Stokely.

One may disagree with Carmichael (a.k.a. Kwame Ture, 1941 – 1998) on a number of issues. One may even question his goals and his motives. However, I do think that his ability to convey a message was –and still is –unquestionable.

During my years as a university student –in the previous millennium and in the context of a project –I once described this fellow as “a pugilist comedian”. Allow me to explain. He worked his way to his target methodically with a persistent jab –often repeating the same things over and over –preparing the ground until an “opening” was created in the minds of his listeners. The he delivered (with) a punch line.

Not just for the sake of becoming likeable and causing a few laughs. There was precise meaning in every word he used and a definite purpose that was always relevant to the concept(s) he presented.

The following video is a record of a speech he made sometime in the 90’s, probably near the end of his life. I do not know the venue or the occasion. I do know this, however; there is no sense in trying to compare this speaker’s skills with those of today’s prominent political figures –they don’t make ‘em like that anymore.