Once again I have learned to view my perspective from a diverse, cultural lens. I think it is a true testament to Martin Luther King's life and work to have Dr. King’s message of brotherhood created from economic and social justice, memorialized and celebrated through the creation of the Martin Luther KingMonument in Washington, D. C. But then I stumbled over an article by L. Arthalia Cravin. Although she voiced her excitement regarding the MLK project, her observation of the television commercial advertising the monument's dedication was profound in my humble opinion.
Ms. Cravin eloquently described her initial thoughts and warned "we should be very careful that Dr. King’s true message of brotherhood is not glossed over in favor of pomp and circumstance". The reason for this warning, was upon Ms. Cravin's initial viewing of the commercial advertising the gala celebration, she noticed empty plates adorning the long table as the words of Dr. King were spoken of his dream of the “former sons of slaves and the former sons of slave owners” sitting together at the "table of brotherhood”.
and empty plates...
Ms. Cravin speaks about the growing economic disparities and social conditions for Black America. How can different people from different walks of life sit at the same table if the portions of food are so vastly different, how does this signify true brotherhood?
You can read Ms. Cravin's message in it's entirety at http://blackamarillo.us/wp2/?p=6348
From the English Poor Laws and workhouses to the United States, Charles Brace the founder of the Children’s Aid Society had well meaning intentions when he thought of a new idea to save poor children. From the mid 1800’s to approximately the 1930’s, as many as 200,000 destitute, white immigrant children were taken from the streets of New York or from overcrowed orphanages and brought to Midwestern towns by train in order to find farm families for the now orphaned children. Although some children found good homes, others were placed into indentured servant status. Many were victims of severe abuse and/or neglect. Finally all of the children’s ties to their biological families were torn and severed, records were not maintained and their heritage was lost in time. The Orphan Train phenomenon evolved into the development of the formal adoption, foster care laws and child welfare practices in the United States.
Throughout history it appears that a family’s socioeconomic status has been one of many variables that has impacted and is factored into the decision making process regarding risk for abuse and/or neglect of minor children. What happened to the African American children during the Orphan Train tragedy timeline? Of course they were denied any services at all. However, unbeknownst to this newly freed community of people, being excluded from child welfare services may have been a blessing considering what was about to happen to their community and family structure in the years to come. Up until the 1930's or so, the African American community cared for their own children whether they were blood related or not. During the Roosevelt era the Federal government began funding the states to enlarge the child welfare system.
Now that Federal dollars were being used, the US Constitution needed to be adhered to and states could not discriminate based on…..you got it, Race.
So now the states had to be inclusive of the African American Community and their children when delivering foster care services. In addition, AFDC benefits which were originally legislated for white mothers whose husbands were serving in the military during war time, was built on the foundation of male exclusion in the home in order to be eligible, collect and maintain these government benefits. AFDC benefits/requirements coupled with the child welfare system's service inclusion of the African American community, resulted in the current disproportionate numbers of children of color, most notably African American and Native American children, lingering in the foster care system.
Similar to Charles Brace, contemporary child welfare assessment decisions are made based on the caseworkers and social workers sincere and good intentions however, they are based on laws and policies of an institutional structure where racism is embedded in the cemented foundation of this child welfare system.
My 18 year old son somehow convinced me to watch the move “Predators” the other night. Although I found this science fiction movie to be action packed with some decent special effects, for my taste, there was way too much testosterone gone bad! In any event, as Joseph and I continued to watch the story unfold, my son said to me “I bet you anything Mom that the African American dude gets killed first” “No Way” I replied. I was astounded by this assumption because I think that Mahershalalhashbaz Ali as Mombasa, is not only awesome for the part, but he is damn good lookin’ to boot! Well I was right, it was an American Mexican who was killed first, Dan Trejo... so there!
Whoops, not more than a few minutes latter BAM, Mahershalalhashbaz Ali was skewed like a shish-kabob!
So here I thought I found out this hidden little industry secret. As soon as I went to work I tracked down an African American friend/mentor, (I’ll call her MW) whom I admire and anxiously told her of my new found revelation! New…Hmmm, I don’t think so as she chuckled as she repeated to me that the Black actors who are not box office wonders, usually get killed first or soon there after. Well thanks MW, there goes my new found theory! But in all seriousness, I am glad that I learned just one more fact that validates how racism is so embedded in our societal culture, that it has become second nature when refuting the possibility that this still occurs, and is a constant reminder of how much more work we need to actually do!!
If you are a Black actor but you are not a big headliner like Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Laurence Fishburne, Morgan Freeman, and Samuel L. Jackson to name a few, there are three elementary questions one should asked themselves before watching a movie, during and up until the movie credits.
1.Does the Black actor die first?
2.If not, how soon does he/she die?
3.Can a Black person ever make it to the credits?
Oh yeah, I would like butter on my popcorn too please!
Why must I always access Australia's news media to find out what is going on here in my own country, The United States of America? I stumbled on to the fact that in January 2011 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year beginning January 1st, 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent. Where was I when the memo came out!
In short this year was dedicated to the People of African Descent in promoting and protecting their Human Rights as well as their ability to participate in the full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights. What I found to be absolutely ludicrous is the fact that Australia was not directly involved as America was, in the forceful removal of people from Africa in the Trans - Atlantic slave trade. However because Australia has welcomed the people of African descent to make Australia their home, the Australian government has taken their responsibility to their countrymen seriously, they have joined the United Nations in protecting the rights and in the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage of the People of African descent!
Has the United States joined the United Nations in this effort....I am afraid NOT! House Bill H.RES.41 was introduced on Jan. 19, 2011 coincidentally Martin Luther King’s Birthday and the last time there was any activity on the bill was in March 1, 2011 when the bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights. We as a country are suppose to be a leader around the world?
We cannot even "Do the Right Thing" here, at home, for our own people. What a sad commentary that is for the supposed UNITED States of America.
