Category Archives: African American History

Has Governor Scott exceeded his authority… Crisis at FAMU

African American History, Colleges, Crime, Education, Facebook, Florida, Florida A&M, Florida A&M University, Hazing, HBCU, murder, Robert Champion, Social Media, Twitter December 20, 2011 Leave a comment

Governor Rick Scott isn’t out of the “scope of his authority” as he is the Governor and FAMU is a state entity, however many see his actions against President Ammons as a reflection of his over zealous reaction to a very tragic event and as an attempt to begin what many FAMU supporters and alumni have feared for generations… “The State of Florida is trying to take OUR FAMU away from us and merge it with FSU.”
Ask Yourself, Should President Ammons step down
We had no problem supporting Penn State firing everybody when news broke, but because it is one of our own institutions we now are feeling some kinda way. One thing that I learned and heard repeatedly in law school was…”The Law Has No Feelings” and here we must keep our feelings in control and focus on the relevant facts.

What About Robert Champion
The implications behind this tragedy are greater than what many of us want to accept or even wanting to imagine, however at the end of the day a Georgia family buried their son who loved his FAMU Marching 100 and who died following its biggest tradition and most anticipated annual performance… THE CLASSIC! Sadly though, there was nothing celebratory nor remotely exciting about how Robert Champion’s life ended, and the only thing “CLASSIC” about it is, that it fits the definition of homicide!

What’s Next for FAMU

There are so many things happening in this story, this Crisis at FAMU. The murder, the possible firing/forced resignation of the beloved University President and most feared… will the “whispers” come true… Will this tragedy lead certain powers to move towards closing FAMU as we know it and have loved it for generations, or will it trigger FAMU supporters and alumnus to band together to for one, to work towards preventing there ever being another Marching 100 murder and two, to keep FAMU open as it is one of the greatest institutions of higher education in this nation and it ain’t because of the band… The band is a PLUS!

Public Relations

There is so much that can be gleaned from this tragedy. So many lessons can be prevented from having to be learned if other institutions begin to implement and enforce expectations of greatness. FAMU needs to hire the best public relations team they can put together so that the very tarnished image of the school can be restored. Although this won’t be an overnight process, it needs to begin very soon.

Perhaps, firing Ammons isn’t the answer however he needs to stay in front of this. Perhaps he needs to sit down in front of America and be the voice of why FAMU is still a great institution and why the school and community must learn from this tragedy… If Oprah, Dr. Phil, Dateline or 20/20 won’t interview him exclusively as a special presentation, I know a few bloggers who will!

Reporting live from my bed… I AM “The Southern Socialite” and I’m out… Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays, be blessed and always be a blessing too!!

When Girls Kill… Meet The Murderer’s

4 Little Girls, African American History, Alabama, Birmingham, Bowie State University, Community Service, Crime, Education, Esteem and Fitness, Facebook, Facebook Urban Mentors, Faith, Family, Florida A&M University, HBCU, Jefferson County, Mentoring, Middle Tennessee State University, Social Media, Twitter, When Girls Kill, Youth Awareness September 21, 2011 Leave a comment

Killed not by a bomb in 1963 but by 4 other girls in 2011... WHEN GIRLS KILL

Thursday, September 15, 2011 marked the 48th anniversary of a bombing that rocked a nation… The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL was bombed during Sunday School services, killing 4 little girls… WE REMEMBER THEM and we also now should remember 4 more girls who have died not by the hands of racists but by the the hands of 4 more girls who now face murder charges… But more than remember, we must now protect, serve, mentor and support our youth. This is part 2 of a 3 part series which reveals the victims, the suspected murderers and more. ~~>  Read the Series Here

The Prelude To Hip Hop… Gil Scott Heron

African American History, Black Love, Facebook, Gil Scott Heron, Hip Hop, Poetry, Social Media, Television, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, Twitter May 27, 2011 Leave a comment

The Revolution Must Be Mental!

Gil Scott Heron (1949-2011) was an American poet, revolutionary and musician. His album “Pieces of A Man” is a classic work of which everyone of my readers should have the opportunity to experience at least once. 

Hearing the news this evening of his demise saddened me for only a moment. I quickly found myself rehearsing the lines to what has become perhaps his most famous piece, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, and I realized my tears had been met with a smile and relief in knowing the power and truthfulness of the poem.  Click here for —> The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

I Love ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA

African American History, Alabama, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Birthdays, Colleges, Education, Family Traditions, Google, Greek Lettered Organizations, Howard University, Talladega College January 16, 2011 Leave a comment

When I graduated high school I was headed to Clark Atlanta University. Then on my 18th birthday my mom decided that I was going to Talladega College instead. I was pissed, I cried, I cussed (not at her of course… Heck naw), I had a major attitude about the decision.

But TC gave me an awesome Financial Aid package so out the window went CAU. August 1996 I arrived in Talladega, AL. Over the next four years at TC I fell in love.

I had always crushed on AKA, for it had been in my heart from the start. But the AKA’s at Talladega made that crush a life long love affair. These AKA’s weren’t interested in stereotypes, unless the stereotype included being the BEST OF THE BEST! They were the leaders, they were fun, they were cool, they were caring, they partied hard, they served the campus and the community, they weren’t just conceited they were definitely convinced.

Two years after my enrollment, I began to “court” AKA. Our courtship wasn’t an easy one. It was filled with late nights and long days. Like with most courtships, ya gotta put away that ponytail and baseball cap and let your hair down *winks*. The harder it became to court AKA, the more I wanted it. Then one Sunday in November, AKA made my childhood dream come true, it was no longer my secret crush it was a’las my true love!

CHI CHAPTER, Talladega College… Life long friendships, a sisterhood that no fight or disagreement can destroy, best friends, role models, a perpetual bond of sisterhood thats what CHI is to me! Chi, Chi, Chi, Chi, Chi… forever! AKA forever!

I thank GOD for my mother and her decision to send me to Talladega. I love you mommy and Soror Von!! CHI sister’s & all ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA sister’s, HAPPY 103rd Founder’s Day!!

 

**I forgot to hit publish on 1/15/11, blame my head not my heart. I was in tears once I finished this.**

Kwanzaa

African American History, Esteem and Fitness, Faith, Family, Family Traditions, Kwanzaa, Race December 26, 2010 Leave a comment

Peace & Blessings!!

My family has celebrated the principles of Kwanzaa for many years.  After many years of celebrating this cultural/community holiday, I’ve realized just how integral of a part the principles play in my life. These seven principles are:

  • Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
  • Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
  • Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers’ and sisters’ problems our problems, and to solve them together.
  • Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.
  • Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
  • Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
  • Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

 

 

He-Is (the)- Man… And HE deserves THE HEISMAN!!

African American History, AL, Alabama, Cam Newton, Education, Entertainment, Faith, Social Media, Sports December 11, 2010 1 Comment

Cameron Jerrell Newton was this years most valuable, unstoppable, odds defying player in college football! Oh and lets not forget he is quite easy on the eyes (Okay!!)

From his arrest while at the University of Florida to his mid season media crisis followed by his amazing victory against in-state rival, the University Alabama and ultimately to his SEC Championship win against South Carolina, Cam has shown that dignity and grace are necessary tools to success even when you’re going through hell personally in a very public way (media crisis).

Congratulations to the very handsome, undeniably talented  Cam Newton the 2010 Heisman Trophy Winner!

**Photos from Google**

Salute To The Omega’s

African American History, Community Service, Greek Lettered Organizations, HBCU, Howard University, Omega Psi Phi November 17, 2010 Leave a comment

Special shoutout to the Gamma Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi! (TALLADEGA COLLEGE) especially the brothers of FALL 1998!!!

Coach Eddie Robinson & Coach John Gagliardi not Paterno!

African American History, Doug Williams, Eddie Robinson, Education, Grambling State University, HBCU, Jerry Rice, Joe Paterno, John Gagliardi, Media, National Football League, NFL, Sports November 7, 2010 Comments: 4

On Saturday, November 6, 2010 Penn State University’s head football coach and legend Joe Paterno celebrated his 400th win.  Sports outlets all over praised him for the wondrous feat. After-all, 400 wins is a lot of wins. One media outlet dubbed him the most winning-est coach in all of major college football… PAUSE!! Wrong answer.

Paterno may stand to become the most winning-est coach in all of major college football.  The LATE GREAT EDDIE ROBINSON of Grambling State University retired in 1997 with 408 wins and Coach John Gagliardi had 476 entering this weekend with Division III St. John’s, Minn.

I had the honor and pleasure of seeing Coach Robinson coach towards the end of his career in Jackson, Mississippi against Jackson State University and meeting him a few years later.

Now some will foolishly contend that GSU and other HBCU programs aren’t “major” college football programs, but I totally disagree. When considering the time that Coach Robinson coached, HBCU’s were the source of some the National Football League’s greatest athletes. From GSU’s own Doug Williams to Mississippi Valley State’s Jerry Rice, HBCU players have played “MAJOR” ball!

The NFL’s first HBCU player, Buck Buchanan was one of Coach Robinson’s players form GSU.  Coach Robinson trampled Bear Bryant’s record in the mid 80′s and racked up nearly 20 (SWAC) conference titles over the span of his career.  Over 200 of  Coach Robinson’s players went to the NFL.

Therefore, although November 4th marked a great  career milestone for Coach Paterno, he still has 9 more wins to gain before he passes Coach Robinson and 76 before he passes Coach Gagliardi. I wish Paterno luck on that journey but until he reaches that destination, please give honor and due respect to both Coach Eddie Robinson and especially to Coach John Gagliardi who with 476 wins is clearly THE ALL TIME WINNING-EST COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACH!

47 Years Later… A Reflection: I Have A Dream

African American History, Dr. King, I Have A Dream, Obama, Race, Race Relations, Racism, Relationships August 28, 2010 Leave a comment

He was called the “MORAL LEADER” of our nation… Sure he had his shortcomings and indiscretions as we all do; however his legacy in this nation and the world created in him a place in history that can’t be destroyed only, expanded.

Today, August 28, 2010 two groups will settle upon this nation’s capital. Some will go to renew and remember the legacy of Dr. King’s Dream, while others will go to “rally” to restore honor.

The fabric of America has changed since Dr. King rendered this historic speech, however there is still a thread which intertwines throughout today’s fabric as was in the fabric of 1963 and that thread is not only divisive and destructive, it too has evolved. It has evolved into a bitterness which stings more than the pressure from Bull Connor’s water during the height of the Civil Rights movement of the 20th Century.

Today 47 years later, you should know that the Civil Rights movement didn’t end after desegregation. The movement has slowed some and has been disguised for nearly 50 years but it has not ended.

Just two years ago the world watched this nation make a historic paradigm shift when it elected the first African American President of the United States, Barack H. Obama. Since that historic Tuesday of 2008, we’ve been confronted and reminded that Dr. King’s Dream has yet to fully come into fruition. In fact, the election of President Obama has provided us with the reality that we may have come far from the days of Bull Connor or even Barry Goldwater, yet we have inherited the likes of Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin & Rush Limbaugh.

As I read over the text of Dr. King’s Dream speech, I’m reminded of my favorite part which seems to be more apporopriate today than ever before in my 32 year lifetime:

“It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.
We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.
Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.”
Click Here For Full Text & Video

Experienced Prosecutor & Police Officer Running For Jefferson County District Attorney

African American History, AL, Alabama, Birmingham, Crime, Elections, Law & Order June 13, 2010 Leave a comment

Early in his prosecution career, Theo Lawson earned a reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor making it his mission “not to make cases but do justice.”

Attorney, Police Officer, Law Professor Theodore Lawson II is a native of Birmingham who spent most of his childhood growing up in the Wenonah area. He is the son of the late Dr. Theodore Alfred Lawson, former president of Lawson State Community College, and Dr. Marjorie H. Lawson.

Theo Lawson Jefferson County, AL Candidate for District Attorney

Lawson has dedicated his life to learning the law, effectively prosecuting criminals, improving policies, and pursuing justice. His life’s aim is to make society a safer place for everyone through being tough, yet smart on crime one arrest, one prosecution, and one policy change at a time.

Lawson’s campaign for Jefferson County DA is a historical one.  If elected, he will become the first African American DA for Jefferson County.

The General Election is Tuesday, November 2, 2010. For additional information on Mr. Lawson, Click Here For More

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