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
Editorials and Opinions
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?
What are the end results
When a person takes action it is to get some form of result. When a group of people decide to take action, it is usually because they want a result. Actions should lead to results. In a sane person the results are usually ones that benefit that person. With this previous statement in mind, are there any beneficial results from some of the actions African Americans are taking? … [Read more...] about What are the end results
Charles Ogletree
“Tree had everyone’s backs; he saw the potential in everyone and sought to nurture it.” So said Tomiko Brown-Nagin, dean of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard and professor of constitutional law at Harvard Law School, and one of Harvard Law School Professor Charles Ogletree’s many colleagues, admirers, and friends. Charles Ogletree, who died August 4, … [Read more...] about Charles Ogletree
Remember who you are
There is a line in The Lion King where Mufasa tells Simba he has forgotten him. Simba denies this and Mufasa reiterated this point by saying, “You have forgotten who you are and so forgotten me. You are more than what you’ve become.” I always thought these were the best lines in the movie. African Americans talk about and brag about Black History. In reality African Americans … [Read more...] about Remember who you are
We must be the examples
When our children see the news right now, what are they thinking? We are at a moment where adults everywhere are reminded once again that we must all continue to strive to be the examples we want our children to emulate. We must teach them to value the truth and to know right from wrong. We cannot depend on anyone else. I believe all great faiths, history, moral decency, … [Read more...] about We must be the examples
Bringing truth to light
On July 25, the day that would have been Emmett Till’s 82nd birthday, President Joe Biden hosted a White House signing ceremony for a proclamation establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in Mississippi and Illinois. Three sites are now part of this monument honoring Emmett Till, who had just turned 14 when he was abducted, tortured, and lynched in … [Read more...] about Bringing truth to light
Youth aren’t bulletproof
“Dear Lawmaker, My name is Ana Rodriguez. I lost my daughter, Maite Rodriguez on May 24, 2022 in a mass shooting at her school, Robb Elementary, in Uvalde, TX . . . It was the last week of school and she was excited about watching movies with her friends and attending the honor roll ceremony. Don’t imagine. Put yourself in my daughter’s shoes that day: Her name is called … [Read more...] about Youth aren’t bulletproof
Overturning opportunity
In the spring of 1954, like so many black families, mine waited anxiously for the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. My father and I talked about it and what it would mean for my future and the future of millions of other black children who were attending segregated but unequal black schools. He died the week before Brown was decided. But I and many other … [Read more...] about Overturning opportunity
Independence
The Fourth of July has passed in the USA. The celebration ceremonies are over and the fireworks have been disposed of. American citizens have celebrated the ratification of The Declaration of Independence. White people can celebrate independence because in the USA they have it. Do African Americans even understand the concept of independence? Independence means the state of … [Read more...] about Independence