# Remarks

Of

Michael K. Powell

Commissioner

Federal Communications Commission

## Before

# 

# The Development Roundtable for Upward Mobility

Commemorating the Birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Washington, D.C.

## January 14, 1999

### "The Civil Rights Insider:

Carrying Out the Legacy of Dr. King"

I. INTRODUCTION

Good morning. I often begin speeches by saying how honored I am to be
here. To tell you the truth, most of the time it is just a really good
way to begin a speech. However, I must say with all sincerity that I am
truly honored to be with you today to commemorate the memory of a man of
great moral courage whose efforts made it possible for us to be where we
are---Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Moral courage, like that exhibited by
Dr. King, is rare because it requires a willingness to walk away from
prestige, from one's livelihood and, in extreme cases, from one's life.
I remain in awe at his willingness to do so.

I am honored, as well, because this is the first time that I have had
the opportunity in my life to speak publicly on how Dr. King and his
teachings have touched me and shaped my approach to my life and to my
career.

I am a fairly young man, and thus did not participate personally in the
great civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. I did not march
across the E. Petus Bridge from Montgomery to Selma. I never experienced
the sting on my back from a firehose being wielded by someone who hated
me just because of my color. I did not suffer the bite of a police dog,
commanded by a public servant who was supposedly sworn to protect. I was
too young to participate in the struggle.

But, I was in the middle of it all. You see, I was born in Birmingham,
Alabama, in 1963. And, as I lay in my crib, all around me the battle
raged. It was the year of the lunch counter sit-ins. It was the year
that Dr. King was arrested and wrote his moving "Letter From The
Birmingham Jail." It was the year that I was baptized in church, and the
same year four little girls were murdered in church when racists sunk to
a new low, bombing a temple of God. It was the place where Eugene "Bull"
Connor, the Director of Public Safety, was the greatest threat to a
black person's health. It was George Wallace's Alabama, a state for
which he pledged as governor "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow,
segregation forever!"

But, it was also the year that Dr. King stood on the steps of the
Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. On those steps, he declared, "I
have a dream," giving my parents hope that their dreams for themselves
and for their children would come true.

So, you see, as I rested safe in my mother's arms, my future was being
determined by the struggle on the streets. Would I grow up in an
un-segregated world? Would my vote matter? Would I have a real
opportunity to become whoever I wished in America? Because of Dr. King's
efforts, and those of others, the answer would be yes. And, here I am, a
FCC Commissioner. And, there you all are, accomplished professionals
engaged in the most exciting industry in its most exciting time. Thank
you, Dr. King.

As products of his moral courage, I feel strongly that we owe Dr. King
and his legacy a contribution. What can we do in our daily lives to
carry forward his vision? How do we go "boldly forward to the dream?" As
successful black professionals, we often feel the pulling need to
contribute to the causes of our community and to fight for racial parity
and equal opportunity. That is, if you are like me, you wrestle with how
to be a civil rights leader in this era. This is not an easy question,
for the struggle has become grayer, not defined any longer by the bright
and insidious lines of legal segregation. There are few marches to join,
lunch counters to sit in, or freedom buses to ride in this day and age.
And, because we do have opportunities once denied us, we also have our
precious time consumed by the daily efforts of our demanding jobs and
family.

You can make a very meaningful difference, however, by exploiting the
professional opportunity that Dr. King and the struggle gave to you.
Your contribution may be different in that it will come not from the
outside looking in, but from the inside looking around, up and down. We
each are civil rights insiders.

I like to think of myself as a guerilla fighter in the struggle for
racial opportunity. I do my best work from within the system, rather
than attacking it from the outside. I use my professional skill and
talents to show all Americans that a black man cannot only be a
Commissioner of the FCC, but can be one of the best Commissioners the
FCC has ever seen. I do not know if I will achieve that legacy, but I
will die trying, in part, because I feel the calling of Dr. King's words
to show the world that my color is irrelevant---that black men and women
can serve admirably in positions of responsibility, and that white
Americans have nothing to fear by letting us inside the inner circles of
political and economic power. To paraphrase the stirring words of the
good doctor, I wish to be judged not by the color of my skin, but by the
content of my character.

These words of Dr. King have long been interpreted as a message to white
America to see us as human beings and to look past our color. But, we
should hear another message in these words. They command us, as well,
not to let our color define our accomplishments, but to let our
accomplishments show the world our true character, ability, and
principle. I will not be judged as a good minority this or that. I want
to be judged the best [period]{.underline}! We have a responsibility not
to let America cast us as good affirmative action choices---to place
racial limits, qualifiers, parameters and provisos on our
accomplishments.

I have been the product of affirmative action, as has everyone in this
room. There is nothing wrong with that. But, affirmative action is only
a chance, an opportunity, a shot. I say, whatever your reason for
letting me on your playing field, I will take that opportunity to show
that I can not only play but can beat you at your game. I have no
interest, whatsoever, in being given the benevolent opportunity to play
on the high school field with other qualified minorities in the
consolation game.

We are all fortunate to find ourselves working in the field of
communications. The communications revolution is a profound shift to a
new economic era, equal in its importance to the agricultural and
industrial revolutions. It will bring, as those periods did, new
opportunities for professional achievement, for prosperity, for
education, and for economic power. Indeed, the communications revolution
will change the way we communicate, which, in turn, changes the way we
interact.

This is a real opportunity for us. In fact, it is the first opportunity
our people have had ever. We were picking cotton under the crack of a
whip during the agricultural revolution, and we were legally segregated
from whites and opportunity during the industrial revolution. But we are
poised to be a meaningful participant in this one. We must grab that
chance and show the world the content of our character. We must educate
our children to get the skills to catch this wave. We must encourage
bright minds coming out of college and graduate school to take jobs in
this industry. And, those of us that are already here must be civil
right leaders of a different sort. We must become civil rights insiders,
breaking down barriers and forging new paths within the system for other
generations to travel. Let me share with you a few points that I live by
as a civil rights insider and recommend them to you as guiding
principles for your careers.

II\. RULES OF A CIVIL RIGHTS INSIDER

1\. [It\'s Not Fair, Now Get Over It]{.underline}

Do not expect the insider\'s game we play to be fair. Make no mistake
about it, a black professional must be better than his white counterpart
to get the same degree of recognition. That is just the way it is, now
get over it. We can complain or curse that fact, but that will not push
it aside. We cannot let the fact that the bar is high, deter us from
attempting the jump. I take this higher standard as a challenge. You may
have a higher bar for me because of my color than you have for yourself,
but it does not matter because the bar I set for myself will always be
higher. I am not interested in fighting over mediocrity. I gladly
concede that field to you.

We need to strive to be the very best we can. We cannot aspire to
standards set for us by institutions, we must set our own that exceed
their expectations if we are to tear down interior walls. We want even
the most racially enlightened CEO to be impressed. We cannot demand that
we be judged simply by the content of our character, we must prove the
worthiness of our character. That is what a civil rights insider
does---blazes a path for others to follow. Not by his protestations of
fairness, but by the shear force of his example and the legacy he
leaves. I live by a simple credo taught to me by my father: "I am black,
and I know it, but I will make my race someone else's problem." I refuse
to let my race be a weight around my ankles, hobbling my progress. To
beat me with the weapon of racial inferiority, you will have to
discriminate baldly against me---visibly, openly, and blatantly---for I
will not cower under a cloud of doubt formed by those who engage in
subtle racism. Take control of your world. Marcus Garvey once said it
well:

> \"Few of us can understand what it takes to make a man---the man who
> will never say die; the man who will never give up; the man who will
> never depend on others to do for him what he ought to do for himself.
> The man who will not blame fate for his condition; but the man who
> will go out and make conditions to suit himself.\"

2\. [Lead By Example]{.underline}

Point two: Leadership is achieved not by word, but by deed. Subordinates
and peers do not care what we are (e.g., Director, Manager, President or
General), they pay attention to who we are in deciding whether to
follow. We cannot pay lip service to our capabilities, we must
demonstrate them to our colleagues and the outside world. How does one
bear the responsibility of leadership? First, we must spend every moment
of our lives preparing to take advantage of opportunities that will
present themselves. I believe that opportunity knocks for everyone, but
most people do not have their bags packed when the door opens. Keep your
bags packed. Constantly, educate yourselves. Expand your understanding.
Practice the skills you need for advancement. And, most importantly, do
not shrink from challenges. It is the only way to reach higher levels.

Second, we must conduct ourselves morally and abide by the highest of
values and uncompromising principles. Dr. King once said, "\[t\]he most
dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason but with no morals.
We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus
character---that is the goal of true education." This is not just some
haughty ideal. Let me clue you in, if you are not already. As black
professionals, we are watched and scrutinized more carefully than
others. There are those who look for us to slip up, fall off the path,
make a mistake. Too many folks, will be all too happy to watch some
character flaw or moral compromise be your undoing. Do not make it so
easy for them by walking into this trap. Do not even play close to the
line. We all have seen, too often, black men and women who achieve great
professional success, only to be struck low by some petty indiscretion.
Do not let that happen to you. Be a person of unassailable honor.

Third, show you have the acumen to lead and represent the views not just
of black men and women, but of all men and women under your charge. You
must take care to be a manager, director, commissioner, and leader to
[all]{.underline} under your leadership. Do not be the black manager.
You do no one any favors by being perceived as someone who dedicates
most of his time to minority concerns, while neglecting other duties and
responsibilities that come with the office. You may feel you are making
a difference, but you are marginalizing yourself and will slowly be
compartmentalized by those who judge your actions.

3\. [Be An Ambassador For Your Race]{.underline}

Now, with all due respect, we need to help white America a bit. Because
we have not had the same professional opportunities over the years it is
common for you to find that you are the only black professional in your
organization. That undoubtedly causes some anxiety on your part. But, it
also means that you are working with people who in all likelihood have
had little professional experience with a black professional and may,
themselves, be anxious about how to interact with you. Now, I know many
of us want to say it is easy, \"just treat us the same way you do
everybody else,\" and that is true. But there often are subtle and
important differences in our experiences and cultures that can lead to
misunderstanding, confusion, and even resentment. We must try not to
take umbrage at this misunderstanding, but should instead reach out and
help our colleagues understand the differences and sensitivities.

Similarly, we should see these situations as an opportunity to engage in
dialogue with white colleagues about the challenges we face and the
continuing indignity that comes with being a minority in America, no
matter how subtle it may be. I have many friends who are not bigots or
racists yet who do not appreciate the difficulties that remain after the
great Civil Rights struggle. My friends are often shocked to hear
stories of people crossing the street to get out of my path as I
approach, or jump out of an elevator as I enter, or being overlooked in
stores, particularly when dressed in jeans and a baseball cap. We must
share these experiences with them when we can.

My same friends do not always comprehend the continuing need for
something akin to affirmative action. They are often perplexed or angry
at policies that offer us opportunity, but at the expense of a white
individual who personally may never have engaged in a racist act. They
see confusing messages from our own communities, including a fair amount
of what they would view as racial hostility towards them, and our own
tendency to segregate. The racial questions that linger in the minds of
our white colleagues are not irrational. We should answer them, soberly
and honestly, whenever we get a chance.

We may resent having to address such questions. We may tire of having to
serve as racial ambassador all the time---\"race fatigue\" as Shelby
Steele has labeled it. But understand this, if you do not flush out and
answer these questions, those who have them will provide their own
answers, uninformed by your experience and insensitive to your daily
plight. Understand, too, that it is too easy for them to lead their
lives quite successfully and comfortably without exploring racial
questions in depth and without taking any responsibility. It is not so
simple for us. We must succeed in bringing greater understanding to the
masses if we want to advance a richer future for our children. We cannot
afford to let our white colleagues disengage and walk away without a
deeper understanding of us and the challenges we face.

4\. [Act Like You Belong Here, But Do It With Grace]{.underline}

I too often see black professionals that, despite their abilities,
reveal a sense of insecurity. They lack confidence, or are kept on their
heels by subtle cues of inferiority sent out from a competitive
co-worker wishing to get ahead. Do not fall for this trick. Act
confident and self-assured. Show that you are at peace with yourself and
your responsibilities. Be unflappable.

This is not to say you will not be filled with anxiety, that you will
not have some degree of insecurity, that you will not feel stress. My
lesson, however, is to stress somewhere else. Nurture an inner circle of
friends in whom you can confide and let down to. But, do not show
weakness in the workplace. Do not spill blood into the water, because
the sharks are waiting and are all too eager to make a quick snack of
you.

Be confident yes, but cocky no. Arrogance is confidence without grace
and there are few characteristics people hate and resent more. How you
wear your ability and how you treat others---those above you, below you
and the side of you---will make the difference between success and
failure. The greatest threat to you are those things you do not see
coming. You cannot be every where all the time and you cannot possibly
do everything right. If you have taken the time to care for others,
however, they will pick up the pieces (often quietly) that unknowingly
dropped.

Finally, do not use your race as a weapon. For years, the Bull Connors
of the world used race against us, do not use it against them. Do not
wield the weapon of racial guilt, or push your race as a credential for
advancement. These tactics may work for a time, but they are talking
about you, and steadily putting new blocks in the glass ceiling.

5\. [Take Wisdom From Unconventional Places]{.underline}

Take wisdom from the small things in life---the unconventional. Everyone
around you fights to be at the feet of the boss, to pick up his kernels
of wisdom and advice. However, that is not the only place to learn and
often is not even the best place to find wisdom. Learn from your
subordinates, from your children, from the janitor, from your barber,
from your administrative staff. You would be amazed what they see and
what they know. And, the line you have to wait in is a lot shorter.

Let me tell you about a mentor I once had. His name was John and he was
the shoeshine guy in my building when I was practicing law. I started
going to see John and he would always talk endlessly. He seemed to see
the whole world in parables about shoes. As far as I could tell, all of
life's lessons could be boiled down to polish, edging, brushes, shine
rags and, if you were good, a little secret formula in a nondescript
bottle. I rarely understood everything John would say, but we
nevertheless always had a lively conversation.

He used to always talk about the people he would see passing through the
posh building in which I worked. He used to say to me constantly that it
was a disgrace that all these high-powered folks would stroll through
with tailored suits and Coach leather briefcases, but when you looked
down their shoes were a mess. He would constantly say to me that I
looked good, too, but I really had to keep my shoes in tiptop shape.
Every time I saw him he would make this point. I thought he was just
trying to build business, but then it dawned on me that he was saying
much more. He was saying that he was very proud to see a black
professional, like myself, holding his own with the likes of the others
he saw. But, he was warning me, teaching me, that I had to be a little
bit better in order to compete with these folks---I had to keep my shoes
shined. John was so right, and I anxiously went down to see him every
chance I got, to get a little more insight into success from the shoe
shine man.

6\. [Forge New Paths]{.underline}

Do not be content to simply get along, and to follow the well-worn path
to a pension and the gold watch. There is nothing wrong with this, of
course, but just know that real success and advancement come from doing
something different than it has ever been done before. You owe it to
yourself and Dr. King to try to blaze new paths.

Building a better mousetrap will also make you unique among your peers.
Del Lewis, the successful black executive, once listed his rules for
success. One was that you have to have a uniqueness that sets you apart
from the crowd. Charles Kendall Adams eloquently made this same point:

> \"No one ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is
> required of him. It is the amount and excellence of what is over and
> above the required that determines the greatness of ultimate
> distinction.\"

Not everyone is cut out to be a trailblazer and that is fine. Dr. King
himself acknowledged that \"the hope of the world is still in the
dedicated minorities. The trailblazers in human, academic, scientific,
and religious freedom have always been in the minority.\" But, I submit
that as a tribute to Dr. King who blazed trails for us, we should spend
our lives thinking about being entrepreneurs. Looking for ways to
succeed through our own unique contribution. At a minimum, live by what
I call my mother's motto, which is to \"leave every place a little
better than you found it.\"

7\. [Mentor And Network]{.underline}

Point seven: Do not sit back waiting for someone to form a mentor
program and assign you a mentee before you start mentoring. Hunt
prospects down. When you meet a young man or women of promise, grab them
by the ear, if necessary, and teach them what you have learned.
Conveying your experiences is more important than running around opening
doors for them before they are ready. Elie Wiesel once said the "failure
to convey an experience is to betray it." Putting folks in a position to
fail is not helping them at all. Help them fix their shortcomings, their
weaknesses, help them hone their talents. And, most importantly, do not
be soft. Demand more from them than you would others. If you send them
into battle well prepared, victory will be theirs and you can then bask
in their glory.

Network, network, network! Build relationships that can offer support,
provide opportunity, provide counsel and advice, and, perhaps most
importantly, that can slap you back in your place when you get a bit too
high on yourself. Remember, people with large rolodexes run the world.

8\. [Be A Patriot]{.underline}

Be a patriot. Love your country and what it stands for. This nation has
terrible faults, but it is still the best nation to ever reign. This is
our home. It is just as much our "sweet land of liberty" as anyone
else\'s, even if we did not all arrive on her shores by our own
volition. For all its wrinkles, it is still the greatest place of
opportunity, promise and of ideals. Your challenge is to make America
live up to her ideals.

Dr. King once explained that he took his stand, "because of my love for
America and the sublime principles of liberty and equality on which she
is founded." Well said.

III. CONCLUSION

So, go forth civil rights insiders and make a difference each day. Your
contributions need not be grand. They need not bring congratulatory
plaques and ribbons. They need only be persistent and concerted. Every
day set the example. Mentor, forge new paths, love your country, and do
it all with confidence and grace. Through all of this you can build on
Dr. King\'s efforts and improve upon them.

President Reagan said it beautifully on the occasion of the first Martin
Luther King, Jr. Holiday:

> The majesty of his message, the dignity of his bearing, and the
> righteousness of his cause are a lasting legacy. In a few short years,
> he changed America for all time.

Following his example, we can too.

Thank you for the honor of being here.