Happy Birthday, Brother Malcolm

Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little; May 19, 1925 – Feb 21, 1965)

This post is to honor the memory of Mr. El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz (Malcolm X) for his birthday, May 19, 1925. You know, we sometimes forget that our leaders of the past and present were once little boys and girls who loved to laugh and play. They played games like 21, hop scotch, and hide-and-go-get-it. They became excited when they heard the ice cream truck; they loved bubble gum, cookies, and all types of sweets. They had a crush on the pretty girl or cute boy in their class.

Back then, the young Malcolm Little did not know that he would grow, fall, and rise like the Phoenix. He did not know that he would grow to be internationally known and respected. He did not know that he would carry the weight of the world on his shoulder. Malcolm Little did not know that he would die just trying to make things right -- right for everyone. God bless your soul, brother Malcolm. Happy Birthday. Peace~

End of Apartheid

George Junius Stinney Jr.

Advocates push for retrial to clear name of 14-year-old ’killer’ executed in 1944

2013 Posthumous NFL Draft: Paul Robeson

In the 2013 NFL draft, Morphological Confetti posthumously chooses Rutgers University All-American End (Offensive Guard) Paul Leroy Bustill Robeson as it's No. 1 pick!  Robeson stands at 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), Weight: 219 lb.  He is expected to make a huge impact on the 2013-2014 football seasons.  He is known to be a bone crushing blocker and superb, all around football player.  We [would] expect to hear a great deal from this talented - would be - NFL star!  Give it up for Paul “The Crooner” Robeson!

Note:  His talents include acting and he is known to have a brilliant baritone voice and a heart for the people.    He was also honored as Valedictorian of his graduating class of 1919.  I love this guy!

Happy 93rd Birthday Nelson Mandela

MC Spotlight: Marcus and the Amazons

Honeydew – I can just imagine the taste of cold, sweet, Honeydew? In Geoffrey Philp’s latest eBook, Marcus and the Amazons, Honeydew is the drink of choice among the Formicas and the Amazons. The Formicas and the Amazons represent the two main groups in an insect society consisting of Formicidaes and Aphids. Marcus and the Amazons explores the theme of oppression and the effects it has on the oppressed population, who have, in some ways, come to accept it as a way of life. The story focuses on the oppressed Formicas who are ruled by the larger and more numerous Amazons.

The protagonist of the story, Marcus, returns from the forest to save his captured love, Amy, and the lives of his fellow Formicas. However, Marcus is met with violent resistance from the mean Queen Victoria of the Amazons and her cruel crony, Captain Bull O’Grady. The story is universal. There are many examples in history where one group oppresses another. For instance, the captain of the Amazons, Bull O’Grady, brought to mind the openly racist commissioner of Birmingham, Alabama during the 1960s Civil Rights movement, Bull Connor. I also easily connected our hero, Marcus, to past heroes such as the American Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., former South African President, Nelson Mandela, and the National Jamaican hero, Samuel Sharpe.

Marcus and the Amazons can be fantastic teaching tool for the classroom. The story is an ideal platform for many classroom discussions such as the effects of oppression, war, prejudice, racism, politics, and unity to name a few. For smaller children, it addresses themes such as friendship, loyalty, and kindness.  It also raises important questions that are typically overlooked in today’s individualistic and passive society. However, the story also shows that all is not lost, and there is still time to correct the wrongs that exist. The Queen of the Formicas, Queen Amy, asked the most poignant of questions, “…do you have the courage to change?” I believe we do. In fact, let us all come together in peace. We can discuss these important issues of the day, as we sip from a cup of cool, delicious, honeydew. It would be a sweet start.

Photo:  Fire Fly at Dusk by S. Bess
About the Author: Geoffrey Philp is the author of the novel, Benjamin, My Son and six poetry collections: Exodus and Other Poems, hurricane center, Florida Bound, xango music, and Twelve Poems and A Story for Christmas. He has also written a book of short stories, Uncle Obadiah and the Alien; a play, Ogun's Last Stand, and a children's book, Grandpa Sydney's Anancy Stories, Who's Your Daddy? and Other Stories in 2009, and Dub Wise. Check out Geoffrey's blog and find out more about his work and other Caribbean writers.

Vote Aqui!

Good morning.  I was just at the polls a couple of hours ago.  Being a student of history, I couldn't help but think of the struggles many had to go through in order to vote.  I especially thought of my own ancestors realizing that many feared for their lives at the mere thought of voting.  They had to put up with all sorts of threats and clauses like the Grandfather Clause that was put into place to discourage the African American vote.  My grandfather voted in the 2008 presidential election.  He was 90 years old at the time, and never "thought that he would ever see a colored president."  Sorry Mr. President, he was 90 years old.  To him, everyone was either white or colored.  Now, my grandfather has gone home to glory, so he left this basic and very important civic duty up to his children and grand children.  So, once again, I exercised that right this morning for my grandfather and his grandfather.  It felt good.  Please vote today.  Peace~

Source:  Black Past.org

The King Memorial

In commemoration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. is making efforts to build a King Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The King Memorial will serve as a reminder that, in the words of King, “Every man must decided whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.” It will remind America and the world that we are still working and fighting for a society that advocates freedom and justice for all.

However, all Americans and all who have shared “The Dream” must do this. Like the Civil Rights Movement that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and many others fought to make a reality, it must be a collaborative effort from everyone.  Let us think about the future of this country, and about our children who must always know that there were champions of justice and equality. In fact, get them involved by visiting: kidsforking.org.  Also, please visit the King Memorial website to see how you can help make the King Memorial a reality.  Again, we must all help to “Build the Dream.” Peace~

Photo source:  NY Times

Fast and Pray

Mark 9:29 "And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."


On June 2, 1899, African Americans observed a day of fasting called by the National Afro-American Council to protest lynching and racial massacres.








Source:blackfacts.com

Liquid Lunch: Photo and Poem

Photo: My grandfather (pictured right) and friend in the Army--1944

One Shot

Gimme one shot 'o liquor to chase 'dis beer

Just one shot 'o liquor to chase 'dis beer

Gimme two more shots

and I'll run all 'dese folks outa here!

makes no difference to me if it's scotch or rum

makes no difference to me if it's scotch or rum

Gimme two mo' shots and my head is sho' to be numb

I figure it'll take some of the sting off that mighty blow

I got waitin' on me at home when I walk through that front do'

Note: Excerpt from my book of Blues-Inspired poetry, Liquid Lunch

Mahalia Jackson

The Lord's Prayer

Mahalia Jackson is the perfect way to start off the New Year. Tell me, who could sing the spirituals like Mama Mahalia? The mere sound of her voice takes you back to that old country church that your grandmother would attend. It's that church that sits far back from the road and there is a long dusty road that leads to it. There were no musicians in the church our grandmothers attended; there was just the humming of voices, the clapping of hands, the tapping of shoes on wooden floor panels, and a tambourine. I thank God for this "Black Pearl" from New Orleans, who sang songs that blessed the young, the old, and the souls of ancestors. Mahalia Jackson represents that old time religion that we need so desperately today. God bless Mahalia Jackson and God bless you in 2008. Peace~

Sources: Biblegateway.com and Wikipedia.org

Stokely Carmichael Quote

Stokely Carmichael

[aka Kwame Toure 1941-1998]
Quote taken from Boogie Down Productions/Edutainment 1990

"History can never be made by one man, we must smash this one quickly. History is made only by the masses of the people, this is clear. Even a cursory glance at the fallacious presentation Of History by the American Capitalist system, will demonstrate just this. Take George Washington, as bad as he is... put him in the middle of Valley Forge, by himself, surrounded by the British, he can do nothing. Take Martin Luther King as righteous as he is... put him in the middle of Birmingham by himself, speaking out against racism, he would be lynched. But you take this same King, you take this same Washington put them in Valley Forge, put them in Alabama surround them with thousands of people who have the same ideas they do, willing to make those ideas reality and the situation changes drastically."

Photo and info source: sunyulster.edu and wikipedia.org

I was just feeling a little Edutainment by KRS-One and Boogie Down Production. It was one of my favorite cds from my college days in Savannah. I wish for you all a safe and wonderful weekend. Peace~

Paul Robeson In Song

Paul Robeson Water Boy
Video sent by paleopale

Paul LeRoy Bustill Robeson (April 9, 1898 – January 23, 1976) was a multi-lingual African American actor, athlete, bass-baritone concert singer, writer, civil rights activist, Spingarn Medal winner, and Lenin Peace Prize laureate.

I Got The Call From W.W. Law

There are times in our lives when we have a brush with greatness, but most of the time we are just not aware. We encounter this excellence from time to time, but remain oblivious. These individuals (some of them may be you) may not get national or international recognition, but they are “great” in the eyesight of those who are aware of their contributions. For me, it was 1992 and my sophomore year as a student at Savannah State College. My English professor decided to take our class on a field trip to Savannah’s historic Beach Institute. Beach Institute began as a school for African American students before integration. It now functions as a museum and archive of African American history. It is also connected with The King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation of Savannah.

The professor told us that we were going to see and meet a very important Savannah native. He was also a graduate of Georgia State College (Now Savannah State University). Who was this man? Well, he was born Westley Wallace Law on January 1, 1923, but he was known around Savannah as W.W. Law. This is a person? When I first heard his name he sounded more like an organization or law office. Our instructor told us how he was a retired postal worker and former president of the NAACP (1950-1976) in Savannah. In fact, W.W. Law once led an 18 month boycott in 1960 of downtown merchants which forced Savannah’s leadership to listen and compromise on the civil rights issues of the day. He was a living, historical icon. I learned back then that he had dedicated the rest of his life to the preservation and dissemination of African and African American history. He took particular pride in the rich history and culture of his hometown, Savannah (The Low Country).

We arrived at Beach Institute and were immediately seated in a room where W.W. Law was already waiting. My first impression of him when I saw him was that of a grandfather -- a village elder. He was brown in complexion and he had a smooth, brown bald head (that bald head would be a part of my look in another 5 years). He was comfortably fitted in khaki pants and a flannel shirt with suspenders. He sat in his chair quietly and watched us as we quietly walked in. We had a small class of around 15 students and he looked at each of us carefully. As we were sitting and getting situated, Mr. Law blurted out, “young man, where are you from?” He addressed a tall, slender, dark brown young man who was also a student in the course. “I’m from South Carolina, Mr. Law,” he said with a polite look of bewilderment. Mr. Law continued, “Judging from your features and overall statue your ancestors were likely from Senegal.” The young man was speechless as he nervously smiled. W.W. Law glanced around the room and told others where their ancestors were likely from.
Most of the students there were from Georgia and South Carolina. Many of them displayed features that most likely resembled their ancestors a great deal. Mr. Law mentioned different countries in West Africa as he looked upon each of our faces.
Mr. Law went on to tell us about Savannah’s African American past and how we should arm ourselves with knowledge of the Diaspora. He urged us to visit our local libraries and to read all that we could about who we are as a people. In the end, I was impressed and inspired by is acumen and fervor for African culture and history. It awakened in me an insatiable thirst to find out more about our black history here in America. In 2007, I still have that thirst for information and history thanks to W.W. Law. I graduated college in June of 1994 with a degree in English Literature and Language. On July 28, 2002, W.W. Law died quietly in his home in Savannah just months after I had received my MAT in English. He was 79 years old. In July of 2002, I had completed a year of teaching rambunctious 9th and 10th graders. I was 35 years old and my head was smooth, brown and bald like W.W. Law. Still is!

Click post title to find out more about Mr. Law
Sources: http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/, http://www.pbs.org/ and http://www.wwlawdocumentary.com/, http://www.savannahgetaways.net/poi/PoiImages

A Vote For Papa

I got up early this morning to vote. I was so proud of myself because I arrived at my designated elementary school at around 6:30am. The booths didn't open until 7am and I was the first in line! Well, once they opened and they checked for my name and address I found out that I was supposed to be at another school down the street. Doh!!! So, I ran to my car and sped down the street (No school children out yet) to stand in line at the correct elementary school. So, in the end I went from first to around fifty first. I was only 30 minutes late for work. It felt good to cast that vote. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't know all of the candidates I voted for because I'm new to the county. I knew most of them though. I've even met some of them at political rallies.
I hope that you cast your vote today. If you're not registered get registered for the next election. It's important for you, your family and future generations. That's just my humble opinion. *smile* I'm dedicating this vote to my great-great grandfather, Ezekiel Roberson. He couldn't vote, but I can. Peace~

Note: Click the title of this post for more info about registering to vote

Today In American His-story

September 7, 1954 - Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Md., public schools integrated.

Today:

We have a public school system in Washington, D.C. that is
84.6% Black and 4.5% White/non-Hispanic. In Baltimore the numbers are similar.

Baltimore City:

87.5% Black
10.8% White/non-Hispanic

Intergration? Am I missing something?

source: National Center For Education Statistics
photo: Suprememe Court Bldg in Washington, D.C. / by: S Bess
Model: Thomas Bess

Mr. Emmett Till

The day was Saturday, August 20, 1955. Mamie Till rushed her son, Emmett down to the 63rd Street station on Chicago’s Southside to meet Uncle Moses.  It was a southbound train going to Greenwood, Mississippi. “Now remember what I told you Emmett,” Mamie said with her soft voice and sad eyes. Mamie told Emmett about the rules of Jim Crow and how to conduct himself in the Apartheid south. “Never look them in the eye, Emmett and always say yes sir/ma’am when you have to speak.” She told Emmett about the separate water fountains, separate restrooms, and separate restaurants. She told him to look for the signs that said, “Colored.” “Look for the signs, Emmett!” “Okay, momma. I’ll be alright.” Mamie would not be there to protect her son so she emphasized the peculiarity of the place. I imagine that Emmett gave his mother an assuring smile, but even asserted his manhood as he boarded that train to Greenwood, Mississippi. She probably gave him a shoebox filled with her home fried chicken as she hugged her son for the last time that Saturday afternoon. Emmett gave his mother is wrist watch.  "I won't be needing this where I'm going, Mama."  Emmett was fourteen.

Emmett would travel all night from Chicago and arrive in Greenwood, Mississippi on Sunday, August 21st. He was happy to see his cousins and the rest of the family when he arrived with his great uncle, Moses Wright. Emmett was only there for a few days, and then there was the incident! You know…the wolf whistle. Yes, Emmett was in Mississippi for only a week when he whistled at a white woman in the grocery store. It was a boyish act. Besides, Emmett was just a boy. It was the boyish act that would ignite a movement.

The town was Money, Mississippi.  Emmett wanted to buy 10 cents worth of penny candy at the Bryant Store.  He gave her the dime, but he touched her hand.  The woman was twenty one-year-old Carolyn Bryant, accomplice. Her husband was Roy Bryant, murderer. The system was Jim Crow/American Apartheid. A few days later and late one evening, Emmett Till was taken from the home of his great uncle, Moses Wright. Carolyn’s husband, Roy Bryant and his half brother, J.W. Milam had to teach Emmett a lesson. Emmett did not know that the penalty for whistling at a white woman in Mississippi was death and that there wasn’t a court in the entire state of Mississippi that would convict those men for doing so. Emmett paid with his life.

Emmett's beaten and mutilated body was found floating in the Tallahatchie River. The date was Sunday, August 28, 1955. He had just arrived in Mississippi last Sunday.The men were never convicted. In the end, Mamie Till lost a son, and a fourteen-year-old boy lost his life. Emmett’s opened casket (Mamie’s request) left a nation in terror and outrage. A few months later Rosa Parks would refuse to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama and the Civil Rights movement was born.

Note: The last time that I was in Chicago I stopped at a Starbucks on the corner of Stony Island and 71st streets. I noticed an additional sign above the 71st street sign which read "Emmett Till St." Today, Emmett would be around the age of my father. God bless his soul. Rest in peace Mr. Till. Rest

sources: photo provided by humanarts.org
link: http://www.emmetttillmurder.com/

To find out more about Emmett Till click post title.

Colored Man: Brief Thoughts On Immigration And Diversity

Good morning! On my way to the subway station yesterday I was talking to a young lady that I work with about the diversity here in DC. We soon got on the subject of Immigration and the apparent fear that some people in this country have of immigrants (especially immigrants of color…black, Latino, etc.). This conversation only lasted for our ten-minute walk to the subway station, but in that time we both agreed that this country has not yet seen it’s true identity. What will an American look like in 50 years? What changes will we see in language and culture? These are legitimate questions because America is in an adolescent stage of existence in comparison to Africa, Asia or Europe. America gained independence in 1776. That makes us approximately 230 years old as a nation. That is fairly young for a country. It is my hope that the constant blending of languages and cultures will soon force this country to shed it’s separatist attitudes and eventually embrace diversity. I know that this may seem unrealistic, but this is my hope. Speaking of hope…I hope that everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend if you are here in the Un-United States. If you are in another part of the world I wish you peace and prosperity.

Side note: I read something recently on a fortune cookie that said:
‘Good work, good life, good love, good-bye oppression.’
Lucky Numbers: 11,14,30,31,45,46
(I couldn’t leave out the lucky numbers. **smile**)

Negro National Anthem: Lift Every Voice

James Weldon Johnson & J. Rosamond Johnson

Written in 1900

Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring Ring
with the harmonies of Liberty;
let our rejoicing rise, high as the list'ning skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea
sing a song
full of faith that the dark past has taught us,
sing a song
full of the hope that the present has brought us;
facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, bitter the chast'ning rod,
felt in the day that hope unborn had died;
yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet,
come to the place on witch our fathers sighed?
we have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last where the white gleam of our star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
thou who has by thy might, led us into the light,
keep us forever in the path, we pray lest our feet stray from the places, our God,
where we met thee, least our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world,
we forget thee, shadowed beneath the hand,
may we forever stand, true to our God, True to our native land.

Let Freedom Ring...Please!

The former Education Secretary, William Bennett, used poor judgement when he used as an example aborting "every Black baby in this country" in order to reduce the crime rate. I really don't know what his intentions were when he made that comment. I do know that there are individuals in this country, some in high places, who wish they could do just that. Yes, we would like to think that things are different now, but race is still a volatile issue in America. The turn of events in New Orleans and comments like the one made by the former secretary prove just that. This is why we need to continue to march and fight for not only the rights of Blacks in this country, but human rights. We need to educate the masses and agitate the classes.
Here is more from the article on CNN.com