A few semesters back I took an African American Literature course. The text that we used was called, The Norton Anthology of African American Literature Vol.2. The editor? Henry Louis Gates Jr. I had become very familiar with Gates way before the course or even recent events. I remember as a teenager reading about him....oh yes, he was....one of Time magazine's "25 Most Influential Americans" in 1997. Holder of 50 honorary degrees, acclaimed historian, Harvard professor and PBS documentarian.Many may recall in 2006-2007 many African American celebrities such as: Oprah Winfrey,Morgan Freeman, Chris Rock, Tina Turner, Don Cheadle, Tom Joyner and Maya Angelou and many more traced their roots by DNA. Well, Gates was the host and mastermind.
(now fast forward to July 2009) My friend called me and told me to turn to CNN. To my disbelief I see photos of a handcuffed Gates. According to the NPR, On July 16, Cambridge police responded to a call that two black males with backpacks were breaking in to a two-story home near the Harvard campus. By the time police arrived, Gates was already inside his home. He refused to step outside to speak with the police. Eventually, Gates showed some identification and, according to the police report, began yelling at an officer. Gates was handcuffed and led away.
When one of America's most prominent black intellectuals winds up in handcuffs, it's not just another episode of profiling — something is terribly wrong. We are not where we used to be, but we have a long bumpy road to travel.If this man can be taken away by police officers from the porch of his own home, what does it say about the treatment that average blacks can expect in 2009?

Black in America 2

Last year, on July 23 and July 24, 2008 CNN aired a documentary titled, "Black In America," hosted by correspondent Soledad O'Brien. The first night focused on "The Black Woman & Family," and the second "The Black Man." The 2.3 million viewers that watched the special made it not only one of the most watched cable specials but a success in its own right. This year Soledad O’Brien is doing another part to the campaign called Black in America 2. On July 22 & 23 at 8 pm est CNN continues its investigation of the most challenging issues facing African-Americans with "Black in America 2." What issues some may ask? There are many issues within our race.
Although this is not one of the big problems-the name “Black” itself is deemed as unfitting to many. Personally, I prefer to be called an African American. Why? Quite simply I have never been able to locate this so-called place called black land where “Black” people come from. I only know of Mother Africa, the land of my ancestors. First step, let's agree on our identity?
Black America has made valuable contributions in all the social sciences, everything from mathematics to music. You’d probaly be surprised of all the contributions that we have made to this country. Many of these accomplishments were achieved through many years of hard struggles. Our ancestors overcame the whip, blistered hands, and countless beatings under the scorching sun. (well, you know the rest)
So, what’s the problem now? We aren’t physically shackled but some of us have mental chains that prevent us from excelling. …and would someone please tell me WHY we are still wallowing in self pity and still blaming the “White Man” for everything that goes wrong within our communities? Second, let's stop playing the blame game. Please don’t misquote me, I am NOT saying that no one is trying. But, I am saying that we have got to do better!
The strange-and sad- paradox though, is that for most African Americans, social conditions are just about the same as ever, in fact evidence shows it is getting worse, not better. The ever-rising rate of young black men between 18 to 35 being incarcerated-now being competed by a rapidly-growing number of black women who are now joining them; the breakdown of the Black Community, the proportionate number of dysfunctional black families, fatherless households (an estimated 80% of Black families in America are fatherless); chronic poverty, joblessness, homelessness, drug addiction, drug trafficking, street gangs, violence, underage teenage motherhood-if you could call it that-high disease rate, a high dropout rate from high school and colleges, and the list could go on and on. Most importantly, let's face the facts and confront the issues.
Soledad O'Brien will report on people who are using ground-breaking solutions to transform the black experience.

HAPPY 4TH!

As I write this post I can actually hear the sounds of fireworks exploding through the air. This will go on all night! I'm not complaining. I should be used to it by now because this has been the routine in most American cities during this time of year for as long as I can remember. Matter of fact, I can recall my mother and father taking us to see the fireworks in Long Beach at the Queen Mary.(Quick history lesson:) The Queen Mary is a ship that was bigger, faster and more powerful than her predecessor the ship Titanic. The RMS Queen Mary lived a long life that included 1,001 successful Atlantic crossings. During World War II, she carried troops across the Atlantic and afterward, she ferried war brides and children to the United States and Canada and then returned to service as a transatlantic cruise ship. She now rests in the Long Beach, California harbor, converted into a hotel and tourist attraction.
Those were great memories. Can you imagine...we lived 11 blocks from the shore? So, all of our celebrations and festivites revolved around the water.
Now, that I live on the east coast some things have changed but not really when it comes to the 4th of July. The rockets and "black cats" are still sounding off. Tomorrow most people will attend large gatherings in someone's backyard or the park.
Hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs, steaks, and just about every edible thing will find its place on the grill. (lol) Kids will be running and screaming enjoying themselves under the blazing sun. Someone will start a water balloon fight. Adults will somehow or another find a reason to do the "electric slide" while the older folks just look on with amazement...or is it pity? And as soon as the sun sets?.. we all will make our way to see the "big firework show" that's usually downtown. For the past couple of years, the traffic downtown is so heavy that we normally find a side street and either sit on top of our truck or make the walk to be a better view. Whatever ends up happening I am sure that it will make a great July 4th, 2009!

Land that I love...

Tonight, July 3rd...I was listening to NPR's "Tell Me More" with host,Michel Martin on the way to work. In commemoration of Independence Day (July 4th) she did a interview, called Meditations On Freedom: From Oppression To Liberty. After the show I began to think about what freedom and living in this country means to me... Anyone who knows me knows that (sometimes) I tend to be a bit vocal the mistakes of my country. But, for the record I need to make it very clear that I love this country. Although, many people have the choice of choosing their homeland, somehow or another this land chose me...(and I am greatful in an odd way...its kind've hard to explain) I'm not going to turn this into a negative note about my country because with all of its past and current faux pas...I love my country. I am very proud to be an American. We have alot of freedom here. I appreciate the opportunity to live in such a place as this. From talking to many of my friends from other countries I think sometimes we, Americans tend to take our freedoms for granted. We have the freedom to do just about anything...well, any logical thing. I guess it all depends on your definition of logical. We have so many rights and laws that lately its been a bit confusing and contradictive. Some laws are absolutely necessary to hold together the fabric of a decent society. Some you might think are necessary, but aren’t on the books at all. Here's one-"A man who was caught driving naked was let go because there was no law against such behavior, according to Jacksonville.com...Police simply ordered him to put on some clothes, get back behind the wheel and drive home. They had to let him go because no law prohibits driving naked." But, nothings perfect. As, I told my neice the other day the beautiful thing about America is that not only is it a place for everyone but also the "Checks and Balances" of the US keep order and democracy in place. (most of the time) So,
Happy 4th! Happy Birthday America!!!

the traditional American family is gone!

Today if you ask many Americans to give you their definition of the traditional family in America you will receive many different responses. Most likely, the answers that you will receive are as colorful and diverse as the multitude of populace that currently lives within the United States. Just as there is not one single example of the “so-called typical American”, there is not one single example of the “so-called typical American family”. America, the “melting pot” has a vast number of people from different nationalities, cultures, and values as a result her families come in a variety of assortment. The traditional American family, as defined some fifty a year ago is becoming a thing of the past.
According to the US Census, half a century ago, the description of the typical American family included two married parents: a father, a mother and 2.3 children. Most American families of the past were clearly a male husband, a female wife, and their biological children. More often than not, these families shared the same ethnicity, culture and shared the same religious affiliations and beliefs. Today’s American family is quite the opposite.
Today more couples are choosing to cohabitate rather than enter matrimony. The choice to co-habitation is a common thing in today’s times. It seems that everyone is doing it!
Research now finds that cohabitation can no longer be seen as a single social phenomenon where hormones drive lustful young adults to shack-up. Instead, widely diverse populations, from teenagers to seniors, live together, as an experiment in building an intimate relationship. Even many celebrities have opted out of marriage and into co-habitation. Oprah, Brad, Angelina and LeBron are just a few of the high profile celebrities that cohabitate.
Like families headed by heterosexual parents, lesbian and gay parents and their children are diverse groups. Currently, there is a great divide amongst Americans concerning the idea of same sex marriage.
There are families headed by single parents. Families that include grandparents raising their grandchildren because the parents are absent. There are transcultural, transracial, biracial, interracial families. Families without children, families that adopt children. The list goes on & on because the spectrum is so broad.
In the middle of the same sex argument unfolds another voice. Yet, many Americans will agree that a family is defined as a unit of people who care about each other regardless of race, gender, culture or biological ties. The fading traditional American family has been replaced by the blended family.Stepfamilies, also known as blended families, are more of a norm now than ever.
At least one-third of all children in the U.S. will be part of a stepfamily before they reach age 18. Research defines blended families as a family in which one or both partners have been married before. A vast number of American families are blended in some form or another form. American citizens come from different backgrounds, colors, genders, cultures and beliefs as a result her families are just as dissimilar. The traditional American family has become a thing of the past. Would someone please tell me if there is a such thing as a traditonal family?
What's the family structure like where you live?

How you spend your days... is of course,how you live

I have to apologize to those of you who are following my blog. I owe you an apology! Please forgive me.I apologize to all of you! I was so happy to see that none of you have left me! (Thanks for following!) Its been a while since my last post. So here's a quick update. On May 12 the Spring semester ended.I was so excited to end the Spring semester because I just knew that I would have a few days of well needed r&r (rest and relaxation)time to enjoy my days, sip on some iced green tea, read a good book, watch a good movie and take it easy.
Boy, was I wrong! The following week I began my summer nursing class. I decided to take this specific class during the month of June and get it out of the way. A fews days later I began an online sociology course. Needless to say I barely have time to enjoy my home. I have to admit that sometimes it is quite stressful balancing the family, school, volunteering, and work and well just managing life! But, I am not complaining because life is all about enjoying the ride. Life is about how you enjoy your days! How you live! I tend to forget that sometimes. A quick run to the gas station made me remember this.
As my usual routine requires, the other day I hurriedly stopped by the gas station to get some overpriced gasoline.(lol) As usual, the regular cashier was waiting to assist me. Let me tell you about the cashier. This particuluar cashier is a very well mannered, calm spirited guy who always takes out a moment to ask me how my day is going. "How's your day going?"he asked in a calm and sincere voice. Did he really want to know? I thought. My response? Before I knew it I had rattled off a list of complaints about how tired, weak, hungry, stressed, overworked, underpaid, desparately in need of a vacation, time at the spa, day with the girls... well you get the picture, right?
His response to my eratic answer changed my whole outlook. He simply smiled and said, "The Lord is you strength." I think I had forgotten that!

Watch more How You Live videos on AOL Video

It's been a while since my last post because I have been so busy with school exams. The semester is basically over! I am so excited because as you all know, I will be headed for Ghana in July. (the last week) Despite my dear mother's concern, the "swine flu hype" has not deterred my focus at all. Honestly, I am not really convinced its as bad as its being played out in the media. People really amaze me ...a few hundred people get the flu and thousands are covering their faces with blue masks, but millions of people die from AIDS yet people still refuse to wear condoms.Other news in the U.S. that has grabbed my attention is Oprah Winfrey and KFC. (Kentucky Fried Chicken).
Oprah Winfrey decided to buy dinner for the entire U.S so it seemed. She agreed to promote KFC coupons to the public.Here's how it works: A coupon for a 2 peice meal was made available exclusively through Oprah Winfrey's website, oprah.com. The coupon could be downloaded anytime durina a 24hour period on Wednesday, May 6. The coupons are redeemable through May 19 excluding Mothers' Day.
The coupons entitled the bearer to a free 2 piece grilled chicken meal, with two sides and a biscuit. Now thats really nice of Oprah to do such a thing. But, I am bit disappointed because the people who really need a free dinner most likely wont get it. I'm thinking that perhaps it would have been more thoughtful to feed some of the thousands of homeless people that live in the US. If you really think about it, the average homeless person does not have internet access so there is no way that they could "download" this coupon.Maybe I am being too criticalI realize that this was a nice gesture, but my goodness there are thousands of children in America that go to bed hungry almost everynight. So why in the world would you throw free meals to people who are not starving?Maybe its just me. But in my little mind, this is crazy! Please someone tell me the logic in this...tax break is all I can come up with to justify this. To make matters worse there have been riots and fights over the coupons running out.