Black History: Rising to The Halls of Power

Black history has been a continuous climb from within the lowest echelons of society during slavery to the highest.  Once you think of black history, we often remember the civil rights movement, of John Brown’s violent protests, of the Underground Railroad.  But black history does not end with just one event.  It is constantly in the process of being made every single day.

Even in the last decade, huge steps forward have been attained at the very top governmental positions by celebrated and highly qualified black Americans who are making all of us proud in the contributions they are bringing in to America.  Colin Powell was an accomplished general who exhibited with quiet dignity and authority that he could lead numerous men into battle.  He was honored for his valiant efforts finally attaining the very top levels of the government serving as President Bush’s Secretary of State in his 1st administration.  Throughout the halls of government and anyplace Secretary Powell served, he was treated with respect and the honor that he deserves for serving his country so well.

Following the honorable service of Colin Powell, a just as recognized public servant, a black woman named Condoleezza Rice.  It was a gallant day when she stepped into that office demonstrating how far America had come from the days when blacks could not eat in the very same restaurants as whites or drink from the same drinking fountains.  And her service has been just as distinguished, assembling with heads of state from Africa to Europe to the Middle East to South America and making great achievements throughout her career.

These two black Americans are true models of Doctor King’s vision of people who were distinguished not for the color of their skin but the content of their character.  Their excellence as leaders and their amazing resumes they contributed to their jobs provide enormous inspiration to black boys and girls in school that they too can arise in this society and go as far as they want to go if they let their instinctive gifts and skills come to the surface.  They don't need a government program or special help to be successful.  America has far to go but Dr. Rice and General Powell are models that the system can reward black people of excellence and won't over look the contributions they can make to America’s future.

And now we're on that part of black history that's yet to be.  The future is a part of black history still to be written.  And we witness another black leader of excellence who is on the very top position of power in the country, perhaps in the world, the presidency of the United States.  And as with General Powell and Dr. Rice, Barrack Obama was elected president, not as a black man or in the context of the racial struggle in this country.  He has been admired and praised for his leadership, his eloquence and his ability to bring new vision to this country.  It is a day of pride for all of black America seeing Barrack Obama being in this position.  He will have to work hard and be judged on his talents, skills, experience and ability to lead.  But it’s a testimony to how far the country has come that he had just as much of a chance to win that election as any other candidate.  His winning the presidency has knock down one more barrier to black people and throughout African American society, children will be able to say, there is nothing I cannot do if I try hard.  And that is the vision every civil right leader since the civil war has wanted for blacks in America.

Read more: Rising to The Halls of Power

Black History: The Brown Versus the Board of Education Case in Kansas

In 1951, thirteen families in the small district of Topeka, Kansas, got together to do something about an unjust circumstance.  The board of education of their community was permitting racial segregation in the school system founded on an out of date 1879 law.  The head of this group of concerned parents was Oliver J. Brown and the result of what began as a few parents trying to make life better for their kids got to be  among the most infamous and influential supreme court cases in history known as Brown versus the Board of Education.

The exercise of school segregation had become a usual and accepted practice in American society in spite of numerous movements in the history of civil rights to stop the separation of black society from the  white.  The justification that segregation allowed for a “separate but equal” setting which profited education, the truth was it was a lightly veiled attempt to deprive African American children of the quality of education that all people require to excel in the modern world.

The case carried on to gather momentum until it came before the Supreme Court in May of 1954.  The decision was sensational and decisive when it came back 9-0.  The statement of the court was brief, eloquent and pertinent stating that "separate educational facilities are inherently unequal."

Now, even such an authoritative statement from the Supreme Court didn't end the battle between segregationists and those who'd end the exercise that deprived African American children of quality education.  In 1957 the Arkansas governor attempted to block the integration of schools in his state and the sole thing that could stop him was the intercession of federal troops sent off by President Eisenhower.  A similar but much better publicized event occurred in Alabama where Governor George Wallace physically barricaded black students from entering the University of Alabama.  It called for the intervention of federal marshals to physically remove him to ascertain that the law of the land, as mandated by The Supreme Court, was carried through.  And the law of the land then and forever since then was that separatism was illegal in this country.

Since this turning point decision, there have been other dodgier attempts to resurrect segregation.  But over the years, attitudes have changed to where such views on how our social institutions are established are regarded old fashioned and uneducated.

The integration of the schools was a significant step in the ongoing conflict to create a truly equal society and to better the chances of black children to grow up with the same opportunities as all other kids in this country.  As many more African American children became well educated, the black population has been able to cause a strong contribution to the culture and to the furtherance of knowledge in each discipline of learning.  Further, the growing number of educated black population gave rise to the black middle class which equalized society from an economic point of view.  As African Americans started to participate in all of the economic opportunities that middle class prosperity gave them, the chances for whites, blacks and people of all races and cultures to mix has been healthy to mend the scars of racism and gradually erase divisions in the culture.

But perhaps the most important result of integration of the schools is the opportunity it has granted for children of all races to learn, play and grow unitedly.  As young black and white students have attended classes, gotten to football games and hung out at pep rallies collectively, they've become friends.  They have had opportunities to work together on teams and socialize under a lot of situations and as that has become the social norm and racism started to evaporate from the hearts of young America.

As a result, younger generations look on racism as an unusual and primitive viewpoint from long ago and not in step with an up to date aspect of the world.  This kind of true credence both by whites toward blacks and by blacks toward whites will go further to ultimately end racial separation and intolerance compared to any riot or protest or march or even ruling from the Supreme Court could ever do.  And we have Oliver Brown and that small group of parents from Topeka, Kansas to give thanks for this.  By doing what was best for their children, they did something marvelous for all of America’s children both now and for generations to come.

Black History: The Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

As you sit back and take in the phenomenal accomplishments of black history, it's natural to be impressed by some of the great figures of black history including Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver and a lot more.  But one name remains head and shoulders above the rest and that's the name Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King’s legacy of change and his call for the end of racial discrimination and segregation in American society is without question the voice that has struck America as no other has done. While many have demonstrated tremendous leadership, Dr. King clearly showed a vision for the future of America in which black and white worked, lived, played and worshipped together as a united society.

Read more:  The Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. 
 

Black History: The Legacy of Booker T. Washington

As you journey though the USA, it is no accident you'll see a lot of schools given the name of Booker T. Washington.  That's because this great black educator and leader set the criterion and carved out a new path in the years right after the fall of slavery to guide his people to a better way.  He showed his people a way of education, accomplishment, achievement and the prosperity that by nature, come with those goals.
In 1901, the life story of Booker T. Washington was published with the fitting title Up From Slavery.  Washington’s scramble to rise up from the restrictions of a slave’s life to be come one of the most illustrious black leaders in America is among the reasons he is revered in black history as one of the greats who genuinely made a difference for his people.
When Booker T. Washington’s family was liberated from slavery in Virginia, young Booker instantly began pursuing the path where he would make his mark, in education.  Attaining success at Hampton University and then at Wayland Seminary, he was soon to open up new accomplishments for African Americans in higher education, being one of the first leaders of the Tuskegee University in Alabama.

But it was more than just academic success that punctuated Washington’s career.  He became outstanding in many areas of leadership being a spokesperson for post slavery black America to the powerful and influential in this country.  Book T. Washington lived the idea that the pen was mightier than the sword and was an early voice for moderation and learning to excel within the establishments and customs of America instead of dealing in violence.
Among Washington’s great strengths was encountering partnership and coalitions between leaders of numerous communities to enhance the opportunities for education and excellence for the African American community of the time.  One of the more influential speeches of black history was given by Washington and became recognized as the Atlanta Address of 1895 in which Washington, speaking to a predominantly white audience set off a profound change in way economic opportunity and employing was done in America at its time.  In that one speech he…
*          Called up on the black community to become part of the economy and industry of America thus commencing the healing process that was so needed at the time.
*          Stated without reservation that the south was the region of the country where there were the biggest opportunities for black employment.  By drawing together the strong black labor force with an economy in the middle of recovery from the civil war, Washington may have been among the principal architects for the recovery of the south from the ravages of that war.
*          Introduced to the economic institutions largely run by the white citizens of the country that it made more sense to capitalize on the huge resident black population for dependable workers than to look to immigrants.  The final result was a boom in employment for the black community that was a big leap forward in the struggle to come up out of slavery.
The Atlanta Address of 1895 moved Booker T. Washington into national prominence becoming a healing voice and a herculean catalyst for change in the United States.  Using his advanced network of supporters from each arena of leadership including political, academic and business leaders, Washington worked inexhaustibly to give hope and new opportunities for black families trying to make their way in America.
His work ethic was fundamental and brought forth change at a rate that was phenomenal by any measure.  But it had taken a toll on Washington who died relatively young, at the age of fifty-nine from exhaustion and overwork.  But this too remarks the enormous drive and devotion this significant black leader had to use all of his talents, his intellect and his network to better the lives of black people and speed up the road to acceptance and integration all over America.  We all owe a Booker T. Washington much gratitude for being “the man of the hour” to lead all people forward, black and white, to look for ways to work together in partnership instead of with distrust or violence to attain a better America for everybody.
 
Copyright © 2011 Athena Goodlight

Black History: Notable Black Comedians in the US Entertainment Industry

A few of the sublime figures in comedy in the last three decades were from the African American community.  There are a lot of notable names that come immediately to mind that have exploited the “podium” of a comedy microphone and stage to discuss issues of race, color, discrimination and race relations in such a way that everyone can appreciate their thoughts and attain a common understanding.  The names of Bill Cosby,  Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and many more jump out as both very funny entertainers and people who have exemplified the African American community with pride and intelligence that everyone can admire.

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Black History: The Rainbow Coalition Movement

The fight for freedom and equality for African Americans is one that's passed down from one generation to the next and from one era of black leadership to the next.  Throughout the known history, the African American leadership has had a lot of outstanding men and women who made their mark and made a difference for black people in the United States.  And that tradition carries on to this day with modern black leadership like Barrack Obama, Jesse Jackson and the Reverend Al Sharpton.


Jesse Jackson has organized his efforts to uphold the struggle for civil rights in one of the most groundbreaking organizations in history that came to be called the Rainbow Coalition.  This organization exemplified the dreams and goals of the Reverend Jackson, without doubt.  But it also represents the shared efforts of black Americans across the nation in modern times to retain the dream of Martin Luther King alive and moving forward.

Read more:  Black History: The Rainbow Coalition Movement 

Black History: The Age of Slavery

Not everything that's to make a mark on the history of African American citizenry is on the surface a positive thing.  But we know that there are some really terrible things that happened to the black population in America that are undeniably a huge part of the history of a people.  And so, any survey of black history would not be thorough without a discourse of slavery.

Read more:  Black History: The Age of Slavery 
 
Africans in America: America's Journey Through Slavery 

How to Keep Your Food Clean and Safe

 

The easiest way for bacteria to enter our bodies is through our food. It is always best to be careful when preparing and storing our food in order to avoid food poisoning.

If your family’s meals are to be dependably safe, follow these rules for food storage and preparation

Read more:  How to Keep Your Food Clean and Safe

Things You Should Know About Energy Drinks

Almost everyone you see at the gym or any outdoor event seems to be gulping energy drinks.  How effective are these? Are they safe and healthy as they claim to be?
Athletes, young adults, and even students studying for exams rave about energy drinks.  The brands and varieties that are currently available in the market are countless, including Red Bull, Pimp Juice, Rage, Monster, etc.  These drinks claim to boost your sports performance or make you more alert – or both.

Read more: Things You Should Know About Energy Drinks

How to Keep Children Motivated

In any new activity such as school or extra-curricular lessons, children are often excited at the start.  But this initial enthusiasm tends to turn stale after a few weeks of sessions.  This is natural especially with children.  The challenge is keeping this eagerness going even after the initial excitement period.  How then will you keep your child’s motivation up? This is important particularly when the child is enrolled in an after-school enrichment program such as music, arts, and sports courses.

Read more: How to Keep Children Motivated

Warning Signs of Stroke

The symptoms can last a few seconds or minutes and may occur several times a day, or only from time to time over a period of several years.

One of the most important findings in recent years has been that strokes usually do not strike without giving you some warning.  The Stroke Foundation in New York lists at least three major early warning symptoms:

Read more: Warning Signs of Stroke

Treatment advances show promise for stroke victims.: An article from: Mississippi Business Journal

Famous Homeschoolers

There are a lot of reasons why parents have chosen to homeschool their children. There are also many people who will mistakenly doubt that any success can come to a child if they do not attend public school. This list include famous people who were homeschooled at some point in their educational lives and include both historical and modern homeschoolers.

Read more on this inspiring list compiled by  Taylor Rios:  Famous Homeschoolers

To Have or Not to Have Children

 Some parents, whether rich or poor, cited straight economic costs as the primary reason for their decision to opt for a smaller family. Most parents, however, felt they could afford large families and, in the long run, would benefit economically from having children.

When parents, particularly those living in urban areas, beget children, it is the emotional benefits of having children that are foremost in their minds, according to a study conducted by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) and the Ford Foundation.

Read more:  To Have or Not to Have Children

Do Children Help Strengthen a Marriage?

 Some 27 percent of divorces involve no children, although only 9 percent of marriages are childless.  There are cases when children have grown up before their parents divorce—hence the parents come into the “childless” category, but childless marriages always appear more prone to visible breakdown, especially if this is a result of a lack of desire for children.  This may be because of the temperament of childless couples, but will also reflect the general unwillingness of a responsible couple to have children if they feel that their marriage is under stress.  There is also little need to stay together if there are no children affected. There is probably a good deal more masked breakdown in marriages with children, where the couple keeps up a front “for the sake of the children.”

Read more: Do Children Help Strengthen a Marriage?

Identifying The Urgent Versus The Important

Many of us can remember situations when we spent so much energy preparing for an event or presentation that when the great day finally arrived, we were so exhausted we just wished it would end quickly.
How can we decide in our own lives which is important and which is urgent?

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Using Regrets To Your Advantage

“Regret is an example of a negative emotion that spurs people to problem-solving and personal betterment,” says Dr. Neal Roese, a leading researcher on regret and the author of If Only.

One positive purpose of regret is to help us learn from our mistakes, gain insight, and cultivate hope for the future. It signals us to stop and evaluate. By inflicting discomfort and or distress, it grabs our attention and begs us to question, “What could I have done differently?” Fact is, no one likes to think about their blunders. Perhaps this is the reason why some people insist they never have any regrets. Nevertheless, that “coulda-shoulda-woulda” thinking is normal. It’s apparently wired into our neural structure.

Read more: Using Regrets To Your Advantage

Safe Snowmobiling With Children

Snowmobiling is among the most thrilling ways to enjoy the winter weather as a family since they can usually rent state-of-the-art snowmobiles together with safety equipment that's required instead of investing large sums of money into the sport. Winter holiday resorts often give guests this lease option to relieve the hassle of dragging your equipment with you when you stay with them. In order to step-up you family’s chances of having a fun and successful snowmobiling experience, though, there are a few safety tips to follow.

Read more: Safe Snowmobiling With Children

Recommended Movies About Christmas

Movies and films with a Christmas theme can help create a fun atmosphere and at the same time also impart moral lessons. While each person will have varied opinions and choices on their favorite Christmas movies, there are some classics that remain the popular to this day. There are some notable newer movies as well.

Read more: Recommended Movies About Christmas

Tips on Buying Christmas Gifts for Children

To a lot of people, Christmas is a magical season; and more than anyone else, the season of Christmas is enjoyed most by kids. It could be the thought of some much awaited break from school activities, the allure of the decor and lights, the beauty of the first snowfall that is often associated with Christmas or the anticipation of the gifts and toys that excites the children so much. But it is plainly seen that most kids are genuinely fascinated by Christmas. This is one main reason why adults enjoy shopping for kids during Christmas season.

Read more: Tips on Buying Christmas Gifts for Children

Behold! The Beauty of Christmas Lights

One of the most enchanting sights to behold during the Christmas season is the beauty of the Christmas lights everywhere. Did you ever wonder how these Christmas lights came to be? Let us trace back its roots in Menlo Park, New Jersey - to the man named Thomas Edison.

It was Thomas Alva Edison who invented and introduced the electric light bulb in 1879 and its commercial potential, an event that paved the way for the mass use of electrical energy and lights including those used in our Christmas trees today.

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Tips on Christmas Shopping with Kids

Did you just read the title correctly? You may want to go back and double check to make sure you see what this article is going to be about. The most important word in this title is the word "with". Had we used the word for in the title instead this would be a totally different article but the use of the word with bespeaks this article will be about shopping while your children come with you to the stores which is a altogether a different subject. An article on shopping for children would cover cases such as buying age suitable toys and selecting toys which will meet the parent’s favorable reception. This article, however, will center on how to have a successful shopping trip with kids in tow.

Read more: Tips on Christmas Shopping with Kids

Making Christmas More Meaningful Without Spending Too Much

“When will we buy a beautiful Christmas tree and decorations?” “When do we start shopping for gifts?” A pinch deep inside was felt by a parent upon hearing the child’s questions.

This is the perfect time to tell the Christmas story. Each child recalls from the stories they’ve read and heard about the scene at Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born. Everybody was busy. There was no room at the inn.

Only a manger was available–no frills—bare as ever. No heating, but the warmth of the mother’s embrace. No flashy lighting effects— but look above, God provided a glorious star. No blaring music—but the angels sang. Ordinary mortals who could afford the inn were not aware at that time, they were just too busy. The news was announced. It was an announcement that changed the course of human history forever.

Read more: Making Christmas More Meaningful Without Spending Too Much

Advantages of Shopping Online During the Busy Holiday Season

Shopping online is now among the most popular ways to purchase products particularly during the holiday seasons. Although a lot of shoppers still delight in the holiday shopping rush in the department stores and malls, more and more shoppers are just as glad to have the alternative to do even a part of their holiday shopping online. They have discovered the numerous benefits of online holiday shopping. Two of the most common advantages online shopping include the ease of doing last minute shopping and the convenience of not joining the bustling crowd during the holiday shopping trips.

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Gift-giving Ideas for Family Reunions

A family reunion can be the perfect venue to incorporate a birthday, anniversary, or any celebration in your family’s life. Of course, gifts could play a significant role at these family events, too.

Although this isn’t mandatory for relatives or family members who see on a daily or those who you see often, but it can really mean a lot to your cousins, aunts, and uncles who you rarely get to see.

Read more: Gift-giving Ideas for Family Reunions

A Guide to Making a Christmas Shopping List

This Christmas shopping list is so important because it gives you a handy guide to all the people you should take note of while shopping. Knowing the number of people on your list is essential for setting a Christmas shopping budget.

The concept of a list is one that all Christmas shoppers adhere to while they do their Christmas shopping. As a matter of fact, your Christmas shopping venture should be filled with all sorts of lists. You may make lists of everyone you plan to give presents to this year, such as lists of possible gift ideas and even lists of the particular gifts you select. All of this list making procedure may sound tedious but let me explain how all of these lists can be of great help to you.

Read more: A Guide to Making a Christmas Shopping List

Tips on Office Christmas Parties

Around Christmas and the holiday season, the festive spirit and relaxed mood even reaches out into the workplace where the pace is expected to slow substantially as the volume of work is decreased. By holding parties at work, everybody can loosen up a bit, have some fun and savor the satisfaction from the results of a year of tough work. Co-workers at work can celebrate goals that have been attained and look ahead to an even more rewarding year.

Read more: Tips on Office Christmas Parties

Interesting Facts About Christmas

It is a recognized fact that the Christmas tree custom is one that was brought to the land of America by German immigrants who retained a practice that was popular in their former homeland. Nowadays, a Christmas tree, even a miniature one, is present in just about each household at Christmas. It is consequently interesting to note some little-know facts about the Christmas Tree and other customs associated to Christmas.

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