Reader congratulates ‘The Tree Shaker’ for being an uncompromising voice for ‘the family’!

Dear Brother Kwaku: 

Congratulations on your 50th anniversary as an uncompromising voice for our community. 

I represent a small group of brothers who meet occasionally to fraternize and discuss issues, although we don’t call ourselves leaders or even advocates. 

We simply come together to play spades or gamble and have fun, and as I said in a letter to you 20 years ago. 

As brothers—family members—when we’re not joking around, we discuss serious issues. Two weeks ago, you were the main topic when one brother revealed that 2026 marks your half-century as a vocal leader, journalist, and columnist. 

We made note of your transition from an educator and historian to an advocate and tree-shaker. 

We mentioned your evolution from Michael to Mikel, and later Kwaku Osei. 

Your evolution, like the revolution, never stops! 

I’m not representing the group, but merely making note of our group conversation Saturday, because it is both interesting and worthy, given your anniversary and status as the only Black columnist and most tenured, I was told, Black journalist in the state; maybe the country. 

It was interesting that those of us who engaged you in conversation over the years, or simply observed you (as we do other sub-chiefs), have witnessed an obvious transition —evolution — even though there has been a recognizable philosophical consistency: the newspaper editor and columnist, the television personality, and the radio pundit. 

We kinda’ compared notes, and I was left with the impression that we were talking about three totally different people, when in fact, you are kinda like the Temptations, same harmony but different transitional music to keep up with the times. 

‘Michael’ was observant, quoting Black leaders of the past, particularly Malcolm, Du Bois, and Marcus, contrasting philosophies and their historical relevance. 

‘Mikel’ was more militant, advocating from a Pan-African point of view, coining the phrase, the ‘Negrocracy.’ 

In addition to your leadership and advocacy on behalf of our family, you made us aware that the path to empowerment is often blocked by the liberal establishment, special interests like the Democratic Party, and the Negrocracy, which you explained were leaders and organizations under the thumb of special interests. 

Having followed your career, I recognize the overlap, during your transition (or evolution) from the early days as Michael, to Mikel, and following your graduation from the Rites of Passage with me, Kwaku Osei. But, as I told the brothers, your central philosophy has remained the same, only the delivery is different. 

The Mikel Holt we watched (or in some cases critiqued on television, Charlie Sykes show, the African-centric representation on Black radio from WAWA to The Truth, and the Black Nationalistic columns I was first introduced to by my parents) was the same person. 

Black people tuned in on Sunday morning to watch ‘Sunday Insight” cognizant that you would represent us well. 

We proudly sat back, knowing you wouldn’t cave in or contradict what the conservatives or white liberals (‘missionaries’ you called them when appropriate) on the panel would dish out. 

We gave you props for standing up for Black people, countering the onslaught of attacks, and turning the tables when they attempted to stereotype or generalize. 

Interestingly, as much as you tried to deny it, your television persona can best be described as classic Black Nationalism, even if that required you to take Black people to task for our self-destructive behavior. 

While you frequently questioned Black leadership and ventured outside the box on politics, you explained that we must form an independent agenda. 

As you frequently explained to the dismay of the status quo, ‘the Democrats and Republicans are different wings on the same bird, and neither will do for Black people what we can do for ourselves.’ 

Most Black viewers expected you to take the positions you do, although we’re forced to support Democrats and Black politicians, even though we know deep inside some have betrayed our trust and fueled the negative stereotypes. 

I’m an avid radio listener, and while I always find your positions compelling and your insights unique when you’re on the airwaves, you seem to take joy in lambasting the Negrocracy and demanding accountability. 

Yours, I assume, is rooted in a frustration with the status quo, the inability and unwillingness to put our interests before their own, or some special interests. 

Here, too, we applaud you for raising questions, demanding accountability, and keeping us abreast of what happens behind the scenes. 

As a result, I readily understand why several Black politicians are seemingly on a mission to stab you in the back (I won’t publicly mention names; we did that Saturday night). 

We respect you for being the official ‘tree shaker,’ the conscience of our family. You ask the questions others are afraid to ask, particularly those related to accountability, a responsibility we talk about but rarely bring to the table. 

We’re in a sad state politically. Our community is imploding, and few, other than you, are willing to force us to look into the mirror. 

Your unique persona is well known to those of us who have followed your career. 

I have an early column that addresses your Black nationalistic philosophy. An article you wrote last fall repeated almost verbatim some of the same principles. 

No one can say you’re not consistent. 

At first glance, I thought it reflected a lack of growth. But upon reflection and analysis, it spoke of a value system, an African-centric culture that is time-tested. 

Had we not moved from that platform, we would probably be in control of our community today. 

At some point, we forgot what the last five letters of ‘community’ spell out. 

I was thinking of that, along with the Africentric values you continue to espouse, as I made note that you consistently wear an African necklace or clothing. It represents who and what you are. 

Peace be upon you, brother. Allah has given us three different sides of you for three different media. 

Each provides us with a different aspect that is much needed as we continue to seek empowerment. 

I pray that Allah grants you grace to continue your growth and to provide us with your voice. 

—Brother Muhammad