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)

On This Day In Black History...

• 1889 ~ John Purdy & Daniel Sadgwar received a patent for the Folding Chair



• 1920 ~ Hazel Scott, Jazz Singer, Pianist, former wife of Adam Clayton Powell Jr and the 1st Black woman to host her own TV show, was born. The Hazel Scott Show premiered on the DuMont Television Network on July 3, 1950 and was canceled on September 29, 1950. Ms Scott was tried but not charged by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Throughout her career she remained true to herself publicly opposing mccarthyism and racial segregation. Dare I say that she just might have cracked the door, even if just a tiny bit, for Oprah? I'm Just Sayin', Thank You Ms Scott!!!



• 1930~ Congressman Charlie Rangel was born. In 1970 he secured his seat in NY's 18th Congressional district when he successfully challenged long-time incumbent Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., in the NY Democratic primary. Mr. Rangel maintains the seat today



• 1963 ~ Two Black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, escorted by Federal troops, enrolled at University of Alabama despite the opposition of governor george c. wallace who, with the aid of his dutiful state troopers, physcially blocked the entrance to the university until later in the day when the students returned accompanied by Federal National Guard troops. The cowardly bully and his troops stepped aside. The students took a gigantic step towards tearing down the walls of blatant discrimination and educational segregation... I Celebrate and Thank Them For Their Heroism!!!



• 1963 ~ President John F. Kennedy declares during a nationwide radio and television address that segregation was “morally wrong” and urged the nation and Congress that it was "time to act" [pass legislation] in the Congress, in your state and local legislature body, and in all of our daily lives, "to end all segregation of the races". Celebrate Character. Celebrate Courage! Thank You Mr. President!!!



• 1964 ~ Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly attempting to sabotage, I say rightfully dismantle, an uquestionably hate inspired apartheid system of legal and sanctioned racism, AKA South African government. Like Geronimo Pratt, he served 27 years of unjust incarceration. Unlike Mr. Pratt, his country took measures to reverse the wrong and four years following his release democratically elected him President, 1994 to 1999. He is a helluva' man! Thank You God!!! What would I give to meet him??? To emulate even a semblance of his strength and compassion??? I'm Just Sayin'...

On This Day In Black History...

• 
  1898 ~ Hattie McDaniel, 1st Black person to win Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Gone With The Wind (1940) was born


• 1899 The Black Elks, the historic African-American fraternal organization, was formed


• 1794 ~ Richard Allen founded the AME Church in Philadelphia


• 1904 ~ Granville T. Woods received a patent for the automatic air brake


• 1910 ~ Howlin' Wolf (Chester Arthur Burnett), rhythm & blues singer, is born. Director Darnell Martin recently reminded us of his talent in his 2008 movie starring Beyonce, "Cadillac Records"


• 1940 ~ Marcus Garvey, Black Nationalist, Pan Africanist, and Founder of United Negro Improvement Association and the "Back To Africa" Movement, dies in London, England


• 1940 ~ The Cotton Club, famous night club in Harlem, NY that operated during prohibition and featured jazz music and many legendary Black entertainers (i.e. Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday), officially closed its doors. Note that Jack Johnson (see below) was the original owner of the night club that would later become the Cotton Club. He sold it to Owney Madden who renamed the club.


• 1946 ~ Jack Johnson, 1st Black heavyweight champion, dies. Currently Senator John McCain and others are leading an effort to secure a Presidential pardon posthumously for Mr. Johnson. He was persecuted and sent to Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary for one year and one day because of his flagrant arrogance in and out of the ring (aka confidence, a very dangerous trait for a Black man in the early 1900s) and his very public flaunting of his affection for caucasian women, another dangerous stance during the 1920s. He married three. He was convicted for violating the Mann Act, which did not even exist at the time of his alleged crime. Some say he should be exonerated as he committed no crime for which to be pardoned. He died following a car crash in NC after angrily speeding off from a diner that refused to serve him. He was taken to the nearest hospital that would treat Blacks.


• 1964 ~ US Senate imposed cloture for the 1st time on a civil rights bill ending a southern filibuster by a vote of 71-29. On July 2 President Johnson signed the bill into law containing sections on public accommodation and fair employment


• 1997 ~ Geronimo Platt, former Black Panther and one of the MANY victims of the madness of j. edgar hoover and his COINTELPRO program, was released from prison when his murder conviction was overturned. Does anyone else resent that there is a federal building bearing the name of this horrible man? I sure do! Mr. Pratt, who lost 27 years of life for an unjust incarceration, died last Thursday, June 3, 2011, at the tender age of 63


• 2001 ~ Natasha "Sasha" Obama, the youngest of our beautiful First Daughters, was born