(Dr. Woodson, author of the classic "The Mis-Education of the Negro," would probably be the first to say that the study of one's history is really a year-round pursuit. This one month every February really just serves as reminder that there's a lot of work to do, and as inspiration that great people have cracked glass ceilings and opened doors through which we pass today. )

« 11:17:02 PM »    

(Extinguish is such a strong word. I found this historical page of broadsides related to African American political involvement, while scouring the Net for some links on Carter Woodson, author, educator, and founder of what we now call "Black History Month." I thought that would put a nice cap on my month-long daily posting streak. This particular flyer, from 1901, serves as a reminder that at some point in America's history, the Democratic Party was just as detrimental to the interests of the Black community then as the Republican Party is today, and maybe the Democrats still are. We ought to learn from history. Rather than choose to take up the yokes of conservatism or liberalism (and haven't we already learned that all isms are bad) we really need to peep the technique and learn how to play politics and see that our best collective interests are served. We have historic and contemporary evidence to prove that neither dominant politcal party in this country has a deep, unwavering desire to serve our best interests. Democrats and Republicans are just two sides of the same coin, only interested in using Black voters as pawns in a larger game. A game Blacks should be playing, not getting played. And so what if that last line is kind of awkward. Do not step to me. I'm awkward. I box lefty. )

« 10:50:37 PM »    

(Well, I was right about Morgan Freeman winning for Supporting Actor, his role fits a very specific type of Black man that mainstream Hollywood's comfortable with seeing on screen. Foxx's win, however, is unique in American film history, in that his role represents a truly complex, fully-realized human being, who fought through a myriad of physical, social, and psychological challenges and emerged a winner, and even a hero. Good looking out. )

« 6:45:21 AM »