George W. Bush's Ancestor's Were Slave Traders/Masters/Investors

Another racist story hit the media waves today but instead of it being about Paula Deen, this time it's about our 43rd president, George W. Bush.

A new three-page report in Slate provides explicable detail about Bush's ancestor Thomas "Beau" Walker, who was a notorious slave trader in the 18th century.

Slate investigated claims of two historians from Yale University who claimed Thomas Walker was involved in 11 slave voyages to West Africa, between 1784-1792.

The Bush family’s spokesman had no comment on the findings but Slate notes that in 2003, George W. Bush called slavery one of the “the greatest crimes of history.”

Now if George W. Bush really felt that slavery was "the greatest crimes of history", why was it so hard for him while he was president to offer a binding apology for the crime of slavery? Why did an apology only become popular after then Senator Obama, began running for the Oval office? 

Why was his "no child left behind" program a total sham and ended up leaving many children behind? 

Was Bush's aid to Africa really helping the population, or simply helping conservative made programs masked by the Africa AIDS agenda? I'm just saying, the proof is in the pudding. 

You know what Kanye West, I think you're on to something.

For FULL slave trader article click here.

2013 LA

1957 Documentary On Race In America

Researching America's history I came across a documentary titled, 'A Series on Changing Neighborhoods' by Dynamic Films Inc. 

The video footage was taken back in 1957 in Levittown, Pennsylvania, which is midway between Philadelphia, PA and Trenton, NJ. The comment and analysis was done by Professor Dan W. Dodson, Director Center for Human Relations and Community Studies, School of Education, New York University.

I felt it was important to post this piece of history because it's indicative of the 21st century.

In the documentary it displayed a typical family friendly neighborhood that became extremely tense when new neighbors arrived. The new neighbors were the Myers, a college educated married couple with two children. What made the Myers stand out to their neighbors wasn't the fact that they were college educated and married, but instead the brown hue of their skin is what caused an uproar within the white middle class community.

Various neighbors were interviewed on the basis of their feelings, in regards to the Myers moving into the community. There were progressive neighbors and there were racist neighbors, which I felt the racist neighbors were simply misinformed and were raised to be prejudice. 

It was most interesting when one of the neighbors actually stated that a black family would "bring home property values down" if they were allowed to reside in the community!

Another neighbor came to the Myers' rescue stating that the "Myer's have nothing to do with property values increasing or decreasing, it's a white problem not a negro problem. The majority group will influence property value not the minority."

The narrator then goes on to say, "If a negro family can afford what you can afford, how do you justify your feelings of superiority?"

I see the elephant in the room do you? It's called superiority. That's the problem. A person shouldn't ever feel that they're superior over anybody, otherwise the racist cycle will continue. This video is way deep.

2013 LA

'42' - Movie Review

'42' was written and directed by Brian Helgeland, and is a film that literally pulls on the heart strings of your most extreme emotions. This movie gives a riveting contrast of extreme love verses extreme hate, and forces you to embark into the dark past of American history.

Actor Chadwick Boseman played Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in Major League Baseball in American history. 

The film begins with young Robinson narrating his life story up until his present day of 1945, in which the storyline plays out and the plot thickens. 

Robinson received his first chance to play in the major leagues as a first base Brooklyn Dodger on April 15, 1947. Although the oppressive environment in which he lived could have easily deterred him, the extreme love he received from his wife played by Nicole Beharie, seemed to pull him through the roughest patch of extremely hateful moments thus proving that love indeed conquers all.

The story focuses mainly on the 1947 Brooklyn Dodger season and gives you a detailed view of why Jackie Robinson, was the best at what he did. 

My personal favorite moment was when Robinson would fake out the pitchers as a way of getting to the next base. I had never before seen a fake out like that in baseball!

It made me prideful that Robinson and his wife never bowed down to segregation and racism, but instead faced it head on and starred it straight in the eyes. Because of the Robinson's efforts, currently in the 21st century there are more minorities in Major League Baseball than ever before!

Actor Harrison Ford who played Branch Rickey, a Major League Baseball executive and manager who was responsible for signing Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, was unapologetic as he took on the controversy he had caused while reminding movie goers that it only takes one "good" person to break a barrier. 

This was an intense, highly emotional, but very informative film. Anyone who loves history and a great baseball story should go see this movie.

2013 LA

Civil Rights Progression

Look how far we've come! Let's keep moving!

#PROGRESS

2013 LA

Happy 150th Anniversary to the Emancipation Proclamation

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation (seen above). This single document changed the course of history in our country, leading us past dark centuries of slavery and into freedom, reconstruction, and civil rights.

The Emancipation Proclamation above does read:

Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit: 

"That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all person's held as slaves within any State or any designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free; and the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof,will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom."

Slavery was officially abolished in 1865, however, it took one state almost 150 years to date to receive word on the dismantling of an era.  

On February 17, 2013, Mississippi, became the last state in the nation to ratify the 13th amendment to the Constitution of the United States. 

Wow.

2013 LA  

Black Activist, Actor, and Singer Paul Robeson On Racial Inequality

   Testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee, June 12, 1956

"My father was a slave and my people died to build this country, and I'm going to stay right here and have a part of it, just like you. And no fascist-minded people like you will drive me from it. Is that clear?" ~ Paul Robeson 

2013 LA

Happy Birthday Mr. Bob Marley!

Bob Marley was born Nesta Robert Marley on February 6, 1945.

Mr. Marley was more than a Jamaican singer/song writer and musician, he was a proud activist of his homeland; forever bringing light to the horrid issues that long plagued his community through his music. The "Stir it up" singer spoke avidly about the atrocities of racism and why it shouldn't exist. He wanted so much for the white race and black race, to come together and unite as one for a greater good as he stated,

"Me, only have one ambition, y’know? I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together – black, white, Chinese, everyone – that’s all."

Speaking of freedom through his "redemption song" while screaming for all people to "Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights", made Marley an instant hit with an oppressed people. Due to his outreach through song and electrifying dance moves he touched people, he felt people, he nourished people, as a matter of fact one of Bob Marley's quotes was,

"My life don't mean nothing to me. My life is about people. If my life is just about me and my security, then me no want it." 

Those two quotes along with his picture quote seen above, was the true character of this man; unselfish, full of love, and all about helping people. Bob Marley understood that until mankind could live in peace with one another, that his job would never be done.

You are not physically here with us sir, but your words and music will live on forever within us. Thank you for your music, your efforts, and your love. 

We march on!

Happy Birthday Mr. Nesta Robert Marley, and may you continue to rest in peace.  

2013 LA 

Happy Birthday Ms. Rosa Parks!

Happy Birthday to "the mother of the freedom movement!" You are NEVER forgotten as we pay tribute to you during Black History month.

For more information on Ms. Rosa Parks, click here.

2013 LA