The Continuing Question of Race in America

Timing is everything, has become cliche' and I'm not sure who said it first, but it is so apropos to the events of the last week. The topic of race in America has been a very prevalent topic in the various Social Networking sites from Twitter to Facebook, and has extended into the mainstream conversation because of a couple of events.

Last week a question was posted on Facebook by Rhonda Crowder, a reporter for the Call & Post Newspaper, "Do you think we live in a post-racial America? Does racism still exist? Have WE really overcome?'' The question prompted a great deal of conversation, with most saying that racism is still strong and present in the United States.

My take on the question was that yes, we have the first black president and life has definitely changed for him, but on "Main Street" things are very similar to what they were prior to January 20, 2009.

My full response was: Racism is a condition that will continue to exist for a long time. The fact that we have a black president does not negate racism, it simply says that more whites and other minorities were willing to vote for President Obama. For main street the issues of racism have not been eradicated and in some ways have been exacerbated by the economic times ... that we now find ourselves in. As time continues there may be an end to racism as we know it today, but as human beings I agree with a previous respondent - we will always find a way to see ourselves as better than someone else. Finally, at the heart of racism is power, or a sense of power, so it really depends on who has the ultimate power many years from now as to what shape racism will take on.

The exchange was interesting and thought provoking, but it became very timely on Monday when I learned that Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates had been arrested at his own home. The headlines, blog posts, and tweets spoke of racial profiling and racism. I immediately thought of Rhonda's question, and thought here is a living example of how things have not changed in America.

Dr. Gates is world-renowned for his documentaries on genealogical research and tracing African American history. He definitely does not look like a thief, but then again what does a thief look like? During an interview on CNN he explained that he would not leave his house because the moment he was out of his house he could be arrested for suspicion of burglary. To think that the officers responding to the call had never heard of him or seen him is astonishing! But it is further proof that there is a long way to go before racism is non-existent.

I don't think that we will see that day because racism is about more than differences in skin color, it has a great deal to do with perceptions of power and superiority, and while the level of racism felt by people of color may shift as those of color become more powerful the shift will be to another undeserved group.

What do you think? Next...Racism within the race.

Are You A Natural Woman?

When asked to describe yourself, would a natural woman be a likely response? If so, check out author Lori Johnson's Old School Mix and participate in her poll, or just read the accounts of women who for a number of reasons choose to be "Natural Women".

This is all in honor of the release, this November, of Lori's new work of fiction A Natural Woman. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading Lori's first novel, After The Dance then you have missed a treat. For those of us just this side of 30, After The Dance is an adult love story filled with humor and good musical references. The words have a rhythm of their own and the story will keep you reading.

In the meantime, stop by the Old School Mix for a mix of humor and down home wisdom.

~Peace

Signs from Above

Today I've been battling with how to deal with some very delicate issues to no avail, and although I haven't found the answer to my questions I was relieved to read a couple of articles in the August Essence that reinforced my beliefs.

In the "'get lifted" monthly column written by Bishop T. D. Jakes the focus is on self love and being comfortable in ones self. I have been debating the issue of happiness with a loved one for months now, and Bishop Jakes summed up my argument with the use of scripture. Well not scripture per se, but the wisdom of a man who has studied the scripture extensively.

At the core of the dilemma is understanding that God has placed each of us here on this planet with a purpose, and it is our job to find, embrace and live that purpose. Further he stresses that the companionship and love of a partner is not the cure to our own internal happiness. That happens within, we must embrace ourselves, get to know ourselves and develop a self-love that will transcend to others.

The second article, also focusing on the challenges and consequences of a lack of self-love dealt specifically with the competition and cattiness so prevalent with black women. While many of us have established and nurtured lifelong relationships with one another, we can also be very vicious and mean to other women. From snide comments and remarks to just downright hostile treament.

At the core to this behavior, according to a number of experts including Phyllis Chesler, professor emeritus of pschology and women's studies at Cit University of New York and Angela D. Coleman, president and founder of the Sisterhood Agenda is again, a lack of self-love. Many women who have issues with themselves including a lack of self-esteem find the solace and self-worth we need in deflating the image other women have of themselves.

My point in recounting these articles is a need for us all to embrace the You in You! We have only one life to live and it is imperative that we live it to the best of our ability, knowing that We are the Best part of ourselves, and when we see something lacking within ourselves - focus on adjusting You for the better. Do not look for others to fulfill who you are.

At the core, You Are the Best You there is!

~Peace

Remembering Michael Jackson

For more than a week we have all been captivated by the videos, the pundits and everyone speculating about the death of our beloved Michael Jackson, but not until today did it really hit home.

I watched from the sidelines, not trying to pay close attention because somewhere along the way I had fallen out of love with that gorgeous chocolate brown teenager I grew up with. I still liked his music, but it wasn't like the thrill I had to go to Cleveland's Public Auditorium and see Michael and his brothers perform for the massive crowd of giggling and screaming teenage girls.

We had all written our wedding vows, and they undoubtedly joined us in holy matrimony with Michael, Marlon, Tito, Jackie. What joy they all brought us, but the greatest joy came from Michael. He had the infectious smile and those beautiful eyes that assured you that he was looking at you and only you.

Today, see the photos of that young Michael I am forced to stay focused and admit, this is truly the end of the mortal being, but I know that his spirit and his music will live on.

God Bless you Michael, thank you for the memories and may you finally rest in peace!

Photo originally appeared on www.huffingtonpost.com

Happy Father's Day

Today I want to thank my father for being that rock in my life. When I think of my Dad I smile, because humor - dry and corny as it might be is always present with him. I've always said he was quiet, reserved and laid back, but as I have grown older I have found that he really isn't that quiet. Boy, can he talk if you let him! There have been days that he's called to talk about something he heard or read in the newspaper and he will go on and on, and on about it. Some times I'm caught off guard and I'm thinking to myself "where did that come from" because it is something that I can't believe my Dad would be interested in. Later, I'll think about it and realize it's something he knows I'm interested in, and this is his way of loving his children.

You see my Dad has never been an affectionate person, that is until he became a grandfather the second time around. You see I have three older siblings, and two of them have children that are now adults, but when these grandchidlren were little they lived in other states so that bond was not formed. Now the last four grandchildren live here in town and are regularly at my parents house, and when you watch my Dad with them we often marvel at the affection he gives them. Because we can all probably count on our hands how many times he has hugged and/or kissed us, but even without the tactile reminders I have always known he loved me.

The phone calls to discuss the news was just as good as a hug or kiss, because at that moment I knew my Daddy was thinking about me.

Over the last several weeks I have been thinking about he and my mother a great deal because they are older now, and this is hard for me to accept. Today my Dad is really not feeling himself and you can hear it in his voice, and that pulls at my heart because my Rock is losing some of his strength. He's not as spry as he was a few years back, so I'm working on ways in which I can be a rock of sorts and stand strong for him.

So this Father's Day I'm going to hang out with my Dad for a while and hopefully he'll tell me one of his corny jokes and we'll both share a good laugh!

Happy Father's Day to all, and to all the children be sure to take some time today to let your Dad know how special he is.

~Peace

In New York this Summer, take in Tin Pan Alley Rag

If you're going to be in the New York City area this summer and you're planning your itinerary, I would like to suggest that stop by the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre and enjoy a production of Tin Pan Alley Rag. The cast includes my good friend Michael Boatman as Scott Joplin, so yes, this is a biased post.
Michael's credits include television, film and stage work and he is a wonderful actor. Many of you may remember him as Carter from the ABC sit com "Spin City", or as Stanley Babson in the HBO show ARLI$$.
So, if you're in the NYC area and want to hear some good Ragtime music and enjoy a good play - Tin Pan Alley Rag is a good place to start and it runs from June 12-September 6. For more information on the production click here.
Photo taken from Tin Pan Alley site.

Really now, it was a fly!!!

I'm back and although there have been a number of things to talk about over the last several weeks, time has not been on my side. Today, I have a little time and what is everyone talking about - President Obama killing a fly! Give me a break, they are disease carrying insects that annoy everyone at this time of the year. The fact that PETA has been contacted by "multiple media outlets" seeking a statement shows just how nonsensical the media has become.