Black History Month

First, "rabbit, rabbit, rabbit."

Second: Please join me in celebrating Black History Month! Per usual, for the entire month of February, I'll write a few posts in honor of Black History Month. I like to use this forum to educate as well as document and entertain, therefore, please know that some of the posts this month can have shocking language and topics some people may not want to read (all the more reason you should).

While researching for 10 topics of interest, I came across this statement, issued by Senator Theodore G. Bilbo, of Mississippi in 1947:

"If our buildings, our highways, and our railroads should be wrecked, we could rebuild them. If our cities should be destroyed, out of the very ruins we could erect newer and greater ones. Even if our armed might should be crushed, we could rear sons who would redeem our power. But, if the blood of our White race should become corrupted and mingled with the blood of Africa, then the present greatness of the United States of America would be destroyed and all hope for civilization would be as impossible for a Negroid America as would be redemption and restoration of the Whiteman's blood which had been mixed with that of the Negro."

One can only hope that something written almost 65 years ago is a long extinct prejudice. Unfortunately, it's not. All we can do is hope, progress and grow toward the understanding that it's unacceptable.

Want to do something interesting?

1. Go to google.com
2. In the search bar type the letters "racis" (you don't even need to complete the word)
3. Notice the suggestions and pages that pop up before you finish typing.

Racist jokes, Nigger Jokes, Jew Jokes, Funny Racist Jokes,  

I just don't understand it.
"They" say racism is taught.
I agree.

Celebrating Black History Month

All month long I plan to educate my clients (as part of their curriculum) about various African American role models and  issues of race that still occur in the 21st Century. Part of the education may simply be a poem or a short story that I read at opening/check-in and have them discuss it. I also plan to incorporate some information about racism, stigma, and prejudice as part of their rehabilitation. Recovery includes integration back into the community that once shunned you or you withdrew from because of substance use; an interesting comparison.

Some of the material I discuss with them will be shared here. I think it's important to understand the basis of racism and how it still, so often, seeps into our world view. Many confuse racism with just nasty words, or not liking a person based on the color of their skin, their culture, heritage and so forth. In my opinion, racism is also ignorance to individual differences in people; ignorance to privilege. Ignoring and not discussing issues of race does not negate a person from perpetuating racism. Some of the discussions I hope to have here may be difficult and compel readers to dig deep into their own biases. Never-the-less, it's a necessary conversation.

*Note to my readers: I do not, under any circumstances, condone using the "N" word. It is a hateful word used to segregate and degrade. I will, however, discuss the "career" of such a hateful word in a later post. But as a preview- believe it or not, so suggest that when used by blacks, the word loses its power- an interesting discussion for later this month, so stay tuned.

Here is a poem, which profoundly affects me every time I read it; it truly breaks my heart.

The Incident (1925)

Once riding in old Baltimore,
Heart-filled, head-filled with glee,
I saw a Baltimorean
Keep looking straight at me.

Now I was eight and very small,
And he was no whit bigger,
And so I smiled, but he poked out
His tongue, and called me, "Nigger."

I saw the whole of Baltimore
From May until December;
Of all the things that happened there
That's all that I remember.

-Countee Cullen

My friend Maya....

One of my favorite poems by one of my favorite authors, who I was lucky enough to have met a few years back.

Still I Rise- Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

No Difference- Shel Silverstein

In honor of Black History Month:

Small as a peanut,
Big as a giant,
We're all the same size
When we turn off the light.

Rich as a sultan,
Poor as a mite,
We're all worth the same
When we turn off the light.

Red, black or orange,
Yellow or white,
We all look the same
When we turn off the light.

So maybe the way
To make everything right
Is for God to just reach out
And turn off the light!

Celebrating Black History Month

In 1870 the 15th amendment was ratified "...the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged on the basis of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

"Americans... still believe in an America where anythings possible - they just don't think their leaders do." -Barack Obama.

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month and what a better to start off the month than with the first ever African American President? It's no secret I didn't vote for President Obama as I usually vote Republican but, being MY definition of a patriot, I will support our President and, I hope, grow to love our President.

I must admit, Obama's victory was so bittersweet for me. When he won the election I was wrought with disappointment, but also overjoyed that America was able to look past their own ignorance and be temporarily color-blind. This is progressive and this is huge! I am, and was always, proud to be an American. Now I'm hopeful that we have taken another step toward tolerance. For those who think racism doesn't exist, it does and it's our responsibility to challenge it.

As a someone who teaches tolerance everyday, I couldn't be happier to celebrate the African American culture with such a huge progressive movement. Looking back and reading the 15th amendment, it's a definition of victory for those who at one point in time didn't have the right to vote. We are now being led by a brave African American, President Barack Obama!

Lets celebrate Black History Month.

Stay tuned for postings all month long highlighting the amazing African American culture.

Books to read in February

February is black history month.
Below are the 5 best books to celebrate and educate.

Warriors Don't Cry By: Melba Patillo-Beals
This book is about the children who integrated Central High School in Little Rock Arkansas in the 1950's. The author was one of the "Little Rock 9." I have read this book several times, and each time I learn something new. I love the strength of the children in this book.

The Bluest Eye By: Toni Morrison.
This book is a biography of sorts. The life of Pecola Breedlove is the focal point, outlining her struggles as an African American child who is in contact with other white children. She is a survivor of incest, abuse and discrimination. She wants nothing more than to have blue eyes.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings By: Maya Angelou
This is my favorite book of all time. I met Maya Angelou year ago and was lucky enough to hear her speak. Maya is a survivor of rape, abuse and discrimination. She had an unplanned teen pregnancy and this book chronicles some of that struggle. Maya has spoken at Presidential Inaugurations, is a prolific writer and poet, humanitarian, spit-fire, hero, and friend of Oprah...

Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word By: Randall Kennedy
This book is an intense read. It discusses the root of this word, how it originated and includes quotes by famous people, song lyrics sensationalizing the word, and other surprising shocking facts about this hateful word. For instance in Mark Twain's novel, Huckleberry Fin, the word "nigger" is used 215 times! This used to be a children's book!

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier By: Isamael Beah
I did not read this book, however, Aaron did. Aaron is an advocate for civil rights (aren't we all) but is particularly fascinated with poverty, refugees, and the arming of children in wars. He loved/hated this book- it was profound and heart-wrenching. It is intense and written by a boy soldier from Sierra Leone.

Black History Month

I am so ashamed that it's the 2nd of February and I'm just now posting about this. I will explain my negligence in a later post, but before I go any further, I feel it necessary to acknowledge February as Black History Month.

All month long, I plan to educate my clients (as part of their curriculum) about various African American role models and racist atrocities that still take place in the 21st Century. Part of the education may simply be a poem or a short story that I read at opening/check-in. I also plan to incorporate some information about racism, stigma, and prejudice as part of their rehabilitation. Recovery includes integration back into the community that once shunned you or you withdrew from because of substance use.

Some of the material I discuss with them will be shared here.

*Note to my readers: I do not, under any circumstances, condone using the "N" word. It is a hateful word used to segregate and degrade. I will, however, discuss the "career" of such a hateful word in a later post. But as a preview- believe it or not, when used by Blacks, the word loses it's power- an interesting discussion for later this month. So stay tuned.

Here is a poem, which profoundly affects me every time I read it:

The Incident (1925)

Once riding in old Baltimore,
Heart-filled, head-filled with glee,
I saw a Baltimorean
Keep looking straight at me.
Now I was eight and very small,
And he was no whit bigger,
And so I smiled, but he poked out
His tongue, and called me, "Nigger."
I saw the whole of Baltimore
From May until December;
Of all the things that happened there
That's all that I remember.

-Countee Cullen