Phillyosophicalizing Easter

Main-stream Society has done far more irrectifiable damage to individualism than any distraught bullies have ever hoped to inflict upon society labeled Plain Janes or Computer Geeks. One need not be of Christian faith to enjoy the spirit of Easter nor does one need to be so of Christian faith as not to be able to participate in the frills of Easter. For there is such a thing called a medium – a middle ground; a point of view midway between extremes. Truly here is where individualism thrives. But how many dare to walk such a thin line? Come, stray for a moment if you will and walk with me away from the main-stream. For surely if it is true that life imitates art and art imitates life than what of this book called the Bible so many protest, perhaps merely literature, symbolism at its best. Gethsemane? Surely Surprisedbyjoy writes "all of us will experience Gethsemane in our lifetime. They are moments of great distress, fear and anguish. We may experience hatred and betrayal. We may be called to pick up our 'wounds' and we don’t want to do it. Even Christ needed companions in Gethsemane. Sleeping friends were better than being alone. We would be wise to ask for friends to be with us in our Gethsemane. Don’t be upset when ‘some’ let us down. Judas betrayed, the others slumbered, Peter denied their relationship and they all ran away in fear. We see a picture of life drama and human frailties." This is Gethsemane, merely truth; facing the truth – moments of truth. As for the cross, we all have ours to bear, some more than others. I think the hardest cross to lay down and upon is forgiveness. Surprisedbyjoy states "All of us have forgiveness issues. Human nature clings to grudge holding which leads to destructive bitterness and venom. For 'any hope of any kind of' growth, healing and maturity, 'though' we must forgive ". Often the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. Truly we are our own worse enemies at times. And so begins the crucifixion; we crucify those who have done us wrong and worse we crucify ourselves. It is a vicious circle, one perhaps of a dog trying to chew his own legs off only to succeed in immobilizing himself to never walk again. Oh but if we could forgive, especially ourselves; we would truly rise again anew. A testament to all the Doubting Toms! Here in lays the problem, here in indeed. Inside this fleshy shell of ours, our very own tomb. Maybe the secret is buried in first healing the wounds; rather inflicted by others, and/or circumstances, or self. After all it is Spring and 'Hope Springs Eternal'. And so this is Easter, the passing over and into the realizations of Gethsemane. We have ventured far enough now from the Main-stream Society for most to have seen the middle ground of art imitating life. I much rather join the allusion and dance with the Easter Bunny and color eggs than spend any more time dissecting life’s many illusions, delusions. Cause for now; liken love, spring is in the air - spring is every where!

Related Posts: Epiphany Easter, 1916 by W. B. Yeats

Thanks for Giving Troops!

A Soldier's Thanksgiving Day Poem
By Marcy Mobley, published Nov 12, 2008

I know we are at war,
But I hear change is in sight
Instead of family and friends for Thanksgiving you will
Chow with your comrades tonight
One to your left, the other to your right.
Your regiment, your battalion,
Have now become family and friends
Living day to day in a personal sacrifice
On a mission to defend.
You are the hero's who's faces we may never get to see
But the pride and glory that's lives in a soldier heart
Biers one word
"Integrity"
On this day
We give thanks and honor to those brave and true
Our banners, we will proudly wave
The Red, White, and Blue
We will give our thanks not only to our god
but also to every soldier for our bounties, that be.
For they give meaning to words
Home of the brave Land of the Free.
To the soldiers in the mess hall
Eating their thanksgiving feast,
to the troops in the desert eating another
Meal ready to eat.
May peace, hope and strength
Travel with you along the way
And may these wishes find you
On A Soldiers Thanksgiving day.

For our brethren Vets and Family whom on Thanksgiving have a Vacant Chair:

“The Vacant Chair was written to commemorate the death of John William Grout (1843–1861), a Union soldier from Worcester, Massachusetts, and an 1859 graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover."

Memorial Day

For all Men and Women of the United States Armed Services who have taken the The United States Military Oath of Allegiance:

I, ____________, do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

America Thanks You!

And in remembrance of those lives lost for the price of our many Freedoms, a modern rendition of:

Kneel Where Our Loves Are Sleeping
Words by G.W.R.
Music by Mrs. L. Nella Sweet

published 1867

Kneel where our loves are sleeping, Dear ones days gone by,
Here we bow in holy reverence, Our bosoms heave the heartfelt sigh.
They fell like brave men (women), true as steel, And pour’d their blood like rain,
We feel we owe them all we have, And can but weep and kneel again.

CHORUS
Kneel where our loves are sleeping, They lost but still were good and true,
Our fathers, brothers (mothers, sisters) fell still fighting, We weep, ‘tis all that we can do.

VERSE 2:
Here we find our noble dead, Their spirits soar’d to him above,
Rest they now about his throne, For God is mercy, God is love.
Then let us pray that we may live, As pure and good as they have been,
That dying we may ask of him, To open the gate and let us in.

CHORUS
Kneel where our loves are sleeping, They lost but still were good and true,
Our fathers, brothers (mothers, sisters) fell still fighting, We weep, ‘tis all that we can do."


Memorial Day - Arlington (Trace Adkins)

Smithsonian Institution: Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

According to Wikipedia, "Count Your Blessings" is a popular song written by Irving Berlin for the movie White Christmas. The best known recordings were made by Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby and Eddie Fisher.

However; the Filipino singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan sings an additional verse to this popular song while maintaining a modern yet familiar tune.



Count Your Blessings (Instead Of Sheep) Irving Berlin

When I’m worried and I can’t sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds

If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings

And (you’ll) I’ll fall asleep counting my blessings

Additional lyrics:

I thank the Lord for good health
For the gift of love He sends
But most of all He’s blessed me
With my family and friends

When you feel that you’re down and out
Just count your blessings, I have no doubt
You’ll soon be on your feet, counting your blessings

Originally Posted November 2007

Labor Day

Foremost to our Military, all those deployed... Thank You. To all in the work force, those actually in labor :), to the many unemployed waiting to labor; during this holiday of sales – picnics - BBQs - and gathering abouts:

Let's remember all those throughout history who have made this Holiday possible!

Dropkick Murphys Workers Song Lyrics

Yeh, this one's for the workers who toil night and day

By hand and by brain to earn your pay
Who for centuries long past for no more than your bread
Have bled for your countries and counted your dead

In the factories and mills, in the shipyards and mines
We've often been told to keep up with the times
For our skills are not needed, they've streamlined the job
And with sliderule and stopwatch our pride they have robbed

CHORUS:

We're the first ones to starve (start with) the first ones to die
The first ones in line for that pie-in-the-sky
And we're always the last when (they gravyish it out) the cream is shared out
For the worker is working when the fat cat's about

And when the sky darkens and the prospect is war
Who's given a gun and then pushed to the fore
And expected to die for the land of our birth
Though we've never owned one lousy handful of earth?

CHORUS (x3)

All of these things the worker has done
From tilling the fields to carrying the gun
We've been yoked to the plough since time first began
And always expected to carry the can

The Truth About Thanksgiving Day

It isn’t Thanksgiving Day, we all are being fooled! Truth be told, it is:


Revenge of The Turkey Day
We gather together to eat yams and yammer,

Dig into mashed potatoes while listening to the latest scoop from Family and Friends,

For it’s all about the gravy, fat juicy saucy gossip,

Where cranberry sauce has a way of making things seem bitter,

Though shortly afterwards we can partake in pies and try to be sweet,

For the Turkey that used to go gobble gobble, will have been all gobbled up,

But soon comes Revenge,

Cause the once stuffed Turkey has now stuffed us.

©- Jeane Michelle Culp ndpthepoetress

Originally posted 2007

Turklicious Deviled Eggs

For 20+ years, making Deviled Eggs is a Thanksgiving Tradition of mine and each year I venture to make the perfect Deviled Eggs. Though I have often been tastefully successful; my annual tradition seems to be, OMGosh where did I put my recipe and of course being myself seasoned with years, I have since forgotten many of my secret concoctions.

This year I was determined to master the complete art of the fragile egg task from boiling, peeling, and ingredients. So liken a Turkey Hunter, my search began:

Over the search engines and through the websites,
Straight through the barnyard gate;
The chickens knows the way to lay their eggs,
Thru the white and yellow yoke

Over the search engines and through the websites,
To have a first-rate egg;
Hear the timer ringing, Ting-a-ling-ding!
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day! ~ndpthepoetress

I sifted through add vinegar, salt, or baking soda to the water to prevent cracking. Put lid on, leave lid off to cook. Old eggs -vs- fresh eggs. Brand name Eggs, Store Brand, Eggland's Best eggs, White, Brown, Small, Large, X-Large... Dijon, French's, or Powdered Mustard. Hellmann's or Dukes Mayonnaise. And the advice on how to peel the eggs was longer than Santa's list!

Thankfully, in my plight I landed at Rachael Ray's Henhouse. There my memory was jarred as I was able to confirm my mayo/mustard ratio!

Hunting and pecking around only made me more determined to lambaste those devilish eggs this year and with enough info to stuff a turkey, I was ready to carve through all the mishmash. And so without featherado I give you my Readers, my Turklicious Deviled Eggs recipe! Here for all to enjoy and for me to lose nor forget nevermore :)

Turklicious Deviled Eggs

12 Jumbo eggs (trust me, you'll thank me later; there will be plenty of yolk to go around & leftover!)
1 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons mustard
Paprika

Place 1 teaspoon of salt in the bottom of a pot
Place eggs in a single layer inside pot
Cover with at least an inch or two of cold water above the eggs

Boil eggs as you usually do, or if you would like to try, or you are new to boiling eggs:

Turn stove on medium
Place lid on pot
When water begins to boil, reduce heat to low
Allow to boil for 10 minutes
Remove pot from burner and let set for 10 minutes

CAREFULLY with a round slotted spatula take out 1 egg, place on countertop and gently spin the egg
If the egg spins fast, the egg is hard boiled (If the egg spins slowly, it's raw)
*If undone, return to pot; turn burner back to medium; wait for boil, let boil for another 10 minutes then remove pot and test egg.

Place eggs in ice water for 2 minutes
Then place eggs in a strainer (colander), make sure all the water is drained
Put in refrigerator for at least an hour

To peel eggs: Gently roll each egg on countertop
Crack thick part of egg against sink or countertop
When you remove the egg shell, be sure to also remove the thin clear filmy membrane

Slice eggs in half long ways
Remove yolks and place in bowl
Mash egg yolks with a fork or lightly grind in a grinder

In a separate bowl add 6 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons mustard and whisk together
Add egg yolks and whisk again

Add yolk mixture to the inside of each egg with a butter knife

Garnish with Paprika or Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper if desired
Other garnishes include olives sliced in half and added atop the yolk mixture or use your wild imagination :)

Here's a thigh tickler for you: Preparing the turkey to be cooked Thanksgiving; I was injecting the marinating concoction I made into the meat when plop goes the injection needle, deep into the meat! 15 minutes later after plundering around, poking inside I finally found & got the needle out! There for awhile, I was afraid I was going to have to cook a shredded Turkey for Thanksgiving lol. Needless to say, that injection contraption is now in the trash!

We Salute Our Troops

The Things That Make a Soldier Great by Edgar A. Guest

The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,
To face the flaming cannon's mouth nor ever question why,
Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,
The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,
The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:
'Tis these that make a soldier great. He's fighting for them all.

'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave;
'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;
For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam
As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.
Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run,
You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.

What is it through the battle smoke the valiant soldier sees?
The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,
The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,
Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.
The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome
But to the spot, where'er it be--the humble spot called home.

And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there
And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air;
The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,
And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.
He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call,
And only death can stop him now--he's fightin' for them all.

Christmas Music Video That Is A Must See!

Sung by my Nephew Dirk and Nephew Bennie!

Holiday Humor Pie

How Pumpkin Pies Are Made....

:) Thanks to my Little Sissy Sis for e-mailing me this!

Happy Early Holidays You All!

Columbus Condemnation or Commendation

In great appreciation for ‘our’ Military, ‘our’ Freedom, and in recognition/honor of America that won its Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain to become The United States of America and with high regard/recognition for the United States Constitution:

^Wikipedia We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America

I am proud on this Federal Holiday to present my oldest Nephew Dirk singing the U.S.A. National anthem:

Dirk Parker, National Anthem,

Fall Concert for Lejeune High School, 2009

In regards to Columbus Day:

What is now known as the United States of America began with a basic question, 'Is the world flat or round'? Ironically; there is a continuous revolving issue surrounding the ultimate results to that inquiry and that is, ‘did Christopher Columbus discover America’? Take into consideration the ‘fact’ that the Native People were already inhabiting the land. Also:

^Wikipedia In 1964, the United States Congress authorized and requested the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day". This date honors Leif Ericson (Leifr Eiríksson), as the "first European to land in North America (excluding Greenland) 492 years before Christopher Columbus".

Additionally; it is alleged that:

^{Walter White Jr.} "The story of the slaves in America begins with Christopher Columbus".

^factbook.org Columbus oversaw the establishment of the encomienda (trusteeship) system, by which Spaniards were granted exclusive use of Indian labor in return for converting them to Christianity; this policy amounted to enslavement of the local population.

^Wikipedia Requerimiento was used to justify the assertion that God, through Saint Peter and his Papal successors, held authority as ruler over the entire Earth, and that the Inter Caetera conferred title over the Americas to the Spanish monarchs.

See Laws of Burgos

^{Wilcomb Washburn} Columbus informed the natives of the terms: "We shall take you and your wives, and your children, and shall make slaves of them, and we shall take away your goods, and shall do you all the mischief and damage that we can, and we protest that the deaths and losses which shall accrue from this are your fault ." - Christopher Columbus

^{Voyages of Christopher Columbus} Rounding up the slaves resulted in the first major battle between the Spanish and the Indians in the new world.

In regards to Christopher Columbus's national origin - there are serious doubts. In the mainstream culture he is assumed to be Italian (Genoese). If this is true, it is sadly coincidental that his nationality Genoese consists of the first 4 letters in the word genocide, which is basically what Christopher Columbus initiated and participated in. 

^{Indian Country Today} For the second year in a row, the Senate has voted to apologize to Native Americans for historical injustices. The apology, known as the Native American Apology Resolution, was attached to a defense appropriations bill, which the congressional body voted on Oct. 6.

Despite the massacre, massive loss of life, and eventually land; the Indians are to be commended because two centuries later without the influence from the forced Requerimiento, without prejudice, or harvesting revenge; simply ‘in the spirit of’ what most Western society deems Christianity - the Indians gave the Pilgrims bounty:

^{The first Thanksgiving} In the culture of the Wampanoag Indians, who inhabited the area around Cape Cod, "thanksgiving" was an everyday activity.

"We as native people [traditionally] have thanksgivings as a daily, ongoing thing," says Linda Coombs, associate director of the Wampanoag program at Plimoth Plantation. "Every time anybody went hunting or fishing or picked a plant, they would offer a prayer or acknowledgment."

But for the 52 colonists - who had experienced a year of disease, hunger, and diminishing hopes - their bountiful harvest was cause for a special celebration to give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

In conclusion; to be politically correct, 'Columbus Day was established mainly as the anniversary of Columbus's 1492 landing in the Americas, NOT discovering America. Whereas Christopher Columbus and Spain used the international law principle called the Discovery Doctrine to claim the New World now known as The United States of America.

Therefore the revolving question remains; should Columbus be honored for 'discovering' America or merely 'accredited' for bringing the attention to the Western civilization that the Native Peoples populated it at the time?

Make your Vote count! See poll on sidebarThank You For Voting! (This Poll has ended, here are the results): 

 

An Open Letter From the AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT of Colorado and Our Allies

When the Taino Indians saved Christopher Columbus from certain death on the fateful morning of October 12, 1492, a glorious opportunity presented itself for the cultures of both Europe and the Americas to flourish.

What occurred was neither glorious nor heroic. Just as Columbus could not, and did not, "discover" a hemisphere already inhabited by nearly 100 million people, his arrival cannot, and will not, be recognized by indigenous peoples as a heroic and festive event.

From a Native perspective, Columbus' arrival was a disaster from the beginning. Although his own diaries reveal that he was greeted by the Tainos with the most generous hospitality he had ever known, he immediately began the enslavement and slaughter of the Indian peoples of the Caribbean. click to read more

Please visit: Operation Morning Star

Of Interest: My Nephews

Mother's Day Shrine!

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods.

“The "Mother's Day Proclamation" by Julia Ward Howe was one of the early calls to celebrate Mother's Day in the United States. Written in 1870, Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation was a pacifist reaction to the carnage of the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War:

Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts,
Whether our baptism be of water or of tears!


Say firmly:
"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."


From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own.
It says: "Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.


Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God.


In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.” Wikipedia

Unfortunately, to date war continues perhaps as a necessary evil and has been compounded to include women, many of whom are Mothers.

“As far as Julia Ward Howe, being considered as an advocate for a national observation of Mother's Day is clearly denied by her own writing. In her "Reminiscences" Howe states that she was in great opposition to Louis Napoleon from the period of the infamous act of treachery and violence, which made him emperor. She wondered, "Why do not mothers of mankind interfere in these matters, to prevent the waste of that human life of which they alone bear and know the cost?" She felt if she sent an appeal to womanhood throughout the world that the waste of human life in war could be prevented. Howe's little document referred to as "Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation" was not a proclamation about motherhood or her own mother in the sense that Mother's Day is expressed today but rather it was an anti-war movement. I see this woman dressed in black holding up a sign that reads, "Give peace a chance" as we saw during the Vietnam War.” TheHolidayspot


“In 1907, Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948), a Philadelphia schoolteacher, began a movement to set up a national Mother's Day in honor of her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. She solicited the help of hundreds of legislators and prominent businessmen to create a special day to honor mothers. The first Mother's Day observance was a church service honoring Anna's mother. Anna handed out her mother's favorite flowers, the white carnations, on the occasion as they represent sweetness, purity, and patience. Anna's hard work finally paid off in the year 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a national holiday in honor of mothers” Day For Mothers.com

Today carnations are still the official flower of Mother's Day.

International Mother's Day Shrine



“The Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church, the Mother Church of Mothers Day, became the International Mothers Day Shrine when it was incorporated on May 15, 1962. This beautiful, historic church, built in 1873, is located on Main Street in downtown Grafton, one mile south of the junction of Routes 50 and 119. It is open April 15 through October 15, Monday through Friday, 9:30 - 3:30; closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays except by appointment. Reservations are required for tour groups.”

“Mission Statement:

"The International Mother's Day Shrine and Museum will preserve, promote and develop through education, the Spirit of Motherhood, as exemplified by the lives of Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis and Anna Jarvis, and the institution of Mother's Day that they established."

The Mission of the International Mother's Day Shrine is clear: to preserve, promote and develop the Spirit of Motherhood. The over-riding goals of our organization flow from that mission statement. We are striving to launch a new awareness of the International Mother's Day Shrine and Museum and to celebrate the region's historic significance and the founding of Mother's Day as an important facet of its heritage.”

Learn About Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day!

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• Learn about Julia Ward Howe (5min.com)

Keep Smiling!

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

There's a tear in your eye,
And I'm wondering why,
For it never should be there at all.
With such pow'r in your smile,
Sure a stone you'd beguile,
So there's never a teardrop should fall.
When your sweet lilting laughter's
Like some fairy song,
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be;
You should laugh all the while
And all other times smile,
And now, smile a smile for me.

Chorus
When Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring.
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
When Irish hearts are happy,
All the world seems bright and gay.
And when Irish eyes are smiling,
Sure, they steal your heart away.

For your smile is a part
Of the love in your heart,
And it makes even sunshine more bright.
Like the linnet's sweet song,
Crooning all the day long,
Comes your laughter and light.
For the springtime of life
Is the sweetest of all
There is ne'er a real care or regret;
And while springtime is ours
Throughout all of youth's hours,
Let us smile each chance we get.

Perry Como





St. Patrick's Day, Binding Ink

Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism is different cultures or cultural identities within a Society that includes African-American, Asian American, European American, Jewish American, Latino/Chicano/Hispanic American, Native Americans, etc. This February is dedicated to the origins of African-American multiculturalism and the Founder of the professional non-profit organization ASALH (The Association for the Study of African American Life and History), Carter G. Woodson.

Woodson whom is known as the Father of Black History, pioneered an intellectual movement to educate Americans about cultural diversity and democracy. My opinion is that a large part of African American history includes literature in publication throughout educational institutions and made readily available to the public.

U.S. Society & Values: “The actual study of multicultural literature has come about gradually during the past three decades. A student in a representative university in the late 1960s might have come upon one or two writers, at most, in his American literature survey course. This was linked, as always, to the publishing industry, to what publishers in the United States were issuing, less than to racism and elitism. The first challenge within the academic community was to successfully argue the case for ethnic literature in the curriculum. The second was to convince publishers of the merits of this body of work. Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple and many other books, has recalled reading a photocopy version of Hurston's landmark novel in graduate school, and wondering why she had never heard of it, and moreover, why it wasn't available anywhere in print.” (click to read complete article)

Wikipedia: “African American literature is the body of literature produced in the United States by writers of African descent. The genre traces its origins to the works of such late 18th century writers as Phillis Wheatley and Olaudah Equiano, reaching early high points with slave narratives and the Harlem Renaissance, and continuing today with authors such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Walter Mosley being ranked among the top writers in the United States. Among the themes and issues explored in African American literature are the role of African Americans within the larger American society, African-American culture, racism, slavery, and equality. African American writing has also tended to incorporate within itself oral forms such as spirituals, sermons, gospel music, blues and rap.

As African Americans' place in American society has changed over the centuries, so, too, have the foci of African American literature. Before the American Civil War, African American literature primarily focused on the issue of slavery, as indicated by the subgenre of slave narratives. At the turn of the 20th century, books by authors such as W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington debated whether to confront or appease racist attitudes in the United States. During the American Civil Rights movement, authors such as Richard Wright and Gwendolyn Brooks wrote about issues of racial segregation and black nationalism. Today, African American literature has become accepted as an integral part of American literature, with books such as Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and Beloved by Toni Morrison achieving both best-selling and award-winning status.”

This month Binding Ink is pleased to have presented a three part series to include the first three African-American Poets in the U.S.: Lucy Terry, Jupiter Hammon, and Phillis Wheatley. However; “¹There are, it seems, some differences of opinion even among scholars about where the study of black written poetry begins. Some, like Hughes and Bontemps in The Poetry of the Negro, begin with Lucy Terry, but The Negro Caravan, by Brown, Davis and Lee omits her altogether and opens with Phillis Wheatley. William H. Robinson acknowledges Terry in Early Black.”

Notably, historians also “disagree as to when the Harlem Renaissance began and ended”:

Wikipedia: “The Harlem Renaissance (also known as the Black Literary Renaissance and The New Negro Movement) refers to the flowering of African American cultural and intellectual life during the 1920s and 1930s. At the time, it was known as the "New Negro Movement", named after the anthology The New Negro, edited by Alain Locke in 1925. Centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, the movement impacted urban centers throughout the United States. Across the cultural spectrum (literature, drama, music, visual art, dance) and also in the realm of social thought (sociology, historiography, philosophy), artists and intellectuals found new ways to explore the historical experiences of black America and the contemporary experiences of black life in the urban North.”

I found an excellent and highly recommended web site called African American Literature that covers African American Literature during the Twentieth Century, including the Harlem Renaissance and is geared to such knowledge being available especially in the educational system. The site includes: “75 novels, poems, autobiographies, and essays along with summaries of the selected literature. Also, we have provided you with some significant events of each decade and the literary themes that African American authors were writing about during that decade.”The array includes:

1920: “The start of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of creativity among Black artists, writers, musicians, and entertainers…”

1930: “With the slowing of African American writing during the Great Depression, African Americans confronted many new challenges and obstacles. During the 1930s, the United States voted for a new president and the government made promises to the African American community that they could not keep. Blacks were fighting for equal pay, educational facilities and equal protection under the law. Black authors voiced their rage and frustrations in their work. They still possessed the same intensities as they did during the Harlem Renaissance but the motivation and themes addressed changed. African American authors tackled themes such as racism, poverty,self-assertion,and race relations. “

1940: “A very transitional period for the United States and for African Americans. The Forties was marked by more African American enlisting in all branches of the military and the start of World War II. During this time period, African Americans were fighting for the right to enlist in combat roles in the armed forces. At this time, Blacks were primarily segregated and assigned only in noncombat roles. Whites responded to Black demands with lynchings, town burnings, and other forms of violence. The authors during this period continued the tradition of race and socially conscious writing. Literature with black themes of struggle, oppression, and daily life were often found in the works of the African American authors.”

1950: “A very politically unstable time for African Americans. Their rights were constantly under attack. All the efforts made during the Forties to integrate the Armed Forces were abolished during the Korean War. A new era of racist assassinations began to occur and African Americans started to take a stand against blatant racism. The NAACP argued cases in Southern states against the discriminatory practices in public schools. In May of 1954, the Brown vs. Board of Education occurred. This case ruled racial segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. The African American non-violent movement began taking the form of boycotts, sit-ins, and peaceful protests. The African American authors during this decade were writing about love, discrimination, the prison system, protest, black sexuality, and black life in Harlem.”

1960: “considered by many to be the Second Black Renaissance. It was African- American's most significant decade in terms of self-consciousness, goals, and achievements. In contrast, the Harlem Renaissance was in part fostered by white patrons and declined when white's financial support declined after the Crash of 1929. But the 1960s was self-generating, self- determining, and self-sustaining. Many significant events occurred during the 1960s such as the March on Washington, countless civil right demonstrations. The Sixties also saw the assassination of two Black America's greatest leaders: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. New cries of black nationalism, black separatism, and violent resistance were often heard in African-American communities. The authors during this time addressed such themes as black pride, self- actualization, black sexuality, justice, and race relations.”

1970: “a time when African culture was adopted by African-Americans. The U.S government began to monitor Black organizations. Vietnam War ended and many African Americans soldiers faced many disappointments. Many Black Soldiers found that their lives were not improved by fighting in a war that was not theirs. Shirley Chisolm became the first black woman to run for the U.S. presidency. The Seventies saw the emergence of an open and ongoing discussion among Black men and women on the quality, forms and future of their relationships. African American authors still voiced their frustrations and desires in their writings, but many authors wrote about the same literary themes as in the Sixties.”

1980: “a time in history when Reganomics had expanded the gap in the economy to the point that poverty among blacks was at an all time high. Crack had hit the African American community harder than any other drug in the past. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday was established as a national holiday and Jesse Jackson ran for president. The Eighties was a time when female authors burst onto the scene. Publishing companies witnessed the enhancement of established talent among African American female writers. These writers became apart of America's pop culture and started to float in society's mainstream. African American authors discussed themes such as black female-male relationships, self-identity, and more authors had female main characters depicted in their works.”

1990: “has been categorized as the "Attack on the Black Male." The number of black males being put in prisons and killed on the streets increased tremendously in the nineties. Black on Black crime has risen at an astronomical rate. The nineties saw the Freeing of South Africa, Million Man March, the L.A. Riots, O.J. Simpson trial, increases in police brutality, and the murder of Tupac Shakur. Racial tension has increased dramatically over the decades with church burnings, recorded police beatings, hate crimes, and an attack on affirmative action. Black literature during the Nineties includes themes such as Black female-male relationships, urban life, self-awareness, economic power and black unity.”

In conclusion, Binding Ink would like to ask your support in helping to keep African-American multiculturalism literature alive; merely read, become knowledgeable, enjoy, and most of all - regardless of ethnicity, don’t be afraid to pick up a pen and write. Be a part of and add to future generations of history.

1. Memorial Hall

Technorati Tags Multiculturalism,Black History Month,African American Literature,Binding Ink

Free HUGS!

Not Your Usual Holiday Chat

Hello, Welcome – come have a seat. Here’s a nice Rocking Chair, a Recliner, a Wing chair with a comfortable ottoman to put your feet up on. Can I get you all something to drink? Hot tea, some punch, warm apple cider with a cinnamon ball, coffee…? And so has arrived ‘tis season, when a magical twinkle glistens from children’s eyes in wonder and anticipation. A time of Family and Friends gathering together. Laughter is in the air. Yet for some of us a sadness lingers in our heart. We miss our Loved Ones whom can no longer be here during these Festivities. Of those whom passed long ago, we still yearn and cherish their memories. Something some People can’t identify with. While others heal differently and at their own pace. Still ‘tis the Season, so we just put on the best smile we can. Nevertheless; our heart aches. This is why I have invited you here for a Holiday Chat, to let you know there are many whom do recognize your sadness. And so, though near or far, let our Human Spirits embrace each other not only in understanding and acknowledgement, rather also in comfort. A gentle encirclement that says it’s ok to still miss them, sealed with Hugs to help carry on that merriment smile. Now we will expand our circle and send out all our strength and Hugs to help others, cause during the Holidays is the worst time to lose Loved Ones. Too often crime, fires, accidents claim their Lives. Just before Thanksgiving at my place of Employment, a Co-Worker whom had been recovering from a stroke passed away, the day after Thanksgiving another Co-Worker passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack. In-between, a young Co-Worker lost her Mom then her Aunt, meanwhile; her Brother is in the hospital needing surgery on his legs due to possible diabetes complications, and a young Co-Worker has lost his Father. Then there are our Military Men, Women, Family, Friends whom can not be Home for the Holidays. Yes, pull up a chair – have a seat, join us in letting our Human Spirit be of comfort to all in need ‘tis Season.

Give A Great Gift This Holiday Season


May the world hug you today
With its warmth, and love.
And may the wind carry a voice
That tells you there is Family, Friends
Sitting in another corner of the world wishing you well!
(From The Difference Between Strength and Courage ~Author Unknown~)



Remember, Hugs are what make the World round.

*We extend in open arms, compassionate Hugs to all involved in these Related Posts:

November 2007 SCHP’s Fatality by Chris at Signal46.com

Three children died in a house fire today by eastcoastdweller at In Search of Isis

**Special Requests:

A Hug to Betzy from Anonymous

Hugs To Minut and Family From Eddy

Hugs, two more unfortunate deaths on the SC Highways; a GrandMother and a pregnant Teenager

Hugs to All Military Men, Women, Family, Friends whom can not be Home for the Holidays

Hugs to my Nephews whose biological Father recently passed away - Love Auntie Michelle

Know Someone who needs a Hug? Fill the with your links or Their Names – by emailing them to HUGS or request via comment.We will be updating regularly.

The Flower of Remembrance

¹In 1938, a United States Congressional Act made November 11th a Federal Holiday. The Act declared it "...a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace". The Act was amended in 1954 to rename the holiday to 'Veterans Day', so that all veterans could be honored.

²The important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

³The day has different names in different countries, but its purpose is the same everywhere it's observed. Whether called Armistice Day, Remembrance Day or Veterans Day, it remains a time to recognize those who fought and to renew our commitment to peace.

⁴In Flanders Fields By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

“This was the poem written by World War I Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon with Canada 's First Brigade Artillery. It expressed McCrae's grief over the "row on row" of graves of soldiers who had died on Flanders' battlefields, located in a region of western Belgium and northern France.

McCrae's poem had a huge impact on two women, Anna E. Guerin of France and Georgia native Moina Michael. Both worked hard to initiate the sale of artificial poppies to help orphans and others left destitute by the war. By the time Guerin established the first sale in the U.S., in 1920 with the help of The American Legion, the poppy was well known in the allied countries — America, Britain, France, Canada, Australia and New Zealand — as the "Flower of Remembrance." Proceeds from that first sale went to the American and French Children's League.

Donations received in return for these artificial poppies have helped countless veterans and their widows, widowers and orphans over the years. The poppy itself continues to serve as a perpetual tribute to those who have given their lives for the nation's freedom.” Read complete document

This week Classic Poetry Aloud will read War Poems by 7 Poets in these 7 days leading up to November 11th. The Poems include:

Fears In Solitude by Samuel Coleridge

The Man With the Wooden Leg by Katherine Mansfield

Ball's Bluff by Herman Melville

Speech from Henry the V (representing combat) by William Shakespeare

The Soldier by Rupert Brooke

Strange Meeting by Wilfred Owen

For the Fallen (extracts) by Lawrence Binyon

Remembrance:



⁵Arlington National Cemetery -- America's best known national cemetery still buries service members and some veterans.

⁵ National Cemeteries -- The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains national cemeteries throughout the country for the burial of veterans of America's armed forces, their spouses and young children.

1. Knowledge Hound
2. History of Veterans Day
3. Knowledge Hound
4. The Flower of Remembrance
5. Celebrating America's Freedoms

Labor Day Working Together

Labor Day, a Federal Holiday Day for the Working to be off from their daily chores. A three day week-end for some! Yet for many this is just another day, as they must work. For that we Thank them, especially those in the Military whom are unable to enjoy this time, as they continue to uphold their duties to America and all us Citizens. Even on this Holiday, the “Mission of Love” continues to spread throughout the Blog World - Blogosphere on the Wings of The Blog Fairy and from our hearts. For Love is not a task, rather a gift to everyone - every day; around the internet and beyond; as such a precious gift flows into our daily lives. And so as some celebrate this Holiday, let us not forget all the Armed Forces nor Love; let us continue to work and work together, unite-united hand in hand!

LETS WORK TOGETHER


Let's Work Together by Canned Heat

Together we'll stand
Divided we'll fall
Come on now people
Let's get on the ball
And work together
Come on, come on
Let's work together
(Now now people)
Because together we will stand
Every boy, every girl and man
People, when things go wrong
As they sometimes will
And the road you travel
It stays all uphill
Let's work together
Come on, come on
Let's work together
You know together we will stand
Every boy, girl, woman and man
Oh well now, two or three minutes
Two or three hours
What does it matter now
In this life of ours
Let's work together
Come on, come on
Let's work together
(Now now people)
Because together we will stand
Every boy, every woman and man
Ahhh, come on now...
Ahhh, come on, let's work together...
Well now, make someone happy
Make someone smile
Let's all work together
And make life worthwhile
Let's work together
Come on, come on
Let's work together
(Now now people)
Because together we will stand
Every boy, girl, woman and man
Oh well now, come on you people
Walk hand in hand
Let's make this world of ours
A good place to stand
And work together
Come on, come on
Let's work together
(Now now people)
Because together we will stand
Every boy, girl, woman and man
Well now together we will stand
Every boy, girl, woman and man

Bloody Well, Who Stole The ShamRocks?

By now several people have christened toilets with green urine from all the Irish beer they drank, while others reading this are wondering if such is true; the answer-merely ask a Leprechaun when you find him beneath a rainbow protecting the pot of gold. Good Ol’ St. Patrick’s Day! If only every Holiday was akin! We would as cheerfully embrace African American History Month, drink many a brown beer, and christen toilets with ebony urine. Wear buttons and t-shirts that say, ‘Kiss me – I’m African-American’. Oh well, the ‘luck of Irish’. Yea, right! Surely it isn’t all about partying and beer, nah! This is a spectacular holiday filled with Irish symbols, folklore, blessings, songs, and food. And foremost; March 17 is in honor of a Saint. “In his sixteenth year, Patrick was carried off into captivity by Irish marauders and was sold as a slave… Admonished by an angel he after six years fled from his cruel master… his heart was set on devoting himself to the service of God… The fame of Patrick's marvelous power of miracles preceeded him” Catholic Encyclopedia“By the eighth century he had become the patron saint of Ireland… March 17, …is believed to be his death date” Wikipedia and is the is the feast day the Roman Catholic Church celebrate Saint Patrick. In fact, Pubs used to be closed on March 17.! “In 1780, General George Washington, who commanded soldiers of Irish descent in the Continental Army, allowed his troops a holiday on March 17. This event became known as The St. Patrick's Day Encampment of 1780. Today, Saint Patrick's Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike.” By drinking green beer and partying! Bloody well, who stole the shamrocks? I went to Wal-Mart to find one freakin’ shamrock, only to be overwhelmed by everything else Irish. Irish mugs, shots glasses, Irish sweatshirts and t-shirts… Okay, so the ‘Big Foot’ Chain Store Stompers of Ma and Pa Shops know how to market. Disappointedly, not finding a shamrock would have been bloody well, except Wally World has to always incorporate two holidays, as if they might miss some green. Only this time I think they went too far! St. Patrick’s Day and Easter! There adorned on the cold shelves were the delightful Easter products. Fluffy Easter Bunnies with their adorable floppy ears and cute noses. Charming Easter Baskets filled with yummy goodies! And Irish shot glasses… scattered amidst my Easter bliss! What could one expect when the Irish paraphernalia was only on the next isle! St. Patrick may not have indeed driven the snakes out of Ireland, but someone needs to drive them out of Wal-Mart! No shamrocks and now blaspheming Easter! May all their toilets be stained green beyond reconstruction! BTW: One more Irish folklore; rumor has it, on March 17 some could have been partying with the Smurfs and drinking blue beer! Let me know Readers if you find any truth to this:

“The original colour of St. Patrick's Day was not green, but blue. It wasn't until the 19th century that green became Ireland's national colour.”

March Month Marching Marvels Part One

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

“The public celebration of women's history in this country began in 1978 as "Women's History Week" in Sonoma County, California. The week including March 8, International Women's Day, was selected. In 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) co-sponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women's History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared Women's History Month.” infoplease

National Women's History Month 2007 Theme:

“Generations of Women Moving History Forward, is an expansion of the theme of the Houston Conference, “We Are Here to Move History Forward.” This theme recognizes the wisdom and tenacity of the generations of women who have come before us and those who will follow. Recognition of the historic anniversaries of 2007 presents special opportunities to acknowledge and celebrate the courage, determination, and steadfastness needed to move history forward.” .” National Women’s History Project

Mar. 2, 1904: Dr. Seuss' Birthday

The Lost Dr. Seuss Book: I Love My Job

I love my job, I love the pay.
I love it more and more each day.
I love my boss; he/she is the best.
I love his boss and all the rest.
I love my office and its location.
I hate to have to go on vacation.
I love my furniture, drab and gray,
And the paper that piles up every day.
I love my chair in my padded cell.
There's nothing else I love so well.
I love to work among my peers.
I love their leers and jeers and sneers.
I love my computer and its software;
I hug it often though it don't care.
I love each program and every file,
I try to understand once in a while.
I'm happy to be here, I am, I am;
I'm the happiest slave of my Uncle Sam.
I love this work; I love these chores.
I love the meetings with deadly bores.
I love my job-I'll say it again.
I even love these friendly men,
These men who've come to visit today
In lovely white coats to take me away.

Mar. 3, 1931: The Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key

At a time when our loved ones – Family, Friends, Co-Workers, Fellow Men and Women are away at War, May we remember and never forget this song:

The National Anthem of the United States of America

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?


On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!


And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!


Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!


March 11 DayLight Savings Time

Don’t Forget to Set The Clocks Ahead One Hour Tonight!

(part two of March Month Marching Marvels – next week – including green luck and the Easter Bunny! )

Celebrate Black History Month By Accentuating the Positives

Accentuating the Positives

“Originally established… 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African-American author and scholar, this event evolved into the establishment of February as Black History Month in 1976. This commemoration also has been referred to as African-American History Month. Both names are currently in use.

When Woodson established this… he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention never has been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public's attention important developments that merit emphasis.

Since 1926,The Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) has established the national theme for the month long celebration. The National Theme for the celebration in the year 2007 is From Slavery to Freedom” (from US INFO)

From Slavery:
“Charleston, SC was the major point of entry for Africans brought to America in the eighteenth century. Approximately three out of four enslaved Africans came to America through this port city, which had a black majority by 1790. In 1808, the foreign slave trade was abolished, but American-born slaves continued to be bought and sold until the Civil War.” (from The Aiken-Rhett House )

1441
The first cargo of African slaves arrive in Lisbon with Antam Goncalves.
1690
February 7. The first South Carolina law relating solely to slavery is enacted.
1743
September 12. The Reverend Alexander Garden (d. 1773) opened a school for blacks in Charles Town. The purpose was to train them "in principles of Christianity and the fundamentals of education, to serve as schoolmasters to their people."
1773
A black Christian church opens in South Carolina, reflecting the rapid growth of Christianity, the "white man's religion," among American blacks.
1790 SC Federal Census
Slave 107,094
Free Black 1,801
1800 SC Federal Census
Slave 146,151
Free Black 3,18
1810 SC Federal Census
Slave 196,365
Free Black 4,554
1820 SC Federal Census
Slave 258,475
Free Black 6,826
1821
Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Calhoun Street was closed in response to the Vesey insurrection. Reorganized in 1865, it became a focal point for black political activity.
1829
Daniel A. Payne, a free black, opens a school for black children in Charleston.
1840 SC Federal Census
Slave 327,038
Free Black 8,276
1860 SC Federal Census
Slaves 402,406
Free Blacks 9,914
1861-1865
The Civil War: An estimated 250,000 African Americans, some of whom were slaves, serve as soldiers.
May 13 Robert Smalls, a black pilot, with a black crew sailed in the Confederate steamer Planter out of Charleston and joined the Union Fleet.
November The first black regiment was mustered into service in South Carolina. The First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers was commanded by Colonel Thomas W. Higginson, a white man from Massachusetts. During the war over 5,000 black South Carolinians joined the Union Army.
June 2 Harriet Tubman leads Union troops in a raid up only time a woman has led American troops in battle.
1865
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, organized by a black congregation, is established in Charleston.
November 13 The Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery throughout the United States, is ratified.

(the above time-line is from Milestones in the History of Slavery)

For a more details on slavery in Charleston, SC, “Follow the African American Coastal Heritage trails and explore what our ancestors never imagined would become history” at The African American Coastal Trail

To Freedom:
“Both free and enslaved Africans helped shape Charleston’s economic and cultural life. Their agricultural knowledge is largely responsible for Charleston’s success. Ironwork, handmade sweetgrass baskets, she-crab soup and benne seed cookies are just a few of the well-known artistic and culinary contributions. Gullah, the Sea Island culture and language, continues to survive today.” (Charleston Area Convention and Visitor Bureau)

Serving Our Nation
2.4 million
Number of black military veterans in the United States in 2005. More military veterans are black than any other minority group.
(Source: 2005 American Community Survey. Data pertain to blacks of one race only.)

Education
80%
Among blacks age 25 and older, the proportion that had at least a high school diploma in 2005. In states such as Colorado, the proportion was even higher – 90 percent. (Source: 2005 American Community Survey)
17%
Percentage of blacks age 25 and older who had a bachelor’s degree or more in 2005. In many states, the rate was higher. Twenty-six percent of blacks this age in Colorado, for instance, had this level of education. (Source: 2005 American Community Survey)
1.1 million
Among blacks age 25 and older, the number who had an advanced degree in 2005 (e.g., master’s, Ph.D., M.D. or J.D.). Ten years earlier — in 1995 — only 677,000 blacks had this level of education.
2.3 million
Number of black college students in fall 2004. This was an increase of roughly 1 million from 15 years earlier. U.S. U.S. Census Bureau

Businesses
$88.6 billion
Revenues for black-owned businesses in 2002, up 24 percent from 1997. The number of black-owned businesses totaled 1.2 million in 2002, up by 45 percent since 1997. Black-owned firms accounted for 5 percent of all nonfarm businesses in the United States.
129,329
The number of black-owned firms in New York in 2002, which led all states. New York City alone had 98,080 such firms, which led all cities.
10,716
The number of black-owned firms operating in 2002 with receipts of $1 million or more. These firms accounted for 1 percent of the total number of black-owned firms in 2002 and 55 percent of their total receipts, or $49 billion.
969
The number of black-owned firms with 100 or more employees in 2002. Firms of this size accounted for 24 percent of the total revenue for black-owned employer firms in 2002, or $16 billion.

Homeowership – the American Dream
46%
Nationally, the percentage of black households who lived in owner-occupied homes. The rate was higher in certain states, such as Mississippi, where it reached 56 percent.
(Source: 2005 American Community Survey)

Jobs
26%
The percentage of blacks age 16 and older who work in management, professional and related occupations. There are 44,000 black physicians and surgeons, 79,400 postsecondary teachers, 45,200 lawyers, and 49,300 chief executives. (Sources: 2005 American Community Survey and Upcoming Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2007, Table 602.)

For more information on the data in this section, see <http://www.census.gov/prod/ec02/sb0200csblk.pdf>

Please note that this is the “18th year BellSouth has spearheaded the initiative, providing educators, parents, and visitors a method of identifying African-American role models for all youth, honoring notable African-American achievers with ties to South Carolina” at BellSouth in South Carolina.

Honorees like Marjorie Amos-Frazier, “The first woman to be elected to the Charleston County Council in 1974, she went on to even greater triumphs six years later when she was elected commissioner on the South Carolina Public Service Commission. Until that time, the commission had been a bastion of the state's white male legislators.”


On a personal note, I would like to add; born in Ohio –I had many African American Friends whom my Family and I would share in the enjoyment of playing together, dining, church attendance, school activities, picnics, sports, etc. As a child I never knew the world had racial lines. It wasn’t until about 1975, age 13 when we moved to Beaufort, SC and I attended the school Robert Smalls that I first heard the word ‘riot’. Isn't it sad my Readers that throughout history, humans - with all our knowledgeable intelligence have been far crueler to our own humankind, than any beast? Yet, thankfully the human race continues to persevere. Maybe because there are enough individuals, or communities, or positive efforts … to really make a difference! So lets just keep doing the best we can, rather as individuals or together - for the greater plan – and in the process let us never forget our roots, no matter where they began - for they were the seedlings of today’s many dreams come true.

"All men and women are born, live suffer and die; what distinguishes us one from another is our dreams, whether they be dreams about worldly or unworldly things, and what we do to make them come about... We do not choose to be born. We do not choose our parents. We do not choose our historical epoch, the country of our birth, or the immediate circumstances of our upbringing. We do not, most of us, choose to die; nor do we choose the time and conditions of our death. But within this realm of choicelessness, we do choose how we live."
by Joseph Epstein