Saw The Movie...

While killing time in Manhattan on yesterday, I decided to see the movie, "The Help". Ms. Davis and the entirety of the female cast did us proud. It was clear that the producer understood the sensitivity of the subject and was very thoughtful in its presentation. The movie depicted a sad truth in our history, peppered with just enough humor to keep the moviegoer entertained while educating, not diminishing or down playing, the public regarding the realities of a very harsh period in American history. A period in our history that some would like to forget, others would like to rewrite. A part of  our “past” that may be more part of our "present" than some would like to accept. I’m Just Sayin’…

During the movie there was a White woman sitting next to me who at one emotional point in the film just started sobbing. Skeeter confronts her Mother and demands an explanation of what happened to her “Help”, her surrogate Mother, Constantine, who disappeared without explanation when Skeeter went off to college. I wanted to ask my neighbor what she was feeling at that moment but of course I did not. After the movie, she immediately left the theater. I thought I had missed my chance until I saw her in the lobby. I wanted to have tea and talk with her but I had a bus to catch. Instead we walked together and talked. She explained that while she was emotional because she had just lost an Aunt, she admitted that she was moved by the movie because it brought back memories of a "woman who helped her family" and reminded her of just how dysfunctional her family is. She went on to say that we "create" our families where we can...

I share that to say there is good in the movie in that it can and it did, raise the consciousness of the viewer on both sides. Recognizing the controversy, I had planned to view the movie with a group of mixed race women, followed by what I knew would be lively and thoughtful discussion. Unfortunately, an overloaded schedule got in the way of these good intentions and I was not able to plan this activity.

My hope is that maybe, just maybe, some modern day "Hilly" saw herself in the movie and will treat her "Help" better because of it. The heroines of the movie live on. Still today there are lots of "Abilenes, Millies, and Constantines" as well as “Hillys, Elizabeths” and others out there. Of course the “Help” now comes in different shades, from different lands and/or with different accents, but they are the Help nonetheless and despite race, ethnicity or origin, are likely similarly mistreated or disregarded. Maybe this movie will make a difference in how those who employ others see themselves and how they treat "the Help"... I'm Just Hopin'...  

For all those who have been "the Help", including my Mother, I feel your pain and respect your tenacity to survive. For all those who employ "the Help", remember "but for the grace of God there go You (I)..." and be mindful that for many, and not so many generations ago, there went you! I'm Just Sayin'... 

To all, I encourage that you see this movie. It was tastefully done...

Good "Help" Is Hard to Find...

Here are comments I posted on The Ladner Report, a blog by Dr. Joyce Ladner, in response to a very insightful and heartfelt post she made regarding the movie The Help. I am still reading the book and I do plan to see the movie.


I wrote:

Thanks for speaking your truth Dr. Ladner, it reminds us of Our truth... Our strength... Our resolve... And why we should be so proud. Black folks have truly been through some stuff AND STILL WE STAND! Amazing and Resilient! That's what we are... 

I have not yet seen the movie but I have read most of the book and watched the promos. Quite frankly, it is Viola Davis’ accepting the lead role that inspired me to read the book and see the movie. She has credence. Recognizing her pride and accepting that the story was going to be told, I am trusting that she would not compromise her/our integrity…

As I read the book and watch the promos, I am struck that Black women are given such praise and reverence for raising other people’s children. Seemingly to the exclusion of their birth mothers, children, mostly women, who are now adults and likely parents themselves, are searching and longing for the love and nurturing of their Black maids who they admit “raised” them. Fascinating! Because today, America’s foster care system suggests just the opposite. Nationally, Black children today are overwhelmingly and disproportionately over represented, misrepresented, in foster care. Black Mothers forgot how to mother? Really???  Or did they just become expedient and accessible pawns in a tragic and systematic disregard for and destruction of the Black family? I’m Just Wonderin’…

Foster care is charged with doing what is in the best of the child and ultimately should be concerned with the continuity, stabilization and when appropriate, reunification of the family. Too often, such is not the case. For example, in New York City where 66% of the population is White, fewer than 4% of the children in foster care are White. How can that be? Sadly, NYC is no exception. As our children go from foster care to prison care, no one seems to care that this is a national problem. So just when did Black Mothers lose this enviable skill and become such incompetent caregivers? I’m Just Askin’…

In law school I took a class on Child Abuse and Neglect. The professor was a former attorney handling child “welfare” cases for the state. In that role she legitimatized the removal of countless children from their homes and of course supported such state action in her teaching. I remember explaining to her that in order for me to accept the validity of her arguments and the statistics as reported regarding the overwhelming numbers of Black children in foster care would require that I also accept the validity of the innuendo that despite raising every body else’s children, Black women are now innately incapable of being good Mothers and raising their own children… REALLY??? I will not, cannot accept any such premise… 

Conversely I KNOW that we are truly amazing and resilient people and that we have been through some stuff! AND STILL WE STAND! So thank you again Dr. Ladner for sharing your Truth! 

On another note, ever wonder how the very rich, very famous Ms Paula Deen might have “learned” to cook soul food so well? I'm Just Askin'... 
Good "Help" is still hard to find and the beat goes on...


Check out Dr. Ladner's post at the link below.
http://theladnerreportblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/no-thanks-kathryn-stockett-i-dont-want.html

On This Day In Black History...

1868 ~ 14th Amendment validates citizenship for African Americans

1872 ~ Elijah McCoy was issued patent #129,843 for improvements in steam engines lubricators. He had over 50 inventions and it is he for whom the popular phrase "The Real McCoy", meaning "the real thing", is coined

1889 ~ W. A. Martin received Patent for the forerunner of modern door lock

1962 ~ Jackie Robinson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame

1967 ~ The largest race riot in the 20th century began in Detriot in the early morning of July 23. It lasted 5 days, spreading to other Michigan cities and was precipitated by a police decision to raid and arrest 83 patroms of an unlicensed, after-hours bar. The patrons were reportedly celebrating the safe return of a Vietnam veteran. Mayhem erupted. Republican presidential hopeful, Gov George Romney, sent in the Michigan National Guard and President Lyndon B. Johnson sent in the US Army to help end the disturbance. The end result however was 5 days of rioting; 43 dead (33 Black, 10 White), 467 injured, 231 incidents reported each hour, 7,231 arrested, 388 families rendered homeless, 483 fires set and more than 2,500 buildings destroyed at estimagted property values between $40 and $80 million. Although the riot ended within 48 hours of their deployment, it was widely believed that the deployment of mostly White National Guard troops into the majority Black inner city incited more violence. Most of the Army troops were Black and were met with less resistance. The chaos received international attention. National news media covered the riot on live television, extensive newspaper reporting, and feature stories in Time and Life magazines. The Detroit Free Press won a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage.

1968 ~ A race riot known as the "Glenville Shootout" began in Cleveland on the night of July 23, lasting 5 days and prompted by a shootout between a Black militant group led by Fred "Ahmed" Evans and the Cleveland police department. There were casualties on both sides; 7 dead (3 policemen, 3 suspects, 1 civilian) and 15 were wounded. Although property destruction and vandalism continued for 4 additional days, it is widely held that further deaths were prevented by Mayor Carl Stokes' insightful position that putting Blacks in charge of their own community would prevent further bloodshed. Immediately only Black police and Black community leaders were allowed in Glenville. Other police and the national guardsmen were stationed on the perimeter of the cordoned-off area until calm had mostly been restored. There was no more loss of life. Evans surrendered on the morning of day two of the disturbance. 63 businesses were damaged with total loss set at $2.6 million

Note: Mayor Stokes is noted for being the first African-American Mayor of a major United States city.

Today I Celebrate...

Yesterday after learning of the loss of a dear Friend’s Mother, despite the threat of a storm, the gloomy sky, having no plans for accommodations and only 20 minutes to spare, spontaneously I rushed from a long day at the office to the Port Kent dock in NY and hopped a ferry boat to Burlington, Vermont. What a pleasant and refreshing surprise! Chatted with some really nice folks on the hour long ferry ride across Lake Champlain and a beautiful rainbow, certainly in honor of Mrs. Bracey, welcomed us as we approached Burlington, a beautiful and very trendy little city with a foreign feel and just by the lake. Had to keep reminding myself that I was in the states...

Although the July night was a little cool and felt more like late September, I enjoyed the folks, the music and the sites on Church Street and late night sidewalk dining at Bangkok Bistro, a cute little Thai restaurant with friendly people and wonderful service. Because it was Thai food, I convinced myself that I would not wake up wearing my late night indulgence around my waist. I comforted my conscience by skipping Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, a local and homegrown favorite, for dessert. Now that’s willpower!!! (smile)

Today I celebrate my free spirit & highly recommend exploring the wonders beyond what is familiar to us. Step outside the box and see what you might find... Burlington, Vermont. Who Knew?

Special Love to Jo & Her Family & Happy Thursday to Everyone!

I'm Just Sayin'...

Earlier today while riding my bike I passed a woman loudly cursing and humiliating her teenage son in the presence of her other three children and the general public in the park. I shook my head but kept riding along, feeling disgusted but "minding my business". When I saw her later, her son was not with her, I asked if I could speak to her privately, not in front of the other two children who were still with her. I explained that she had been on my mind since hearing her speak so offensively to her son a 1/2 hour or so before.

Of course she used equally colorful language to tell me where to go and how to mind my business. She made it perfectly clear that she would speak to her son any way she saw fit. I responded that it is my business because when her son becomes a statistic because he has spent his entire life being so berated by her that he disrespects women or lacks self esteem and/or self confidence such that he is stifled or misdirected in his growth and the choices he makes, he become all of our business.

As I rode away explaining that she IS the problem, it occurred to me that hers is behavior that we reward. I fully expect that she will have a reality TV show any day now! I'm Just Sayin'... We are so screwed folks! I wanted to apologize to her son for her... What can I say? We have got to do better...

At the risk of getting cursed out, be a part of the solution. Take care of yours and be mindful of how you treat/talk to them. And occasionally, just occasionally, size up the situation and step out of your comfort zone to try and have an impact on others. You just might make a difference. If not now, perhaps down the road. We cannot keep looking the other way. I'm Just Sayin'...

Getting cursed out never hurt anyone... Being on a fast moving bike doesn't hurt either (smile)

Enjoy Your Evening Folks!!!

On This Day In Black History

• 1822 ~ Denmark Vesey, leader and planner of what would have been the largest Slave revolt in US history, was arrested in Charleston, SC. After purchasing his own freedom with winnings from a $1500 lottery ticket (OK, so why do I play? - smile), he stuck around to fight for the freedom of others! Imagine that. What a Concept! His name should be a household name. Google it if you don't know... Before the uprising could begin, word of the plans was leaked by, who else?, two misguided handkerchief head and obviously mentally enslaved "Black" persons. Vesey and 131 others were charged with conspiracy; 67 were convicted & 35 were hanged. Vesey went to his death with dignity and pride! A true Black American Hero!!!


• 1869 ~ Tougaloo College, one of over 100 Historically Black Colleges & Universities, was founded in Jackson, MS.


• 1889 ~ William H. Richardson receives a patent for a baby carriage whose body can be raised from its frame.


• 1909 ~ Nannie Helen Burroughs founded national training school for women in Washington, DC. At her school, in addition to teaching domestic science, secretarial skills, shoe repair, barbering, & gardening she also emphasized the importance of being proud Black women and required that all students study African-American History and Culture through a required course in the Department of Negro History! Something about those "Helens" encouraging love of self and understanding where one comes from to make you strong & confident going forward. I'm Just Sayin'... A street in DC's Deanwood section is named after her.


• 1968 ~ The US Supreme Court bans racial discrimination in the sale and rental of housing. 1968 - Not so long ago folks! I'm Just Sayin'...

On This Day In Black History; June 12th

• 1774 ~ Rhode Island becomes the 1st state to prohibit the importation of slaves. No matter, for 3 generations US Senator james dewolf's family (and others) continued to trade and prosper on the backs of Slaves. The dewolfs cut a deal with Sally Hemings' lover and father to 6 of her children, slaveholder & president thomas jefferson, allowing that despite this and other anti-slave trade laws, over the years his family kidnapped and sold over 10,000 Africans into slavery and were reportedly the nations largest abuser of human trafficking laws (Slave traders) from 1769 - 1820. At the time of his death, the senator was the 2nd richest person in the country. Imagine That! To their credit, it was members of the DeWolf family that exposed this hipocrisy...



• 1886 ~ The Georgia State Supreme Court sustained the last testament and will of wealthy bachelor David Dickson, a former slaveholder who bequeathed more than 1/2 million dollars to his daughter Amanda Eubanks, making her the wealthiest Negro in America. Go David!!! White relatives of Dickson contested the will on the grounds that it was illegal for a White man to leave property to his Black illegitimate children. They Lost... And sometimes, just sometimes, there is "Justice For ALL" I'm Just Sayin'... (smile)



• 1893 ~ Thomas W. Stewart patents the mop



• 1963 ~ Medgar W. Evers, Civil Rights Activist & NAACP Field Secretary, was shot in the back and assassinated in front of his Jackson, Mississippi home. At his 3rd trial in 1994, a jury of 8 Blacks & 4 Whites, viewed the same evidence from the two previous trials and convicted the cowardly byron de la beckwith for 1st degree murder. On 01/21/2001 de la beckwith died much too soon of heart disease at the tender age of 80. satan undoubtedly welcomed return of his "soul" which was over nighted directly from prison. I'm Just Guessin'... May de la beckwith continue to suffer. His conviction was slow Justice, but ultimately "Justice For All", thanks to the tenacity and persistence of his wife, Myrlie Evers.



• 1967 ~ The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down a VA miscegenation law establishing that no state can prohibit interracial marriage or cohabitation. (Loving v. Virgina - Google it)



• 1967 ~ President Lyndon Johnson appoints U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Thurgood Marshall to fill vacancy of retiring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clark. Followng a heated senate debate on August 30, Marshall’s nomination was confirmed by a vote of 69 to 11. Two days later, he was sworn in making him the 1st (and some would say the ONLY) African American in history to sit on America’s highest court



• 1989 ~ US Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing workers to file lawsuits where they felt they had been adversely affected by Affirmative Action policies intended to level the playing field and right the discriminatory ills of the past. The concept of "reverse discrimination" is born. Justice Marshall dissented. (Martin v. Wilks)



• 1991 ~ Michael Jordan leads Chicago Bulls in win over L.A. Lakers to capture his first NBA Championship. Fast Forward 20 years, LeBron will do the same! Go HEAT!!! Sorry, I just could not resist... (smile)