CaribVoice Radio
The Importance of “The Message For The Moment”
By LeRoy Tyler
Of the numerous events that have occurred throughout history, the ones that had a message attached to them stand out in the minds of humanity and caused them to respond to it. The message by the founder of UNIA, the Universal Negro Improvement Association, Marcus Garvey, was “Up you mighty race, you can accomplish what you will.” His messages were so motivating that it galvanized Black people throughout America, to strive to return to Africa. It was estimated that 200,000 people in North America and the Caribbean supported his message which caused him to organize the Black Star Line, a shipping operation to transport people back to the Continent. What was amazing was Garvey building his following without major media outlets to carry his message. Basically small media outlets and word of mouth grew his movement. The only thing that could hinder it was those within our community who betrayed him.
When a young Baptist minister was asked to lead a congregation and community suffering from discrimination during the 1950’s in Montgomery, Alabama, he accepted the position and endured the adversity that came with it. Through the hard times his messages and actions kept the The Movement alive and in motion, which caused it to be seen. The March on Washington on April 28, 1963, was the event that placed this preacher on a large public stage, but The Message he gave is what caused the turning point for the entire Civil Rights Movement. Google’s AI evaluation of The Speech gives the following observations: It Nationalized the Movement from the focus in the South to including the entire country. It Changed Attitudes making people feel more strongly about racial justice. It Influenced Legislation, it helped in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other civil rights legislation. The Preacher used rhetorical techniques to make the speech memorable. It combined Sacred and the Secular ideas to convey to America that it is at a historic Moment for change that is needed.
The most compelling Message was what this Preacher delivered on the night before his death. It is so moving that it is hard to see it without ones tearing up. For the past fifty six years this Preacher’s final Message has so captured and amplified the essence of his work and his sacrifice, that it is not necessary to mention him by name. The overwhelming majority of humanity around the entire world who reads this will know who he is.
WHY COBB COUNTY, GA IS
“ALL IN” FOR LISA CUPID
On January 6, 2025, on a very “cold and windy night”, residents of Cobb County and Metro-Atlanta, came to the Cobb County Civic Center to celebrate a woman with a “warm heart”, for serving her community, Ms. Lisa Cupid. She was there for her swearing-in ceremony after being elected as the Chairwoman of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners.
Considering that the Black population of Cobb County is only 30%, it could seem that her gender, color, and being the only Democrat on the Board of Commissioners, could work against her being this successful in winning the office of the stature of Chairwoman. What has made the difference in her success is the fact that she served two terms as a Commissioner, and the residents of Cobb County saw that she not only has a warm heart but also an intelligent mind for serving her community.
Chairwoman Cupid’s accomplishments while serving for eight years as a Commissioner for Cobb has been remarkable. She is adamant about the concept of every citizen of the county being able to live a meaningful and productive life, with Cobb being in position to bring opportunities that helps this concept to become a reality. The Cobb County Government website, itemizes the 14 policy initiatives she either launched or supported which caused this process to happen.
Something that was heard repeatedly through the entire ceremony was the phrase “All In”. This is Ms. Cupid’s campaign slogan. It means her work ethic compels her to put her best effort into serving her constituents. She requires this of her staff, and requests this of Cobb County’s citizens. Which is be All In on working together to make Cobb continuously better for everyone.
The people who attended this swearing-in ceremony were large in number, while being multi-racial and multi-cultural. They patiently sat through the ceremony while listening to the speakers, and continuously chanting “All In”. Evidently, the people of Cobb County get Chairwoman Cupid and her message, by the way they shared the joy and satisfaction of celebrating her accomplishment, with her.
Matthew 20:26 states, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your servant.” Ms. Cupid, being a woman of faith, clearly gets Jesus’ memo. This was a memorable occasion to witness. I was there because Aubry Padmore, the founder of the Carib Voice Radio Network, would not be able to make it and asked me to attend it to represent him and the network. I’m glad I did, this should be the norm for government service.
Article by Leroy Tyler, Host of Innovation Up Close Radio Show/Podcast Hear or watch his show on caribvoiceradio.org. Visit his site at innovationupclose.com.
2025 continues the empowerment surge of Black leadership inside of Clayton County. First, there was the election of a Black mayor in the County Seat of Clayton County and now a woman has been elected as the first Black chairwoman for Clayton County. It may be storm season in Georgia but things are warming up in the political arena right before MLK Birthday and the Inauguration of President Elect, Donald Trump on Martin Luther King's Birthday. Read more below by clicking the blue link.
Clayton County Board of Commissioners installs its first-ever Black female chair