Say Uncle ...

© Watching a sports talk show last night and the topic of NFL holdouts came up. The host, a black man … the holdout, another black man, found themselves mired in a war of words, delivered through heated quotes. Wait for it … I thought.  The host gave his views on the players situation … the player shot back. The host gave more views… the player shot back … Wait for it, it’s coming …

The host went deeper, trying to make sense out of a something that in the eyes of most already did. Any minute now …The player went deeper than the host … and then it happened! The player reached into his arsenal … and pulled out the dreaded label no black man ever wants to receive … he called the host … an Uncle Tom …

If he only knew …

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Abraham Lincoln once commented that Uncle Tom’s Cabin started the Civil War. Up until it’s release, most Northerners knew scant details about slavery and the brutalities it entailed. This book painted a vivid picture of their day-to-day horrors through the life of its central character, Uncle Tom.

Aside from the overseer and the master of course, the slave driver was the most feared man on the plantation. Feared because his stature depended on the slaves he was charged with managing. Poor performance by the slaves put the driver in jeopardy of once again serving alongside them…so he drove them relentlessly…with his voice, his hands, and his whip.

Upon purchasing him, Simon Legree looked at Uncle Tom and envisaged the perfect slave driver. Tom was a tall, dark man, powerfully built with broad shoulders that held the promise of immense strength. Yes, arm him with a whip and a taste of entitlement and he’d be just…right…but Uncle Tom had other ideas. Instead of driving slaves, he befriended them using words of encouragement to bring light to situations that up until his arrival offered nothing more than darkness.

Legree looked at old Uncle Tom and thought…he could be my eyes, going into places I can’t see. Cassy and Emmeline escaped, and Tom knew where they were – he saw them. Tom knew where they were and Legree knew he did…but when the time came to tell, old Uncle Tom never said a word.

As a result of these and other “transgressions”, Uncle Tom was beaten to death, by two black overseers…two brothers. It was only after his passing…did those around him understand who he was.

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The phrase Uncle Tom is one of the most misused and misunderstood in America. Members of the Black community label those who they view as too good, too proper…too white…as Uncle Tom’s, sellouts– but nothing could be further from the truth.

That brother you see in the corner office meeting with executives…don’t assume he’s selling you out or sold your people out. Fact is, that old Uncle Tom might be in there working harder than most, driving himself, making a way so people like you and others that follow get a chance.

When you run into a brother who won’t tell you what you want to hear, don’t assume he’s trying to hold you back. Chances are, he might actually be trying to help you escape.

Don’t assume the brother who comes early and stays late is trying to curry favor. Fact to the matter is, that brother – that old Uncle Tom is laying the groundwork for another somebody who looks just like him … strong and powerful to be the CEO or, maybe own the company someday.

Get to know that Uncle Tom in your life. Understand what he stands for and the sacrifices he’s willing to make…Talk to him. He’s filled with wisdom and kindness. Get to know that Uncle Tom…he sees things your eyes might not be yet able to see. Don’t kill that Uncle Tom…he’s one of the most unselfish, admirable brothers you’ll ever meet.

More importantly, don’t wait until he’s gone to understand how truly special, he was …