The Rant: Americans, you have an Anthem problem. A Black National Anthem problem that you don’t understand.

Let me go in during the 98th Anniversary of Black History Month. Lately, the country has had an issue with a national anthem that is turning heads and epic negativity. What I am referring to of course is “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” You know, the Black National Anthem? If that sounds racist, it is not. Many clearly don’t know what that is and why. They don’t! For those that do understand, obviously, you get it.

Let me go back in time to 2021 on the 4th of July when Vanessa Williams sang the Black National Anthem on point. And, I had something to say:

Let me explain to all the butt-hurt folks who were and are steaming mad over a song. This song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written over 100 years ago by the composer, John Rosamond Johnson, and his brother, the lyricist James Weldon Johnson. They were Black men who wrote the hymn that is widely heard in the country mostly around the occasions of the MLK Holiday, Black History Month, and of course Juneteenth Day. Additionally, any other celebrations or acknowledgments of any African American-related figure, activity, or special event. As I was reading some of the stories and commentary about Vanessa Williams’ performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing online from social media and websites, it’s really coming from people who have this notion that a song like that was separate races of people. WOW, REALLY?!!!! Lift Every Voice and Sing IS an American Song! Lift Every Voice and Sing is an AMERICAN HYMN that was composed by an American composer; Excuse me, an African American composer in 1900! So, the big question is this, why is this song a problem on the 4th of July? Let me count the ways that white folks want it to keep all Yankee Doodle Dandy and of course the National Anthem, God Bless America, and America the Beautiful, which were all sung on A Capitol Fourth! Last year on the 4th of July, Gospel Singer Kirk Franklin sang the song with his choir in his house, and the footage was viewed on America’s birthday online. There was no commentary of concern or any other negative connotation that Kirk Franklin shouldn’t have any business of singing a song like that on the 4th of July. Well, guess what ladies and gentlemen, he did. And let’s admit, Lift Every Voice and Sing in a way, does fit going forward with freedom and justice for all. A long time ago, a pastor here in Milwaukee once questioned about singing Lift Every Voice and Sing around the Martin Luther King holiday. And the pastor asked the congregation: “Why can’t we sing this song every day?” And even today, it is a question that is considered good. I mean, why don’t we sing this song every day? Why not on the 4th of July? I think for two reasons, one it’s whitewashed with hidden hollows of division. And second, when it comes to Black people, the 4th of July is like the Achilles Heel. We really got “half-shaped” at times when the issues of chattel slavery and bondage with no celebrations for us were brought up. Yes, it’s true. Let’s all admit that in its earlier stages, the idea of the Declaration of Independence was formalized for the nation. Now it’s 245 years later, and we are in a way celebrating the 4th, but also recognizing the struggles of Freedom and Independence along the way like never before. Ranging from voter suppression, police brutality, and yes Black Lives Matter. And many other forms of discrimination hatred, racism, or should I say systemic racism. And let us not forget the ongoing battle trying to understand Critical Race Theory, which is not a way to separate black and white further, it’s a way to understand part of the reasons why the separations of black and white continue to exist in the United States of America. This Adults, Boys and Girls of America, this is the America that we are currently living in, and this is the struggle that I always say is continuing right now. Every year on my birthday of December 5th, I always say that the struggle continues. Partially, I’m sampling Melissa Harris-Perry from her MSNBC days of Nerdland. Remember that? That her show used to come on Saturday/Sunday mornings? I know you do, don’t lie.

Well, that part has not gone away. When many of us were watching the Super Bowl this past Sunday, during the pregame segment, it seemed that many hated Andra Day when she sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Oh, there were cheers for Post Malone and Reba McEntire for America the Beautiful and the Star-Spangled Banner. Why hate though? Especially from those who appeared to go online to YouTube and spill every ounce of ignorance and blatant racism at Andra Day for her part. Oh, let me guess, it’s the Black National Anthem. A Lot of these fools still say, “Black History is American History.” Watch your mouth. I often say and still ask, if Black History is supposed to be American History, how come some don’t want to hear about our history? I think I have answered my own question. Part of it is ignorance and dare say suppression, racism, discrimination, lack of education, lack of knowledge, messed up opinions, and various others. America has had all these concerns, and it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone. But over an American Hymn like Lift Every Voice and Sing, why is that a problem? Like the Johnson brothers took bottles of sodas and spilled them on the Declaration of Independence and Francis Scott Key’s arrangement of the National Anthem. And why is everyone asking, “What about the Mexican National Anthem?” Or “What about the Yellow National Anthem?” Or this “National Anthem, or that National Anthem?”

Everyone: You’re Reaching. SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!

That’s what this is. Reaching. That needs to stop. And that’s out of pocket. Just because one group does one thing in a public space, here comes someone or another group who must call a foul ball or copy.  To quote the younger folks: “WOOOOOW. Ya’ll wilding out.” Those who ask those questions should go back to their grandmothers and elders about the anthems.

Like I said before, many are acting silly over a song, yet again. When the hate on Andra Day occurred, it brought me back to Vanessa Williams on the 4th of July in 2021. Sheryl Lee Ralph was criticized last year for the song. When Jasmine Sullivan sang it last year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration was there hate on her for the Anthem? Alicia Keys sang it in 2020 in a video during the pandemic before the NFL Season, after George Floyd was killed. Was there any hate? Talk about Polar Opposites. Oh, check this out, since many know the Star-Spangled Banner well, fully patriotic in all, what about this third stanza:

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 wash’d out their foul footstep’s 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.

Notice something here? Explain it. Keep in mind that the Star-Spangled Banner was written in the early 1800s, specifically 1814, and composed two years after the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key who also was a slave owner. But I’ll bet that many won’t acknowledge that at all.

When the Black National Anthem was sung again this week, it was not to replace the Star-Spangled Banner at the big game. Let’s get that clear finally. Second, all that “1 Anthem 1 Country or Nation” mess is getting TIRED! Especially from the MAGA Conservative fans and alike who think it’s all about them. These are the same folks who don’t want you to vote this election year. Or to bring back Trump in office. He better stay out. Hope your jobs and clubs don’t catch you slipping online with all the Facebook posts and YouTube Videos.

And third, all of us will still hear the Black National Anthem regardless. Even in a Black Church where it’s played religiously. In fact, back in the day, if many grew up in a Black church, regardless of denomination or non-denomination atmospheres, you had someone to tell you about knowing the hymn, by either singing it or playing a musical instrument. Either way, you had to know it. The church I grew up attending in Milwaukee played the song every Sunday. No matter if it was Black History Month or not. So, it’s not new and was not in school. For all of those in school now, I say incorporate that into your Black History Month Celebrations or plays. If you are in college or university and if you come across Lift Every Voice and Sing in your African American History classes, study it! The whole thing from the humble beginnings until it was official.

So why are many still tripping? It is because of the lack of understanding of historical context. Here’s the thing, you don’t have to like it, but you darn sure should respect it. And that entails Lift Every Voice and Sing no matter where, when, and how. The song was dubbed the “Black National Anthem” because the NAACP adopted it as their anthem in 1919. The same year when my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers was founded, and the NAACP was only 10 years old. It was also a rallying cry during the civil rights era. It was written as an anthem for hope and a better tomorrow. So again, trollers and racists: Lift Every Voice and Sing is a legit hymn. The National Anthem was adopted by the US Congress in 1931.

Here’s the Bottom line, if we can get used to the Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, My Country Tis of Thee, and other patriotic tunes, then get used to Lift Every Voice and Sing!

Black History Month 2024: Playing defense with the drum.

You already know what time it is. Black History Month returns. It’s been back, still back, and always will be back. And to those who think it’s a joke, we have never had that conversation or that discussion on why it’s legendary since 1926. And furthermore, it is not a racist occasion to separate Black people from whites. This annual tradition exemplifies our accomplishments and viewpoints which stood for a long time. It’s different. And it’s international, not just American only! So, all that talk about “Black History is American History only” is entirely false.

So, for starters: Why February? Why not June or September? I’m sure everyone knows by now; that Black History Month was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson on February 7th, 1926. Which was known as the beginning of Negro History Week. And the main reason it was picked is because of the Birthdays in honor of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Oh, try to keep up. Historically, Black History Month was morphed officially in my birth year of 1976 as we know it now as a month-long celebration. As short as February is, it is a month-long celebration, period! Why February? In fact, why NOT February? Things that make you go hmmmmm…. says C&C Music Factory.

Now, of course, it’s hard for people, especially some Black folks, to digest this. We hear many say, “Black History is American History.” I want to still challenge that in this era of playing defense against white supremacy and false opinions with online trolling. At times before, if you carefully follow this blog, I always say that Black History is part of World History! It’s not just African Americans. What about the African Canadians? They are black. What about the Black British like Idris Elba? Or Thandiwe Newton? Black Germans like Boris Kodjoe? Or the Haitians, Jamaicans, Kenyans, Ghanaians, and many others in the world who are of African descent.

Again, “Black History is really World History.”

Now, since the month has officially kicked off, what I just said will not be summarized as much. Why? Will some think they know it all and feel like it’s not needed? Well, someone will be failing history class tomorrow. They’ll know it before it hits them like a ton of bricks. And folks, don’t even try to say that it’s decisive to generate a thought of what Morgan Freeman said years ago, “I don’t want a Black History Month. I want an American History Month.” The man was drunk. And guess what, a lot of you will Google it on some YouTube page and generate a lot of clicks. What is funny though, we get a month of celebration, and folks are popping off so badly. Who is the joke now, suckers!? Us. We love to pop off and complain about having a celebration month, and not doing enough to “actually celebrate it every day”. If that’s the case, are you or will you or anyone celebrate Black History every day? You’re realizing that it might be the case, but it’s hard to do! Why? Many of us may not celebrate it every day, because of distractions!

“Black History Lesson w/Karen Hunter & Dr. Chris Jones” Karen Hunter Show, February 2023

Recently, Black History Month needed to be on defense. Let me clarify this right now: Black History should be on defense every day. Within the past year, we have seen and read about the concerns of African American AP courses being watered down, and parents of students decided to skip out on the events and activities. Even books from Toni Morrison and many other prominent African American authors that we read about since before social media and AI creations, have disappeared from schools in various parts of the country. Most of those books that most conservatives like Moms for Liberty and many others have not even taken the time to read the books thoroughly. Additionally, many folks may not believe this, if you think that certain white people were trolling online about Black folks not having a history or a heritage which is one of the most obviously dumbest things to think of. Now you’re going to have Black people, or some Black people (grifters) are taking a shot at Black History Month in reverse.

What also generates my mind, is that when black folks celebrate other cultural-related heritage months or occasions like Cinco de Mayo, or Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, or acknowledge the men and women who are of Hispanic descent acknowledge their month in September and October, or even our Native American brothers and sisters in November, guess what: nobody says anything! When St. Patrick’s Day happens every March 17th, nobody says anything like it’s normal. But: when it comes to Black History Month, or black history references, or acknowledging black history every day in our schools, our churches, specifically the black churches, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods, and even our organizations that were or are a part of based on education or relations to a veteran or any other group that we are part of every single now and then it seems that some people have to say something. That’s just like when you see a Black person regardless of the male or female walking into a store and you watch every single time if they don’t take anything that is non-criminal but they’re going to say something. Or like last year when Angel Reese was commenting about everyone else having a challenging time in basketball or some sort of example, and she stated last year in 2023 after the NCAA Women’s Championship, hardly anyone ever said anything. But when Angel Reese made a gesture that was like what John Cena would do in the wrestling ring last year, everyone had to say something. There were times I escaped from that, but now I see it as a problem. It is a problem because I thought of us, and I mean all of us regardless of race, creed, class, whatever when we see people’s celebration heritage events and or discussions as a positive dialogue, turned into a bitter conversation. This is how I see additionally when it comes to Black History Month. As I said, the other cultural celebrations will be talked about, and nobody will say anything about it in a negative stance. But again, when it comes to our black historical events, and celebrations, at least about 51% are going to turn into a discussion just to provoke the rattlesnake. Whether anyone likes it or not, Black History should be in a positive conversation just as the other cultural months we also view annually in the calendar year. It’s quite a shame that we are in 2024 and this is ongoing. I’m not talking about the election year, nor is it the year of the dragon, nor is it an Olympic year, and nor is it a leap year it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that African American history or should I say Black History in general needs to be in everyone’s conversations regardless of how poor, educated, or rich many people can be.

And this is why I have dictated in summary why Black History needs to be defended every single time we recite a poem, hold an event, do a project, sing a song written by a black artist, play a video game that was first created by a black man, Gerald Lawson in the terms of bringing the arcade games home, or even programming what VoIP means when we’re on the internet like Zoom or Cisco Webex. Those examples were made or are made or created by African Americans. Everybody must be mindful of that. Most of the everyday inventions and/or gadgets that we either buy, use, ride, install, operate, or even look at today in the 21st century and still use, most of the patents were created by African Americans. Also, those same patents (or most of the patents that white people either have stolen or taken credit for) must assume that Black people generated them first. That’s the truth. I can’t imagine if someone were to create a t-shirt for everyday purposes in the pan-African colors of red, black, green, and yellow to display, “Defend Black History”. And I know that many people will see that as racist, divide people black and white all over again, and increase the wokeism. Seriously?!!! And the thing is, I heard this last month in January while many were celebrating Dr King’s birthday in observance. Some of the conservatives had to start embracing more of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and having this tendency to end wokeism. Here’s the thing for many people who don’t know in a sense as he was, Dr. King was woken. He may not have been woken like Malcolm X, but Dr. King was woken in his own way by his viewpoints on nonviolence and civil rights. So, for all, you conservative-minded folks out there who just rely on Dr. King and the quote from his I Have a Dream speech about “his four little children will grow up in the nation not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character”, you need to check yourselves clearly that many did not understand why he put that in his speech along with everything else that was deemed to be listened. And I’ll bet many won’t hear enough of the speech that he gave in Memphis Tennessee on April 3rd, 1968, about going to the mountain top. Which also, sadly the next day in the same city where he gave the mountain top speech was the last day of his life was cut short at 39 years old by his assassination. I know that I should be praising Black History Month in this part of the passage. But the thought of people seeing the occasion negatively once again, I’m sorry it needed to be said. And I will not apologize for that at all.

Moving forward: technically again, this is part of the reason Black History Month needs to play on Defense with the drum. And that DEFENSE needs to clarify and check the reasons why it matters! Everyday. Ranging from the so-called fear again of Critical Race Theory, the Black Lives Matter Movement, health disparities, financial mismanagement, civil rights, and let’s not forget about voter disfranchisement. There have been folks in our African American race who stood up and fought back to battle this mess and it will take another generation to try to face this new monster yet again. And what’s even worse, those who want to “do away with Black History Month” are just wasting time. Like they want to teach it. Really?

Wait…I thought Black History was supposed to be American History. Right?!!? WRONG! Then what do they call it? Exactly.

CALLOUT on two fronts: If those opposing Black History Month so badly yet again, then why those who do not want to hear our history? Do those want a so-called “American History Month?” Really?! Well, freaking start one! Don’t get all up in the feeling of being angry at something that doesn’t mean anything! Better save those tears! And if many start an American History Month, come correct with the truth! The good, the bad, and the flat-out ugly!

And no, don’t even think about having another discussion of “White History Month” because that phrase is getting played out. TIRED! It is. And the partial reason is that it’s all about a reaction to get to the point about countering Black History Month. That’s it. When other ethnic months happen in the calendar year, do I get an attitude? No, I do not! If I can’t be respectful of other cultures, how can others be respectful when they see me as a Black man celebrating Black History? Just asking a question.

Black History Month is here for the 98th time. Before that, nobody was talking about us. Our stories, reviews, true ideas, ideals, and purpose were not even thought about until 1926 when Dr. Carter Woodson and his classmates who were part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated all decided to dedicate one week to talking about us Black folks. The original Negro History Week was the week of February 7th – February 14th due to also the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass that Carter Woodson highlighted. Since that time, his work has still been examined each day and each year of this historic time. Years later after Dr. Carter Woodson died in 1950, Kent State University, began their Black History Month celebration from January to February in 1969. And seven years later in 1976, it was made official in the same February month by President Gerald Ford.

The only reason in my view why Black History Month is here and now is because we need to have our stories told just like everyone else. Some good, some bad, some ugly, and some that I don’t want to hear, or don’t want to talk about. But as the stories go on, the truth will come out. Especially what we are dealing with now.

But in the meantime: Happy Black History Month! And it still matters YET AGAIN! Now, my centerpiece awaits.

NOTE: The photo is NOT for sale.

Scratching my head all this time. The 2023 Memorial Day Edition.

For the rest of the month, May is the tipping point of the seasons to change. It’s the last month to feel the end of spring, and a prelude to the month of June and the Summer season. May is also a tipping point to the month for graduations, and retirements, and also recognize our Asian American Pacific Islander friends for their heritage month. And non-folks, don’t get an attitude because it’s not about you! May is also the month for our wellness concerns for Mental Health, and mostly, honoring our military past and present. No, you will NOT see a lot of the sacrilegious “Happy Memorial Day” phrases here. Whoever invented that phrase must be dismissed. When my late father was living, I NEVER said that. I never said that to any living veteran or service member. Or anyone. It sounds silly to me. Sorry Millennials and Gen Z’ers, I don’t play that.

Know what else is silly? Shootings, Bad Customer Service in Stores, Reckless driving in Milwaukee, the deaths of Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, & Jerry Springer, Biden’s numbers in the polls are low, the so-called patriots are running their mouths with no proof, conservatives still have a problem with CRT, the History Concerning African Americans, the United Methodist Church and the spilt continues with the disaffiliation, the status of black unemployment, folks still have an issue of Virtual Learning, The Milwaukee Public Schools in the eyes of others remain a problem, the Veterans Groups still need to have younger folks join their ranks of support and membership but many are still asking why this? Also, Milwaukee has a black mayor, a black sheriff, a black police chief, and a black county executive, and the majority of staff and leaders in the City Government are black, and many still complain. Can the Bump Outs in Milwaukee be the answer? I’ll scratch my head again.

Just recently, we lost Tina Turner, Harry Belafonte, and Jerry Springer. It seems that the saints are leaving before they started. Who else has noticed this feeling?

First Bud Light, then Target about the LGBTQIA apparel, and now Chick-fil-A has a DEI page. What is the beef with these Christian White Conservatives and Fanatics?!!!

Already, the City of Milwaukee is installing bump outs in certain neighborhoods and busy streets. Can this be the answer to those reckless drivers tearing up the city?

In the month of May, I rejected KFC and kept watch on Sam’s Club based on my recent Customer Service reactions. So far, it’s time to fight back, agree? Like I said, if those aren’t satisfied with ANY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE, call them out. Write letters of complaint, state your reasons, and actually STATE why you felt it was bad and vow never to return again!

Armed Forces Day is every third Saturday in May. Have we figured it out yet? It’s about the living service members?

It’s been three years since George Floyd passed. And how is that talk about George Floyd Bill holding up? It seems that many don’t care in a government sense. (See Tim Scott)

Do many know that there are Gen X’ers are playing defense, right now? Don’t just start with Millennials and Gen Z! Even the boomers need to recognize this.

Around Memorial Day, what are the best military movies that you can watch at any time?

Can the customers who work at Sam’s Club just let the customers scan the items in the Scan and Go checkout lane without any suggestions? If there are those who WANTED help, they would ask for it. Just saying.

For all the Wrestling Fans, you do remember when Scott Hall appeared on Nitro in ’96, right? Which was a Memorial Day to remember.

How come it’s always been a problem recently that when High School Graduation announcements are unveiled at an arena, they (the public) get mad it’s not at the schools? Looking back in 1995, my High School Graduation WAS NOT at Milwaukee’s John Marshall High School, it was at MATC’s Cooley Auditorium. There were no problems there.

Just recently, Master Lock, one of Milwaukee’s well-known companies for over 100 years, and even acknowledged by Barack Obama in 2012, has been issued a surprise that they will move their operations out of the city they called home since 1921. And approximately 300 workers were caught off guard to lose their jobs in 10 months. So where will jobs go and how will it go in this era that is constantly changing?

For the Millennial Bosses: if you think that Gen-Z is lazy and does not want to work, instead of just hiring the Baby Boomers only, hire the Gen-X’ers too. Can you do that? Put a wager on it.

Should Wisconsin get a USFL or an XFL football squad?

The Milwaukee Bucks had one hell of a season. Don’t worry, they’ll be back with a new coach, Adrian Griffin. But right now, it’s about the Brew Crew. Who’s watching?

Milwaukee, our Juneteenth Day Celebration is next month. Need I say more?

Packers Backers: how will Jordan Love do in the post-Aaron Rodgers era?

It’s really stupid: Black folks why are we so impatient at times? And about just darn near everything?! All that hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health, and other health-related issues of not being vaccinated or masked up. So what is it?

May is also the month of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. So was it good?

May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. Should we not say more? Wait until you go see a doctor.

CALLOUT: This is for all the baby boomers who question the younger generation who use more texting and virtual communication. With all due respect, nothing against you but do you realize that it’s a new era where communication is very used differently? This is not like “back in your day” anymore. And certainly not mine. But many must learn to realize it’s a new era of reaching out to our friends and family. From phone calls, texting, emails, social media, virtual, and others. It’s all different. So we need to get with the program in the game! Questions?

For all the folks in Florida, what is up with your governor Ron Desantis making all these laws concerning DEI, Black Colleges, the LGBTQIA, and even attacking DisneyWorld and also the Black Greeks?!

Yet again, the subject of book banning is pointless. And why was Amanda Gorman’s poem on the list? The one she read at President Biden’s inauguration.

Many of us like Janelle Monae. No question. But what about the naked angle of the video of Lipstick Alley? Now for all those who are offended by her video with censored, or uncensored, just don’t watch it. The only she went that angle is by selling her music. Trying to get a reaction. This is also the same Janelle Monae that vowed not to show her skin. Why did that change?

Let me add something else, how come is it when a member of Moms for Liberty had Amanda Gorman’s poem to be put on the banned list after reading the excerpts of the document? Talk about being stuck on stupidity?

Who in the land of Generation X likes “The Real Slim Sherri” on Instagram? By the way, she has become an Explicit Advocate for us Gen-X folks. Since she came on the scene, other Gen-X members had stepped up.

This was last year: What will it take for the WWE to undo the concern of Sasha Banks and Naomi? Well here is this year: What will it take for the WWE to move forward without the concern of Sasha and Naomi in other wrestling organizations?

What will it take for MEN and BOYS to go back to church with the criticism?

What will it take for Women and GIRLS to tone down the mean attitudes of Men by being nice and showing chivalry?

Have you acknowledged the Military lately during Military Appreciation Month?

You know that Memorial Day had a history with Black people from the start, right? In the earlier stages of the Civil War.

Memorial Day’s Black History, The Grio, 2018

Next month is June. Are we ready though? You know the summer vacations, June Grads, Father’s Day, Juneteenth Day, Black Music Month, Pride Month, and others? Even Men’s Health Month!

All that talk about Christianity being the oppressor, why did it come out of Africa in the first place? Somebody needs to check “Al” on that from The Truth.

It seems that “Al”, the caller from Milwaukee’s 101.7 The Truth is not guilty of the recent “trial”. As I said, if he fouls up on air, he might be banned again. Agree?

Here in Milwaukee, with our UMC Churches, it seems that a rumor that two of our churches, possibly Albright and a majority of Summerfield UMC are closing. This is nothing new in which that the churches of any denomination are shrinking due to not enough young people, attendance, not willing to get with the times, and the dark rumors of money, priests, and ministers getting way too personal about the money, trying to recover from COVID, and amongst other things. So when the doors close and go elsewhere, what is the real solution behind the hype of the closing of the churches? And even though the churches had done the negative, WHAT ABOUT THE POSITIVE that NOBODY talks about?!!!! Like jobs, events, food, clothing drives, or even scholarships to college. It doesn’t matter how “woke” everyone is. Or opinionated. Let’s get that conversation included! It’s always a one-sided story about this all the time.

And the last thing to ask, why are those still asking about selling their houses?! And for what?

Before this is done, there is one more thing to do:

“Taps Performed in Arlington National Cemetery (Summer and Winter)”, The United States Army Band Pershing’s Own, 2021

NEVER FORGET THE FALLEN!

Black History Month 2023: The beat still flows.

You already know the drill. Black History Month is back. It’s been back, already here, and still on the point that it does matter once again. Note to all of you who think it’s racist or even question, why February? Matter of fact, why not February? Let us get into that conversation. Oh wait, it is in the conversation. Black History Month returns yet again. For the 97th consecutive time! It is more American than you think. And yet, Black History Month is international. So we can start killing the façade: “Black History Is American History” thing, ok?

So, for starters: Why February? I’m sure everyone knows by now; Black History Month was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson on February 7th, 1926. And the main reason why the occasion which was Negro History Week was picked was because of the Birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Oh, try to keep up. Historically, Black History Month was morphed officially in my birth year of 1976 as we know it now as a month-long celebration. As short as February is, it is a month-long celebration, period! Why February? Matter of fact, why NOT February? Things that make you go hmmmmm…..says C&C Music Factory.

Now, of course, with that, it’s really hard for people, especially some black folks to actually digest this. We hear many say, “Black History is American History.” I want to challenge that. And the reason for the gauntlet challenge because it is not just American History only! At times before, if you carefully follow this blog, I always say that Black History is part of World History! Why do I say that? It’s not just us African Americans. What about the African Canadians? They are black. What about the Black British like Idris Elba? Or Thandiwe Newton? Black Germans like Boris Kodjoe? Or the Haitians, Jamaicans, Kenyans, Ghanaians, and many others in the world who are of African descent.

Again, “Black History is really World History.”

Now, since the month has officially kicked off, what I just said will not be summarized as much. Why? There will be those who will think they know it all and feel like it’s not needed? Well, someone will be failing history class tomorrow. They know it before it hits them like a ton of bricks. And folks, don’t even try to say that it’s decisive to generate a thought of what Morgan Freeman said years ago, “I don’t want a Black History Month. I want an American History Month.” The man was drunk. And guess what, a lot of you will probably Google it on some YouTube page and generate a lot of clicks. It’s funny though, we get a month of celebration, and folks had to pop off so badly. Who is the joke now, suckers!? Us. We love to pop off and complain about having a celebration month, and not doing enough to “actually celebrate it every day”. If that’s the case, are you or will you or anyone celebrate Black History every day? You’re realizing that it might be the case, but it’s hard to do! Why? Many of us may not celebrate it every day, because of distractions!

“Black History Lesson w/Karen Hunter & Dr. Chris Jones” Karen Hunter Show, February 2023

Just recently, Black History Month needs to be on defense. Especially when it comes to African American AP Courses. We all know what happened in Florida, right? Their governor, Ron DeSantis, had the decision to drop the ideal course and then approved the decision to bring it back in a watered-down format. REALLY?!!! This is dumb! And the only reason he approved of this was because of the way the conservative folks wanted to see the formats of what they wanted to see for the students in school. This reminds me of the Daughters of the Confederacy that wanted to see their brand of education displayed and approved by them in order to proceed with the option of teaching. Google it, kids. This, however, should be no surprise because of the legality of the choice of education that is going on currently. Technically, again this is part of the reason why Black History Month needs to play on Defense. And that DEFENSE needs to clarify and check the reasons why it matters! Everyday.  Ranging from the so-called fear again of Critical Race Theory, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and let’s not forget about voter disfranchisement. Even voter suppression is what the Republicans want to do this year in 2023 going forward! Look at Wisconsin, my home state where Republicans here wanted that so badly to make the voting process so difficult. Even to cancel the thought of voting dropboxes outside of libraries. Let’s also be clear that the “gatekeepers” want to ban books in schools. And I’ll bet many probably want to still talk about Dr. King and the “I Have a Dream” speech with the famous lines for reference. Really? Here is the thing, Dr. King was WOKE! Yeah, that word that most folks don’t like. Woke. And for those who are of the LGBTQ Community, Hispanics, Asians, Indigenous, Women, and others, watch out! Can I be straight with everyone? This is how they win if we do nothing. There have been folks in our African American race that stood up and fought back to battle this mess and it will take another to try to face this new monster yet again. And what’s even worse, those that want to “do away with Black History Month” are just wasting time. Like they want to teach it. Really?

Wait…I thought Black History is supposed to be American History. Right?!!? WRONG! Then what do they call it? Exactly.

CALLOUT on two fronts:   If those opposing Black History Month so badly yet again, then why there are those, who do not want to hear our history? Do those want a so-called “American History Month?” Really?! Well, freaking start one! Don’t get all up in the feelings of being angry at something that doesn’t mean anything! Better save those tears! And if many start an American History Month, come correct with the truth! The good, the bad, and the flat-out ugly!

And no, don’t even think about having another discussion of “White History Month” because that phrase is getting played out. It is. And the partial reason is that it’s all about a reaction to get to the point about countering Black History Month. That’s it. When the other ethnic months happen in the calendar year, do I get an attitude? No, I do not! If I can’t be respectful of other cultures, how can others can be respectful when they see me as a black man celebrating Black History? Just asking a question.

Black History Month is here for the 97th time. Before that, nobody was talking about us, African Decent folks. Our stories, reviews, true ideas, ideals, and purpose was not even thought about until 1926 when Dr. Carter Woodson and his classmates who were part of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated all decided to dedicate one week to talk about us black folks. The original Negro History Week was the week of February 7th – February 14th due to also the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass that Carter Woodson highlighted. And since that time, his work is still being very examined each day and each year of this historic time. Years later until 1970, Kent State, began Black History Month from January to February. And six years later, in 1976 it was made official in the same February month by President Gerald Ford. The only reason in my view why Black History Month is here and now is because we need to have our stories told just like everyone else. Some good, some bad, some ugly, and some that don’t want to hear, or don’t want to talk about. But many as the stories go on, the truth will come out. Especially what we are dealing with now.

But in the meantime: Happy Black History Month! And it still matters YET AGAIN! Now, my centerpiece awaits.

Scratching My Head All This Time: BEFORE HALLOWEEN 2022!

Hallowed Memories, 2005

With this weekend being as the Halloween weekend is already looming, already that has been a lot of spooks and warning signs of terror that is invading our land, and of course our neighborhoods. But also, it is very vital that many cannot stay away. It keeps coming up so much that many of us refuse to lock it down. And lastly it is an ongoing everyday struggle that we endure every single time. What am I talking about you ask? Well let me count the ways: the ongoing midterm attack ads against Mandela Barnes in Wisconsin, a triple threat of the Covid-19 virus, the flu, and this RSV symptoms that is occurring in the country right now, Kanye West and his recent antisemitic, anti-black comments about Black Lives Matter and wearing a “White Lives Matter t-shirt apparel. In addition, it seems that Georgia Contender Herschel Walker is really off his walker in terms of him and his politics and his viewpoints are just screwing up the state of Georgia. The Republican Party is getting more and more cynic about American Values that are not viewable like them, WHITE FEAR, And let us not forget also the ongoing crime rates, the ongoing discrimination against anybody who is non-white, the idealistic concern of the lack of jobs, the ongoing value against education which should be not a negative, Alumni Associations shutting down because of financial concerns, and many other concerns based on religion, and most of all based on just who you are and what you’re doing. Even having black men to vote in the 2022 midterms. I could go on and on for this Halloween weekend but as usual, I’m scratching my head again….

It’s been 40 years since Michael Jackson’s Thriller came out as an album, and also in 1983, starting next year it’ll be the 40th anniversary of the groundbreaking video that shattered new expectations. Scary but made an impact. And you’re still celebrating it because?

The “Tripledemic” of the RSV, Flu, and Covid-19 are all the concerns going into the Halloween weekend and of course, the remaining winter months. And many are not vaccinated because why?

Looks like The Simpsons went back to back Sundays of the Treehouse of Horror Shows. Who won? Not It (scary good in my view of a Evil Krusty the Clown/Stephen King’s IT) or the Treehouse of Horror XXXIII? There is no in between.

While watching the latest SNL episode with a Halloween Weekend Feel, Tom Hanks as David S. Pumpkins gave folks some life! Agree?

Here in Wisconsin, the races for US senator and Governor are heating up. From being neck to neck and trying to overcome the gap to even things up. There seems to be a question for black folks do you actually think that Tim Michels will do you justice if he’s governor? And also why are so many people having this discern regarding Mandela Barnes?

In Georgia, Democratic Contender Stacy Abrams (who by the way is Wisconsin born) recently had an idea concerning the black male agenda or the black male idea agenda. It seems to many that is a too late concerned option to talk about, but it is something that many black men should be talking about amongst themselves and amongst the people in an audience who have not been reached. Here are some questions that I think that should be asked: one why are so many people especially those of women are against a black male agenda?, Number two, what are the primary reasons why the black male agenda has recently come up in the last several weeks or months also, what is the motive behind a black male agenda for people who really want to know what that is, and finally should every state in the country adopt a black male agenda, even in the state of Wisconsin?

Is it really time to tell the truth behind the colorectal cancer screenings that has been mentioned in the recent news lately? Especially for those who haven’t had it as of yet? Like cologuard or the Doctors offices?

Mortal Kombat turns 30 years old. Anyone up for a challenge?

Many are saying that Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes is a “controversial figure”. So that means that Tim Michels is not? Guess what, he is! And so is Ron Johnson!

Why does it take so long for many to finally keep up in the election cycle and when it comes to final month of voting, younger folks don’t do it?

Word that WWE Superstar Bianca Belair surpassed 200 plus days as WWE Raw Women’s Champion. Who is exactly is being a hater, more like a racial angle against a BLACK WOMAN that is doing this?

Generation X, why are many of us are so Republican? And no, I don’t follow “the GOP like pattern”.

What is wrong with TODAY’S Generation that want your attention so badly?

Since Jim Leonhard’s Interim debut as HC after the firing of Paul Chryst, some things have turned around. But why those on the team want to transfer?

Remember back in the day when NEIGHBORS actually knowing NEIGHBORS?!!!! Don’t speak from afar! Folks NEED to introduce themselves! Stop being scared!

There needs to be MORE HOME OWNERS than HOME RENTERS, Get it?

It’s really annoying and spooky, that so many folks that want to cater to the wrong things. And folks want to call out other folks who do good things. Why is that? Seriously?!

All those attack ads against Mandela Barnes are either racist or force fed by the Republican Wisconsin Party Donors. And most are lies! It’s seems that they want to make him the black bad guy and Ron Johnson the main good guy. Everyone knows it’s BS. But then again, many will follow that moniker and carry it like a badge. That’s not a badge, it’s dumb. Boycott ABC Supply and Uihlein!

How is it that since Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are having those sales at the same time? I know it’s a marketing plan. What’s the motive?!

If anybody believes that Halloween is a “demonic, devilish, strange occasion”, obviously has anyone researched their birthdays or anniversaries of the dates given? There might be plenty of surprises.

Want to know what’s really scary: not knowing what Halloween actually really means. Guess what it really means. Use a dictionary or Google. Questions? You, the religious church folks need to read more. Just saying.

Another scary thing: what is the majority of folks that believe a black male agenda is not vital? Answer that.

What’s so scary: those who will not vote in the Midterms. Or any voting cycle. Talk about dumb!

What’s so scary: Kanye West. And his anti black, anti semitic commentary regarding the Jews, Black Lives Matter and those calling him a genius. STOP IT!!! Kanye acts like a genius, but does NOT live up to the hype. When he made those statements, he lost the business deals to Adidas, the GAP, Balenciaga, and other endorsed business deals. It’s really disturbing also that he caters to a White Lives Matter along with Candace Owens which was really embarrassing among him saying “slavery was a choice.” And get this, Kanye has kids. What father in their right mind would say things like this? Oh, what he stated previously on one of those podcasts, it’s recorded. It’ll be around for a long time and when his children grow up and see all the footages about their Father saying that, they will be asking questions. We know one day their mother will state that. As being trying to be woke, Kanye is NOT! Black folks, why is it that when an artist like Kanye, R. Kelly and others say or do stupid mess like urinating on young girls or saying anti semitic statements in all, but want to listen to their music to shield them from all the horrors? You think this is a game? It’s not! We need to be better! Way better than this! Just to add, the last time a mega artist had a song out in 1995 that had anti semitic lyrics, thought it wasn’t like that, then had to apologize for it on his behalf: Who was it? Michael Jackson. Reference “They Don’t Care About Us” from his History Album.

Extra scary: Packers Backers, right now we’re in a sub .500 funk. A funk of 40,000 years like Thriller. So over the off season, some of the coordinators, players like Davante Adams are in different places. The offense is new with fresh rookies mix with a veteran like Randall Cobb. The defense is in a mix of improvement, special teams are in a transition for better results, so what is a Packer Backer to do?

Here in Wisconsin, one of our restaurants, Culver’s was robbed at three locations. And they are not in Milwaukee. So, who in they’re wrong mind would rob a Culver’s? Like really?!!

When Barack Obama was in Milwaukee recently campaigning for the Democrats, he once stated when he was running for Congress about 30 years ago, in 1992. He said he was whopped by 30 points that year. But he also stated not storming the Capitol nor complained that the election was rigged. Can the GOP actually learn that? At least the ones that know better!

What is the fear of now in 2022 than 1992, or 2002, or 1982, or even 1962?

What is also so scary? The rant about Colleges and Apprenticeships. Look, I have nothing against those getting an apprenticeship and going to the trades. What I don’t see, is the Apprenticeships and the Universities actually doing the talking to each other! Education is still a valued resource. Period.

Milwaukee, would we really be without the I-794 if demolished?

What’s so scary you asked? Try reckless driving in Milwaukee in Kias, or the recent shootings.

What’s so scary again? Try White Supremacists. Or defacing the Milwaukee George Floyd mural. Or Jeffery Dahmer costumes. Including Darrell Brooks being GUILTY!

Since it’s Halloween time in Milwaukee, who went trick or treating?

What’s so scary: The closing of Alumni Associations. One of the Milwaukee Public Schools, or the High School, Hamilton recently closed their Alumni Assocation due to not making enough money. Alumni beware! This could happen to your Alumni Assocation IF you have been keep up with it. So what’s the plan?

Speaking of Alumni Associations, have you recently received surveys to fill out for your former colleges or universities to see what they should be doing?

Is it safe to say that the theaters are back?

Anyone picked up the book called, “White Fear?” Trust me. When you get a chance, get your own! It’s written by Roland Martin.

Who recently received the “updated” COVID-19 Vaccine? Don’t be a coward or a scared punk.

Looking forward to November, men have we got the message of “Movember” yet? And what about International Men’s Day?

My Top 5 Halloween Movies are as follows: 1) The Crow 2) Blade II 3) Blade Trinity 4) Jonah Hex and yes 5) Ghostbusters What say you?

And finally before it turns to All Hallow’s Eve, what will be the next display of spooks for 2023?

Happy Halloween, readers!

Where are the Black Male Surrogates in Wisconsin?

With the Midterms looming to November, it’s apparent that the deciding factor in between only just begun. As a matter of fact, it’s been starting since the beginning this year and the year before. As many have been paying attention to the polls of the US Senate race of Wisconsin between Mandela Barnes and Ron Johnson, at first it was about two points or one point ahead from Mandela Barnes and now apparently the momentum has swung back into Ron Johnson’s favor.

One of the things that I believe that the preliminary polls have shifted towards Ron Johnson, is because of the main concerns of the attack ads that somewhat favors him. It’s no shock that there are those on a conservative right within and outside of Wisconsin, are doing whatever it takes to put Ron Johnson as the “self-described hero” over Mandela Barnes. It’s often that we see these attack ads every single 10 to 15 minutes while we were watching our favorite broadcast of TV, and of course sports. So you begin to ask yourself the question, why are there are so many conservative folks are not viewing enough factual proof of these commercials of Ron Johnson being over the contender of Mandela Barnes? What is it? What is the driving force? Well ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, let me have a little bit of your time, and I’ll begin with the two words that most white people make somewhat don’t want to admit, and that is “WHITE FEAR“. Think about those two words for a second. White Fear is driving these attack ads up the roof. White Fear is believing the hype that Ron Johnson is supposed to be ‘the good guy hero” over Mandela Barnes.

“White Fear” is driving the concerns of the so-called conservative right to believe that the indoctrination of critical race theory, black lives matter, and many other concerns is driving up their attack ads for Ron Johnson. That’s all it is. It’s a game. What did many people say it back in the 1990s? “Game recognizes game.” Think about that. Mandela Barnes was asked this question and with the statement regarding about Black Men and voting. And the reason why I’m putting this into the blog, is the fact that there’s a big concern that there may not be enough voters who will not participate in the midterm election because of the candidacies is one thing, and also another reason the fact that there’s not enough black male voters that will support the ideal candidates of their choosing or anyone of interest. In other words: turnout. Another example, is to make sure that it stays within the guidelines of doing nothing. That seems to be the catalyst of what drove the 2016 election from Hillary Clinton to Donald Trump. Let’s be clear, there were people who stayed home, and Donald Trump thanked those who did not vote. That’s how he got into the White House! I look at these attack ads concerning Mandela Barnes and is apparently that they’re coming from those who are old, white, highly conservative, and who have this fear that Mandela Barnes is “too much to handle”, or he’s “not the right fit” to become a US Senator for Wisconsin. Even Mandela Barnes had to criticize the historical figures in which that many of them never cared about black people in terms of Slavery and Jim Crow as an example. It was publicized in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and also when most folks were assuming that it was a lie. Well for all those who were offended: let me say this to you, Mandela was telling the truth about the nation’s founding fathers, that even though they did nice things, and sign a Declaration of Independence to make America a free country, but they also owned slaves. LIKE HELLO! That’s the part that most of you would never ever think about reading or reciting. What’s the matter? Just because Mandela Barnes said that part, does not mean that he’s telling a lie. The best thing you can do is actually further into the textbooks that many of us skipped in school. Oh no wait! Maybe many DID read those books, but failed to read the extra parts that went along with it that was hidden for so long. Maybe if many spend time “reading the actual factual” of America’s history, with the good, the bad, and the downright ugly, then maybe we might get somewhere and move the country forward in an attempt to tell the truth! Lord knows Ron Johnson and the GOP will not see or believe it.

Many people claim that Mandela Barnes is a “controversial figure”. Really, controversial? HA!!!! PLEASE! If you want controversy, review the January 6th Insurrection. Review what Ron Johnson stated about the Insurrection of January 6th. He claimed that he did not knew too much about it, that’s a lie. He had to know! Why don’t we ask Ron Johnson about his stance of Roe versus Wade, in an attempt to upset many women in this country when it comes to Reproductive Rights being stripped all over the place by the Supreme Court?! Where is Ron Johnson on that? Where is Ron Johnson on the fact about sending black people up to Sheboygan for a job, and never have the attempt to bring them back to Milwaukee. Where is Ron Johnson on that?! And where was Ron Johnson on that when he was booed and heckled at last year’s Juneteenth Day celebration in Milwaukee in which that he never agreed with the holiday anyway. But he soon realized that he can’t keep this bottled up even more. He lost that battle as a “Tea Party” pick.

Shifting gears about this subject, about black men and voting. I need to say this as a black man, and I need to tell all of my black readers, black folks in general in America, I think it’s time that we should stop being chicken, and actually show up and vote. And the reason why I’m saying this, because I see many of our black women are out there every single election cycle in droves, or strength in numbers when it comes to voting. They are dead serious about it. It’s just like when I was watching the scenes from Roland Martin’s show “Roland Martin Unfiltered”, he was mentioning that black women would get on a Conference Call almost every single Sunday night, and they talk about some of the concerns of what’s going on in their communities. They talk about the concerns that many people already see in their communities all the time that doesn’t get talked about in the local newspapers, or the local news or even the local websites. But the thing is, they get together and talk about it, and they are very “up beat and woke” when it comes to addressing the needs and concerns of their communities. And that’s part of what is driving them to vote for their candidates of choosing. And mostly, they in my opinion have leading that charge every single sense.

But the REAL question is, where are the BLACK MEN in this? I need to ask as a Black Wisconsinite: where are the black male surrogates in Wisconsin? Where are the BLACK MEN that could rally around Mandela Barnes? Where are the BLACK MEN that not only get together for their own concerns of meetings, but also to continue to address those meetings and concerns in every single outlet that is out there giving them a voice of concern to be addressed? I’m not just talking about Black Talk Radio, or Black Blogging, or Black Public Access when it comes to addressing our needs. All the different channels than nobody is talking about concerning black men. And let’s keep this in mind: Wisconsin’s Black Population is around 6.34% in total. Milwaukee’s Black Population is 40%.

Now, when I ask this question, I’m sure it’s going to be a lot of non-black men reading this thinking that its racist. No, it’s not. It’s also addressing concerns of citizens that no one is not going to answer for themselves. Many people also have been saying to the Democratic Party that without black men (never said black women or any other one or any other male) but without BLACK MEN, there might be a chance that the Democrats might lose in November. No one is not hearing them much as everybody else. We may hear black men talk “in other avenues” with their families, or girlfriends, or any other collective community related agenda. Or even in a Black Barber Shop environment. But when it comes to BLACK MEN in general that nobody doesn’t pay attention to, it becomes a problem! I’m not speaking just about health, mental, financial, spiritual, and many other factors that BLACK MEN face every single time. Now why am I putting black men, voting, and concerns of community only one sentence? It’s a real simple concept without black men in every community or most communities; most of your Cities, Counties, States, and I dare say the Country will be in a more concerned of despair. So yes, I do understand that this midterm season will take everybody to come out. And it should for the most part. But you cannot dismiss the presence of BLACK MEN, and their concerns of the current situation in our country. This is not a disrespect to black women, not a disrespect to any other woman, or any other man, regarding creed, class, sexual preference, and many others. And the thing is, BLACK MEN need to be included in the conversation as well. And it has to be included in EVERY SINGLE CONVERSATION that most folks probably wouldn’t even dare of asking. But last time I checked as a black man, I am a US citizen. Surprise, surprise.

I was reading a Facebook post most recently, and one of our members of the Male Black Milwaukee Activism Community has something to say about Mandela Barnes being named after a pro African activist (i.e. Nelson Mandela), attending or had attended college down south in Alabama, even graduated from Marshall High School, my Milwaukee MPS Alma Mater. But the fact of the matter is and it’s very common when I say this, when a person was talking about Mandela Barnes not doing things right in the campaign, this begs the question: Why didn’t that person didn’t consider being a black male surrogate for Mandela Barnes as an idea? Why didn’t he step up and say “Hey Mr. Barnes, let me be a surrogate for you. I can help you out”. There was nothing on that. For all those who agreed with the activist on The Truth Milwaukee Facebook Page or whatever page it was, have you actually signed up to be a surrogate for Mandela Barnes as he tours the whole state in terms of his candidacy for US Senator? Has anyone from the Milwaukee, or Madison, or the Green Bay Black Communities all over Wisconsin had ever signed up? Anyone black in the State? If not, and if you’re still talking about him not coming to your roundtable discussions, or having him to come talk to you, then you are just wasting time. He has been campaigning for over a year! Where has many folks have been?! Folks need to get onboard and get with the program.

Right now as I write this blog, it’s about 31 days until until the General Election of the Midterms. And already, many of you should had by now registered to vote, or received a absentee ballot, or planning to take a few hours off from your job to go vote. If you had or will do any of these things, good. If you had done nothing, then what is the problem?! Many will hear this everyday regardless.

Bottom line: Get out and vote!

My Take: Juneteenth Day Review of 2022.

Milwaukee Juneteenth Sign, 2022

Who had a good Juneteenth Day?

I ask again: Who has a good Juneteenth Day?

If you had a great Juneteenth Day this past weekend, you probably had a ball. You probably had to get up on the Sunday Morning, get dressed, perfected your hair, perfected your breakfast, making sure everything was set and out the door. Oh, you had to take your father or other male figure like a father with you because it was also Father’s Day. Either you went to church, then a festival or a parade in between. Whatever you did, it was all done by design.

This time around last year, Juneteenth Day had a turnaround of becoming a Federal Holiday. Something that President Biden signed into law. This Juneteenth Day on a Sunday with Father’s Day looming, it felt different. To me it felt different that a federal holiday like Juneteenth is celebrated with Fathers. Let’s be clear, this was a first prior to the change of the seasons to summer.

Obviously, this is part of America’s History that many don’t know. The occasion goes back to January 1st of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln composed the Emancipation Proclamation in which would lead to the slaves being free. It didn’t free them instantly, but it would become a very significant turn in the history of the country. This process took 2.5 years to be legit. April 14th, 1865, a critical turn took place when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in Washington DC. John Wilkes Booth did the job and was later caught by the union army. And shot to death 10 days later. Two months after Lincoln was assassinated, which is June, the most significant announcement was in Galveston Texas, in which it was ordered by General Grainger to declare that all slaves were declared free. What took that long was the soldiers had to spent those two years traveling the country to help spread the good news about the announcement to be. No, there was no Google, no Social Media, no cars, only on horseback. The message was reached then transferred to those that needed to know. The process also took more months in December of that year to ratify the 13th Amendment. Which further sealed the deal regarding the concerns of chattel slavery that has harmed the country wrongly.

So now, it’s 157 years later, and we’re celebrating the victory announcement of the end of slavery of 1865. Which is like celebrating the announcement of Easter. Or the announcement of being a free independent nation. (SPOILER ALERT) The black slaves were in bondage, had to fight in the Revolutionary War in order to guarantee freedom. Many of them, went back into slavery. Trust me, you will read this next month in July. Around Independence Day perhaps? Oh, expect to hear a “Frederick Douglass quote” that many blacks will be reciting. White folks you may not like this. It’s a way to say, that Frederick Douglass has a lot on his mind that many didn’t have the heart to say because they didn’t. But he did. “What to the Slave Is The Fourth of July” is the title and in that passage, he expressed that many had to know. But anyway, for this occasion of June 19th, this is not just a victory for African Americans, but a learning lesson for America of why it matters. Folks, if the 4th of July is a day that matters from Tyranny, Oppression and Persecution of pre-1776, then Juneteenth is an Independence Day of its own for freedom from slavery. Something also that the 4th ALMOST had. Let me explain why in two reasons:

One: From the book, “E Plurbis One”, by Sophia A. Nelson, Esq commented that two of our Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were against slavery. This was no lie. The decision was made in 1775-1776 when the southern delegates shot down the decision to take away slavery. Previously, Benjamin Franklin was for slavery (as a slave owner) but later had a change of mind that the act was indeed wrong! And Second: One of the original drafts of the Declaration of the Independence had in mind to omit slavery from the document. NO LIE! Here is where your “4th of You Lie” actually lies. The Declaration almost had it written off. But it was put back in the final copies of the document we’ve been reading for the almost 246 years as a nation.

So this is partial why Juneteenth is in the conversation in order to get to a point in getting to the equal side of Freedom, Justice, Liberty, and Independence. For a long time, Black folks in THESE United States of America, had not had the equal rights like everyone else. After 1865, when the slaves were declared free, that was a step in getting to the equality. Free from slavery. Free from once and for all. This is also why Juneteenth Day had entered the chat. And it remained in the chat for 157 years. Since then, many have hated the idea of having Juneteenth being recognized. Not just the history, it’s also fear. Yes, white folks in all, I’m talking directly about you. Looking at your comments on social media, how many of you just digging the occasion that is apart of American History?

Of course, there are those whom are allies that came out and supported Juneteenth with the nostalgia and excitement in celebrating Freedom. While we were and still revising of celebrating Freedom, we need to learn about it why this day matters. It still matters that of course we have two holidays a month apart that recognize Independence, Freedom, Liberty, Justice and Opportunity. Does Juneteenth equate those examples besides Freedom? I think so. But this was not about freeing a nation, it was about freeing the enslaved Africans that were sold in bondage. It took 89 years to actually do this after the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia.

Juneteenth Day was declared at a Villa in Galveston, Texas, outloud in a crowd by General Grainger, delivering the General Order Number 3. And that same announcement in words is still around in history books, websites, documents and many other forms of literature. It must also be in the curriculum across the board! If many put the 4th in there, why not Juneteenth? And don’t get me started on CRT wasting time because we don’t have time for it. And for those making a mockery obviously don’t have a clue. How come is it that when an announcement of a African American or Federal Holiday Celebration like Juneteenth appears, it seems those behind the keyboards always have a problem? Anything deal with African Americans in a positive light, has a problem. They laugh with their ridiculous emojis on Facebook and many just don’t get it. Uneducated I say, UNEDUCATED! I say to them you’re just being dumb to understand that many people had made a sacrifice who were beneath you, didn’t know, scourer with racism all because in the name of hate! Just like Black History Month in which many of your kids by YOU had this so called option of opting out to the fear of CRT, 1619, and many others in telling the real truth that many of you cover up or have a false narrative!

So let me conclude, June 19th is not a joke. It is apart of the history that should be told everyday. Not every June annually. EVERYDAY by EVERYONE!

Scratching my head all this time. The Memorial Day Edition.

For the rest of the month, May is the tipping point of the seasons to change. It’s the last month to feel the end of spring, and a prelude to the month of June and Summer. May is also a tipping point to the month for graduations, and retirements, and also recognize our Asian American Pacific Islander friends for their heritage month. And non-folks, don’t get an attitude because it’s not about you! May is also the month for our wellness concerns for Mental Health, and mostly, honoring our military past and present. No, you will NOT see a lot of the sacrilegious “Happy Memorial Day” phrases here. Whoever invented that phrase must be dismissed. When my late father was living, I NEVER said that. I never said that to any living veteran or service member. It sounds silly to me. Sorry Millennials and Gen Z’ers, I don’t play that.

Know what else is silly? The Mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde. The Deer District had a Shooting Incident, and The NRA in Texas meeting after a Mass Shooting days earlier. Reckless driving in Milwaukee, Black folks exiting OUT of the U.S. due to racism and white supremacy. Biden’s numbers in the polls are low, the so-called patriots are running their mouths with no proof, conservatives still have a problem with CRT, the COVID Numbers are catching up AGAIN, and the offices have spoken about returning to work in person (Unceremoniously), the United Methodist Church and the spilt continues with the GMC, the status of black unemployment, folks still have an issue of Virtual Learning, Oh what about the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel printing the paper in all places: PEORIA ILLINOIS?!!!! Are you F ING Kidding me?! The Milwaukee Public Schools in the eyes of others remain a problem, the Veterans Groups still need to have younger folks join their ranks of support and membership but many are still asking why this? Also, Milwaukee has a black mayor, a black sheriff, a black police chief, a black county executive, and the majority of staff and leaders in the City Government are black and many still complain. Oh did I mention that the trademark of Juneteenth is silly too, by WALMART?! Come on!

Speaking of silly and stupid, read below this story while I scratch my head yet again.

May 21st, 2022 at Educators Credit Union, Milwaukee, WI.

This vehicle was giving me problems recently in Wauwatosa. The driver was an inpatient black man that was almost the verbally negative response about moving my car in a BANK Drive Up in Milwaukee. If this driver is still alive and in the Milwaukee Area, what was your PROBLEM with me?!!! I’m keeping this up to see if this vehicle needs an owner’s check.

By the way: I just looked up his license plate on the State of Wisconsin’s DOT website, and Lord Behold, this jackoff hasn’t renewed his plate! What an idiot! Black folks, word of advice, have some patience while waiting in line, please! What’s the problem?!!! That’s all I’m saying. Our own black people are just that with an attitude at times…And International Autos should have warned him about his mental health! This driver will be reported! To quote Ice Cube: “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.” And let this be a lesson, if any driver in this City, County, or State gives you a hard time and commits a mess like this in a public setting, do a search of the license plate and submit a complaint to the management. Address the issue. And surely hold the company ACCOUNTABLE!

Source: State of Wisconsin DOT, 2022.

Just to add, I did contact Educators Credit Union about the situation, and will be passed to the Management of the Bank. So yes, they know.

Armed Forces Day is every third Saturday in May. Have we figured it out yet? It’s about the living service members?

It’s been two years since George Floyd passed. And how is that talk about George Floyd Bill holding up? It seems that many don’t care in a government sense.

Also in the month of May:

These ten African Americans were recently gunned down at a Tops Grocery Store in Buffalo, New York. And they were killed by an 18-year-old, Payton Gendron who had just thrown his life away in the name of White Supremacy. Really?!

“MKE Memorial Day Ends” – WISN 12, 2022

With all the stuff in the world, the Milwaukee Memorial Day Parade was halted after a 154-year streak in the city. The reasons are due to lack of enthusiasm and financial concerns. So….what was the enthusiastic part though?

Recently, Walmart just pulled a product from their merchandise regarding Juneteenth. The ice cream. But the company, Great Value TRADEMARKED the name Juneteenth last year after President Joe Biden proclaimed it as a national holiday. Like many others, every holiday receives all the commercialized options with all the cards and decorations. So with Juneteenth, partially, this is what we get. For many years, we wanted it a national holiday. And folks will try to claim the name as their own. So….what would have happened IF Juneteenth Day wasn’t recognized?!!!!

I like 101.7 The Truth in all: but they need to be educated about John Marshall High School. Why are they still calling it Morse*Marshall?!!! Note to the station: It’s NOT Morse*Marshall NO MORE! The name was changed to Milwaukee Marshall High School back in 2016. Also: do they realize that the history of John Marshall High School ACTUALLY goes back to the 1920s as an idea to educate BOTH Middle School AND High School Students?!! Everybody might be laughing, but it’s the truth. Which came to reality in 1961 until the early 1980s when it morphed into a regular high school, a campus, and a regular high school again. The main reason why the school building was transformed into a Middle School and High School a while back is because of the Gifted and Talented Program. Look it up! Big question: The Truth operates at 720 East Capitol Drive in Milwaukee. Which well-known Marshall High School Alum was a news reporter for Channel 4? Hint: he taught at Marquette University. Be better! Take the blinders off and actually see what is going on.

For the Millennial Bosses: if you think that Gen-Z is lazy and does not want to work, instead of just hiring the Baby Boomers only, hire the Gen-X’ers too. Can you do that?

Why is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel being printed in Peoria, Illinois?!!!! They should continue to do the job HERE!

The Milwaukee Bucks had one hell of a season. No question that being a champion will come around with serious challenges. What if Khris Middleton wasn’t injured? Don’t worry, they’ll be back. But right now, it’s about the Brew Crew.

Packers Backers: how will Christian Watson do?

It’s real stupid: Black folks why are we so impatient at times? And about just darn near everything?! All that hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health, and other health-related issues of not being vaccinated or masked up. So what is it?

May is also the month of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. So was it good?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Should we not say more? Wait until you go see a doctor.

CALLOUT: This is for all the baby boomers who question the younger generation who use more texting and virtual communication. With all due respect, nothing against you but do you realize that it’s a new era where communication is very used differently? This is not like “back in your day” anymore. And certainly not mine. But many must learn to realize it’s a new era of reaching out to our friends and family. From phone calls, texting, emails, social media, virtual, and others. It’s all different. So we need to get with the program in the game! Questions?

Oh here’s a question for all to ask: how will the Global Methodist Church address the issues of Black Lives? IN THEIR CHURCHES TO BE?! And guess what? June begins the Annual Conference Season.

Speaking of Black Lives Matter, it seems that the organization has been very quiet lately. And many are still laying claim about their 6 Million Dollar home that was used for Biden’s Election Party and a Birthday Celebration for a kid. I’m glad that the BLM House wasn’t raided for grand larceny. So, with the original members who had left, who is really running the show?

Since many are cracking on Walmart again, and about the Juneteenth Products, which shirt is by far the weakest?

It seems that The Rock’s Daugther, Simone Johnson has a new ring name of “Ava Raine”. So what’s the hate on that and her? Oh, it’s The Rock’s Daugther.

What will it take for the WWE to undo the concern of Sasha Banks and Naomi?

What will take for Men and BOYS going back to church with the criticism?

What will it take for Women and GIRLS to tone down the mean looks toward Men by being nice and showing chivalry?

Have you acknowledged the Military lately during Military Appreciation Month?

You know that Memorial Day had a history with Black History, right? In the earlier stages of the Civil War.

What’s crazy about the Anniversary of the shows beginning and ending? For example, Married With Children started 35 years ago. Martin started in 1992 30 years ago. BUT: their finales were 25 years ago. That’s crazy though.

“Texas Shooting: What we know about the victims at Robb Elementary School” – San Antonio Express-News, 2022

When you look at this picture, the children and teachers were killed in Uvalde, Texas. Everyone is saying that we need more gun control and putting an end to extreme weapons in the hands of those who are underage, etc. When you look at this picture: ask yourself this, what is the MAIN CONCERN about ending this madness. These kids didn’t do anything to the shooter, Salvador Rolando Ramos. NOTHING! And they paid for his vicious crime. So what was damaged and can be fixed in this concern? Not just Uvalde, but anywhere in these United States that the use of gun violence goes on every time? Why were the police LATE ON THE SCENE? And one more thing, if any goofball in America thinks its all staged and fake is a dumb&&&).

It’s been reported that in the last several years, that African-Americans are leaving the United States to move to Ghana, or the continent of Africa. Their reason? White Supremacy and Racism. Others had contested and said, not so fast. It is right for Black folks to move abroad, or stay in America?

“Tired of Racial Hostility in America? Roland Talks Blacks Moving To Africa On The Cross Connection”, The Cross Connection with Tiffany Cross, May 2022

Next month is June. Are we ready though? You know the summer vacations, June Grads, Father’s Day, Juneteenth Day, Black Music Month, Pride Month, and others? Even Men’s Health Month!

After 19 years, Ellen is done. Who’s next on the menu?

Just to think Milwaukee, our annual “July 3rd before the 4th Fireworks” is back after a two-year hiatus from COVID. But seriously, who’s going with the masks on?

And the last thing to ask, why are those still asking about selling their houses?! And for what?

Before this is done, there is one more thing to do:

“Taps Performed in Arlington National Cemetery (Summer and Winter)”, The United States Army Band Pershing’s Own, 2021

NEVER FORGET THE FALLEN!

Black History Month 2022: Under Review

Well folks, it seems that the 96th edition of Black History Month is about to be in the archives. But, let’s hope that the lessons learned for this year will continue to impact the rest of the calendar year between now and December 31st of 2022. Yes this is still Black History Month: in a way to get us to talk about our historical references of African descent. There has been a lot of discussion, criticism, decisive opinions, and overall, controversial reactions in terms of celebrating historical history relating to Black descent humans. Let us not forget, that Black History is World History. It’s not just American history. We have to realize, that Black History is not just an American occasion. Other countries like Canada, Ireland, and the UK, also celebrate Black History Month. They celebrate not only in February, but also in October specifically for those who are of European descent and black and do celebrate the occasion that has a need to add to historical truths about the inventions, the people, and the events taking place within the past and currently.

Whenever people say, “Oh black history is racist, or black history is getting way outdated, ” many people who say that or assume have not actually studied the actual history of a certain person or event. It’s almost like people who hear the name of Harriet Tubman, many people are assuming that “Oh Harriet Tubman is supposed to be on the $20 bill”. It was talk about putting Harriet Tubman’s face on a $20 bill, but the reality is it still needs to have more work in order to get the name and the face of Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill! Also, I’m assuming that there were numerous firsts for this Black History Month of 2022 specifically of the new Supreme Court Justice nominee, Judge Kentanji Jackson whom is the first black woman nominee for the Supreme Court bench given by President Joe Biden. Of course that not too many people are thrilled about Judge Jackson’s name is floating around for the Supreme Court Justice seat, and that seat is vacated by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

Another historical event this year for Black History Month of 2022, and my estimation and I think this is to be the best time to comment about this if you’re a Wisconsin sports fan: the retirement ceremonies a former Wisconsin Badgers basketball player Michael Finley, who has changed the narrative and the face of the Wisconsin men’s basketball program recently had his number retired this past month in Madison for the years of service that he has given to the university as a player. From there he like many others went into the NBA and a few like him has won an NBA championship. Another as we already know is former Green Bay Packers safety, LeRoy Butler. Now if you follow his story from his retirement up until now in between LeRoy Butler has been seeking an opportunity to be a part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yes, it has alluded to him at least three times but this time around as many of us Packer fans were kind of feeling low because of the recent playoff game against the 49ers, at least this opportunity for LeRoy Butler was a little bit better because he has finally got into the Pro Football Hall of Fame courtesy of a knock from former Green Bay Packers safety Charles Woodson.

I’m assuming that those who have the streaming platforms of Firesticks, Roku, or any other streaming devices that are currently on the verge of taking over the way you watch TV, I’m assuming that Peacock and the TV show Bel Air is on your minds every single Thursday. I have to say that Bel Air is really making New Waves when it comes to telling the side of the Fresh Prince of story that is not like the comedic versions as most of us grew up with. But it also tells a different side of the family, or the setting that many of us were probably asking about “wow I never knew this”. Or I never knew that. Even though that the characters, and the setting is quite different than the TV show that we grew up watching but there are parallels in between that yes, even though that is not connected, but it is very very similar in my opinion. This is just my opinion, not a true fact. Matter of fact for those who are still want to know what the show is about, I’m sure that many of you probably have seen it, or may have previewed it at one point or another, try checking it out on Peacock when you get a chance. I’m assuming it’s about four or five or six episodes so far, so you have plenty of time to at least get the gist of Bel-Air on a different side of the fresh prince’s story. And by the way, the main actor, Jabari Banks is truly gifted. Please support this young black actor as he tries to grow into a career that many have gone to and had excelled to new heights!

What else was a highlight for me during the 96th Edition of Black History Month?

Oh, the WWE for several years has highlighted Black History Month from its wrestlers to community work within the country but on two occasions that the WWE had highlighted Bobby Lashley, Big E, and Kofi Kingston as their roles as WWE Champions of the modern wrestling era. And also, Stone Cold Steve Austin had interviewed Ron Simmons on February 18th to talk about his upcoming from the South to Florida State University, to his breaking into professional wrestling. And yes, mentioned about the angles when he became the first black WCW heavyweight champion, and a formation of the Nation of Domination and the APA. There was a point in the interview, Stone Cold Steve Austin asked him a question about “Why there are not many black wrestlers?” At first he couldn’t answer that, but Ron Simmons did indicated that there’s wasn’t enough to give them what they wanted to do. But stated they just need a chance, and of course this is why you see so many black wrestlers opening doors also winning championships. It wasn’t like that several years ago as it is right now. Now you see as an example more of the Bianca Belairs winning women’s championships, the Street Profits, and The Hurt Business with Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander winning Tag Team Championships, similar what Tony Atlas and Rocky Johnson did back in 1984 as The Soul Patrol. Also, in another wrestling promotion of AEW, Jade Cargill won their TBS Championship thus making her the first to do that such feat for female black wrestlers. Previously we’ve seen Jazz, Jacqueline, Alicia Fox, Awesome Kong (or Kharma), Naomi, and several other black women wrestlers had broken the door and ceilings to get their recognition.

Anything else for Black History Month? The return of the opening of America’s Black Holocaust Museum. This is in Milwaukee, and for a while the Museum had been rebuilt, and updated with new features. Previously, as we know, it used to be in a old gym that the late James Cameron opened. And at one point, the building was closed around 2008 and there was not enough support when the cast of Happy Days was in town. But, after all the upgrades and the committed projects, February 25th was a rebirth. So we need to get very supportive in museums like this. The Milwaukee Bucks highlighted figures for Black History Month. Even having a “HBCU Night.” Expect more of that to come with the Divine 9 steppers. And the descendants of Madam CJ Walker resurrected one of her hair products for a new era in the 21st Century called “Madam.”

Now with the good of Black History Month always comes with the bad. All of us have heard about the recent bomb threats regarding the targeting of HBCUs. And it was all because of jealously, and mostly due to racism. We already know, that HBCUs are a fabric of opportunity when it comes to education in this country specifically when it comes to African-American students. Many of us have to realize that without the black church, there wouldn’t be any HBCUs, PERIOD! Don’t believe me? Try researching The Black Church by Henry Louis Gates. The very same Henry Louis Gates that everybody wants to go to and to see who are they related to in terms of going back in time to find which ancestor was the best, and/or which ancestor they did not expect to be an unsung hero. Yeah that guy.

What was even more terrifying for most people who think that Black History Month has a dividing connection, is the ongoing effect when it talks about Critical Race Theory. Those three words alone: Critical Race Theory. It seems that those on a conservative right, have this inter-hatred regarding about critical race theory is simply examining that they they assume that America has not done a lot of bad things. They assume that is related to a thing called racism in America, and wish that many people don’t want to really talk about. But here’s the thing: isn’t Critical Race Theory is a part of Black History or in this case, part of American or World History Experience? The very same people who say “Oh Black History is American History, right? Is that right? Let’s be real, if we want to confront the concerns that America has gone through it’s 245 years of life, then we must address the concerns regarding anybody that has gone through that has affected people so deeply even to this day. Yes this does include African-Americans. Yes, this does include just now recently, African students in Ukraine! We have to be more assertive on this. We have to be more aware and more concerned about this matter, why? It’s our given right to continue to talk about the history, to continue to talk about the concerns, and to continue to talk about the solutions that many of us in the African Descent Universe already knows and must know! Whenever I hear African Americans or Black folks say they’re skipping out on Black History Month, of course it’s their opinion. But if they’re skipping it out for selfish reasons, then it’s a problem. It’s a problem, because many who fear that younger people don’t want to talk about the history, they want to talk about what’s going on right now. But when they see certain things like Africans in Ukraine being disregarded by not crossing the borders or getting on trains to Poland because of the skin color, then you know something is wrong. You know something is not right. Us in America, we know this more about this than anybody. Look at the history! Matter of fact examine what is not mentioned!

Many of us who talk about our ancestors being whipped, chained, tattooed, thrown on boats, having our names and reflections stripped because of slavery and also because of White Supremacy. Let’s be real, this is just again a reminder that the struggle continues. And it continues every single time when we walk out the door. But also we get into our car or bus, as we go to school, as we go to church, as we go to the mall, as we go to the theaters, as we go to our sports venues, and as we go to any other place we know that is enjoyable or important, there’s always going to be problems because somebody may look at you or me because of a certain type of look because they don’t like black people or blacks in general. Or because of the way they were looked at every single time. And here’s the thing, it’s not just internal racism, it’s also external racism. You may have different folks who don’t like certain black folks because they’re introverts. I’m one of them that is an introvert and yes I have people who say “you should have told me” or “why don’t you talk to me” in a slanderous almost attacking manner. That’s not cool no matter what color you are! There are people who are just as not communicative like everybody else. It’s in the DNA, and there’s nothing you can do about it.

So as we conclude this Black History Month of 2022, yes we know Juneteenth Day is next. But to conclude the 96th Anniversary of Black History Month going forward, we must continue to live up to the missions of telling about our stories, to tell about our concerns, to tell about our health and wellness ideas that need to be improved, and more importantly we need to get at and talk to our children. And the main reason why I’m bringing this up, is because the elders are going to die soon. Let’s just keep it real. And the thing is, somebody has to continue to tell the griot stories of the yesteryear, in order to get the younger generation to understand that without the “old stories” there wouldn’t be any “future stories”. Yes, everybody in the younger elements are talking about “black futures”, “black futures month”, or “black futures whatever”. Even the self-proclaimed hashtag, “#BlackHistory365”. BUT: Let me put out a warning shot, if a certain person does not know enough the historical references of self, and what the historic versions have gone through, that person is going to be lost! And African-Americans, and African Descent Citizens of the World, if we don’t tell our stories, then who will? And if we don’t tell our stories yet again, don’t blame the white people. Don’t blame any other person or persons but YOU, because of what YOU didn’t do and keeping the black stories alive through black people! Can I get a witness? Dr. Carter Woodson said it in context, Malcolm X said it in terms of knowledge of self in other references, many others figures and events had done the exact same thing. So we need to stop tripping!

So yes, the celebration of Black History Month 2022 is in the archives, but the ongoing summaries of black history continues every single day. Let us not forget, it took a lot of prayers, agitation, sacrifice, protesting, ongoing knowledge, persistent learning, instant summaries, and many other idealistic values that got this occasion started and also will continue. Well, as they say in the Young World, on to the next one!

“America has no choice but to do better.” – Justice Thurgood Marshall

#BLACKHISTORYMONTH4LIFE

#BHM2022

America goes 245 with an Extra Day. And yet the struggle continues.

Time to say these words: Happy 4th. Happy 245. Ok, Happy Independence Day. Or ID4. Yes it’s the time to celebrate the 4th. And if you don’t work on Monday, lucky you!

But of course, we still have the same thing regarding the reminders that it wasn’t always rosy in terms regarding African-Americans. Year after year as we know, the speech of Frederick Douglass and the question still remains “What to the American Slave is your Fourth of July?” Of course many had read the same lines over and over again to actually get the speech. From the boasted shams to this country is yours not mine all tied into Douglass’s response to the development of the holiday. He was literally speaking for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. He did however praised the Constitution. Now when you saw the words again in summary, this was just a quick review, of what many stated it was one of the best speeches in American history. But let’s be clear, those words alone don’t make the whole document. It really doesn’t at all. Go with me on this! What makes the whole document is what you see from the first paragraph to the last period! This also should apply to white people who recite “I Have A Dream” in which it features that one line that King talks about his four little young children, who would one day live in a nation that would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character! Even Dr. King cited the Declaration that featured the words, that “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

All this time in the last 245 years, we’ve been circulating the same thing. It kept that nostalgia. However, in an era filled with social media, woke and consciousness, debating that the new holiday of Juneteenth Day is the Independence Day that got it right, we have got to get the language right. In the beginning when the founders assembled the Declaration, it started out as a good idea to establish our nation as its own. The one thing that I didn’t notice that the Declaration didn’t have anything to abolish slavery. But what if it did? What if the Declaration had scripted to abolish slaves to be free citizens? From 1619 to 1776, that would have been the last chapter of the nightmare. Think about it, no matter if you’re liberal, progressive, conservative, or centrist. No matter if you’re a believer of religion or not. Just think about it. If the part of slavery was mentioned to be abolished, guess what? Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, and countless others would not have stated their liberties in their sermons, speeches, quotes, and many other forms of notation that many are being viewed today. Even in 2021!

Already, this is the first 4th of July for the new administration. And it’s a first 4th for alot of people. This is my 44th 4th in which I have to look at 45 in December.  More on that later.

Just to highlight, I’m reading The Milwaukee Times which is one of Milwaukee’s Black Newspapers. The title highlighted the subject: “The Fourth of July is a Black American Holiday. Black Americans have long used the holiday to crusade for equality.” Now if you’re a woke Black American your head is about to explode like a loud firecracker! In the article, the author Jonathan Lunde explains to the audience that black Americans had to show and remind the white American citizens that their lives mattered. Even using the protests today of Black Lives Matter, and the killing of George Floyd last spring. He also highlighted the idea of the nation formed in which also that noted John Adams about it becoming the great anniversary festival that succeeding generations would celebrate. That part is true. But here is when the author breaks down the story that many might are afraid to listen or read:

Black Americans have always populated the celebrations, using these moments to re-imagine America as a better nation cleansed of slavery and racism. On July 4, 1801, Continental Army veteran and Black luminary Lemuel Haynes spoke of American freedom alongside American slavery. From the pulpit of his Vermont church, he lauded the “generous warriors” of the Revolutionary War yet also observed how Black Americans suffered after having been “subjected to slavery, by cruel white oppressors.”

In 1827, Black New Yorkers celebrated with renewed enthusiasm, as the state had abolished slavery on the holiday. In Brooklyn, in Manhattan and in Albany, newly freed celebrants took to the streets proclaiming freedom. From that day forward, as historian Shane White discovered, Black Americans began to see the holiday as a political moment to show their fitness for citizenship.

July Fourth also became the ideal moment to reshape the nation. Throughout the 1830s and 1840s, Black Americans sparsely celebrated the day, as they were routinely shunned or attacked in public, but by the late 1840s, Black abolitionists had developed genius techniques to lampoon and lament American commitments to freedom amid rampant un-freedoms and inequalities. This included celebrating independence. They understood the day of freedom festivals served as the best moment to challenge Americans, especially white Americans, to reflect on subjects too often ignored: slavery and racism.

Black abolitionists organized celebrations, mixing commonplace traditions, such as reading the Declaration of Independence to venerate the founders, with demonstrations critical of slavery and racism. They read accounts of injustices and poems. Sometimes they would even burn effigies of pro-slavery politicians.

He also continues with a few more examples:

Frederick Douglass joined this movement, using his newspaper, The North Star, to draw attention to these celebrations. In 1852, he famously commemorated the signing of the Declaration of Independence yet mixed cutting irony with patriotic sentiments in the hope of evoking change. “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?,” Douglass asked the packed hall of white abolitionists. “I answer,” he continued: It is “a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless.”

Although Douglass offered an incendiary assessment of America, before he stepped off the stage, he embraced the country as a patriot. He closed his oration venerating the Constitution as a “GLORIOUS LIBERTY DOCUMENT” and pushed for reforms to end bondage and inequality. To him, July Fourth was not merely parades, barbecues or fireworks. He feted the country he cherished while rendering plainly the injustices white America refused to see.

Throughout the 1850s, black and white abolitionists assembled each July Fourth, hoping to use their celebrations to challenge Americans to change. On July 4, 1854, the onetime enslaved New Yorker Sojourner Truth demanded white audiences reflect, a theme driving black abolitionist celebrations. She decried the ongoing injustices Black Americans faced and warned a crowd of white and black celebrants that “God would yet execute his judgements [sic] upon white people for their oppression and cruelty.”

While the abolitionist calendar included celebrations of Emancipation Day and August First to mark major victories in the abolitionist movement, the famed abolitionist William Wells Brown saw the abolitionist festivals of American independence to be “the most important meetings held during the year.” Even if the country had a long way to go before it mirrored the nation they yearned to live in, Douglass, Truth and Brown believed July Fourth offered a perfect opportunity to acknowledge the flaws that needed to be eradicated.

Like the Declaration’s signatories, abolitionists appreciated that protest can be a patriotic act and part of meaningful change. They remained on the fringe of the political scene, yet their advocacy compelled many white Americans to ponder the hypocrisy of slavery in a nation committed to freedom and its future.

During the Civil War, abolitionist celebrations intensified. Confederates fought to make slavery a permanent fixture in North America, so Douglass implored Abraham Lincoln to embrace abolition as part of the Union cause. As U.S. flags fluttered around the legendary orator during an 1862 festival, Douglass spoke of the meaning of July Fourth, dedicating it to the “cause of Emancipation.” Just as he had a decade before, Douglass wanted to mend the nation and guarantee it would thrive for generations; ending slavery was the only way to accomplish both.

Thanks in part to abolitionists’ protests against slavery and racial injustice, the 1865 July Fourth celebrations were the most dramatic in history. By the summer of 1865, the Union army had defeated Confederates, and nearly four million enslaved Americans walked free. Hungry to rebuild a just America, black and white abolitionists cheered on the nation, as many defeated white Southerners refused to participate in the festivities.

So, the author points out the hidden hollows of the founding in which also summarized the 1850’s that the abolitionists of black and white folks had used the holiday to propel their liberties to actually get the language right. Frederick Douglass wasn’t the only one out there as previously described.

And to think, black folks have been really celebrating the 4th since…you guessed it: 1865. July 4th, 1865. A month after the announcement of General Order #3 was established on June 19th.

You probably won’t read this part on the 4th nor hear about it because of the missed messages! Even if it’s on Black Owned/Targeted platforms. And I dare say the regular media too. You probably after this blog is done, might actually Google it to get the author’s name,title, and others. I know it’s the era that you have to show the receipts!

Now what was the hub bub about Vanessa Williams singing Lift Every Voice And Sing on A Capitol Fourth? That show that comes on every July 4th on the PBS stations?! Like seriously!

Let me explain to all the butt-hurt folks that were and are steaming mad over a song. This song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written over 100 years ago by the composer, John Rosamond Johnson. He was a black man that wrote the hymn that is widely heard in the country mostly around the occasions of the MLK Holiday, Black History Month, and of course Juneteenth Day. And additionally, any other celebrations or acknowledgements of any African-American related figure, activity, or special event. As I was reading some of the stories and commentary about Vanessa Williams’ performance of Lift Every Voice and Sing online from social media and websites, it’s really coming from people who probably have this notion that a song like that was separate races of people. WOW, REALLY?!!!!

Lift Every Voice and Sing IS an American Song! Lift Every Voice and Sing is an AMERICAN HYMN that was composed by an American composer; Excuse me, an African-American composer in 1900! So the big question is after all of this, why is this song a problem on the 4th of July?! Let me count the ways that white folks wants it to keep all Yankee Doodle Dandy and of course the National Anthem, God Bless America, and America The Beautiful; which were all sung on A Capitol Fourth!

Last year on the 4th of July, Gospel Singer Kirk Franklin sang the song with his choir in his house, and the footage was viewed on America’s birthday online. There was no commentary of concern, or any other negative connotation that Kirk Franklin shouldn’t have any business of singing a song like that on the 4th of July. Well guess what ladies and gentlemen, he did. And let’s admit, Lift Every Voice and Sing in a way, does fit of going forward with freedom and justice for all. Long time ago, a pastor here in Milwaukee once questioned about singing Lift Every Voice and Sing around the Martin Luther King holiday. And the pastor asked the congregation: “Why can’t we sing this song everyday?” And even today, it is a question that is considered good. I mean, why don’t we sing this song everyday? Why not on the 4th of July? I think for two reasons, one it’s whitewashed with hidden hollows of division. And second after all, when it comes to black people, it seems that the 4th of July is like the Achilles Heel. We really go somewhat “half shaped” at times when the issues of chattel slavery and bondage with no celebrations for us were brought up. Yes it’s true. Let’s all admit that in its earlier stages when the idea of Declaration of Independence was formalized for the nation. Now it’s 245 years later, and we are in a way celebrating the 4th, but also recognizing the struggles of Freedom and Independence along the way like never before. Ranging from voter suppression, police brutality, and yes black lives matter. And many other forms of discrimination hatred, racism, or should I say systemic racism. And let us not forget the ongoing battle trying to understand Critical Race Theory, which is not a way to separate black and white further, it’s a way to understand part of the reasons why the separations of black and white continue to exist in the United States of America. This Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls of America, this is the America that we are currently living in, and this is the struggle that I always say is still continuing right now. Every year on my birthday of December 5th, I always say that the struggle continues. Partially, I’m kind of sampling Melissa Harris-Perry from her MSNBC days of Nerdland. Remember that? That her show used to come on Saturday/Sunday mornings? I know you do, don’t lie.

Finally as I come to a close, that yes America is still the cuspe of the Free World. And even know that the world has changed since World War II, or any other major conflict in American history, we are still trying to maintain the idea to understand the reasons why we have to live up to our ideals of again, “we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal”. Let me paraphrase that: we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal. I needed to commentt that because again we are in a different society where it’s not just men, it’s also men and women. And I know in a way hopefully one day it will live up to the hype since 1776. But as I’m reading the Frederick Douglass speech as everybody knows what it is, and I hope many have taken the time to read the WHOLE speech, not just a few bars that make you woke unconscious, and I hope that his young descendants will do the exact same thing, but towards the end of the speech, Frederick Douglass ends it with two words that I found very interesting: “Be Driven.” Those two words alone should enable America and us as citizens to “be driven” in every single thing that we hold dear every single time. No matter if it’s fighting voter suppression. No matter if it’s fighting against police brutality, or even systemic racism. We all must be driven to that common cause that our founding fathers almost had right the first time around, but never had a chance to follow up on the ideals they started. This is the America that many of us need to strive for. It’s not about changing the American Flag, its fine the way it is. It’s not just about changing the laws. It’s not just about ways to improve ourselves, it’s a way to act on them. And a way to act on us in a responsible accountability to make sure that it stays active for the next generation. So yes Americans, as we commemorate the 245th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence for the month of July, until the next month of July, we must really hold dear to ourselves and others that we are still striving for Independence every single day and also for our sacred honor – as noted in the Declaration.

Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

#BeDriven 🇺🇸