I almost didn't graduate from college. I was accused of academic misconduct for turning in a paper that I actually wrote; the problem being I had written it a semester in advance. I did not know at the time this would be a problem. Yet there I was, having to appeal to a group of strangers to decide my fate. If the ruling stood I wouldn't graduate. If they had a change of heart, I would. In this situation I was powerless, dependent on the benevolence of others to ensure a positive outcome for my life. I would submit that black people live very much in the same condition universally, every day.
Trayvon Martin was shot. People were angry. They wanted justice for Trayvon but also fundamental changes to how the justice system works in the state of Florida. When poor black neighborhoods are targeted for gentrification, the residents protest, appeal to governing powers and hope someone will block the interests of money-hungry developers. President Obama has openly advocated public policy in favor of gays and Hispanics but it is commonly known that his political career would be over should he do the same for African-Americans. In each case the commonality is black people, wanting to right grievances or pursue a favorable agenda, must appeal to others.
In essence, the fact that we appeal to other power structures means that we do not control our lives. In other words, we do not have the capacity to "fix" it when others wrong us. We must appeal to the benevolence of others to right wrongs or allow us to pursue our interests. A people with self-determination, a reasonable degree of sovereignty and yes, even power, need not do that. The same developers the poor plead to in order to save their neighborhoods, decide for themselves where they wish to build and thereby enrich themselves. There are nations in the world in which the people, largely monolithic, decide on the affairs of their state. None of these scenarios- regardless of location on planet earth- are true for black people.
Protests are cute. At times they can be helpful. Shouting grievances can feel good. At times that can be helpful. More importantly, however, there must be critical thought put toward the reality of the lack of self-determination we face as a people. It is worth exploring how a people transition from here to there. When problems arise, if your first call is outward rather than inward, there is indeed much to ponder.