RePOST: Dear black history month. . .

Dear Black History month,

Despite my feelings about you (dont even ask) I have decided to honor my ancestors by embracing the
-->charade concept of using a month to celebrate our heritage. I am adamantly opposed to restricting my history to just one month because it implies that we ignore our history for the other 11 months(oops guess I just told you my views), but I do recognize the importance of celebrating those that forged a path so that I can be who I am.

You present an opportunity to celebrate the history of our great nation regardless of whether its people identify as American, African American, African or WASP. The history of our nation is not pretty and it is by no means glamorous but it is OUR history and we must embrace it. -->Especially because we accomplished so much in the face of unbelievable racism. Americans began to recognize black history annually in 1926 with Dr. Carter G. Woodson's "negro history week," which began as an initiative to teach Americans about the impact blacks have had on American history. Dr. Woodson published his research about our impact on American history in his Journal of Negro History. It turned out to be a stepping stone for your birth. Following Woodson's lead, Black history clubs sprang up, teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils, and progressive whites stepped up and endorsed the efforts. As early as the 1940s, blacks in West Virginia replaced annual celebrations of "negro history week" by celebrating February as "negro history month." Yes you read that right, West Virginia.


February is the birth month of two people who have greatly influenced the black population, Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. I guess this is another explanation for why you were assigned the shortest month of the year. You are lucky to share your anniversary with several important events in our history including:

•February 1, 1960:
In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C., college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter.

•February 3, 1870:
The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote.

•February 12, 1909:
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City.

•February 21, 1965:
Malcolm X was shot to death by three Black Muslims.

•February 23, 1868:
W. E. B. DuBois, co-founder of the NAACP, was born.

•February 25, 1870:
The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office.

As a young American I have not experienced what Jim Crow laws were like, nor can I testify about how it feels to be attacked with vicious dogs and water hoses. I was not the first black kid in my school and I have never taken a drink from a fountain or used public facilities marked "coloreds only." I also missed out on what it feels like to be forced give up my seat on a bus for a white person. I wasn't at the March on Washington and I didn't get to hear King tell the world about his dream. I haven't been alive long enough to know what "the struggle" was like and I was not one of the people who fought to have you nationally recognized. Dont mistake my youth and lack of experience with violent racism for a lack of knowledge. I know the images of our history are far from pretty. I know the journey to where we are today has not been easy. Unfortunately, many of those who fought for the equal treatment of blacks during the Civil Rights Movement have died or ceased to live in the public eye.  Fortunately, their legacies live on through stories and photos.

While the fundamentals of black history should be the topic of discussion, I fear that younger generations do not appreciate the significance of it because we did not live trudge through the trenches. I'd like to apologize for that. It is not our intention to disrespect or disregard you. We do not mean to disrespect those who have died so that we can attend the same schools and drink from the same fountains as whites, and have the choice to sit in the front of a bus. Just thinking of the things my people endured makes me grateful. I question whether I would have been strong enough to endure such treatment. I love sitting right behind the bus drivers. I cannot imagine what it was like to know its not even an option to stop at the first available seat if it wasn't far enough in the back. I cannot fathom what it would be like to be treated like a second class citizen. With the way you have been celebrated as of late, I shutter to think of what the great leaders of the civil rights movement would think if they were alive today. If nothing more, I thank you for forcing me to stop and remember "the struggle" more often.

As young professionals, we understand that it is our responsibility to continue the legacy of those who have lifted us up onto their shoulders and made history while doing so. We will honor those who died while fighting for equality. We will keep them in our minds each day when we go to school and when our teachers interrupt their lesson plans long enough to acknowledge prototypical "black firsts." Black history is a rich history and it has been deeply rooted in world history.

From Rosa Parks to the Buffalo Soldiers to Langston Hughes our history is colorful and interesting. I will encourage all of my readers to dig deeper than the story of how the Montgomery bus boycott began. While I despise lazy black history programs, I must admit there is still a need to teach our children to embrace their history. I'm afraid if we got rid of "our" month, our history may fall by the wayside and cease to be discussed (a little extreme I know; sue me). I remember what the 'old folks' say about what happens when you don't know your history.

I'm sure you have heard the critics speak of getting rid of you while others promote black history everyday. What happened to McDonald's 365 Black? I'm sure there is a reason you haven't stood up to defend YOURSELF, but I'm not sure I want to hear it. I promise you this is one blog that will recognize the accomplishments of African Americans through our "out the door" quote of the day and by pointing out African American accomplishments each day of the month. We will also recognize a lot of "Black Firsts" (stay tuned!) and my hope is that I can enlighten my readers while inspiring them to make our world a better place.

To my young profesisonals, remember the old saying "those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it?"

-->I could fire other quotes at you like "knowledge is power" and all that jazz but I'd rather just stick with KNOW your history. There is no excuse for not knowing your history, especially when it is just a Google search away! 

Peace & Love,

Raine L. Gabrielle 

If you have any recommendations for unique ways to celebrate our history or if you just need to gripe about the whole concept, consider the comment section your platform.

Top 5 GOAT Bob Marley Songs

Today marks the anniversary of the death of music great Bob Marley. In the spirit of turning a downer into an upper, we will pay tribute to him with a few musical selections. I love his music so its just another reason for me to share my love of his music with you. Its almost lunch time so I know we can all use a little pick me up. Here are my top 5 greatest of all time (GOAT) Bob Marley songs:

1. One Love:

2. Turn your lights down low.


3. Buffalo Soldier.


4. Exodus.


5. No woman No cry.



Bonus (because I color outside of the lines):
Jammin'.


Marley's music has always mellowed me out. After a listening session, I'm so mellow I could take a nap & not feel guilty. Go ahead & share your favorite Marley tunes...

Sidenote: THIS is HUSL Today's 300th post! Follow HUSL Today on Twitter @HUSLToday or add the fan page on Facebook. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Mother's Day

Although everyday should be a day to treasure your mom, today is an extra special occassion as we celebrate the first woman we ever met-our mother. Mother's Day happens annually but we must cherish our mothers constantly. Although I can't spend Mother's day with my mom, I decided to lift my spirit with a tribute to my mother and all the mother's around the world.

Here are a few photos of celebs and their moms:

 

Read more for Mother's Day quotes from people you may know.

HUSL Today Salutes

Hank Aaron

Henry (Hank) Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama on February 5, 1934. After starting his major league baseball career with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954, he distinguished himself as a home-run specialist. Aaron is considered by some as the best baseball hitter in history. Over his 23-year Major League Baseball career, he compiled more batting records than any other player in baseball history.

A year later, the 20-year-old Hank Aaron got his Major League start when a spring training injury to a Braves outfielder created a roster spot for him. Following a respectable first year (he hit .280), Aaron charged through the 1955 season with a blend of power (27 home runs), run production (106 runs batted in), and average (.328) that would come to define his long career. In 1956, after winning the first of two of his batting titles, Aaron registered an unrivaled 1957 season, taking home the National League MVP and nearly nabbing the Triple Crown by hitting 44 homeruns, knocking in another 132, and batting .322.

That same year, Aaron demonstrated his ability to come up big when it counted most. His 11th inning homerun in late September propelled the Braves to the World Series, where he led underdog Milwaukee to an upset win over the New York Yankees in seven games. Check the footage below to see Aaron as he hits a homer to help the M clinch the pennant.



He holds the record for runs batted in with 2297, and is a Gold Glove Winner in 1958, 1959, and 1960. Despite death threats and thousands of hate mail, Aaron continued his pursuit to break Babe Ruth's home run record. His most famous accomplishment came on April 8, 1974 at 9:07 P.M., when at the age of 40, he hit a 385-foot home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers, surpassing Babe Ruth's record of 714 career home runs. He ended his career with 755 home runs. Aaron often spoke about the treatment of blacks in baseball and about the lack of management and ownership opportunities in the league. In one interview, Aaron remarked "On the field, blacks have been able to be super giants," he said. "But, once our playing days are over, this is the end of it and we go back to the back of the bus again."


In 1982, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame(his plaque is pictured above). After his retirement, he returned to the Atlanta Braves as a vice-president for player development, and was promoted to senior vice-president in 1989. Aaron has been a leading spokesman for minority hiring in baseball.

Hank Aaron was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.

For his contributions to baseball and his work towards equal treatment of minorities in sports HUSL Today salutes Hank Aaron!

Source: Biography.com

African American firsts

Its safe to say that today's African American firsts focus on inventors

Elijah McCoy (1843 - 1929) invented an automatic lubricator for oiling steam engines in 1872. The term "the real McCoy" is believed to be a reference about the reliability of Elijah McCoy's invention.

Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877 - 1963) invented, among many other things, a 3-way automatic stop sign, which he sold to General Electric. It was used in the U.S. until the 3-light traffic sign was developed.

Otis Boykin (1920 -1982) invented electronic control devices for guided missiles, IBM computers, and the control unit for a pacemaker.

George Carruthers (1939 - ) invented the far ultraviolet electrographic camera, used in the 1972 Apollo 16 mission. This invention revealed new features of Earth's far-outer atmosphere and deep-space objects from the perspective of the lunar surface. Carruthers was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 2003.

James West's (1931 - ) research in sound technology led to the development of foil-electret transducers used in 90% of all microphones built today and in most new telephones being manufactured. West holds 47 U.S. and more than 200 foreign patents on microphones and techniques for making polymer foil-electrets. He was inducted into the National Inventor's Hall of Fame in 1999.

Please join HUSL Today is honoring these African American inventors who have impacted all of our lives. Are there any inventions that you are particularly fond of? Consider the comment section your platform to share them with your friends.

Have a great Monday my friends!

On THIS date in black history

February 8, 2010

1865 - The first African American major in the United States Army is a physician, Dr. Martin Robinson Delany.

1871-Justina Ford ,an African-American physician and humanitarian was born. As a doctor breaking down barriers for Blacks and women, Ford also worked as a humanitarian: her expertise in gynecology, obstetrics, and pediatrics was often provided to low-income and indigent people of all races. She delivered over 7000 babies during her distinguished practice of more than 50 years.

1894 - Congress repeals the Enforcement Act, which makes it easier for some states to disenfranchise African American voters.

1898- The “Grandfather Clause” was enacted for voting purposes. It was a legal and constitutional mechanism passed by seven Southern states during reconstruction to deny suffrage to black Americans. It meant that those who had enjoyed the right to vote prior to 1867, or their lineal descendants, would be exempt from educational, property, or tax requirements for voting. As a result, even if they met all the requirements, they were not allowed to vote.

Because the former slaves were not granted that right until the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870, these clauses worked effectively to exclude Blacks from voting and assured the vote of many impoverished and illiterate whites. In 1915 the Supreme Court declared the grandfather clause unconstitutional because it violated equal voting rights guaranteed by the Fifteenth Amendment.

1924-Joe Black, an African-American baseball player in the Negro Leagues and author is born. He became the first Black pitcher to win a World Series game

1925 - Marcus Garvey is sent to federal prison in Atlanta, Georgia for mail fraud in connection with the sale of stock in his Black Star Line. His prosecution was vigorously advocated by several prominent African American leaders, including Robert Sengstacke Abbott and others. Garvey was railroaded because of the power he had amassed over the African American population of America.

1925 - Students stage a strike at Fisk University to protest the policies of the white administration at the school.

1944 - Harry S. McAlpin of the "Daily World" in Atlanta, Georgia, is the first African American journalist accredited to attend White House press conferences.

1965 - Dr. Joseph B. Danquah, Ghanaian political leader, joins the ancestors. He had been the leader of the United Gold Coast Convention, a political body which had pressed the British for a gradual relinquishing of colonial rule.

1968 - Gary Coleman is born in Zion, Ohio. He will become a child actor portraying "Arnold" in the television series, "Different Strokes," which aired from 1978 to 1986. Go ahead and say it "What you talking bout Willis?"

1968 - Highway Patrol Officers kill three South Carolina State University students during a demonstration in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Students are protesting against a whites-only Orangeburg bowling alley.

1970 - Alonzo Mourning is born in Chesapeake, Virginia. He became a basketball star at Georgetown University and went on to play for the NBA Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets and later the Miami Heat.

He was praised for his courage for making a comeback after undergoing a kidney transplant and years later winning his first NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.

1984 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of the Los Angeles Lakers scores 27 points

while leading his team to a 111-109 victory over the Boston Celtics. Abdul-Jabbar passed Wilt Chamberlain's NBA career record of 12,682 field goals.

1986 - Oprah Winfrey becomes the first African American woman to host

a nationally syndicated talk show.

1986 - 5' 7" Spud Webb, of the Atlanta Hawks, wins the NBA Slam Dunk

Competition.

1990 - CBS News suspends resident humorist Andy Rooney for racial

comments he supposedly made to a gay magazine; Rooney denies making the comments.

1995 - The U.N. Security Council approves sending 7,000 peacekeepers

to Angola to cement an accord ending 19 years of civil war.

1995- This date observes National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID).

2000 - Edna Griffin, an Iowa civil-rights pioneer best known for integrating lunch counters, passes away at the age of 90. In 1948, Griffin led the fight against Katz Drug Store in downtown Des Moines, which refused to serve blacks at its lunch counter. Griffin staged sit-ins, picketed in front of the store and filed charges against the store's owner, Maurice Katz, who was fined. The Iowa Supreme Court then enforced the law which made it illegal to deny service based on race. She organized Iowans to attend the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 march on Washington, D.C., and helped start the former radio station KUCB. On May 15, 1999, Des Moines' mayor proclaimed "Edna Griffin Day." On February 5, 2000, Griffin was inducted into the Iowa African American Hall of Fame.

Source: http://www.informationman.com/today.htm

Out the door...inspirational quote to start your day

Good morning friends! Happy Monday! Today is a special day so I decided to extend your daily quote and share my favorite poem with my friends. I hope it helps you triumph over your tough times.

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow

-Langston Hughes

This is one of my favorite poems by Hughes and it has inspired me since I first read it years ago. Your dreams can change your life. Hold fast to your dreams my friends and remain motivated by them. Find personal meaning in these words and use them to uplift you.


Sidenote: HUSL Today congratulates the New Orleans Saints on their victory in the 44th Superbowl and their first ever Superbowl victory! Way to go Saints!

Movies to watch in honor of black history

If you're under 30 you did not get the opportunity to grow up during the Civil Rights Movement. That is why it is imperative that you take the initiative to learn about what life was like before the world was blessed with your presence. In some cases, it is difficult to fully grasp what all the hoopla is about because we were not there. Hopefully this segment can allow you the opportunity to learn more about the fight for equality.


Do the Right Thing (1989) - A classic Spike Lee joint. It is set in Brooklyn during a steamy summer and it takes a look at urban life and all the anger and racial tension that goes along with it.

Summary: One of the characters requests that Sal, the proud owner of the local neighborhood pizzeria, place some photos of great African Americans on his "Wall of Fame." Sal sees no reason to change his ways. It's his place and he will do what he wants, and he insists on keeping the wall dedicated to great Italian Americans, even though the neighborhood is predominantly African-American and his audience and patrons are African Americans. Buggin Out is outraged. He insistently goes around the neighborhood urging a boycott of Sal's to see his request come to fruition peacefully but persuasively. Curious about what happens next? Watch the movie!

Its use of 'Fight the Power' coupled with unique fashion statements makes for an entertaining night in. This is arguably Spike Lee's best movie as it landed him an Academy Award nomination for best screenplay. However due to the nature of the movie, it may be inappropriate for young children.

This weekend would be a great time to set aside family time to watch this great film! Especially if you're in the path of that wretched winter storm.

Enjoy!

African American firsts

Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993) was the first African-American to not only be named to the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1963, but to also win the U.S. Open in 1968, to win the men's singles at Wimbledon in 1975, and the first to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985.

Diahann Carroll (1935 - ) was the first African-American woman to have her own television series, "Julia" in 1968. It was a controversial, yet Nielsen top ten rated show about a single working mother raising her child.

Alain Locke (1886 - 1954), a writer, philosopher and intellectual, was the first African-American Rhodes Scholar. A strong supporter of African-American arts, he wrote about the Harlem Renaissance in The New Negro (1925).

Ralph J. Bunche (1904 - 1971), a politician and a U.N. diplomat, was the first African-American to win the Nobel Peace prize in 1950 for mediating the Arab-Israeli truce.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), founded by Richard Allen (1760 - 1831) became the first national black church in the United States in 1816.

Charles Henry Turner (1867 - 1923), a zoologist and educator, was the first person to discover that insects can hear.

HUSL Today Salutes...

Rosa Parks

Rosa Louise McCauley was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. She changed her name to Parks in 1932 when she wed Raymond Parks. She worked at a number of jobs, ranging from domestic worker to hospital aide. At her husband's urging, she finished her high school studies in 1933, at a time when less than 7% of African Americans had a high school diploma.

Despite the Jim Crow laws that made political participation by Black people difficult, she successfully registered to vote on her third try. In December 1943, she became active in the Civil Rights Movement, joining the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP.

Parks demonstrated great courage came when the seamstress and NAACP member refused to yield her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus on December 1, 1955. Her actions sparked a 382-day boycott of the buses in Montgomery, halting business and services in the city and it become the initial act of non-violent disobedience of the American Civil Rights movement. Check out Parks' interview where she comments on the goals of the boycott below:

She was honored with the NAACP's Spingarn Medal for her heroism and later work with Detroit youth (1979) and earned the title "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement." She will passed away on October 24, 2005.

The United States Senate passed a resolution on October 27, 2005 to honor Mother Parks by allowing her body to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The House of Representatives approved the resolution on October 28. Since the founding of the practice of lying in state in the Rotunda in 1852, Parks is the 31st person, the first woman, & the first American who had not been a U.S. government official and the second non-government official (after Frenchman Pierre L'Enfant).

On October 30, 2005 President George W. Bush issued a Proclamation ordering that all flags on U.S. public areas both within the country and abroad be flown at half-staff on the day of her funeral. (Parks is pictured above with former President Clinton). On February 5, 2006, at Super Bowl XL, played at Detroit's Ford Field, the late Coretta Scott King and Mother Parks, who had been a long-time resident of "The Motor City", will be remembered and honored by a moment of silence.

Although the decision to use Parks as the impetus for the start of the Montgomery Bus Boycott was a collective effort, Rosa Parks is a prime example of how one person can change the world. For her courage and contributions to the civil rights movement, HUSL Today salutes Rosa Parks!

Happy Birthday Ms. Parks!