Congressman John Lewis, My "Good Trouble" Role Model

Those who knew me in 2008, know that I was on the Obama train pretty early in the game when many were not. They were loyal to the Clintons. John Lewis was one of those persons. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) was actually split down the middle. It was an interesting time. I recall John Lewis making a tearful announcement of his endorsement of Barack Obama's candidacy. He was torn. The Clintons were his friends and they had been in the trenches together for many years. Understood. But he had to do the right thing. He was in Congress to represent his constituents and they were overwhelmingly backing Barack. Eventually Congressman Lewis came around. I was quite pleased and wrote to tell him so. Going through old emails, I found this one penned to him upon his announcement. This morning, I am sharing my walk down memory lane with you...

February 28, 2008

Congressman Lewis,

I cannot express fully enough just how proud I am of your decision to announce your support of Senator Obama. This is truly history in the making. After eight years of divisiveness, mean spiritedness and total indifference emanating from the White House and most of "conservative" America, this is an awakening, a catalyst for change and perhaps a time for healing in our country. Undoubtedly, it is the shot of positive reinforcement and vibrant energy that Black America needs. It is so beautiful to see us standing together supporting something/someone that is OH SO POSITIVE and believing in US! It is unacceptable that too many of our elected officials do not stand with us..., so yes I am PROUD that you made what seemed a very difficult decision.


It is my prayer that this rejuvenated and collective sense of pride and belief in ourselves and our capabilities will transcend this election and spill over into other aspects of our community. We are in desperate need of a healing, Black on Black murder rates are through the roof, too much teenage pregnancy - still, boys walking around with pants and their respect falling off their butts, video vixens are seemingly role models for far too many of our girls, desecration of the English language is applauded and spilling over into mainstream, a commitment for education has been replaced with a commitment to being cool, talking fast and making lots of money, vague regard for our history or for those such as yourself who have sacrificed so that we can be... I could go on and on.... So in light of all of that, yes I applaud and fully support the advancement of a young positive, electrifying, Black male role model. It is a testament to who we really are and far cry better than what the media prefers to portray. It is quite refreshing.


We NEED the CBC to support that image and to shield Barack as he is in for some trying times. He has looked to you all as his role models and his inspiration, especially you. The sharks are circling and are about to attack. As our history has taught us, there is a very big force in this country that does not want most folks, particularly those of color and/or poor, to think, to hope, or to believe that they can do better. They will be relentless in their efforts to tear Barack, his dream and his image as a positive Black male down. They will do anything to diffuse this renewed sense of hope, pride, unity and dignity amongst the masses. Again, he needs, WE need you to stand up and "get in the way"... Run defense (or is it offense? I know NOTHING about football - smile) for him, if you will... So welcome aboard. I pray other members of the CBC follow your lead and get on board very soon... Sadly, I think it to their detriment if they do not...


The Senator's campaign is powerful and positive inspiration for so many. His message to ALL folks, not just Black folks, is "YES YOU CAN" if you just Believe in YOU!!!" But more importantly, his dream is what I believe you and so many others fought, died, got beaten, abused, humiliated, disrespected but ultimately stood for. So that someone like Obama could dare have the audacity to not only hope for himself and his children, but the audacity to hope for a better nation, and the hope to inspire so many others from ALL sectors of our society. This has GOT to be the Dream that Dr. King spoke of and the pathway to the Beloved Community you envision...


Again, PROUD that you have announced what was no doubt a very difficult decision. I appreciate your affection for the Clintons. Most of us share your sentiment and I truly hope that at the end of this they remain a favored family in the Black community. I truly do... That being said...


Welcome aboard My Friend! Still one your most avid supporters and still following your lead of "getting in the way!"


Respectfully,
Helen L. Higginbotham, Esq/MBA


PS. Would love to do lunch again... My treat!

The Beat That Must Not Go On...

Three days ago I wrote a Facebook post entitled "My Take" (see below) on trump's inevitable removal from the white house post November's election. He is a POS, he will lose by a landslide and he will not step down. Count on it. He is corrupt and ruthless. He has lied about many things but has shown us his truth in this regard. For whatever reason, America, on both sides of the aisle at this point, but especially the repugs', have fallen in line with this vicious maniacal subhuman 100% devoid of conscious or capacity to feel, much less think. The closer we get to his demise marking the end of his terror and the more his popularity and influnence wane, the more dangerous and vile he becomes. This tax evading treasonistic egotistical draft dodger is itching to be a wartime "president". There are no wars launched by him so he will create one even if between We the People right here in these United States of America. He, nor the petty men who hold him up, is not concerned about death and destruction of the country "they love", only protecting their white male imagery and seemingly the lunacy of a bonafide and rabid madman.

We have learned many things during this four year reign of terror. One thing for sure has been confirmed, generally speaking of course, still, white men could give a damn about their legacy, their children, how they will be regarded in history nor the earth they will leave to be inherited by their offspring. As we've heard and seen this story before, we know how it ends if allowed to play out. Generally speaking, white men could give two shits about their children nor the planet, all that seems of relevance for these white men is an insane accumulation of wealth and of course power, be there no people or earth upon whom to expend that wealth or power. And "good" men sit idly by as our nation is consumed and further corrupted beyond repair.

The affects of the pandemic are not the only "new normal" we seem to have accepted. I have ceased questioning what will be the straw in trump's antics that breaks the camel's back. He IS that child who keeps pushing the envelope to see just far his parents will allow him to go. America has taken this 'time out' shit to a new crazy! This is a child who well deserves being abused. There have been so many incredibly unbelievable moments that would have ended many a worthy and real politician's career yet this man, who knows no boundaries nor cares anything about politics or protocol, is left to run the country like a mafioso dictator and has gone unchecked and damn near unchallenged (in any real way); roger stone, Russian attacks on American soldiers, children in cages, disrespect of American intelligence and veterans, a private militia invading America cities and America has essentially said nothing. It boggles the mind! Americans are not horrified? Have we not seen this before?

trump does not act alone. At this point, he acts with America's complicity and grace. America the great will go down as America the great victim. Historically, she has been the victimizer. She has now conceded to being the victimized. The breaking of America. It's incredible to watch. trump will not leave peacefully in November. He has lied about many things but for once he speaks the truth. He and ALL republicans, who share the blood on trump's hands, MUST go! Our military will either defend a crazy man hell bent on taking over our nation or they will honor their oath to defend the constitution and the nation they offered and risked their lives to serve.

Here we are once again in history facing a turning point. Which road will we travel? I am hopeful that trump will break his last straw long before November and that American people, the Democrats, Independents, Green and all other political parties and/or ideologies and our military will stand in unity and finally say ENOUGH and finally fight back against this coup in plain sight of America! How ironic would it be that despite his divisive and racist mission, it will be trump's hate that unifies this broken and divided nation? Now THAT would be poetic and would truly make this new, post pandemic, America deservedly great! Even those who don't like or respect America will watch in awe, relief and astonishment at our commitment, courage and American spirit to save our democracy instead of in pity, shock, sheer horror and utter disbelief at our current lack of will in the face of tyranny.

Stop the Music... 

My Take:

He loses in November, even though by a landslide, ignoring that #everybodyhatestrump, he claims victory by way of voter fraud, paid electoral college members or some other desperate means, he refuses to leave and tries to maintain he and putin's occupation. 70% of America, that hate and are exhausted by him, and the Dems, FINALLY will rise up against this band of loudmouth, corrupt and/or complicit bullies and their coup of our nation. We will say hell no!, your ass MUST go! To which he riles his base of deplorable bikers, kkk defeated flag waving confederates, to circle the White House with their personal arsenals to defy his eviction and the will of the American majority, to block his removal to which the Dems call in the military to throw out the garbage. The bike riding, hood wearing deplorable kkk terrorists are ordered to leave because cops don't shoot white men even when being menacing, threatening and bearing arms. Ultimately they will leave. While I love the vision of trump being paraded before the nation in cuffs and much to the delight of the rest of the civilized world, trump however will have slipped out to Russia with putin, still talking shit from afar but never to return. His band of angry racists will burn down the white house before they leave but the reign of trump/pence/republican terror will be over. We will rejoice along with our international friends who have also endured our hell and watched the dismantling of America in sheer shock and horror. There will be epic celebrations worldwide! Americans will regroup, fix all of the shit he fucked up, starting with saving American lives by addressing COVID-19, rebuild an even better white house and keep it moving. The republican party is done! The Democrats finally grow a pair and deviate from that glorified "high road" traveled only by them. All will be better in the world. Not perfect but damn better!

The End

~ Miss Higgi

Facebook post July 20, 2020

On Forgiveness & Teaching Others...

Chris Cooper's reported refusal to cooperate in the prosecution of Amy Cooper, the woman who made false accusations against him while birdwatching in Central Park, NY that could have resulted in death or unwarranted persecution of him is either a demonstration of how thoroughly white folks have conditioned Black folks to be good, forgiving, God and/or white folk fearing and Christian-like or a demonstration of how ridiculous is their fear or paranoia of us, Black folks, seeking revenge...

He probably regrets sharing the video with his sister who made it go viral and who does not share his feelings of empathy for what happens to Amy for behavior that could have resulted in the death or unjustified incarceration of her brother, a Black man in America. I'm with the sister. Hold her accountable!

Brotha' had the presence of mind to record the injustice being exacted upon him. Sadly however, not the presence of mind or courage to forge a new narrative about him as a Black man or to set a new precedent on folks being held accountable for their malicious deeds or trespasses against us for simply living while Black in America. This is bigger than him. He needs to cooperate.

We cannot demand equality and justice, "No Justice, No Peace", from the legal system and then when it is afforded us get sheepish, protective, forgiving, deny or refuse it, therefore giving justification to the horrendous treatment of us no matter our perception of the DA's motive to finally see fit to render us equal justice and protections under the law. Ain't we people too? We teach folks how to treat us. I am not in favor of the lesson Mr. Cooper has chosen to teach here...

Not to cooperate is to reaffirm or send a message that it is OK to violate, harm or risk our life and/or liberty, that somehow, no matter the treatment of us, it is justified but more disturbing that have accepted or internalized the double standard by which we are judged. Inequity and unfair treatment of us is not OK, especially not with us.

We cannot have it both ways. If justice brings peace in the morning, then let us receive it not rebuke it! STOP with the one-sided forgiveness shit! Let the church say Amen...

~Miss Higgi Says...

We’re Damned If We Do, Dead If We Don’t...

Someone who read the byline on my recently published article, A Black American's Appeal for Independence, asked about my move to Camden, NJ. I said that it was on purpose because gentry-fication is real. It is where I was born, had my first real job and where I went to law school. I would not have moved to Camden right now however had I known I would be in quarantine. I probably would have left the US preferring to ride out this pandemic somewhere more serene. Lots of us would have done things differently if only we had known... Of course we would have. This is like living in a sci fi movie with a satirical comedic twist that ain't so funny. Hell! I don't even like sci-fi and now I'm living it? Who would have ever thought it?

I have learned never to gamble with your feng shui. Stick with what you know is comfortable and brings you joy, especially in your home, especially at my age. I like high rise apartment buildings with balconies, preferably overlooking or near water and hot, hot weather. Had I known that my home would become my "prison", that is where I'd be, in surroundings that bring me joy during this time of trouble.

These are especially difficult times in the US because at a time of crisis, "America the Great!" has no leadership. The virus is spreading like hell, killing with a vengeance, and this guy is rolling the dice that more Black folks will die than whites. Whites who die will be considered to have done so for the utilitarian good, continued dominance and survival of their brethren. Like Black folks, they have been deemed expendable. These same people, the republicans, were just as cavalier and unconcerned about HIV as long as they could sell to their "good Christian" followers that it was contained to "sinners" in the gay and IV drug using communities. Never is their hate in short supply. But then there was the contaminated blood supply and cute little, fair skinned Ryan White. Still, they haven't learned. What's that they say about having a hard head?

This is surely a crazy time to be American in America. Have you noticed during this political campaign season, there has been no mention of the wall to fire up the already angry base? The wall, ANOTHER of trump's failures... Hell, I don't think we hear much lately about how great is America or making America great again - Enter Kanye West! Oh Lord! As though we have not been tortured enough in these last four years... Back to the wall, no one is trying to come into US. If anything, we are trying to get out but who will take us? No one! And rightfully so!

The days of privilege and welcome mats for bearers of that little blue passport are over, at least in the foreseeable future, maybe forever. Post trump damage assessment will be astounding even to his supporters... Other countries, to include those deemed "shit-hole" countries by the occupier, with responsible governments, are deciding that the risk of COVID is not worth tolerance of the ugly American for a few tourist dollars. Mexico probably now says build the wall, build it high and stay on your side! LOL! These are just sorrowful days in the US. Be glad if you are outside the borders. I cannot believe that globetrotting me is here. Oh well. This too shall pass, just no time soon.

And then there is November. Ain't gonna' be pretty. trump, the last of the "great white hopes", will continue to assemble and spread COVID to poor and/or angry, scared, hate filled and racist whites at his kkk rallies, he will inundate us with nasty sound bites and media ads but he will not engage in debates or other political campaign rituals citing overwhelming hate for him by We The People, fake news and unfair advantages in the media for Joe Biden and the liberal Democrats, the party of which he was a member until calling himself republican better served his ego, his bottom-line or his purpose and incredibly, as he predicted or extorted, the "good patriots" all fell in line and caved. Amazing!

trump is a coward who is a bigger bully! In keeping with his current record of losing or ruining all that he touches, as in 2016 he will not win the presidential election. As bad as it seems and as loud as they are, there are not quite enough ignorant and racist folks in the US to win a nationwide election. He is counting on putin, a morally bankrupt, corrupt and complicit senate or paying off the electoral college for his "win". When all else fails, he will rely on stacked courts, federal to US Supreme Court to advance his coup. No matter the outcome, his ignorant ass will not concede.

He will instead incite his 5th Avenue cult followers to wreak havoc, maim, hang, shoot or otherwise kill others, burn shit down including the white house if necessary, whatever act(s) of intimidation it takes and is in accordance with their terrorist, racist history. They will risk their freedom and the mass destruction of another civil war in defense of him, a demented and evil imposter loyal only to himself. Meanwhile he and his deplorable family, who also could give a damn about any of their defenders, will be safely tucked away in a bunker somewhere paid for by their tax dollars as they risk death and tear up the country.

It's going to be quite the shit show, a test of testosterone for the Democrats, something they're not known to possess. Wusses! Will they roll over once again, being predictable and easily manipulated as they play by the rules known to all, followed only by them, as they travel along that over rated "high road" traversed only by them or will they take whatever drastic measures are required to save the nation and remove the loathsome, cowardly, unlawful, corrupt, treasonous bastard who by the way, will still be a PITA (pain in the ass) tormenting us from the sidelines whether occupying the white house or not. He will never go away and dumb dumb don jr and evil ivanka are waiting in the wings to take his place when he is no longer able, God wiling soon, to continue his torture of us. This is a movie I would prefer to have watched from afar, if at all...

Good Monday Morning Folks! Yes, these are the thoughts of uncertainty that I awake to as an American in America. Those outside America watch in horror and disbelief while others outside the US pass the popcorn and cheer in delight as they witness our inevitable fall, which came easier than even they imagined I am sure.

Being American, is especially exhausting right now. Ain't much good about it but still we fight! Of course we do! Vote People Vote! Don your BLUE and get to the polls no matter the obstacle, no matter the candidate or his running mate! Understand that if your vote didn't matter there would not be such intense efforts from one party to garner it and the other party to suppress it!!! Black lives matter as do our votes! Believe it!!! Vote to save the nation built by our ancestors and for the next generation to come who are out there in those damn streets lifting their voice and fighting for us. We owe our youth and our Ancestors, a future and the respect of our vote respectively...

Meet me at the polls!!!

~ Miss Higgi

Note: Title tribute to my dear friend Donna Washington

Frederick Douglass Speaks 1852 - 2020; What to Black America is the 4th of July?

I imagine that even before, and certainly since, the bold and infamous speech delivered by Frederick Douglass on July 5, 1852, What to the American Slave is your 4th of July?, this has been a day of mixed meaning to Americans based on race. I dare say that for most Black Americans, it has meant a day of family, eating, sun and fun, a day off from work and maybe even some fireworks. I don't remember ever there being mention of Americanism or patriotism in our celebrations. We dare not fly the flag nor wear any combination of red, white and blue on that day or any other, the colors of the American flag, representative of a meaning of Americanism mostly unfamiliar to us. I vividly remember no longer saluting the flag early in my elementary school years; 2nd or 3rd grade. Once Black students in my mostly white school learned that all we had to do was stand, that was all she wrote. No longer did we cross our heart or utter words of allegiance about liberty, freedom and justice that did not apply to us, words that were not and still are not reflective of our reality of being Black in America. To say that Black Americans have a complicated relationship with this country that we built, is a HUGE understatement...

Fast forward to 2003, I am about to start law school. I am enrolled in some pre-entry program abeeing oddered at a big law firm in DC. It is a small group of first year law students. Most of the participants are non-white. Lawyers are volunteering their time to show us the ropes and help us to get acclimated and prepared for our new journey. I met some good people there who I still call friends today. I will never forget on the eve of the 4th of July, in comes a partner wanting to address us about the holiday. He proudly gives each of us two pocket sized books; the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, which he declared the greatest document ever written. SMH... Not even 3/5 or me shares that sentiment. He continues still with much pride that each year on the 4th, he and his family gather to read the Declaration. Eyes wide, brows frowned, I am looking at my peers to assess their unspoken response because certainly I'm not identifying and never have I described either of these two documents as the best ever written. I remember thinking just how different and far apart were our worlds when it came to some very basic ideals and beliefs but white folks, thinking it is they who set the norm, have no sense or care that Black folks don't share their values or views about what is or is not important or relevant to us. Our voice of disagreement is silenced or made invisible as they continue to inflict their values and beliefs upon us rarely giving ours even the least of consideration.

Fast forward again to July 4th, 2020. America is experiencing a reckoning of sorts; certainly giving the appearance of commitment of efforts to come to terms with race in America and the complicated relationship Blacks have with them, their flag, their holiday, their values. America is taking steps to address police brutality and what it truly means to be policed while Black in America, making steps to acknowledge the pain of Black Americans and kinda' awkwardly apologizing with all sorts of interesting gestures, recognizing Juneteenth, a very special holiday, Lift Ev'ry Voice & Sing, the Black National Anthem, immediately firing those exposed for trespassing against us EVEN cops, removing offensive statutes and the like. At the same time however, giving balance to our complicated relationship, police unions are revving up their defense of the indefensible, Black people are still being attacked and not so mysteriously again becoming "strange fruit" hanging from trees in not so strange places to include NJ!, yet we are to believe that these persons have committed suicide by hanging themselves (Newsflash: Black folks didn't lynch ourselves during jim crow when white folks picnicked and froliked beneath our hanging bodies nor do we lynch ourselves now nor kill ourselves while handcuffed in the backseat of police cars) and let us not forget that there is a raving, illiterate racist lunatic inciting further division and signaling hopes for a civil war while occupying the white house that enslaved Black folks were forced to build free of charge. By virtue of our history here in this country, Black Americans have EARNED the right to call ourselves American but many understandably still struggle with this notion. So still, it remains a complicated relationship between Black Americans, our nation's flag, our decision to love or not to love this country that we built and all too often, with our fellow citizens who enslaved and continue to traumatize us and who are white...

No, I will not be celebrating today, mostly because of the pandemic that is disproportionately killing Black folks and taking out whites who are obviously deemed collateral damage or expendable utilitarian goods as our current and blatantly racist US government does nothing to address or control spread of the virus nationally. Not looking to make his task of Black genocide any easier, I will stay home. Otherwise I would enjoy the day by a pool or a beach preferably outside the country or just dropping in locally to visit and catch up with friends. But please, by all means, do you! Celebrate or not. Just be safe and be wise in the choices that make for yourself regarding what you decide to do or not do. Also remember to please allow and respect the choice of others and how they choose to spend their day. It is America. So far, we still have free speech and freedoms of thought and expression. I know for certain however that I will not be reading the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence nor taking in the fireworks. I will be chillin' and celebrating me as I see fit!!!

Proud to be independent to do as I please on this controversial day of celebration that I am choosing to call Frederick Douglass Day! Please listen to his speech as recited by his grandchildren, fully in his spirit and sadly, still applicable to the Black man's cause for celebration of July 4th, ONE HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT years later. Still we ponder the same question, What to the Slave is the 4th of July?

Enjoy Your Day!!!

https://www.npr.org/2020/07/03/884832594/video-frederick-douglass-descendants-read-his-fourth-of-july-speech

❤️🖤💚