BISHOP T.D. JAKES: And The Clergy Speaks!!!

By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Bishop T. D. Jakes issued a thought provoking statement in response to Don Imus racial slurs thrown at Rutgers University's women's basketball team. Revered clergyman Bishop T.D. Jakes is joining the likes of Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton in denouncing the racist remarks that nationally syndicated radio talk show host Don Imus made about the Rutgers University basketball.

Jakes is the senior Pastor/Founder of The Potter's House of Dallas, Inc, -- the largest black church in the region -- a best-selling author, recording artist and television personality.

This afternoon, the holy man who 'Time' magazine dubbed 'America's Best Preacher' in 2001, released a thought-provoking statement, which in essence, asks for a form of protest to take place.

"Trying to be funny" is a justifiable excuse for calling a group of distinguished young African-American women "nappy-headed [whores]," or so says radio talk show host Don Imus about his racial slurs April 4 toward the young ladies of the Rutgers University women's basketball team. Given that Imus and his producer are still employed, one must assume that NBC, their employer, agrees. With this attitude, is it any surprise that racism continues to poison America?

Shock jock Don Imus has gotten Black America in an uproar for racial slurs he made about prestigious college women's baskerball team. Jesus taught that "What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" (Matthew 15:11 NIV) The fact remains that Imus' unprovoked racial slurs -- which sadly appear to be part of a personal pattern over the years -- clearly reveal a deeper malignancy of the heart. But it is the lack of immediate and meaningful response by his employer that reveals a deeper cancer in America.

Press statements and public appearances are mere bandages when someone's daughter is called a whore for fun. True healing will come only when individuals honestly address the root of their remarks, rather than making excuses for them, and only when employers and advertisers in our society respond immediately and decisively. Hall of Fame baseball player Cal Ripken immediately canceled his forthcoming appearance on Imus' show; others should do the same.

Imus is a broadcast industry professional, who I hold to a higher standard. Imus' employers are broadcast conglomerates that I also hold to a higher standard. And the advertisers that spend millions on Imus' show should also be held to a higher standard. Allison Gollust, senior vice president for news communications at NBC, has stated: "We take this matter very seriously." If so, Imus and Bernard McGuirk should be unemployed today and the excuses should stop, so that the healing can begin.

On behalf of decent moral people of all backgrounds, and specifically for women of color, we heard the so-called joke. But now the entire media, advertisers and industry executives should deliver the punch line.

Jakes (nee Thomas Dexter Jakes, Sr.) is a Charleston, West Virginia native founded the 10-member Greater Emmanuel Temple of Faith in West Virginia.

Today, he helms The Potter's House, a multiracial, nondenominational church with more than 50 active outreach ministries.

BV Extras:

-- IMUS MUST GO: Black Voices Producers Ingrid Sturgis and Angela Bronner denounce Don Imus' racist and chauvinist statements.

-- TOO MANY THINGS: What went down when Rev. Al Sharpton and Don Imus went face-to-face live on air.

-- HOT BUTTON: The BV Community is all abuzz about Don Imus and his racial slur.