Elementary School Slavery Lesson Gone Wrong

When sending your child off to school don't you assume they'll be educated and protected until you return to pick them up?

In Charlotte, North Carolina, when parents returned to pick their children up from school one day, many were distraught to learn what kind of activities had taken place. 

During a lesson on a Civil War tour guide, Ian Campbell who's black himself -- instructed black students to pretend too be slaves in front of their white classmates. 

Campbell, a historian of 15 years stated, "I am very enthusiastic about getting kids to think about how people did things in 1860, 1861 -- even before that period," he said.

One parent commented that Campbell, took his enthusiasm to far when picking three black children out of a group of mostly white students, to play the role of cotton picking slaves during his hands-on history lesson. 

Allegedly, the students were made to wear bags around their necks that were used to gather "pretend" cotton. Campbell simply commented, "I was trying to be historically correct not politically correct."

President Kojo Nantambu, of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg National Association for the Advancement of Colored People disagreed with the activities while stating, 


"There is a lingering pain, a lingering bitterness, a lingering insecurity and a lingering sense of inhumanity since slavery. Because that's still there, you want to be more sensitive than politically correct or historically correct."

Campbell claims that his lessons have been conducted this way in the past, and never caused such an uproar that he's receiving to date. Moreover, the tour guide made it his business to make his opponents aware, that his future tour guides will be conducted by asking volunteers instead of hand picking the participants; this way all children can be involved. 
  
2009 LA

Black History Moment Blast From The Past

On July 15, 1822, the City of Brotherly Love decided to live up to its slogan, by officially opening its school doors to black children.

The Board of Education opened a public elementary school for black boys, in what was then the old Presbyterian Meeting house. And four years later in 1826, the Board established a public elementary school for black girls.

WooHoo! Can I get a high five for justice?!

2009 LA

New Black Film: American Violet

Police drug raids in low-income communities across the country, often sweep up innocent people in the process. Once in the system it can become nearly impossible for these people to prove their innocence. They lose their freedom, their families are broken, and the true story is rarely told.

'American Violet' is a new award-winning film that can help shine a light on this problem, as the film tells an amazing story about a young single mother that was swept up in an unjust and out-of-control drug raid, which targeted a black community in a small town in Texas. 

Based on true events the film examines how our country's drug laws and enforcement practices, purposely target African Americans in which the justice system uses threats and intimidation to steer the vulnerable towards guilty pleas regardless of their innocence and evidence.

The film is inspired by the real life story of Regina Kelly, an African-American single mother of four girls, who was arrested in the year 2000 during a military-style drug raid. 

The raid resulted in the arrest of nearly 15 percent of the towns young black male population regarding felony cocaine distribution. Ms. Kelly was innocent however her name along with the names of many others that were arrested (nearly all African American), were given to police by a single highly unreliable informant with personal reasons to antagonize her.

Despite Kelly's innocence, she was coerced into pleading guilty by her family and her public defender as a way to receive a minimal sentence, and still be with her young children. 

A felony conviction however would have resulted in the loss of her right to vote, and the public assistance programs in which her family depended upon, not to mention the tainting of her character and the ability to not obtain employment. Ms Kelly stood strong and maintained her plea of not guilty.

Support this movie if you wish to see Ms. Kelly's outcome. 

2009 LA

MLK Street Signs Limited to Urban Areas Only?

Something has come to my attention during my travels around the United States of America.

Are you familiar with the story of Dr. Martin Martin Luther King Jr., an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights movement?

 Well as a result of his efforts, his legacy to secure civil rights for black people in the United States lives on, and he is frequently referenced as a human rights icon to this day. 

He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president. In 1963 King would eventually make his infamous "I Have A Dream" speech, at a March on Washington event. 

In 1964, MLK became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination, through civil disobedience and other non-violent means. 

By the time of his death in 1968, he had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and opposing the Vietnam War. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 1986.

When national holidays roll around businesses usually close and people have a day off, in remembrance special people and moments that were captured in history. 

It's interesting that when Martin Luther King's national holiday rolls around, businesses don't close in remembrance and people are still made to go to work as if Kings achievements weren't worthy enough for people to stop and take notice.  

Moreover, traveling across the United States of America to the garden state of New Jersey, the high mountains of California, or the hot and open lands of Georgia, they all have one thing in common; Martin Luther King streets, avenues, and boulevards. However, I've noticed that all Martin Luther King streets seem to always be located in the most violent, dirty, rundown and poor neighborhoods. 

I have never, EVER, seen a Martin Luther King street sign in the suburbs, NEVER. What is the reason behind this and who decides where those signs should be placed? 

The street signs being in low income areas is fine, but why are they only limited to those areas? Is this someone's way of saying he was your black leader, so keep his name in your black communities?

King was awarded a national holiday yes, but I can't help but feel there is still some disrespect behind the positioning of those street signs. King was a leader and friend to all people not just black people, he just fought hard for black people due to the excessive hate and oppression.

I wonder if King was only awarded a national holiday because the government felt pressured to do it? 

If you remember former President George W. Bush and former presidential candidate Senator John McCain, were both opposed to having a national holiday in King's name although they knew his great battles and victories. Now why do you think this is?

Just an observation.

2009 LA

Happy Birthday Malcolm X

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little; May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965), also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz was an African American Muslim minister, public speaker, and human rights activist. 

To his followers he was a courageous advocate for the rights of African Americans, and a man who indicted white America in the harshest terms for its crimes against black Americans. 

His opponents accused him of preaching racism and violence, and he has been described as one of the greatest and most influential African Americans in history.

After Malcolm's father (a minister) was murdered by the hands of racists and his mother declared unfit to raise his many siblings, she was then placed into a mental institution as Malcolm, was placed in a series of foster homes which lead to him raising himself in the streets. 

Rough life on the streets landed him in jail with a sentence of 8 to 10 years, and in prison was how he became a member of the Nation of Islam. 

His job as a public speaker for the Nation of Islam lasted nearly 12 years, until he departed from the Nation due to tension between he and the Nation's leader Elijah Muhammad.

Malcolm X was often labeled a racist and he admitted that for awhile he was, but only because his family and friends were constantly murdered by the hands of white people. It wasn't until he took a pilgrimage to Mecca, in which he discovered that all white people weren't alike. 

He slept, drank, and ate, with white men that were also Muslim brothers; brothers that showed him respect and love. Malcolm took his new found intelligence back to America with a changed mind and spirit. No less than a year of his return he was gunned down in New York City, in the middle of a speech in front of members of the Nation of Islam.

I commend Malcolm for his bravery and strength, I respect Malcolm for standing up for his rights and the rights of others, I applaud Malcolm for staring evil in the eye and taking it dead on without a second thought, without a wince, without fear, because he knew his people needed him. 

This is why I commend President Obama so much because like Malcolm X, Obama took a position to stand up for those he knew needed him. He seemed to always stand strong and confident, which is what ultimately lead him to become the voice of the American People.

So today we wish a Happy Birthday to Malcolm X, for all that he was and all that he allowed others to become.

In the words of Malcolm X: 

My thinking had been opened up wide in Mecca. I wrote long letters to my friends, in which I tried to convey to them my new insights into the American black man’s struggle and his problems as well as the depths of my search for truth and justice. 

“I’ve had enough of someone else's propaganda,” I had written to these friends. 

“I am for truth, no matter who tells it. I am for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I am a human being first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole.” 

The American white man’s press called me the angriest Negro in America. I wouldn’t deny that charge; I spoke exactly as I felt. I believe in anger. I believe it is a crime for anyone who is being brutalized to continue to accept that brutality without doing something to defend himself. 

I am for violence if non-violence means that we continue postponing or even delaying a solution to the American black man’s problem. 

White man hates to hear anybody, especially a black man, talk about the crime that the white man perpetrated on the black man. But let me remind you that when the white man came into this country, he certainly wasn’t demonstrating non-violence.

Malcolm X (1925 - 1965)

Pulitzer Prize Highlights Racial Inequality

Pulitzer prizes were awarded to writers who focused on topics ranging from colonial slavery, to the 20th century of Black life.

Playwright Lynn Nottage (seen above) who wrote 'Ruined', a tale of survival set during an African civil war; she won a prize for drama.

The Pulitzer for general non-fiction went to 'Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II' by Douglas A. Blackmon, an Atlanta bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal.  
  
Blackmon stated of his Pulitzer, "It’s a huge honor for me,
but more importantly I hope it really validates the idea that this is a part of American history that we have ignored and neglected, and it’s time for a really dramatic reinterpretation of what happened to African-Americans during that period of time,” the Associated Press reported.

Newsweek editor Jon Meacham, won the biography prize for 'American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House'; a best-selling book about a populist president whose sympathy for the less fortunate never extended to slaves (book seen above-r).  

“Jackson represents the best and the worst of us,” Meacham stated according to the Associated Press.

2009 LA

National Congress of Black Women Honor Black Activist Sojourner Truth

Born a slave but reinvented a Black activist Sojourner Truth, will be the first African American woman to have a memorial bust in the United States Capitol presented by The National Congress of Black Women, Inc. 

The late Dr. C. Delores Tucker, had tried to achieve this effort for ten years and finally her dream has become reality as the unveiling of the bust, will include a presentation of Sojourner Truth's poem “Ain’t I A Woman” to be read by actress Cicely Tyson, and musical selections by Lomax Spaulding, Yolanda Adams, and Dorinda Clarke Cole at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center Emancipation Hall. 

Two hundred and fifty guests and members of the National Congress of Black Women are expected to attend. 

“This accomplishment has been a struggle, but at the National Congress of Black Women, we have learned that it is from our struggles that we gain our victories. We never gave up, no matter what stood in our way. This bust of Sojourner Truth in the U.S. Capitol is an honor to all women, and will forever serve as a part of our history that celebrates the right to vote for all women,” said Dr. E. Faye Williams Esq., national chairwoman of the group.

2009 LA

"Ain't I A Woman"

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? 

Look at me! Look at my arm! I have plowed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? 

I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or Negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them. Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.

If Dr. Martin Luther King Were Alive, What Would He Think About Us Now?

I received an e-mail by a Mr. Robert Lewis. In the e-mail was a story about a man that had a dream about Dr. King (seen above), visiting us in our present day. The story was so moving I felt compelled to share it with you. 

Read below:

I was chillin' at the crib and there was a knock at the door. I opened the door and to my amazement there stood Dr Martin Luther King Jr. He was dressed exactly the way they dressed in the 60's. You know with the suits and the thin neck ties, only he was in black and white like an old movie and the rest of the world was still in color. 

He explained to me that he had been gone for quite some time now (over 35 years) and was lost. He said that the world had changed so much and hoped that I could help him get re-acquainted with our society so he could find his way back to his family. I invited him in and told him to make himself comfortable.

When Martin sat in front of my entertainment system, he asked me about all the contraptions connected to my television set. I explained that one was my VCR and one was my DVD player. Martin asked,"What's a VCR?" "What's a DVD?" 

I explained both technologies to him and he was astonished. Then he asked about the third box. I told him that was my cable box. Based upon the confused look on his face, it was apparent that this to needed explaining. 

I turned on the television and after a brief description and instruction on the use of the remote control, he was off clicking from channel to channel. After a few minutes Martin was working the remote like a pro! Being a man made it real easy for him to fall in love with the remote control. He was very impressed by the fact that there were so many channels geared towards specific interests, sports especially ESPN.

He continued further and eventually stopped at one of the music channels that were airing their hip-hop program. 

Dr. King asked, "What is this?"

I explained that it was a music video and that's the way today's music is presented to the public. As one thuggishly, blinged out video after another was aired I noticed a cease in questions. Martin was silent and his facial expressions changed from amazement to distress and disappointment. 

He asked, "Is this what our music has come to? Is this supposed to be progress? Why do our women condone this obscene portrayal of their womanhood? Have they forgotten the abuse, emotional and physical rape that their ancestors had been subjected to? And why do our young men act this way? Obsessed with materialism and being disrespectful to our women?"

I told him its called, "thuggin". He asked me to explain what thuggin was. 

I said, "It means to be hard and unfeeling...uh you know...a gangsta, ride or die, cash rules everything. Having no respect for anything or anyone. Any negative quality about a man." 

After several strange looks from Martin, I then realized that there was no way to explain or justify "thuggin" to an intelligent person like him. So I changed the subject. 

Abruptly Martin asked, "Could anyone else see these videos?" Anyone who pays for cable I replied.  

"You mean to tell me that you actually pay money willingly to witness this," Martin asked. I could only answer yes, but I felt ashamed to admit this to such a righteous man. 

Martin asked, "Is this behavior accepted by everyone? Where have all the ministers, pastors and leaders gone?" 

I told him there hasn't been anyone who is willing to step out there, and put it on the line since you left here. 

Martin said very sadly,"I never worried about leaving here because I was so sure, that there would be more who would come after me to step up and carry on the fight for equality and respect." 

Martin becoming more and more disgusted watching the videos being aired -- stood up and said, "This is how we overcame?" 

He grabbed my cable box, ripping it from the back of the television and smashed it on the floor. Being who he was and knowing deep down he was right, I couldn't get mad. 

As we stood there looking at the wreckage that was once my cable box with an awkward silence, Martin then apologized and asked could we please leave because he just wanted to see his family.

"Is there any place that I can go to get some gifts for my family?" Martin asked. I knew just the place.

We got in my car and headed to the mall. Dr. King was fascinated by the size of the mall and selection of different stores. It must have been a weekend because as we started to walk around, I noticed that the mall was filled predominately with teenagers. Many of them were loud and using profanity. 

Martin asked a young brother in front of a group of his friends, why is it necessary to be so profane and conduct himself in way that was not only disrespectful to himself but to his people. 

The young brother said, "F---- you man! Ni**a, you ain't my daddy! 

I had to restrain Martin from disciplining the young brother. I asked the teenager, "Do you know who this is? He replied, "Hell naw, he ain't iced out so why should I care!" At this point I was ready to snatch my man up, but Martin urged me to let it go.

After Dr. King was able to calm down he realized that the young people, were only imitating what they saw on the music videos that he had seen earlier. 

"They have been infected with the ignorance of the images they covet. So this is our future?" 

I suggested that we just get the gifts and go. As I started to walk further I noticed Martin, walking back towards the door that we came in. 

I ran after him shouting, "Whoa, where are you going?" 

With a distressed look Martin said, "I'd rather go back."  

"Why?" I asked. 

He said, "You don't understand, I never got to see my kids grow up. I missed the holidays, graduations and birthdays, all in the name of sacrifice. I felt it was necessary to bring about equal opportunity and a brighter future for this generation. All I see is that a few of us got rich, and the rest became slaves again."

I said "What are you talking about, this isn't slavery!" 

Martin looked at me and replied, "Oh it isn't?" 

He turned and walked towards the doors and exited the mall. I tried to keep him from leaving but out of nowhere this security guard gets in my way, and tells me that I can't go with him. I wrestled myself away and bolted out of the exit but once I got outside he had vanished.

As I stood outside panning the parking lot to see if I could find him, an Escalade on 24's bumping some ignorant thug anthem was coming right at me. 

All I could do was brace myself for the impact. Right before the SUV hit me I awoke out of my dream. As I lay in a puddle of sweat, I tried repeatedly to shake the dream but I couldn't. 

I remembered those who sacrificed their lives for us and I wondered, what it would be like if we had to stand before them and justify what we have become as a race. I also wondered what made me have such a dream. 

After hours of thinking I concluded it was probably guilt. The guilt of knowing that we have fallen way short of Martin Luther King's dream. 

In fact it's closer to a nightmare!