Emergence

These past two weeks, we've witnessed the emergence of a mass movement in all 50 states and across the world. Millions of people are walking for justice.

Day after day, night after night, thousands of people have been turning out in our cities and towns, regardless of curfews or police tactics. It is a multi-generational outpouring led by Millennials, with many from Generations X and Z, Baby Boomers and children. All ages, races, colors, religions, genders, and political parties are part of this.

There are no "outside agitators" or foreign agents or anyone like that behind these protests. These are our neighbors, our co-workers, our relatives. This is America.

A young girl holds up a sign at a small gathering in California, "Why are you mean to a person because their skin is black?" Her sister's sign reads "Please be nice to my friends."

Both children are white. Their friends, at their side, are black. Together they represent the very best of America.

So, we have reached this point. Many are calling for change, for reform. Small steps here and there are being taken -- to ban choke holds and to stop teargassing peaceful crowds. Much more change is needed.

How do a people rid themselves of a scourge like racism?

The only way I can imagine is by getting to know one another. People may look very different on the surface, but surfaces are deceiving.

What kind of leaders will emerge at this time? Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a leader? She is the youngest woman ever to serve in the U.S. Congress. She is 30 years old, Puerto Rican, and a Democratic Socialist representing parts of the Bronx and Queens.

Until recently, nothing about that resume would appear to fit the profile of a likely national leader, and maybe like so many predecessors she too will hit a ceiling in her career.  Possibly as soon as later this month.

Police unions and business interests are pouring a lot of money into her opponent's campaign in an effort to stop AOC from gaining the Democratic nomination for re-election this November. The corruption of money in politics is once again at work.

One encouraging characteristic of our time is that young women like AOC are increasingly stepping forward to offer alternative visions for leadership. Some are people of color. We also have had the first openly gay candidate among the leaders for the Democratic nomination for President.

Nevertheless, one of two elderly white men will win in November. At least they represent very different kinds of values and approaches for how to solve our problems.

In this moment, that we have a crisis in leadership cannot be denied. 

Many past and present leaders are speaking out about this now; Colin Powell is the latest. They are pointing to what has become painfully obvious:

There is nobody at the helm.

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