Elon Musk’s company Zai is embroiled in a heated dispute over supercomputers in Memphis, Tennessee, a situation that appears to be fracturing the local black community.

There’s an old saying that not all kin are family, but what occurs when familial connections feel more adversarial, and communication resembles tension rather than support?

In times when clarity, unity, and bravery are needed, many prominent black leaders seem tangled in a performance struggle that prioritizes showmanship over strategy. From city councils to statehouses, the implications of this crisis extend beyond policy issues to fundamental purpose. Unfortunately, black residents in Memphis are bearing the burden.

The disagreement among black leaders about what true liberation means—be it mental, economic, or environmental—raises deeper questions. Perhaps it’s not just about the disputes themselves, but how we draw them into our discussions. Without intent, disagreements can divert us from shared goals and erode the trust within our community.

Consider the rising tensions around Zai’s controversial supercomputer facility in Southern Memphis. Musk’s company is establishing a large facility in a heavily invested, environmentally significant black neighborhood. While Mayor Paul Young emphasizes economic growth, Senator Justin Pearson has raised alarms about potential health risks and has called for judicial actions from groups like the NAACP.

It’s true that meetings and discussions took place between Zai’s supporters, including the mayor and the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, both of which I attended. I personally interacted with representatives from these organizations. However, merely holding meetings doesn’t equate to genuine collaboration. The longer this disconnect remains visible, the more vulnerable our leadership is to exploitation by corporate agendas.

The recent budget discussions reveal a similar trend. Just last week, the Shelby County Commission approved a nearly $2 billion budget without increasing property tax rates. While Mayor Lee Harris received accolades for being “financially responsible,” critics like Commissioner Charlie Caswell and various community groups rightfully challenge how such austerity measures can truly assist those who are suffering from insufficient services and stagnant wages.

This issue transcends mere financial statements. It relates to the value we place on our community. A flat tax leads to flat services, and in a neighborhood already beleaguered by investment woes, that’s hardly neutral; it’s, well, neglectful.

Then, venturing into the realm of spirituality, we observe an arena that often preaches moral clarity, yet mirrors divisive tendencies. Some long-established black religious institutions are frequently associated with corporate partners, like Target, accepting funding while grassroots activists and young clergy push for a more transparent and authentic representation of their communities.

We can’t afford these divisions, nor can we allow ourselves to be confused:

• Building a personal platform can often stem from ego.
• Prophetic work risks popularity in the pursuit of truth.
• Public witness demands transparency and accountability.
• Political pragmatism should never justify moral shortcomings.

To be clear, I’m not an outsider passively critiquing this issue. I’ve had conversations with Young and Pearson, shared meals, and attended various meetings in hopes of overcoming these tensions in a way that centers people. The exception here is Harris; I’m still trying to arrange a meeting with him.

What troubles me most is that these conflicts seem to be solidifying around identities rather than actual ideas. We’re slipping into sectarianism, akin to a personality cult. Meanwhile, the broader black community continues to endure hardship under a system that waits for no one as we jockey for position.

This isn’t just about unity for its own sake; it’s about harnessing our power effectively. It’s crucial that we can work together with enough focus and discipline to shift policies, redistribute resources, and dismantle harmful systems. That’s the fundamental task ahead of us.

Family squabbles can be entertaining, but when it comes to the welfare of black people, these disputes could be devastating.