Commentary
Learning About Before And Planning For 2024: Part 2
Last week, I started a journey of reflecting on the information I've shared via this column in 2023. This week, we will explore the content that was shared from the middle of April through July. My primary objective with this column is to establish a connection between the past and our present and future. I truly believe that the past is coming back to haunt our current reality, validating John F. Kennedy's statement: "History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future." The only path toward gaining more control over our future lies in gaining a better understanding of our history. This recap serves as a reminder of the topics we have covered this year and how they are connected to our future.
History on Repeat
Beware, history has a way of repeating itself, when we don't pay attention. This week, I want to call your attention to a news story that reminded me of something that happened in 1872. A recent sheriff race in Shreveport, Louisiana is proof of recuring history when we compare it to what happened to Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback. Pinchback, the son of a White plantation owner and an enslaved woman, fought in the American Civil War and ran for public office during the Reconstruction era was denied the office he won, similar to what's happening in Louisiana today.
Empowerment During Global Unrest
Brutal. Heartbreaking. Unsettling. You turn on the news, and it feels like everything is just... crazy. Everywhere you look, there's trouble. High crime rates, poverty on the rise, and a Congress in disarray, unable to govern or care for the people of this country, let alone be a world leader. Wars and rumors of wars are rampant – Ukraine and Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and now between Israel and Palestine, among others. The images and thoughts of all this violence are hard to bear. Maintaining hope during these times can be a difficult task, but history has shown that strength and unity can lead to brighter days, even during the darkest times.
From 1963-Today: The Marathon Continues
On the road to freedom, from 1963 to today, the marathon continues. On March 31, 2019, Nipsey Hussle, a rapper and entrepreneur in Los Angeles, was tragically shot and killed outside of his Marathon Clothing store. Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom on August 15, 1985, he was only 33 years old when he was taken from us. Nipsey was widely respected in the Hip Hop community, and his untimely death cut short a promising future. One of Nipsey's guiding principles was 'the marathon continues.' I want to use this phrase and some of the songs from Nipsey's 'The Marathon Continues' album to wrap up our series on 1963 and connect it to our present and future.
1963: 100 Years after the Emancipation Proclamation
One hundred years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, 1963 was a crucial and volatile time in the fight for civil rights. The Emancipation Proclamation declared the freedom of Black people from enslavement, but they were still fighting for those rights a century later. The hope of living the American dream after freedom was marred by inequality, segregation, racism, and discrimination. While things are much better than they were in 1963, we must not forget, and in fact, we need to study those events because they offer insight into the present and future.
1963: A Brief Timeline, January-May
In terms of Civil Rights in America, 1963 was a pivotal year. This year marks just 60 years since events like the March on Washington and the "I Have a Dream" Speech, the assassination of Medgar Evers, the Bombing of the 16th Street Church, the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and many other key events in the Civil Rights Movement. These incidents helped not only motivate people to act but also led to the passing of laws that protect people from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and abuse. And now, 60 years later, where are we, and how might we learn from our past? Over the next few weeks, I will look back at 1963, explore those events, and share some thoughts on how those events can shed light on our lives today.
"I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired"
"I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." Fannie Lou Hamer's words have been on my mind lately. I'm struggling with a heavy heart because as I was preparing to write about the Jacksonville shooting, which is sad enough, I learned that here in Grand Rapids on September 3rd, another young woman, a 19-year-old, was gunned down and killed. It's all so disheartening, and I don't understand how so many people lack respect for life—theirs and others.
"Woman Shot" – Really!
This is too much!!! What is going on in West Michigan when "woman shot" is constantly a media headline? Here are a few recent examples:
The Montgomery Brawl III: Who Are We And Who Do We Want To Be
This week, I am continuing a series on the Montgomery Brawl. Let me recap: On Saturday, August 5th, at a riverfront in Montgomery, Alabama, a fight erupted between a group of White people who refused to move their boat and some Black people who were on a riverboat. After more than 30 minutes of asking the boaters to move their boat from the unauthorized area on the Riverfront, the Black co-captain of the riverboat, who was attempting to park, approached the dock to move the boat. The situation escalated when a group of White individuals physically attacked and assaulted the Black cocaptain of the riverboat. This prompted a defensive response from a larger group of Black people who were on the riverboat and had witnessed the altercation. Upon docking the riverboat, some of the Black passengers became involved in a physical altercation with the White boaters. The optics of the incident suggest a division along racial identity lines.
The Montgomery Brawl II: Newton's Law
Last week I began a series in which I asked questions about the implications of the Montgomery Brawl. You may already have media fatigue in regards to this story especially if you are on any social media platforms on a daily basis, but I feel it's important that we talk about this. First it was the barrage of videos from the site, then the commentary, GIFs, memes, images, news stories, etc. It's been a lot. These images and the narratives associated with them took center stage. These reactions whether humorous or critical have fed and will lead to a political narrative during this upcoming election cycle and I believe will see and feel Newton's law: for every action – in there emerges an equal and opposite reaction. While we might not see the reactions in real time, the will materialized through underground efforts, quiet sleight of hand, resistance and they are definitely heading to the polls to vote for people who understand and are sympathetic to their concerns. In this article, we take a quick look at Sir Issac Newton's Third Law and explore the connections between this scientific principle and the forces at play in our modern political climate.
Black Women's Equal Pay Day
Late last month, the State of Michigan took a significant step in recognizing the persistent gender and racial wage gap faced by Black women. They declared July 27, 2023, as "Black Women's Equal Pay Day," meaning the amount of time Black women must work into the year to earn what their White, non-Hispanic male counterparts made the previous year. In essence, for every dollar earned by a White man, a Black woman makes only 67 cents. Here is the text of the Proclamation:
Some Sense and Much Nonsense
While browsing historical newspapers, I ran across a common editorial tagline/phrase titled "Some Sense and Nonsense." I found this interesting, so I explored the papers for more content and uses of this tagline. The content mainly included comical stories and exciting tidbits about everyday people and events. Sometimes it also had the author's quick and short opinions about events and happenings during that time. For instance, the Monitor, a newspaper geared towards African Americans in November 1922 (almost 100 years ago), reported on a speech delivered by Marcus Garvey. The article's title read "The Provisional President of Africa Talks Foolishly." Then it says, "Marcus Garvey delivers address which contains "some sense and much nonsense" and virtually thanks south for lynching." So today, in celebration of historical voices and opinions, I thought I would use this phrase to capture some history and thoughts.
Lena, Nina and Tina: With Gratitude
Today, I pause to shine light on three women from the music and entertainment industry for whom I, upon learning their stories, want to express my gratitude. Lena Horne (June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010), Nina Simone (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), and Tina Turner (November 26, 1939 - May 24, 2023) all faced many obstacles in their lives. Despite the struggles they faced, they remained resilient and prevailed, leaving us with great legacies and valuable lessons. All of their stories resonate beyond music and can be used to encourage and inspire people for generations to come. As we take a brief look at their lives, I hope you are inspired to learn more about them and to use their stories to live out your own dreams with courage and conviction.
Black History Matters
Don't let anyone tell you that Black History is not important. Always keep the torch burning, and always keep Black History flowing from generation to generation.
Black Music: The Soundtrack of Our Lives
June is Black Music Month, a time dedicated to recognize and celebrate the rich contributions of Black artists and the Black music industry. As someone who loves music but does not always recognize and celebrate artists, artistry, and the impact of Black music, I feel compelled to explore the evolving landscape of the Black music industry. In this discussion, I will embark on a journey through time, by looking at the music of three distinct generations. First, I will explore the music of the 70s and 80s, I'm going to call this "my mama's music." It was the music that laid the foundation of my musical upbringing. Next, I will delve into the music of the late 80s and 90s, which resonates deeply for me because it holds a significant place in my cultural identity. Lastly, I will explore the music of my son's generation, spanning from the late 90s to the present. I want to briefly explore how music has moved and influenced each generation, we can better appreciate the transformative power and enduring legacy of Black music.
Juneteenth and Freedom Today
For the past couple of years, I have written articles about Juneteenth. This year it's ironic because as we approach Juneteenth I'm also finishing a series on freedom. From the tragic story of Ajike "AJ" Owens (which we covered last week) to the importance of voting rights and the freedom of choice, we are experiencing ongoing struggles for freedom in our society. Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, serves as a poignant reminder of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. In this final article, we will connect the themes of freedom to Juneteenth, emphasizing on the significance of unity, equality, and the roles we play. When we consider AJ's heartbreaking story through the lens of freedom from want and fear, we are confronted with the stark reality of systemic racism and the violation of human rights. Her tragic death highlights the deep-rooted injustices that still plague our society. Just as President Franklin D. Roosevelt outlined the four essential freedoms, we must recognize that freedom from want and fear are critical components of our democracy.
Freedom from Fear
Ajike "AJ" Owens is dead. She was killed. She knocked on her neighbor's door and was shot. On June 2, 2023, Ajike "AJ" Owens, a Black mother of four, was shot and killed by her neighbor in Ocala, Florida. AJ went to the neighbor's house after the neighbor allegedly threw skates and racial slurs at her children. She was shot through the door of her neighbor's house in front of her nine and twelve-year-old boys. The neighbor said she felt threatened therefore, she shot AJ through her unopened door in self-defense. AJ's only weapon was her skin.
Freedom to BE!
Today, I come to you with a heart full of concern, a mind full of distressing thoughts, and some ignited anger. This combination of emotion compels me to raise the alarm and express some of my deepest worries and fears. Y'all, we are in trouble! America is at a critical crossroad, and many of those in power would like to see us go backwards. Back to a time when we were legally considered 3/5th human and humanity did not apply to Black people. From the banning and censorship of books by Black authors, to the rollback of women's rights, to the suppression of voting rights, we find ourselves on a dangerous path that jeopardizes our fundamental freedoms and liberties. We have to do something to stop these regressive actions and uphold the hard-fought rights won by our ancestors.
Freedom of Choice
Do you all remember the powerful and heart-wrenching scene from the movie Roots? It is the scene where Kunta Kinte, a resilient African slave, faces relentless brutality at the hands of slave masters. The scene unfolds as Kunta is beaten mercilessly because he refuses to accept the name given to him by his oppressors.
Freedom to Read and Learn
Last week, we kicked off a series exploring how current attitudes and actions today pose a threat to our freedom. This week, I want to look into some of the factors that might impact our ability to read and learn. As I sit here typing away, I'm also baking. Now, I'm not exactly a fan of baking, but I'm on my way down South for a family event, and my relatives always request that I bring homemade cakes with me. They say my cakes remind them of my mom's because I make them just like she did. So, today, alongside our discussion on democracy and freedom, I can't help but have recipes on my mind. Therefore, I want to talk about the fact that our freedom to read and learn is one of the main ingredients in the recipe of our democracy.
What's Going On?
What's going on? Keeping up with today's news cycle is like drinking water from a fire hose. It is so much, and it's tough to keep up. The trending news this week includes:
Gone Too Soon
A six-month-old baby is dead. She was killed by a bullet in Muskegon, Michigan. I will spare you the details about what a shot might do to the flesh of an infant because just the thought is horrifying enough. This baby, who was in the beginning stages of growth and development, will not learn to walk or talk. She will not enter preschool or elementary school, or high school. She will not grow up and become an independent adult. She is gone, life snubbed out by another senseless act of gun violence. We should be ashamed.
For All The Trash-Talking And Lack Of Sportsmanship On Clark's Part, Reese Received The Backlash
LSU's Angel Reese's post-game gesture has sparked a conversation about double standards in basketball.
Easter Reflection
When I was really young, Easter was one of my favorite holidays. Just thinking about the pomp, circumstance, and rituals brings back fond memories. My mom would get us all dressed, greasy faces and all, line us up in the yard, and begin taking photos. Afterward, she would send us to church, and though she rarely went, she made sure we did. While we often struggled financially, on most Easter Sundays, my mom made sure we had new clothes to wear to church. She wanted us to look good as we recited our Easter speeches. Easter Service was always long, and then we often stayed after church for dinner. I kind of miss those rituals, so today, I want to reflect on some of the cultural and religious traditions of Easter.
MY MUSING: SUMMARY OF SERIES ON IDA B. WELLS BARNETT
As a Black woman in America, navigating a society that often fails to recognize or value our experiences and contributions has been challenging. Even today, we must fight to keep our history and stories alive. I can't believe a school in Florida, just this week, banned the Disney movie about Ruby Bridges, who, when she was six years old, integrated a school in the South. While things have improved since Ida B Wells lived, we are regressing now and might benefit from learning about her work and fight for justice and equality. To summarize my month of musing on Ida B. Wells, here are some crucial points for us to remember today.
March Muse: Ida B. Wells on Lynching... "This Ain't New"
I admire Ida B. Wells because her writings speak to today's challenges. It really is as if she specifically crafted them for our current lives. Her anti-lynching campaign is relevant because, one, it brings to light the historical roots of racial violence in America. Secondly, it provides a foundation for understanding systemic racism and white supremacy. Her work is also a model for social justice activism, journalism, and education today. Ida B. Wells' work shows that the devaluing of Black lives has been a persistent issue in America. Her writings show that "this ain't new."
March Muse: Ida B Wells, Suffragist
Ida B Wells was snubbed one hundred and ten years ago this March, and I feel her pain. You see, all Black women were slighted at the Suffrage Parade in Washington, DC, on March 3, 1913. While we have come a long way since then, we must understand our history to avoid pitfalls and progress forward. Also, I want to acknowledge and celebrate the women who were there and actually took the brunt of the humiliation yet persevered and fought to make things better for us today.
Envy and Women of the Civil Rights Movement
Have you ever been jealous or envious? I have, and it happens more than I want to admit. So, it's something that I'm constantly working on, and I'm getting better. I have also been the victim of jealousy and envy, and when this happens, I step back or shy away from my productivity and accomplishments because who wants to be the source of discontent? Regardless of whether I feel jealous or someone feels threatened by me, it's likely to stunt my growth and prevent me from being and doing all that I can do. In fact, there have been times when I wanted to step up and do something but didn't because I was worried about what others would think. I am hoping that by sharing and being both a mentee and a mentor, I can work through these issues.
Mental Health In The Black Community
When the breaking news about the shooting at Michigan State University (MSU) came across the screen on Monday, February 13th, my heart sank. Not again and so close to home. Like many, I watched the news unfold throughout the night: three dead and five critically wounded. We must do something about guns in America; equally important, we must do something about mental illness in our community. Several of the last mass shootings, including this recent one at MSU, have been carried out by people experiencing mental breakdowns. Mental illness is pervasive and growing in the Black Community.
Black Love and Tyre Nichols
First of all, I want to acknowledge the pain and trauma caused by the violent death of Tyre Nichols. Yet again, the unhealed wounds caused by injustice are wide open. Our wounds are exposed, swollen, and oozing the blood of yet another Black male. While the beating death of Tyre Nichols happened more than 600 miles away, it feels too close for comfort. Could it be because the emotional trauma felt here in our city after the killing of Patrick Lyoya is still so new? Is it because those wounds have not been treated properly, and we fear infection? Could it be that we feel the pain of parasites, cannibals, even those who look like us, feeding on Black men in America? Whatever you are feeling, please take a moment, name it, acknowledge it, spend some time with it and then decide what you are going to do about it.
Black Men and Women: Growing In Love
Ok, so I just finished watching the Best Man Final Chapters (BMFC) on Peacock. Since I have been writing about Black men and women and Black love, I think the franchise (meaning all the Best Man movies and the series) is an appropriate reference for the topic. First of all, I enjoyed the films and the series. The BMFC is well written and is a good follow-up to the 1999 original film "The Best Man" and the 2013 Christmas special "The Best Man Holiday." There are some things I didn't like about BMFC, and I wonder if the franchise accurately depicts Black love and if it could be the source of some lessons for us on the topic.