Pretty Paint, a Crow traditional leader, will know when he has the right to wear an eagle feather war bonnet, a mark of honor among many Plains tribes. Even though he plays a crucial role in some of the Crow Tribe's most revered ceremonies, the 47-year-old said he's still not ready to wear the war bonnet. People his age are still considered young adults among the Crow.
While Pretty Paint respects the war bonnet, too often, others make it a showpiece rather than revere it as a symbol of honor. Many of our people - those who run for elected office and those who vote for them - tend to forget what our communities should expect from those who move into leadership roles.
Bordas' book is timely. “The rapidly increasing cultural and racial diversity of the U.S. work force, consumer base and citizenry is propelling leadership to better reflect the values, world views and principles inherent in our multicultural age,” she writes.
Her book inspires us to embrace the tried-and-true traditional leadership practices from Africa to the Americas.
While reading “Salsa, Soul and Spirit,” I became intrigued by the author's successful weaving of histories, voices and stories. Bordas leads us to explore the virtues of inspiring black, Hispanic and Native leaders. The author reminds us about the leadership qualities revered in multicultural communities that helped sustain those cultures over the centuries, despite being subjected to “historical trauma,” “psychology of oppression,” “white privilege,” and “systemic oppression.”
Bordas helps us sort through the “We vs. I” approaches to serving our communities.
“Salsa, Soul and Spirit,” is a solid reminder of how our present-day communities should be holding our leaders accountable. And she inspires leaders to ask: How can I be accountable to my community? Societies, businesses and communities can be measured by the strength of its leaders.
It's one thing to be chosen to lead, and another to wear a war bonnet without earning the right. Most of us have witnessed those who force themselves into leadership positions. The typical result leads to dark days for the tribe, organization, group and members.
Bordas raises the question: What qualifies a person to lead in the first place?
A lot of books exist on leadership, but the examples diminish greatly when looking for examples that speak to communities of color. I've found even fewer examples that speak specifically to leadership in American Indian communities.
The multicultural leadership practices in Bordas' book come in stark contrast to the Machiavellian leadership models commonly practiced in today's capitalistic society. I finished reading “Salsa, Soul and Spirit” feeling hopeful about the future. I also marveled at what this world might look like if leaders from all four directions lived up to some of these traditional leadership practices that have guided black, Hispanic and Native communities and allowed them to survive generations of hardship.
While multicultural nations can shine as beacons of leadership, Bordas' writing also succeeds in encouraging these leaders to acknowledge self-centered leadership practices taking place in their own communities. It might not have been the writer's intention, but the message comes through loud and clear.
Bordas leaves us to ask questions. How do we heal our own communities? And how do we reach out to others? She writes of how the black Civil Rights movement sought to “heal rather than defeat the oppressor.”
“Salsa, Soul and Spirit,” succeeds in promoting the concept of hope and forgiveness, a remedy that allows us to fully appreciate and learn from each other's cultures.
Reporter Jodi Rave can be raeched at 1-800-366-7186 or at jodi.rave@lee.net
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