The struggle between the Arab led government and scores of Black Sudanese has led to the death, rape and displacement of thousands of women and children. The world acknowledges that genocide is taking place in Sudan. Concern is expressed, but little action takes place to end the cycle of misery. I am certain that if those who are impacted looked differently, the response to their plight would be different. Those who claim to love peace and justice cannot be content to let others do the heavy lifting while they claim “higher ground.” Policy-makers hear assembled voices particularly in an election year. This would mean that it is imperative for those who seek change to bring their concerns forward in a direct way.

A prime example of using clout can be found in the reaction to the House passed version of immigration reform. Among the provisions in the measure is classifying illegal immigrants as felons. This would mean that at least 11 million people would find their stay endangered. In some cases, these individuals hold jobs, pay taxes and have children who were born here and therefore are citizens. The thought of possibly being asked to leave brought over a million predominantly Latino demonstrators out for a “Day of Protest.” Across the nation, there seemed to be a oneness of purpose. Those who immigrated to the United States or were born here want to continue working, raising their families while pursuing a good quality life.

We have just witnessed a well-organized “Day without Immigrants.” In an expression of solidarity, millions chose to stay home from their jobs, scores of children walked out of school and at least a million took to the streets all over the nation. The organizers wanted to make the point that immigrants can affect the American economy by choosing not to work or shop. Over the coming weeks, analysts of various stripes will examine the impact of the action.

This “street heat” will reach lawmakers on Capitol Hill and the nation’s statehouses. The increased temperature will cause politicians to react. Aside from the massive numbers on the streets, established leadership was also being questioned. When the call was made to go to the streets there were voices among the ‘leadership’ who were trying to soften this type of expression. Some like President Bush attempted to discourage support for the effort. In spite of those efforts, the voice of change overcame those voices that were either afraid or hesitant to rock the boat. This is yet another example of a disconnect between ‘leadership’ and those they purport to represent. There is a growing restlessness among segments of the population that are feeling left out of the promise of America.

The African American community is confronted with many questions that need to be answered. Among them is what issue would mean enough to a sizable number of African Americans to bring us to the streets? The issue of leadership needs to be scrutinized. There appears to be a lack of cohesion when various groups attempt to come up with a workable agenda. It is impossible to move forward and backwards at the same time.

Those who preceded us left the tracks that we were to follow. Surely, the efforts of

Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King or Fannie Lou Hamer cannot be forgotten or ignored. These outstanding heroes and heroines called us to excellence. At times they urged us to extricate ourselves from our comfort zones and to a course of action. We need to remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr. when he said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

The call is waiting for an answer.

George Wilson hosts the nationally heard political talk show “GW on the Hill.” He is heard from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on XM Radio’s Channel 169 THE POWER.