Last February, I was heading out to Los Angeles to be a part of the annual State of the Black Union event that featured some of the greatest members of our generation of black Americans. From the conversations around dinner tables to the panels to the fundraiser concert by Prince and Sheila E., it was one of the most energetic and rousing times of my life. And did I mention that the concert was slammin’?

One year later, I’m facing the reality that the annual State of the Black Union will not happen for the first time in a decade. Even those who take pleasure in attacking Tavis Smiley can’t dismiss his dedication to addressing issues that impact black America politically, socially, academically and economically through a host of black historians and activists.

After all of the chatter about Tavis’ role during these past 10 years, it must also be said that he filled a void. He gave us something valuable to aid the advancement of black people in America.

Now, the question is: Who or what is going to replace his event? In an America in need of serious discussion, there is an obligation for those of us that attended, watched or participated (via chat rooms and other dialogue) in the State of the Black Union events over the past 10 years to move the discussions of the past into action.