I am reaching out with other Black leaders across our communities to join in a "Festive 40-Day Fast for the Future."

This is a celebratory call for change considering the magnitude of the early part of 2009 – the 80-year birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the first days with the first African-American president.

Starting with the Inauguration of Barack Obama, there will be a special 40 days that all African-Americans will enjoy along with their fellow citizens. As such, this is a unique opportunity to address the ills found in Black America, leveraging the depth of experienced Black mentors with new Black leadership to bring about a new reality for Black people – and all citizens – in 21st century America. ...

The initial goals that I want to list out for these upcoming 40 days are:

1. No Black-initiated crime during the 40 days (thus, calling a truce, if you will)

2. No Black truancy from school during the 40 days (to celebrate accomplishment, not disengagement)

3. No Black-on-Black violence or murder during the 40 days (to celebrate life, not death)

4. "No b****es, no n**gaz, no jiggas, and no hoes" for 40 days (to usher in a return of Black Chivalry)

Ideally, we will add other goals to a list of long term processes and initiatives to meet the required solutions to make permanent, positive changes in Black America.

Initially, I wanted this call to be made just for North Carolina and have thus begun the process of reaching out to those leaders directly. I do believe that this is a short-term initiative that Black leaders throughout the country can embrace, not as a call that I am individually making, but as a call that we collectively need. Our children – American children – are at need, and it will take their fathers, mothers, brothers, and cousins to turn this around more than it will ever take a program or a government to do it for them.

I look forward to networking with other leaders soon to turn around our communities at this special time. The support of all Americans will be greatly appreciated, but I feel in my heart that this must be led by African-Americans because it is our families, Black young men, and children in crisis. At this point, there is no room for finger-pointing and excuses- only solutions and success.

What better way to celebrate the 40 days from MLK Day through the end of Black History Month than to permanently change our communities just as the history of the country has changed?

Let's do this - together.


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Lenny McAllister is a Republican political commentator and guest co-host for Fox News - Charlotte's morning show "Fox News Rising," where his commentary can be heard every Monday. His website is lennymcallister.com