Founded in April of 2006, United Voices for a Common Cause, Inc. (UVCC) a non-profit
organization with a tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) is dedicated to fostering
progressive self-esteem, pride, dignity, self-respect and introspection throughout the African
American community.
Recognizing that negative lyrics, scripts, dialog and scenes which enter the human ears and
sight has a negative effect on the human mind and in of itself lends to a debilitating, self-defeating
image hereby declares censorship on the use of the n-word by African Americans.
The Amour Propre Charter
We, concerned, self-respecting African Americans, declare for all of America to know that…
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS it is recognized that the First Amendment guarantees freedom of
speech it is our aim to persuade that this right is exercised with common
sense and due diligence relative to internal issues encompassing the African
American community.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that non-blacks use the n-word…the focus of
attention will be on African American users of the word…it is a matter of self-
respect, dignity, honor and pride that all African Americans refrain from such
conduct, practice and usage. To demand respect you must first respect
yourself.
AND WHEREAS it is in the best interest of the African American community to
preserve its rich and rewarding history it will now be considered an
abomination to show disrespect and mockery to the brave and courageous
deeds of those who participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Freedom
Riders, Mississippi Burning, Bloody Sunday (Selma, AL), Sit-ins, Foot-Soldiers,
the Harriett Tubmans, Christopher Attucks, Frederick Douglas, Marcus
Garvey, Jackie Robinson and many others whom all were denigrated with the
n-word…by now taking that very same word embracing it and using it
endearingly and affectionately.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that a positive self-image and a positive self-
concept are essential to the growth, development and self-fulfillment of the
African-American people and that the continual internal usage of the n-word is
counter-productive in this regard.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that there are elements existing within the
American society that seems to have a hands on approach to establishing
standards and imagery of African Americans that’s not in the best interest of
the Black community cannot and will not continue to be tolerated.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that there are those African Americans who
compromises their values by allowing themselves to be portrayed in a
demeaning and degrading fashion i.e. actors, actresses, rappers, comedians
will henceforth answer to the wrath of all self-respecting African Americans.
No longer is it going to be acceptable that you allow yourselves to be used as
a tool to undermine the black community.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that there are conflicting stories about the
origin of the n-word there is nothing conflicting about its 400-year-old history
symbolizing slavery and Black oppression and the psychological forces at play
that leads to the death of the mind, body and spirit of African Americans.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that institutional racism, racial discrimination is
alive and well in America it is also recognized that the pulse beat of black
fratricide—physically and mentally—should not and will not any longer be
ignored or acceptable as a way of life in the Black community.
The Reaffirmation of the Code of Conduct For The Black National Community
The overall Code of Conduct for our National Black Community is simply to love, honor and
respect one another! In so doing, we will cease from using the infamous “n” word and all other
words that add no value to our human existence! It has been said that whatever goes into the
heart of a person will certainly come out of that person. It is our belief that if this framework for a
Code of Conduct is implemented and lived, it will revolutionize and restore what was taken away
from us, as a people, some 400 plus years ago! There is nothing greater in this life than to
awaken one day to find that you have realized and fulfilled your purpose/destiny and have left an
enormous mark (a legacy) for those who are left, to build upon.
written by: Ronald Shirley
Respectfully submitted April of 2006 by the Governing Board of the United Voices for a Common
Cause (UVCC, Inc.)
organization with a tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) is dedicated to fostering
progressive self-esteem, pride, dignity, self-respect and introspection throughout the African
American community.
Recognizing that negative lyrics, scripts, dialog and scenes which enter the human ears and
sight has a negative effect on the human mind and in of itself lends to a debilitating, self-defeating
image hereby declares censorship on the use of the n-word by African Americans.
The Amour Propre Charter
We, concerned, self-respecting African Americans, declare for all of America to know that…
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS it is recognized that the First Amendment guarantees freedom of
speech it is our aim to persuade that this right is exercised with common
sense and due diligence relative to internal issues encompassing the African
American community.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that non-blacks use the n-word…the focus of
attention will be on African American users of the word…it is a matter of self-
respect, dignity, honor and pride that all African Americans refrain from such
conduct, practice and usage. To demand respect you must first respect
yourself.
AND WHEREAS it is in the best interest of the African American community to
preserve its rich and rewarding history it will now be considered an
abomination to show disrespect and mockery to the brave and courageous
deeds of those who participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Freedom
Riders, Mississippi Burning, Bloody Sunday (Selma, AL), Sit-ins, Foot-Soldiers,
the Harriett Tubmans, Christopher Attucks, Frederick Douglas, Marcus
Garvey, Jackie Robinson and many others whom all were denigrated with the
n-word…by now taking that very same word embracing it and using it
endearingly and affectionately.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that a positive self-image and a positive self-
concept are essential to the growth, development and self-fulfillment of the
African-American people and that the continual internal usage of the n-word is
counter-productive in this regard.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that there are elements existing within the
American society that seems to have a hands on approach to establishing
standards and imagery of African Americans that’s not in the best interest of
the Black community cannot and will not continue to be tolerated.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that there are those African Americans who
compromises their values by allowing themselves to be portrayed in a
demeaning and degrading fashion i.e. actors, actresses, rappers, comedians
will henceforth answer to the wrath of all self-respecting African Americans.
No longer is it going to be acceptable that you allow yourselves to be used as
a tool to undermine the black community.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that there are conflicting stories about the
origin of the n-word there is nothing conflicting about its 400-year-old history
symbolizing slavery and Black oppression and the psychological forces at play
that leads to the death of the mind, body and spirit of African Americans.
AND WHEREAS it is recognized that institutional racism, racial discrimination is
alive and well in America it is also recognized that the pulse beat of black
fratricide—physically and mentally—should not and will not any longer be
ignored or acceptable as a way of life in the Black community.
The Reaffirmation of the Code of Conduct For The Black National Community
- Mind: Control what you allow to enter your mind. We should continue to be very selective
about what we allow into our eye gate, ear gate and our heart gate. For whatever goes into
us will certainly come out of us (e.g. types of conversations, movies, music, thoughts
about self and others that look like you).
- Words: Remember that every word that you speak has a purpose. Therefore, we must
be very careful about what comes out of our mouths. Therefore, we must ensure that our
words towards one another must always seek to encourage, challenge, support, build –
up, empower, define, strengthen, respect, create value, be prophetic, be directional,
inspirational, loving, compassionate, strong, prideful, honest, understanding, historically
correct, honoring, instructional, maternal, paternal and caring.
- Know Ones Own History: We must immerse ourselves into our historical past! One
cannot be oppressed in ones mind if he/she understands their greatness. The education
of self and culture will truly emancipate the individual to the point that he/she will not
continue to buy into self-destructive behaviors or beliefs. This is the only true legacy that
we can pass onto the next generation. It is also the only way to build a future generation
that will stand on its own in every aspect of human existence.
- Environment/ Community: We must be one hundred percent cognizant of the fact that we
are responsible for our own community’s success and direction. Therefore, we can no
longer accept any activity and or behavior that do not reflect well on our community’s
image, welfare, morale code or our political, economical, physical, social, and spiritual
condition of our overall environment. Our communities need to always reflect a sense of
pride, safety, beauty, family, order, loyalty, enterprise / commerce and above all the dignity
of its inhabitants.
- Family: We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to family. The traditional family,
single parent family, maternal /paternal grandparents family, community / village family
and the overall Black family. We will continue to pass on to each other and certainly the
next generations possess the following characteristics: integrity, rigorous work ethic, self-
determination, accountability, responsibility, pride of ownership, strategic/critical thinking
for planning and organization, communicative, articulate, trustworthiness, dependable and
preparedness.
- Economics: We will continue to follow in the footsteps of those before us and develop
business enterprises that support our community and the world. This will be in the form of
entrepreneurial ventures and inventions. This will be a viable part of the infrastructure in
the black community that will cause it to be strong and vibrant.
- Education: We must ensure that our school systems reflect the essence of who we are,
as Americans of African descent who are survivors, so that our children grow up with a
very high sense of self and purpose. We must continue to demonstrate the high value of
education and self-knowledge to our children by ensuring that we are involved in every
aspect of their educational journey (elementary, middle school, high school, college and
graduate school). This would also include all trade schools and other types of
formal/informal education. We must understand that our gifts are all different; therefore
we must seek, then find another path that fits our purpose.
- Spiritual: We must continue to follow God’s direction for our lives. However, we will not
allow this critical area of our lives to divide us. We will work from a base of mutual respect
for one another and allow the truth to prevail. We must vow that nothing will separate us
from building each other up.
- Relationships: We will continue to demonstrate our highest respect for one another in all
of our interactions, as a people. Especially in our marriages, one-on-one relationships,
business relationships, friendships, courtships, dating relationships, work relationships,
social relationship and spiritual relationships. We must teach that we should expect from
one another-- honor, self-respect, truthfulness, dignity, compassion, understanding,
flexibility, commitment, forgiveness, stability and overall emotional health! Finally, we must
ensure that we continue to teach the next generation about their precious “Body
Temples” – so that we reduce the risk of limiting their overall life expectancy! For we
know, that we cannot enhance the next generation without properly planting a fertile seed.
- Health: Without good health it is very difficult to build a nation! Therefore, we must
become more aware of what we put into our bodies/temples. We will provide our bodies
with nutrients that enhance the quality and the longevity of our lives. This also includes not
jeopardizing our safety or well being, by exposing ourselves to a high-risk environment or
situation. We will ensure that we have annual medical and dental check ups and that we
are exercising on a regular basis to strengthen our minds and bodies. We will reduce and
or eliminate foods that do not have any nutritional value (especially those we feed our
children). We will supplement our diets with all natural vitamins appropriate for our
particular phase in life’s journey.
- Voting: We must all be registered to vote (age appropriate)! A People that are
disconnected from the political process are powerless. Our fore – fathers/mothers died
so that we would be able to participate in the political process. If we are able to help
establish the laws and elect lawmakers that govern this Nation, then we are able to make
the types of significant contributions that affect our well being!
The overall Code of Conduct for our National Black Community is simply to love, honor and
respect one another! In so doing, we will cease from using the infamous “n” word and all other
words that add no value to our human existence! It has been said that whatever goes into the
heart of a person will certainly come out of that person. It is our belief that if this framework for a
Code of Conduct is implemented and lived, it will revolutionize and restore what was taken away
from us, as a people, some 400 plus years ago! There is nothing greater in this life than to
awaken one day to find that you have realized and fulfilled your purpose/destiny and have left an
enormous mark (a legacy) for those who are left, to build upon.
written by: Ronald Shirley
Respectfully submitted April of 2006 by the Governing Board of the United Voices for a Common
Cause (UVCC, Inc.)
| Founder - CEO H. Lewis Smith Author - Bury That Sucka Executive Board Lorenzo Gray Rene Harris Harvey Johnson Marques Payne James Lisbon Iris Mack Ronald Shirley H. Lewis Smith Doreen Wade |
About Us >
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Self-
Respect
Pride
Dignity
Respect
Pride
Dignity
United Voices for a Common Cause
"self-respect, pride, dignity"