2-27-09 blog

1. Before the Harlem Renaissance, blacks were viewed with little to no respect. African-Americans were looked down upon due to their contributions, or lack thereof to society. Before the Harlem Renaissance, African Americans had nothing to claim their as their own. Thus the Birth of the Harlem Renaissance was created. During the 1920’s, African Americans were able to express themselves through various types of arts, both visual and musical. “The Harlem Renaissance In the Harlem Renaissance, people found a variety of ways for self-expression and self-determination. Art was one of these”. (google.com) The Harlem renaissance was also considered a time of “firsts” or new beginnings. “The first major public recognition of African American culture occurred during the Harlem Renaissance. In the 1920s and 1930s, African American music, literature, and art gained wide notice. Authors such as Zora Neale Hurston and Nella Larsen and poets such as Langston Hughes, Claude McKay, and Countee Cullen wrote works describing the African American experience. Jazz, swing, blues and other musical forms entered American popular music. African American artists such as William H. Johnson and Palmer Hayden created unique works of art featuring African Americans”. (google.com) In conclusion, The Harlem renaissance was a time of reconstructing the Black image to overcome racial barriers that secretly exist. “Central to the movement was efforts to explore all aspects of the African American experience and to re-conceptualize "the Negro" independent of white stereotypes”. (google.com)

2.
The civil rights movement has been defined as “political, legal, and social struggle by black Americans to gain full citizenship rights and to achieve racial equality”. (ask.com). though this may be true, I believe it is appropriate to provide a formal definition.”The civil rights movement was first and foremost a challenge to segregation, the system of laws and customs separating blacks and whites that whites used to control blacks after slavery was abolished in the 1860s. During the civil rights movement, individuals and civil rights organizations challenged segregation and discrimination with a variety of activities, including protest marches, boycotts, and refusal to abide by segregation laws. Many believe that the movement began with the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955 and ended with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, though there is debate about when it began and whether it has ended yet. The civil rights movement has also been called the Black Freedom Movement, the Negro Revolution, and the Second Reconstruction.” (Encarta.com)


3. The death of Emmett Till was a tragedy that forcefully opened the eyes of the American public. Racism was indeed at its peak during the time of this incident; this event just expressed the immediate need for change. Emmett’s death remained locked in the hearts of those who witnessed such a crisis. Although the name did sound familiar, I was not aware of this incident before today’s class. The image of a once innocent child, transformed into a disfigured creature was indeed horrifying. “Emmett Till was a 14 year old resident of Chicago who was sent to visit his family in Mississippi in the summer of 1955. This can be considered a universal rite of passage in America: many children are sent out of the hot city in the summer to visit relatives in the country. Unfortunately, Emmett's destination was Money, Mississippi, and he did not know the rules of the inequitable game there. When Emmett had the audacity to whistle at a white woman named Carolyn Bryant, his fate was sealed. The events that happened afterwards are an ugly part of America's history. Emmett was taken from his family's home (by Bryant's husband and another man); he was beaten, mutilated, shot, and strangled. When Emmett's body was found in the Tallahatchie River, it no longer looked like that of a 14 year old but more like a bloated, disfigured alien. Fifty years have passed since Emmett died and many Americans have changed; however, many have not. Some of that same kind of hatred and intolerance still exists in our society. We are called to action by Emmett's story to live lives of tolerance and peace. While one can never make sense of such brutality, Emmett's memory can be honored as much as any soldier who died in battle. For in essence Emmett died for a cause, one that was as noble as any before or since: the right to be, to live, to exist in equity and harmony”.(google.com)

4. “The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was founded in 1960 by young people dedicated to non-violent, direct-action tactics. “ http://www.stanford.edu/group/King/about_king/encyclopedia/enc_SNCC.htm The idea for a decentralized, student-run organization was conceived in April 1960 when Ella Baker, a veteran civil rights organizer and an official of SCLC, invited black college students who had participated in the 1960 sit-ins to gather at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Baker also invited representatives of other civil rights organizations to the meeting, but asked them to serve only in an advisory role. SNCC's original statement of purpose established nonviolence as the driving philosophy behind the organization. However, things were never that simple. In the early days, during the period of the sit-in movement, nonviolent action was strictly enforced, particularly for public demonstrations, as it was key to the movement's success. The philosophy of nonviolence hit shakier ground when SNCC began its period of community organization in the South, having to face continual threats of perhaps deadly violence from whites. On many occasions SNCC offices were sprayed with bullets or torched by local white men. In 1963 Bob Moses and Jimmy Travis, SNCC workers trying to encourage black voters to register, were shot at while driving near Greenwood, Mississippi. Travis was hit and nearly died. Soon after, the Harlem Riots took place. It was the first urban race riot, and brought the topic of black-initiated violence into public debate. Such actions were no longer assumed to be counter productive. This event, and eventually the rise of black power, led to the fall of nonviolence in SNCC. Black Power was the guiding philosophy of SNCC in its later years. It began to develop and take hold sometime after 1964, and came to prominence in 1966 when Stokely Carmichael became head of the organization.


5.“King was raised in a comfortable middle-class family where education was stressed. On the other hand, Malcolm X came from and underprivileged home; he was a self-taught man who received little schooling and rose to greatness on his own intelligence and determination.” http://www.freeessays.cc/db/43/svn188.shtml . This is a short piece of an essay that described both men’s lives n more depth. It was made clear that the two prominent men were from two completely differ worlds. Due to his early experience with the Klux Klux Klan,( death of his father) a deep seed of hatred was formulated. For this reason, Malcolm X believed that the only way to win was to “fight fire with fire”. Malcolm believed that intergration would not help the blacks build their race by embracing their “african-ness”. Conversely, King believed in integration. “He believed that only through violence would conditions change”. Malcolm X was a man who since birth was independent. He didn’t feel the need to depend on man. Malcolm indeed had good intentions, yet his hatred for whites, or what he referred to as “white devils” was considered a burden that kept him from succeeding in life. Despite his peaceful religion, Malcolm didn’t hesitate enforcing the idea of retaliation of the blacks were harmed in anyway. This indeed conflicted with martin Luther King’s theory. King’s philosophy can be included the following:”non-violent protest and a vision of a race less society” ( http://www.articlesbase.com/) King’s upbringing wasn’t as intense as Malcolm X’s, therefore, his viewpoint varied significantly form Malcolm’s. Moreover, Martin believed in encouraging blacks and whites to harmonize and come together as Americans.

6.. Although the civil right movement obtained specific goals related to the overall treatment of African-Americans, one main goal still remained an essential factor; to end racial discrimination based on race, color, creed, or gender as well as to put an end to segregation. I personally believe that this goal was achieved, despite its criticism. Generally speaking racism and segregation is not at least as apparent and tedious as it was then. African-Americans have equal opportunities both professionally and academically. We must keep in mind that despite all the effort put towards this movement, some people are set in their beliefs, also that there is always room for improvement. We should always strive to improve the system that we have now, what can’t harm us, can only help us. Moreover, if the activities that occurred years ago didn’t take place, I would not be reflecting how they personally affected my life.
7.. I definitely believe that different life experiences help mold our personal opinion. Therefore, this is indeed accurate. For example, if you have been wealthy all you life, and never had to experience struggles, with money never being a problem, that is what you become accustomed to. It may reach the point to where you believe that it’s the same for everyone, because e that’s all that surrounds you. When in reality, poverty does exist. With this one-sided perspective, it makes it difficult to relate to other people, situations, or ideas that you may have not personally experienced. Sadly, the world we live in (despite its diversity), is limited in a sense. People rarely take the time to relate to step outside of the box that society and their surroundings have placed them in, to realize that not everyone experiences the same life style. In conclusion, conversely if all I embrace are hardships, how can I be supportive of someone who isn’t? This lack of understanding can result in avoidable conflict.

20 personal privileges

20 personal privileges By Jessica Turner
1. I am privileged to (without asking) have the door held open for me by the opposite sex. It is almost expected. As a young woman, I am expected to be treated as one, therefore common courtesies such as the aforementioned one above occurs occasionally. This also includes opening the car door, or having your purse held at the mall for you by your significant other while shopping. This is a privilege because it is act of kindness that is automatically given due to my gender.

2. I am privileged to go on a date without the burdening worry or hassle of paying. I can yet again, (especially if this is the first date) expect to be treated with respect. This means, the male steps in by taking his opportunity to do so by purchasing the meal. This is a privilege because it isn’t required, but expected and appreciated. I received such rewards simply by being born a woman.

3. I am privileged to have the opportunity to attend the college/university of my choice in contrast to my ancestors. My ancestors (if blessed financially) had to attend Historically Black Universities, which although was culturally great, limited them to other options out there. I am proud to be a student at an integrated college full of students with diverse ethnicities, beliefs and cultures. This is the “dream” that Martin Luther King wanted to see, am I’m glad to be living it.

4. I am privilege to seek after any career that interest me. There was a time that as an African-American I was restricted to being a house maid whose main priorities was satisfying the family. Now, in 2009, my priority is receiving a degree in Health & Exercise Science and applying to the Physical Therapy program. Moreover have a bright, endless opportunity.

5. I am privileged to be the first set of twins with in our family. I was told that I was a miracle because twins didn’t exist in my family until my sister and I came along, which is usually uncommon. Who knows, I may be able to break that chain one day. Another uncommon thing is for me to survive at such a small weight (3 pounds). In a sense, I’m also privilege d to be here, because not all pre-mature babies make it.



6. I am privileged to walk in a party and automatically receive acceptance due to my race. Usually, parties are filled with African-Americans. Not portraying that African-Americans only party in the least bit. The motto “work hard, play harder “may be relevant. On the other hand, African-Americans have always been a race that sticks together, in various aspects of life, including social events because usually, we are the minority. By sticking together, we can relate to our surroundings.

7. I am privileged to be a U.S. citizen. By living in the “land of the free”, I am granted opportunities that other cultures or countries strive for. It is a controversial situation, how can you be happy for yourself, when others around the world aren’t granted the same opportunities?

8. I am privileged to be mentally, physically, & spiritually stable. Unfortunately, a lot of people are struggling with issues that create problems in one, or all of these categories. Some are hereditary; some are the end result of a crisis. All are severe and should be treated with extreme care.

9. I am privileged to be literate. The personal testimony from Mrs. Williams really touched me. I cannot imagine living in this world, a world that does not favor minorities, and not be able to read, or write. Being a woman of color unfortunately added to the struggle. So if I lived in a different time , I would have two things working against me. There are people who are still struggling with this factor, some who may unfortunately never get to learn. That’s a primary reason why to not take education for granted.

10. I am privileged to have my mother in my life. Various things could be the reasons for a mothers absence in other people’s lives; some controllable, others uncontrollable. This indeed doesn’t apply only to African-Americans, because despite your race, we all need our mothers. But it is sadly rare for African-American parent/parents to be actively involved with in their children’s lives. Although this negative portrayal is becoming a statistic, my mother is, and always will be in my life. It definitely makes an affect on you personally.

11. I’m privileged to have the option to wed a husband of my choice, rather than unlawfully, be forced to participate in a pre-arranged wedding due to cultural beliefs. A wedding is a special and memorable day; therefore, it should be what you as the bride (and groom for that matter) want. (Usually these marriages aren’t significant because they don’t know each other).

12. I’m privileged to have the opportunity to use my passport to see the world. There is so much out there to see, and with access to my passport, it’s even more attainable.
13. I’m privileged to have access to clean, filtered water. Water is a necessity to survive; therefore having an abundant amount that’s both safe and tasty to drink is a plus.
14. I am privileged to have walked in a restaurant and with the right of getting adequately served in contrast to my ancestors. There was a time when my people would in fact get ignored or ridiculed for thinking they deserve service. This should definitely not be taken for granted.
15. I am privileged to have cable. Living in a technologically advanced world is rewarding because you are never behind. It’s easier and quicker to stay updated with the latest news, fashions and more.
16. I am privileged to have received vocational training from a technology center in Tulsa Oklahoma. The teachers at these intuitions have a primary goal: to ensure a “real-world” learning experience for the students. As a student there, you can network, while growing professionally and tune in to a preview of a career of your choice. With the completion and application process increasing, it was an honor.
17. I’m privileged to have good health; including but not limited to respiratory, circulatory, and cardio-vascular system. I also am privileged to have the use of all of my extremities. Unfortunately, not all people are blessed with good health, or ability to move/ and or use their arms and legs for medical reasons. Therefore, I need not to take it for granted.
18. I’m privilege to have the option of wearing pants to my church. There are still some churches who firmly believe that women should only wear skirts in the sanctuary. Thankfully, my church is not as consumed in the image, but the reason for gathering.
19. I’m privileged to have access to technology. For example, cell phones, lab tops, and ipods. Some of these my parents, and grandparents didn’t get to experience in their childhood.
20. I’m privileged to have the option/right to express myself through clothing, hair styles, piercings, and tattoos. This privilege is not open to everyone. I am especially privileged to attend a university with a lot of lee-way regarding clothing. For example, no uniforms. There was a time that women had to wear long skirts every day, and ties for the men. Thankfully, a dress code is irrelevant.

Privelages Reflection

“An opportunity, that is granted, not guaranteed.” This is my initial though regarding privilege. I consider a privilege to be a blessing that not everyone has the chance to experience. Privilege is term that can refer to various aspect of one’s life. For some, a privilege is a blessing that one should be grateful for. For others a privilege is a personal opportunity that is sought after. It is presumed to be available to everyone despite gender, race, or age. Sometimes this thought can definitely be questionable. A privilege is viewed to be free, to a certain extent of course. By free, I ‘m referring to its availability. When I consider privileges, I relate them in a restricted manner, For example, I reflect on the privileges I have now that my ancestors didn’t have the chance to contain. Though this may be true, in order to receive a privilege, hard work is required. Yet is it available to everyone? Though this is hoped for, privileges, like most material things can be taken away. So they are usually cherished. However, they are also taken for granted. There are privileges that we as Americans receive daily, that we never take heed of. In a sense, privileges are rights that are optional. Typically, when considering a privilege, one usually views, or considers it as an honor; meaning that only the “best of the best” receive such a reward. If privileges are open and available to the public, why are they not promised to everyone? For this reason, we must keep in mind, that promises can be broken. In a sense, some privileges require certain criteria to be met in order to receive it. In other words, it is a competition; may the best one win. Is this fair? Of course not. Despite the positive connotations the term privileges has, there is always two sides to every story. What I mean by this is that for minorities, some privileges that should be color blind, obtain unconscious favoritism. As an African-American, I have a innate factor that was passed to me from my parents, and so on; to work harder to be as adequate as my competition, Caucasians. The world we live in today is still blinded by race, and not quality as a result, African-Americans in my opinion received “the short end of the stick” in relations to privileges. Unfortunately our race has an uncontrollable, unchangeable restraint that tries, and sometimes succeeds in getting in our way politically, socially, and economically which makes us not viewed the same way. What is this restraint; the amount of melanin in our skin. Our people have experienced hardships that indeed, at the end of the day make us stronger, but is this considered a privilege? Why is it that my race/ethnicity introduces or tells the world who I am without me stating a word? Privileges are also given to those in some cases, don’t deserve it. For this reason, White people (though they experience their troubles also) simply can’t grasp the intensity of the daily turmoil’s that my people experience even now, especially in the professional realm. They don’t have to worry about being judged, or, called a “sell-out” for wanting a better life by doing positive things by their peers. For them, it’s considered a norm to have the things they own, or opportunities they receive because everyone around them has it. Sadly the people surrounding them are of the same race. If people only knew what they really had, instead of allowing greed to conquer them the world might be a better place. I feel that despite the hindrance my race and ethnicity tires to put on me, it will not succeed. Moreover, I feel privileged to be a member of such a profound culture that by time keeps accomplishing great things. Does this mean that I will be defeated by the world that surrounds me? Not by the least bit. It means that I will live in the world, and not of it.

NAACP Work cited

Works Cited/Bibliography page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American_Civil_Rights_Movement
http://www.naacp-treasurevalley.org/
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/NAACP.htm
http://www.naacp.org/youth/index.htmhttp://www.africanaonline.com/orga_naacp.htm

NAACP Questions

Afam Questions:
1. “The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was formed in 1909 and is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. From its inception, the NAACP has been at the fore front protecting civil rights of minority groups and all citizens. “The NAAP has been the voice of African Americans needed. The NAACP strives to provide services that can only enhance the future of the African-Americans. The NAACP believes in the youth of Today, who through their positive objectives will become the future of tomorrow. In the end, throughout the years the NAACP has provided the importance of equal opportunity through attendance of conferences, workshops, ect. The NAACP is an organization that helped, encouraged, and provided for the African Americans.

2. According to Amanda Strunk of East Central University, Following in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the sit ins in Oklahoma City by the NAACP Youth Council of Oklahoma City was the foremost step needed for the ending of desegregation. This successful attempt was soon quickly modeled form various parts of the nation. Strunk asserts that “The sit-in of Oklahoma City followed years of progress in civil right actions.” The advisor for the local NAACP Youth Council created a play” Brother President” in response to Dr. Kings non-violent protest. Due to the NAACP Oklahoma City Youth council’s diligence, Strunk claims” The NAACP Oklahoma City Youth council started with 14 youth council members in 1958, but grew to 1,000 in 1961 making it the largest in the country. Moreover, the non-violent activities that took place molded a new road of endless possibilities for African-Americans today. Due to Clara Lupar’s determination, the Oklahoma City, sit in is often studied for the NAACP.

3. Online studies show that the NAACP had gained an important role in the civil rights movement by the mid 1960’s. “By 1966, the emergence of the Black Power movement, which lasted roughly from 1966-1975, enlarged the aims of the Civil Rights Movement to include racial dignity, economic and political self-suffienceiny and freedom from oppression by whites”. The NAACP’s primary goal was to make certain that the 14th, 15th, and 16th amendments were guaranteed. The amendments promised to end slavery, the equal protection of the law, and Universal adult made suffrage. The numerous court battles also assisted with the triumph of this organization. “The civil rights movement of the 1950’ echoed the NAACP moderate integrationists’ goal, but leaders such as Martin Luther King felt that direct attention was needed to obtain them”. Many members participated in non-violent demonstrations such as sit-in’s.

4. I believe the relevance between the African American Experience and the legal movement was the purpose they both shared: fulfill its goals of full suffrage and other civil rights, as well as the accomplished goal that affects African Americans today”. The end of segregation and racial violence in a sense, are both interrelated such as cause and effect method.

5. Karenga of Intro to Black Studies claims “the period of Reconstruction (1865-1877) represented for African Americans “the best of times & the worst of times”. Karenga states that the FEEDMANS Bureau was established by congress in 1865 to guide and protect the freed Africans. The 1866 Civil Rights Act was also made in Black Favor. “Equal rights in public facility and jury dates”. Was the end result. Yet, you can’t fully appreciate the good without experiencing the bad, it indeed makes you that much stronger. African Americans didn’t receive the much needed support economically. In response to this hatred “Black Codes” were created. For many, no land meant a home, which left little to non options for most African Americans. However, Karenga confirms the effort to reconstruct the life of the African American and the South on the basis of freedom, justice, and inequality, failed for several reasons.

6. Since the NAACP was founded, the NAACP has provided more leaders for the black community. Today, there are over 600 Youth Councils high school chapters and college chapters are actively involved in social justice advocacy by addressing local issues. The NAACP is the only major Civil Rights organization which encourages young people to participate fully in aspects of its structure. Scholarships and College Preparation Day are created to assist in the African-American college experience. Scholarships such as Hubertus W.V. Wellims for males, Roy Wilkins, Lilian, and Samuel Sutton are examples just to name a few. This day provides free college preparation skills and financial id info. This is indeed a prime example of how the NAACP attempt in ensuring the success of African American youth. Additionally, the NAACP’s Back to School/Stay in School program, which has begun its 22nd year of “preparing, inspiring, and instructing youth of all ages with the tools necessary to graduate high school. This unique program was founded in 1984, and is composed of more than 30 sites located at churches, schools, and community centers across the nation. Students form elementary school to high school will have the academic support needed to succeed.

7. As admitted earlier in the year, my knowledge of my culture is limited, including its success. I have always known of the NAACP to get me by, yet never dug deep enough on my own to figure out what they truly were all about. My conclusion: They are solely here for one purpose, for African Americans to excel and become leaders of today’s tomorrow. I was very interested in the contrasting personal stories and experience both guest speakers endured, yet both are still beaming with success. It is encouraging to know that students like myself protested for their right which inadvertently tells me to not take mine for granted. I believe that African-Americans are true fighters who believe in their overall. I believe that students such as myself need to walk in the path that our ancestors and NAACP members have paved for us to continue this legacy. The legacy still exists today because their endurance exists in me as well.

Do you see what I see? FBA

My topic today will be about ones identity. If this is going to be posted, I feel as if I might as well post something relative. My sociology class ( which i love) brought up a interesting topic- that being that depending on the circumstance, we as humans change indentities to fit that current circumstance. For example, right now I classify my self as a studnet. This weekend, or around my friends, it will change. In other words, we put on masks as if in a play production. I was wearing a mask fo quite some time. Until recently, I was the one who wanted to be invisible to the public eye. I would walk around school with my hood on, sliding past doors, hoping to not catch anyones attention. I would hate being in large crowds, and tremble at the thought of speaking to people i did'nt know. Yet while at home, I was always asked "How was school today? and would respond so confidently that my mother would'nt second guess my answer. I know that people can relate to this, same story differnt song. This went on until my freshman year of highschool. Ironcically enough, I attended bible stdy yesterday and lo and behold the topic "what is your identity"?. I remebered a time where I coul'ndt even see who i really was. I allowed my personal issues to reprsent me.- or the facade of me. Iv'e cried so many tears because of this issue, but my eyes are now dry. Through prayer, and maturity, I eventually got over that battle. But my point of this story is to emphasize the importance of loving yourself depiste your flaws. Ofcourse it's hard, but it can be done. I now have alot of charecteristics that define my personality. Though this is true, I am more than what i appear to be-physically. African American women are often limited to just "physical" within society. Maya Angelou declares otherwise in the unforgettbale"Still i rise". The same goes for African-American men. It seems as is a automatic sterotype is formulated: thug. We can't allow ourselves to prove socitiey right of their implications. WE do'nt have to become victims of our enviornment, but conqerers instead. With this being Black history month, we should feel proud and humble opuselves due to the aaccomlishments that were achieved. These conqerers paved the way for us, eliminating nay negativity proclaiming that African Americans aren't capable, and ensuring Obama's belief that YES WE CAN! Moreover, I want to leave you with this question. Do you like what you see in the mirror? If not, I would follow the words of a wise man: it's time for a change. (Obama)

repectfully submitted,

Jessica Turner

http://http://www.optimalthinking.com/african-american-quotes.html

http://http://www.poemhunter.com/best-poems/maya-angelou/still-i-rise/

http://http://www.a-z-music-lyrics.com/kevin-davidson-lyrics.php