As Black History Month ends and Women’s History Month begins, it’s always a special privilege to honor leaders who overlap in both—black women who did their part to change American history. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement’s Freedom Summer, one of these leaders to know and honor is Septima Clark, the woman Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., called the … [Read more...] about Black history, women’s history: Septima Clark
Editorials and Opinions
Not equal but the same
For too many years to count there has been an attempt by African Americans to be treated as equal to white Americans. Over the years violence and other means have been used by both white and black Americans to avoid or achieve this equality. In 2024 equality is still a dream, but there is one reality that the USA has achieved between the two major races. African Americans and … [Read more...] about Not equal but the same
A Christmas lesson
On December 24, 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered the message at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, on what would be his last Christmas Eve. The message was titled, “A Christmas Sermon on Peace”. More than 50 years later, I reiterate some of that powerful lesson. In a season when many people sing carols praying for peace on earth, Dr. King shared a … [Read more...] about A Christmas lesson
Time for action: White House needs to end delay, move forward with Ban on Menthol
The tobacco industry decades ago launched a devastating campaign to target the black community with its products, its primary tool being menthol cigarettes. This sustained attack on black health has resulted in profits in the billions and the deaths of millions. Understandably, health and social and racial justice advocates, among many others, saw great promise in the … [Read more...] about Time for action: White House needs to end delay, move forward with Ban on Menthol
Seek and ye shall find
There is beauty and positive people in the world. We often get so caught up in the madness of daily existence that the previous fact is often forgotten. Look around you and if you ignore the egoic mind, you will see several examples of beauty. For a few minutes, let’s put the negativity aside and seek out the beauty in life. It is there, just like there is beauty inside of you. … [Read more...] about Seek and ye shall find
Rosalynn Carter: Honoring a legacy
On November 28, 2023, the family of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter held a beautiful memorial service for her at the Glenn Memorial Church at Emory University. Guests included President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton, former First Ladies Melania Trump, … [Read more...] about Rosalynn Carter: Honoring a legacy
Christmas wishes
Christmas shopping officially began on November 24, 2023, the day after Thanksgiving, otherwise known as Black Friday. Gifts are now being purchased online and in malls across the USA. Children will be counting the gifts under Christmas trees. Many people will be in jewelry stores purchasing diamond rings for loved ones in hopes of future marriage. Many Christmas wishes will be … [Read more...] about Christmas wishes
Thankful on Thanksgiving
It is the end of November 2023. It is the start of the holiday season. The Thanksgiving turkey will lead to Christmas trees and gift giving. This is a truly pleasant time of year in the USA. This Thanksgiving African Americans have much to be thankful for, and here are a few of these blessings. African Americans should be thanking their lucky stars that slavery is over. … [Read more...] about Thankful on Thanksgiving
A place at the table
I’ve shared before the description of an editorial cartoon my father kept pinned up in the vestibule of our church that made a deep impression on me I have never forgotten. It was a black and white drawing by the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Herblock that was originally published in the Washington Post in October 1947. The picture showed a group of well-dressed, happy people … [Read more...] about A place at the table
What would you do?
I recently received a message on social media from an African American, warning other African Americans about evil being among them. The evil came in the form of supposed DNA experiments on African American female embryos. I messaged the person back and asked a question. The question was simple, “What would you do if the roles were reversed?” The reply came immediately in the … [Read more...] about What would you do?