The relative importance of dissent[1], radical politics, and respectability as elements of

political progress and uplift ideology in Black America have been a constant theme throughout
Americas history. Whereas some have argued for the primacy of respectability politics[2], others
have argued for the primacy of dissent and radical politics[3]. Theories of Black American
political approach differ in the extent to which they define uplift. Conversely, though this
difference exists the two approaches overlap to reflect the overhauling American patriarchal
perspective. This adopted cultural norm places Black male leaders at the forefronts of political
approaches, with the names of women who were essential contributors reduced to honorable
mentions and afterthoughts[4]. This narrow focus of Black American political leaders ironically
purported a system of repression in historical representation that mimics the overarching
American political system that it sought to fight.
A notable facet of American culture resides within the revolutionary, and radical politics
that have historically brought independence and change to the country and its inhabitants.
Beginning with the revolutionary war, America made a name for itself as rebels that would
prevail into the historical and political foundations of the nation permanently. Many Black
American political leaders have since used similar principles of these foundations to assist them
in creating change for the Black community, and American society as a whole.
Americas patriarchal political system, and hegemonic cultural tradition are relative
influences to Black Americas repressive practice of historical and political gender exclusion. For
example, Americas founding and executive leadership has been attributed to entirely male
contributions; and the declared national holidays solely attributed to male success. While women
have made extraordinary contributions to America over the course of its history, they like

minorities are reduced to honorable mentions. Within the political history of Black America the
depiction of political leader Rosa Parks who though pivotal to the Civil Rights Movements
success is reduced to a contributor that began the bus boycotts and no more, depicts the extent of
the use of mentioning[5] that has permitted for continued male dominance of Black political
leadership history. As relevant to this exploration, the common practice of mentioning purports
the suppression of the importance of the Black female as leaders and significant contributors to
Black uplift.