New Jim Crow Lynchings Found In Updated Report

Above, a mass of white Texans watch as a black man named Henry Smith is hanged. Smith was accused of killing a white girl named Myrtle Vance.

In a report published Tuesday, the Montgomery, Alabama based nonprofit Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) spent five years researching newspaper articles, historical archives, and court records on the lynching of African Americans in the Jim Crow-era South.

The new report found that white mobs murdered a total of 3,959 black persons in 12 southern states between 1877 and 1950, which is a shocking 700 more than previously reported.

A push for the construction of war memorial-style effigies in the communities where these race crimes were committed, are the next steps in finding closure to such horrific acts which EJI Director Bryan Stevenson, admits that building such memorials will most surely be met with aggressive resistance in the South, where many still hang their Confederate flags high and proud.

"We want to change the visual landscape of this country so that when people move through these communities and live in these communities, that they’re mindful of this history,"  Stevenson told The Guardian. "We don’t think you should be able to come to these places without facing their histories." 

Revealed in the report are the Southern counties where lynchings happened the most; Florida was where the rate of lynchings was the highest, but Georgia had the most overall lynchings at 586. Constant attacks such as these is what eventually led many African Americans on a great migration to the North -- seeking a more tolerant society and a better way of life.

On a side note: This is reminiscent to modern-day lynchings of black males and females, by the hands of corrupt police officers and civilians.

Worst Southern States And Counties For Lynchings, 1877-1950

By state:
1. Georgia - 586
2. Mississippi - 576
3. Louisiana - 540
4. Arkansas - 503
5. Florida - 331
6. Texas - 376
7. Alabama - 326
8. Tennessee - 225
9. South Carolina - 164
10. Kentucky - 154
11. North Carolina - 102
12. Virginia - 76

 By county: 
1. Phillips, Arkansas - 243
2. Caddo, Louisiana - 54
3. Lafourche, Louisiana - 50
4. Tensas, Louisiana - 40
5. Ouachita, Louisiana - 35
6. Orange, Florida - 34
7. Bossier, Louisiana - 32
8. Marion, Florida - 30
9. Jefferson, Alabama - 29
10. Dallas, Alabama - 25
11. Early, Georgia - 24
12. Iberia, Louisiana - 23

Lynching rates by State, 1880-1940
Florida - 0.594
Mississippi - 0.556
Arkansas - 0.545
Louisiana - 0.475
Georgia - 0.378
Alabama - 0.256
South Carolina - 0.180
Tennessee - 0.165
Texas - 0.154
Kentucky - 0.111
Virginia - 0.072
North Carolina - 0.068
(Lynching rate calculated per 100,000 residents)

2015 LA

SELMA - Movie Review

'Selma' described in one word, epic. 

One could feel that this film was passionately put together by its director Ava DuVernay, who did an amazing job at shocking the nerves of moviegoers from the very beginning with the tragic Birmingham, Alabama, bombing where four little girls were killed while attending church services. The scene was an immediate eye-popper that naturally drew you into what came next.

What came next was countless calls from MLK (played by actor David Oyelowo), to LBJ (played by actor Tom Wilkinson) and vice versa, setting the plot of the story that was based around Blacks being able to register to vote without hesitation, discrimination, and human body violation. 

I watched Dr. King, and his group leaders use pristine strategy in structuring their organization of followers to join the fight for equality and justice for all. It reminded me of our nation's current plight of black victimization by the hands of white law enforcement, and how the masses continue to protest everyday as a means of bringing awareness to this issue that'll hopefully mold into a resolution. 

In the movie there were those that didn't understand why MLK's non-violent strategy could work, and why anyone would put their livelihood on the line to meet death. But MLK had an "if you don't stand for something then you'll fall for anything" kind of approach, to the matter of segregation and rampant racism.

The act of slavery that proliferated within America, wasn't right and was brought on by ignorance and fierce hatred which kept minorities oppressed and in bondage for centuries. 

Just in knowing this fact is enough to understand why MLK, and others fought vociferously against those doing the oppressing, without their efforts many minorities would've been subjugated back to the hellish slavery chains of inequality -- therefore, not enjoying the equal rights that we enjoy today and are currently fighting fiercely to keep.

The film showcased White's that didn't take kindly to King, telling the truth about who the oppressors were while shining light on their racist strategy; they felt he was stirring the pot by pitting one race against the other. 

But MLK didn't start the war between the races as that war had long begun when the Pilgrims happened upon the Americas, where the Indigenous people already had claim. This race war has been a constant battle in our nation's history due to those who believe that one race is superior over another. 

The movie came to a close as Martin Luther King Jr., gave a chilling speech in front of the Alabama Capitol building where Governor "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" Warren, ruled at that time.

Dr. King led a crowd of thousands as he spoke his controversial conscious words, to the people and too Governor Warren -- giving light to the vicious cycle that continues to repeat itself throughout history; white privilege. 

MLK educated those listening in front of the Capitol that day, that he firmly comprehended the strategy of how wealthy white men keep poor white men on their side through an appeasement process; the notion that even if one is without riches favorability is guaranteed over other races, due to one's non-existent melanin. 

Today in the 21st century, white privilege continues to pervade the United States of America -- not in all places, but in many high places. 

What do I mean? If you are a person of color that happens to be employed by a company, one day take the time to look around you. Familiarize yourself with the faces of the people that run the company starting with the CEO, and slowly work yourself down the chain of command; did you notice any Black leaders? 

Certain Republicans in Congress, like to use the phrase that minorities simply lack the "skill-set" needed to obtain high paying salaried positions, but this is simply an assumption used to dismiss the lack of diversity within leadership roles. 

If a person wasn't aware of this carefully crafted game they'd constantly think that their immaculate skills and education simply wasn't good enough, not comprehending that their skin color diluted their chances from the very beginning. And all that's left is hope of a crack in the foundation, accidentally overlooked by the oppressor so that one can attempt to slip through uninterrupted and unnoticed; institutionalized racism is slavery in the 21st century.

If you haven't viewed this amazing piece of work that is 'Selma', it'd be worth your while to do so; the comparison of back then verses now is mind-blowing. The past is the present -- take a closer look.

2015 LA

Show Me The Mo'ne!

Mo'ne Davis, a 13 year old baseball playing, 70 mph right-arm throwing -- Philadelphia native, is the first female in Little League World Series history to throw a shutout with only two hits, while striking out eight batters and walking none against Tennessee. 

And although the little leaguer has already made a name for herself and garnered world wide press along the way, she remains humble in knowing who she is but most importantly -- what equality should like look as she stated, "it does mean a lot to be the first American girl, but more girls should start joining boys' teams," Davis told the Philadelphia Daily News. 

"The attention should not just be on one girl; more girls should join boys' teams so it is a tradition and it won't be so special." 

There you have it; beauty, brains, brawn, and a stellar bright star for all little girls who love sports and wish to participate.

Mo'ne's future goals require being the first female in MLB, or playing basketball in the WNBA -- although baseball is her priority.

Her team plays against Las Vegas, 2-0, on Wednesday night.

2014 LA

First Woman NBA Assistant Coach Makes history

Becky Hammon, a point guard for the San Antonio Stars was recently chosen by coach Gregg Popovich, to stand beside him while offering up her basketball expertise as a means of accelerating the advancement of the 2014 basketball champions -- the San Antonio Spurs.

This is not only a historical moment in the NBA, but an empowering example for so many females who may have dreamed of one day being able to coach within the NBA. 

I've always had an issue with men being able to coach women in the WNBA, but wouldn't allow the same equality for women to coach in the NBA. To me I saw no difference -- only in gender, but talent speaks for itself. 

Maybe it's the feminist in me but I always felt that women should've been able to coach men in the NBA, and I constantly made my argument during friendly debates.

So now to see it actually happen is simply elating, although I'm still pushing for a woman to become an NBA head coach one day. 

#ICanDream

2014 LA

Michelle Howard Makes 'Four Star' American History

Adm. Michelle Howard, flanked by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, left, and her husband Wayne Cowles, accepts her new rank during a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales)

Have you ever seen the movie Captain Phillips starring legendary actor, Tom Hanks?

In this particular film a group of Somali Pirates surrounded and invaded a US Cargo ship, while taking the captain (played by Hanks) hostage.

Well, what you probably didn't know is that a woman by the name of Michelle Howard, was behind the rescue of that captain. She not only was the brains behind the entire rescue operation serving as a female naval officer, but has recently been appointed as the US Navy's vice chief -- making her the first woman and first black person to reach the rank of four star admiral ever in the history of the United States! 

How's that for female power?! 

Kudos to Ms. Howard for standing strong in the face of adversity and for furthering the cause and mission, that women most definitely deserve a seat at the table. Thank you Ms. Howard, for your heroic work and sacrifice to our great nation; females everywhere young and old should be inspired and very proud.

2014 LA

PBS Freedom Summer Documentary

After watching the PBS documentary of Freedom Summer 1964, I gained more clarity and much more compassion for the white race. 

Taking into account mine and others' discriminatory experiences it almost always felt like a constant fight between "us" verses "them", but taking in those two hours of historical revelations I realized that it wasn't just black people being oppressed -- it was also white people.

Not just the white people that came down to Mississippi to volunteer for Freedom Summer, but the white people who fought viciously against both the black and white Freedom Fighters. You see, those white people that displayed such hatred in their eyes and such disdain for the black race prevailing, they were following their races' ideology because they thought it was the right thing to do. Even if deep down they felt a twinge of compassion for the black race there was no room for tolerance, as they knew their people well and the violent streak that would ensue should they decide to "change" direction. With regards to the misinformed, the saying of "They know not what they do" makes even more sense.

Although white people in Mississippi had it better than black people livelihood wise, they were still oppressed because their entire way of life was dictated to them; women were to look and behave a certain way, children as well and there was no room for anything different. Everything had to remain the same with white men having all the money and power, because this was the true way of America. The only people that were truly free in this great nation were the white men that ran it, period.

Moreover, it took for white and black people to come together in order to initiate magnetic change, one race couldn't do it without the other race -- hence, the reason President Obama was elected twice. 

We will always need each other and we'll always be stronger for it, but it's imperative to stay united against the fear mongering and hateful rhetoric -- for this is what's used as the great divider amongst the races. Now in the 21st century, it should no longer be a fight between black and white but a fight between good verses evil or truth verses lies. For people aren't bad or evil unless it is taught to them -- therefore, color becomes completely irrelevant and the hostile feelings is what remains at the forefront.

Hostility is what the Freedom Fighters were met with until it brought about miraculous change within The White House, where President Johnson won a second term and was compelled to stand up for what was right by writing into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (which key parts of the VRA was struck down just last year by the SCOTUS). 

Lyndon B. Johnson had a tremendous weight on his shoulders, not wanting to stir up a second civil war among the races -- especially since Freedom Summer was deemed to be the most violent acts of domestic terrorism since Reconstruction. But the integrated Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party couldn't be ignored, no more than its electrifying leader, Fannie Lou Hamer.

Freedom Summer brought about sacrifices -- those who were willing to give their lives in order for democracy to prevail, but the deaths and injuries of both black and white people wouldn't be in vain as true change most certainly came the following year with the VRA. 

Change is hard yes, but change is also inevitable in which it most surely promises the progressiveness and betterment of future generations. How fitting that our first black president is literally "two sides of the same coin"; black and white, the two races which have been in constant feud for centuries.
 

One thing is for sure, as long as we stay privy to mainstream politics by engaging the electorate with our voices and votes, hope will never be to far behind.

We shall overcome, we will overcome and we must continue to overcome -- or die. Americans, in this upcoming November election let your conscience be your guide, just like Mississippians did in this past primary.

2014 LA

Freedom Summer 1964 Remembered

This past weekend marked the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer 1964, when three young men by the names of Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Adam Goodman were kidnapped, shot dead and burnt up, by the hands of a Mississippi Deputy Sheriff and the Ku Klux Klan, who the sheriff alerted to action after he pulled the men over for false speeding.

It took the wife of Michael Schwerner, the families of the men, many protesters and activists, who eventually found the bodies of the missing men 40 days later buried in an earthen dam side by side.

These men were killed because they were trying to register African Americans to vote, so that they too could have a voice in the political process within America.

For more information about Freedom Summer 1964, click here.

2014 LA

Maya Angelou Remembered At Memorial Service

Maya Angelou was a  legendary artist, activist, and mother/sister/friend, to all that knew her well and to all that connected to her spirit through her words and on May 28, 2014, her work in the physical realm was complete in which she has now moved on to a much higher purpose; becoming God's supernatural angel.

My condolences to the Angelou family for the loss of such an extraordinary human being, whose mark will remain forever and always on those who are lucky enough to encounter her great works.

Rest in peace Ms. Angelou, and thank you for all that you've done and all that you will continue to do for us in heaven.

2014 LA