As we have learned in history, leaders came from the ranks of the educated. For Black people this has never been so true. Even in slavery, our leaders educated themselves secretly to dispel the white slave master in order to lead the people to freedom. Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, W. E. B. Dubois, Peanut genius, George Washington Carver, and the “upper class” of the slave ranks of engineers and craftsmen, Denmark Vesey, to name a prominent few, came from these ranks. Today we are generating a new crop of educated leaders and this video will give you proof of this.

Booker T. Washington High School Graduation Ceremony

And now we look to our youth, like Deonte Bridges, a young Black man, who persevered and was awarded several Scholarships for his college education. These are the leaders of today and our future. Black people must continue the tradition of education. We must not belittle the greatness of those we went through hell itself to make this opportunity possible for us. We would not have seen the likes of President Barack Obama, if it were not for the tradition of education.

As the recipient of two college degrees in the Fine Arts and Information Science and Instructional Technology, and the opportunity of having worked in historical museums, art museums and both technical and public libraries, I am proud to say, that my education enables me to provide the information and history of the American experience to you.

We won’t hear about this in the news…..

England’s Smartest Family is Black

Meet the “First Family of Education” in England . They are black.
Peter and Paula Imafidon, 9-year-old twins from Waltham Forest in northeast London , are a part of the highest-achieving clan in the history of Great Britain education. The two youngest siblings are about to make British history as the youngest students to ever enter high school. They astounded veteran experts of academia when they became the youngest to ever pass the University of Cambridge ’s advanced mathematics exam. That’s on top of the fact they have set world records when they passed the A/AS-level math papers.
Chris Imafidon, their father, said he’s not concerned about his youngest children’s ability to adapt to secondary school despite their tender age. “We’re delighted with the progress they have made,” he said. “Because they are twins they are always able to help and support each other.”
To Peter and Paula’s parents, this is nothing new. Chris Imafidon said he and his wife have been through this before: they have other super-gifted, overachieving children.
Peter and Paula’s sister, Anne-Marie, now 20, holds the world record as the youngest girl to pass the A-level computing, when she was just 13. She is now studying at arguably the most renowned medical school in the United States , Johns Hopkins University , in Baltimore .
Another sister, Christina, 17, is the youngest student to ever get accepted and study at an undergraduate institution at any British university at the tender age of 11.
And Samantha, now age 12, had passed two rigorous high school-level mathematics and statistics exams at the age of 6, something that her twin siblings, Peter and Paula, also did.
Chris Imafidon migrated to London from Nigeria in West Africa over 30 years ago. And despite his children’s jaw-dropping, history-making academic achievements, he denies there is some “genius gene” in his family. Instead, he credits his children’s success to the Excellence in Education program for disadvantaged inner-city children.
“Every child is a genius,” he told British reporters. “Once you identify the talent of a child and put them in the environment that will nurture that talent, then the sky is the limit. Look at Tiger Woods or the Williams sisters [Venus and Serena] — they were nurtured. You can never rule anything out with them. The competition between the two of them makes them excel in anything they do.”

Check out this family. They are remarkable

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/education/school_league_tables/article7044675.ece

Michael Jackson died last year and yet he is still being mourned today. It is true that we adore our political figures, sports champions and stars; but are we taking this hero-worship too far? It seems that way. I cannot say that the passing of Michael Jackson was the first star to arouse such emotions, but he seems to be one that has sparked the emotions of fans worldwide. The question is, do some of us show more awe and caring for those we have never known as opposed to those we do such as the loss of family members, friends, and colleagues from school days? I think not. History will show that people have always clamored to be part of the person or persons of fame and fortune. Here are just a few of the great people that have brought amusement, entertainment, inspiration and curiosity to our lives, both now and in past history.

1. John F. Kennedy
2. Elvis Presley
3. Pres. Barack Obama
4. Michael Jackson
5. Mary Pickford
6. Rudolph Valentino
7. James Brown
8. John Lennon
9. Marilyn Monroe

All have contributed something that have awed us one way or another. Touched us in many ways, made us love or hate them yet forever hold our attention begging for more of them in our lives. But there seems to be special groups of people that specifically inspire great adoration to the point of worshipping them. I have mentioned Michael Jackson, but Elvis Presley, Rudolph Valentino, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, John Lennon for example have forever brought thoughts of super-human existence and achievement above normal people. Today it is Michael Jackson for his genius of dance and music not withstanding his life of mystery and tragedy. People considered as fans vowed to die for him, he could do no wrong in life and he is a saint in death. On the anniversary of his death, fans flock all over the world to pay their respects again. True that he was a wonderful person, but are we in overkill when it comes to celebration of celebrities. Although Americans are not the only people like this, but we seem to be star struck more than other people or maybe we show our enthusiasm for our stars more extreme.

Let’s go back in American history to the 1920s and look for example at the outpouring of love for the romantic Rudolph Valentino. Rudolph Valentino was one of the first leading men of cinema. Causing women to swoon and dream of being with him while watching the silent screen actor go through his motion with his leading ladies.

When this glamorous man died, the whole world stopped to pay tribute to him Rudolph Valentino (May 6, 1895 – August 23, 1926) was an Italian actor, sex symbol, and early pop icon. Known as the “Latin Lover”,[1] he was one of the most popular stars of the 1920s, and one of the most recognized stars from the silent film era. He is best known for his work in The Sheik and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. His death at age 31 caused mass hysteria among his female fans, propelling him into icon status.[2]”[2] Is this not the same adulation shown to Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley?
Ever since the first time they graced the silver screen we fell in love with our stars. History reminds us at every tragedy attached to these idols they are human beings with flaws, but we refuse to believe that anything negative could ever be any part of their makeup. Rumors had it that Rudolph Valentino was homosexual, yet he married and seemed to love women…on the screen at least. “Arriving in New York City, Valentino soon ran out of money and spent a period of time on the streets. He eventually supported himself with odd jobs such as bussing tables in restaurants and gardening.[8] Eventually, he found work as a taxi dancer at Maxim’s.[10] Among the other dancers at Maxim’s were several displaced members of European nobility and there was a premium in demand for them.

Valentino eventually befriended Chilean heiress Blanca de Saulles who was unhappily married to prominent businessman John de Saulles, with whom she had a son. Whether the two actually had a romantic relationship is unknown, but when the couple divorced, Valentino took the stand to support Blanca de Saulles’ claims of infidelity on her husband’s part. Following the divorce, John de Saulles reportedly used his political connections to have Valentino arrested, along with a Mrs. Thyme, a known madam, on some unspecified vice charges. The evidence was flimsy at best and after a few days in jail, Valentino’s bail was lowered from $10,000 to $1,500.[11]

A woman dressed in black still pays homage to him placing flowers at his crypt. To this day she is only known as “The Lady in Black”.

References
1. ^ Ramírez, Charles (2002). Latino Images in Film: Stereotypes, Subversion, and Resistance. U of Texas Press. p. 76. ISBN 0-292-70907-2.
2. ^ Valentino, Rudolph (1895–1926). glbtq.com.
3. ^ a b Leider, Emily W., Dark Lover. p. 41-60
4. ^ “The Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation, Inc”. Ellisisland.org. http://www.ellisisland.org/search/passRecord.asp?pID=100823030192. Retrieved 2010-05-15.
5. ^ a b Robinson, David (June 2004). “Embezzler Of Hearts”. Sight & Sound. http://www.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/feature/38/. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
6. ^ a b Leider, Emily W., Dark Lover. p. 61-85

America has a colorful and wondrous history, but there is a side that we often overlook or are unaware exist. Many of you are skeptics, but this video will open your eyers to new truths about life and death. In history we speak of those who came before. Usually, not in the spirit way or the paranormal. As I watched this video I observed the ghost hunters’ approach. I especially liked the caring and loving way the female ghost hunter invited the spirits to her. This was a different approach than I witnessed on other ghost series, such as “Ghost Hunters” or “Ghost Adventurers”. In ” Ghost Hunters”, they take an investigators approach to either disprove the activities of paranormal entities in a scientific way or to validate to their client that their dwelling is haunted. “Ghost Adventures” use a more aggressive, come and get me approach to arouse their ghostly residents which, to me, shows less activities than the gentle way the New Hope investigators do. As you watch this video, try to keep an open mind and ponder what you think about the afterlife and the existence of ghosts. The town is located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, the state of the “Gettysburg battlefield” during the Civil War. Gettysburg Battlefield National Park is known for its active paranormal activities yet it is the most written history of the American Civil War. Many have claimed to have witnessed spirits of troops in battle or formation while visiting the park. New Hope is a town where history still lives and its former residence still chose to remain among the living.

I was listening to the Al Sharpton Radio Show last weekend and the subject was “If Black History Month is still relevant today”. What seemed to be the big question; was why we only reverence Black people that are considered safe for the main-stream population. There is no issue in regards to the mentioning of Martin Luther King, but any interest about the leadership of the 60’s revolutionary group, “The Black Panthers” or “Malcom X”, brings reaction of threatening signs of conflict of interest by the majority population. Well if you think that things have changed, think again.

An article found on the website of Silobreaker, “NBC Employees Checked In With Black Friends to See If Black History Month Menu Was Racist”. reminds us that the main stream population is still not ready for Black pride. This is so embarrassing and distressing to know that a Black chef was villified for serving a traditional Black menu. Leslie Calhoun, a cafeteria cook, prepared a menu featuring collard greens, fried chicken, etc., in honor of Black History Month. She had waited for 8 years to do this menu. She found out like many Blacks in this country that there is only some things we can reference without rebuttal during Black History Month.

It was so bad that the cafeteria had to take the menu sign down. It seems to be that we are celebrating a sanitized and watered down Black History. As Rev. Sharpton inquired, “Is it only alright to celebrate certain kinds of Blacks?” Here we are in the 21st century and only a portion of the population choose to pick certain Black people to pay homage to. We are being subtlely being manipulated to choose who we must learn about or who we must listen to. Black History is still relevant, but we have to take it back. Because it has been hijacked. Just take a look at what is shown on television stations every year or lack there of. Look at what is defined as Black History. The only thing noticable was the constant showing of the period before the civil rights passed and Dr. Martin Luther King. A few years ago, it was the slave period, but we can’t deny that “Roots” was one of the best miniseries depicting the plight of Black Americans. I am sure there is more to our history than this. That is why it is time to re-educate our children about their history this month. True enough, we have a Black president and first family in the White House, but things have not changed as much as we would have liked. I never realized how futile Black History Month had become. It is as if we have become apathetic.

With the Haitian disaster, we should not be looking at the people of Haiti as if they are not part of Black History either. Haiti is part of the history of African people. This is the first Independent African nation, albeit very poor. It has a turbulent history but a very colorful one. We should be talking about the history of the African diaspora and contribution of those who fought for freedom all over the world. We should mention Black people that are not so known but contributed in their own way to the progression of Blacks in the world. We should also celebrate our African cuisine even if the other population do not. Many of us are not aware of the origin of what we call “Soul Food”. Most of our Southern cooking is really African in origin brought over by African slaves. And we know that the same food was served to the slave master and his family. So since when is vegetables and fried fowl racist?

Read more:
“ NBC Employees Checked In With Black Friends to See If Black History Month Menu Was Racist

As we age and our parents and grandparents age, we require more care than when we were younger. The only extra assistance for home-care for seniors are the government Medicaid program. But because of the policy stipulations you have to be below poverty to be accepted. I want, along with universal healthcare, universal home-care for seniors. They should be allowed everything that they need for little or no costs to them. After all, hadn’t they contributed to society already. My grandmother lives off her SSI benefits and she gets a little over $1100 a month after they take out the premium for Part B of Medicare. Most seniors do not qualify for Medicaid and family members cannot afford the necessary special care their senior relatives need. I think that Seniors should get mandatory home-care and the requirement based on income should be abolished. My grandmother is 93 years old and weighs over 200lbs and is only 5 feet, if that tall. She suffers severe arthritis in both arms and hands. She needs professional home care service. I like so many family caregivers have not the money to pay private home-care agencies. More consideration should be paid to our seniors who cannot nor wish to live in nursing home facilities. Families who opt to have their senior members at home should be exempt from the income based policies that are forced upon us in order to provide the comfort and care for our elder beloveds.

Is the City By the River destined to Rise or Decline?

Hello history buffs. I have often wondered why so little has been researched about Black Americans in Michigan, especially Detroit. Not since the 1960s riots have anyone spoken about the population of Black people living in the city of Detroit. What I would like to do is open up a discussion about the Black community since the 1960s and where we are today. The city is in a tivy of problems today, but is it because the city is heavy-ladened with Black people or is it the financial stress we are in?

It has been said with a racist slant that “Blacks moving into white neighborhoods that the neighborhood goes down”, but Detroit has been predominately black for a long time. Does this still hold in the minds of many people? I don’t think it is fair to lay blame by race for the downfall of a city or neighborhood. What has died is the government officials that are voted in with the promise to move the city forward. Former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, currently has 19 counts of felony indictments against him, a pitiful shame and a black-eye for Detroit. But the city of Detroit has a rich history that should not be forever shadowed by this event in its history.