This blog does not contain much writing. Today I’m using poetry to get points across. Some of you may know I’ve been an educator, author and activist, but many don’t know that I grew up in Harlem as an aspiring … Continue reading Why The Negroes Suffer
{Note: I released my third book entitled, “Truth for our Youth: A Self-Empowerment Book for Teens,” on April 6, 2014. Check it out, and help me spread the word!} __________________________________ Wikipedia defines “propaganda” as “a form of communication that is aimed towards influencing the attitude of a community toward some cause or position by presenting only one side of an argument. Propaganda is usually repeated and dispersed over a wide variety of media in order to create the chosen result in audience attitudes.” It amazes me how much we tend to underestimate the role white supremacist propaganda plays in creating, justifying … Continue reading How Racist Propaganda Was Used To Subjugate Black People
If you are unfamiliar with Christopher Dorner, you are either under the influence of a powerful narcotic, or you live in a cave with no access to television, computer or internet service. In any event, both the corporate propaganda machine (the mainstream media) and corporate security (law enforcement) have every interest in defining this man and his meaning for you. What we know is that the 33 year-old former LAPD officer and former member of the Navy Reserve recently killed a police officer, the daughter of a former police officer and her fiance . We also know that this armed … Continue reading The Saga of Christopher Dorner:Bigger Thomas and American Law Enforcement
Native Son, Go Tell it on the Mountain, and The Invisible Man, are recognized as three of the most acclaimed novels in both black and American literature.[1] This article argues that while all three novels feature variations in literary form, tone, and central theme, they also share similarities, most notably, compelling critiques of American racism and its effects on urban black people during the pre and post World War II years. Native Son, written by Richard Wright in 1940, tells the story of protagonist Bigger Thomas, a 20 year-old black man living in a Chicago slum. In an effort … Continue reading Critiques of American Racism in the Novels of Wright, Ellison and Baldwin
With Thanksgiving now upon us, many will write their annual obligatory comments on Facebook, Twitter, via text messages and so forth. These messages will run the gamut from simple (“Happy Thanksgiving”), to the spiritual (“Give God glory and thanks on this day for all of His blessings”), to political (“This day commemorates the white man’s betrayal of Native American humility and generosity.”) I too, participated in this ritual of praise and gratitude. This morning I posted the following: There is no law that says we must mimic others’ cultural practices, or share their identical values or narratives. I have learned … Continue reading Thoughts About Thanksgiving
I am becoming increasingly irritated by comments suggesting that racism no longer exists or thrives in America. I cringe with each “America is post-racial” comment or insinuation. Every “race is simply a by-product of capitalist exploitation: it will fall with capitalism” statement causes my skin to crawl and my stomach to ache. Each “If WE were in power, we’d be just as oppressive,” or “It’s not REALLY about race, but money” line causes my heart to palpitate. I am not a political hypochondriac; the “pain” I feel and observe among my people is REAL and statements that reflect the sentiments … Continue reading Racism – As American as Apple Pie
