meeting.  The NBCOE member with a simple majority is elected to office. He or she shall remain in office for 4 year terms, while the High Council shall exercise the Right of Revue on an Annual basis.

Elders

Generally from 60 years and up, but for this, one time only, in our initial period of formation, those age 55-59, will be allowed to sit on the NCOE. This is being done to allow those who may have needed skills and/or ties to the community, to contribute to the startup.

Associate Elders

Ages 50-59 yrs. Associate Elders are Elders in an apprenticeship and trainingfor one of the most distinguished positions to be held in the Black Community.

Scribes

 Scribes serve as assistants to Elders, can be from any age group and who can provide consult on any range of issues.

Nation Builders

Ages 25 – 49 are prepared to do most of the leg work for the NCOE.

Simba Wachanga

Ages 18 – 25 yrs.  Simbas serves as warriors and apprentices for Nation Building.

Wanafunzi 

Ages 3 – 17. Wanafunzi  are students.

 Watoto 

Birth – 2 years of age.

Formation of NBCOE Commissions

Round Tables

Round Tables allows for interaction, of the NCBOE with the wider community on any range of issues, such as homelessness, drugs, criminal justice, abuse, etc. Round Tables include community and/or civic organizations which may specialize in these key areas, and there in a need for coordination or utilization of resources.

National Formation – The NBCO shall send out the calls for COE’s in each community, region or local area, respectively. They shall address specific issues in the nation, region or local area respectively, they shall establish community standards for how local and regional formations can carry out their role and function in the interest of the masses.  They will formulate Planning goals and Policy objectives which can be implemented at the local levels. They shall also engage in Fundraising for all levels. Such issues that may be addressed arrests, as Research and Development, Peace and Security, Industry building, Police Abuse, and Prison Resettlement. The National Formation must have commissions and/or ministries in all areas of life of our community, i.e. Finance, Banking, Shipping, Tourism, STEM, Health, Education, Agriculture, Transportation, Rites of Passage, Youth, Women, Men, Diaspora Relations, Continental Relations, Ambassador Corps, Manufacturing, New Industries, Sustainability and Conservation, Ecology and Permaculture, Energy, Spiritual Development, History, Cultural Arts and Enrichment, Planning, Governance, Family Relations, Collective Concern, Defense and Security, Physical Training, Housing, Communications, Media, Public Relations and Journeying (Psychology). The National Council of Elders should be mandated to assembling experts and professionals in each of this areas of interests, and to provide the proper forum for them to interact with each other where necessary, in a multi-dimensional way. It should also set up for inter-generational and multiple localities to interact and engage with other on a regular basis, for mutual benefit. 

This body, then, can hold yearly Conferences or Conventions which are made up of a General Assembly of official delegates who vote on Policy, Proposals, Programs, and Projects.

REGIONAL COUNCIL OF ELDERS (RCOE)

Following the formation of the NBCOE, a public relations campaign will be initiated, announcing the birth of the NBCOE. In addition, notification shall include the mission/vision statement, organizational structure. Information should also be provided on the establishment of Regional and Local COEs.

The above information shall be provided to all known African American organizations. The list of organizations shall be approved by the NBCOE. Contact information should be provided for those wishing to serve on the Regional or Local COE.

The following are only proposed COE regions:

Regional Council of Elders serve as the regional arm of the NBCOE and, reports to the NBCOE.  Regional  RCOE  bodies, shall hold meetings and/or  conferences , no less than monthly , in order to  address regional issues  or, issues that could not be resolved  by the corresponding Local Council of Elders (LCOE ). Issues that cannot be resolved by the Regional COE, shall be taken to the National NBCOE for further engagement and resolution. If necessary the NBCOE may take issues to global bodies, such as the African Union. Qualifications for membership shall be the same as those established for the NBCOE.  

Formation of Regional RCOE 

1.         The initial formation of the Regional COE, shall be coordinated with the NCOE. All NBCOE, from one of the designated regions, shall also be designated as members of that Regional COE, in their area.

2.          The NBCOE member(s), who live in the designated regional area, will submit names for potential membership on Regional COE. NBCOE member, outside of the designated area are also All NBCOE members are encouraged to submit candidates’ names or any area.

3.         It shall be the responsibility of the NCBOE member(s) in the region to acquire all needed information, about each candidate.

4.         Candidates, identified through the NBCO mailings, shall be provided to NCOE members, in that region

5.         The NCOE member(s), in a specific region, shall review and recommend and grant membership to the Regional COE.

6.        A list of all Regional COE members shall be presented to the NBCOE, for final approval.

7.         In order to maintain efficient, effective lines of communication, a NBCOE member shall chair the Regional COE.

8.       Each regional COE, shall submit written minutes, to the NCOE, no later than 3 week following each meeting.

9.         The Chairman of the Regional COE, shall provide a review of the minutes of each Regional COE meeting.

10.      The Regional COE shall meet at least monthly.

LOCAL COUNCIL OF ELDERS (LCOE)

Local COE, reports directly to the Regional COE and, will work to address local issues and concerns of their respective communities, though in concert with the value orientations within the Principles of Unity and Cooperation. In this manner, we create community standards for this valuable institution, and build a basis for establishing a network of COE which have the capacity to serve as Community Governing bodies and representing the collective interests of the masses of our people in their localities. These COE formations would also be involved in the AU Legacy Project of feeding in the National Data Base of Skills, and of organizing volunteer corps for a variety of purposes based on need. The local COE would also be mandated to mobilize and organize communities on a block by block level, thus, encouraging mass participation in the decision making process affecting the lives of each of our communities. Local COE shall meet monthly. Quantification for membership shall be the same as those established for the NBCOE.

 Formation and Structure of the Local COE

 1.  Regional COE shall be solicited for names of potential candidates.

2.   NBCOE may also submit names of potential candidates

3.   It shall be the responsibility of the Regional COE to contact African American organizations to solicit names. The NBCOE   may this effort.

4.  The Regional COE will be responsible to collecting any needed information, regarding each candidacy.

5.  For efficient and effective lines of communication, a member of the Regional COE, shall chair the Local COE.

6. The Regional COE shall select candidates and submit names to Regional COE for review and approval

7.  A list of Local COE members shall be submitted to both the Regional and NCOE.

8.   The Local COE shall meet at least every other month or as designated by the Local COE.

9.   Written minutes shall be submitted to the Regional and NBCOE, no later than three weeks following each meeting.

Function of the Local Council of Elders