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Showing posts from 2013

ohh no back to the 1950's we go.

Oh boy, I have been very shocked, disappointed and upset this month during what is meant to be a celebration of Black culture. Black History Month. We have already spent many a century, being frightened of what being black means, constantly fighting for fair recognition, and here we are in 2013 having to explain again why using the word "coloured" is actually offensive if you don't know ill explain it in another blog, or why despite the fact so many people bat the n word around, it hasn't lost it's power to be racist. Stop defending the indefensible. Racism is  racism. Don't try and hide behind ignorance, don't try and play it down as a joke. If you feel that other races experience racism now, how can you think that racism is over. Your complaining about being a minority whilst hating all other minorities. Confused. I'm getting very angry and upset with people constantly saying people are racially sensitive, that people are just being too politic

Political correctness is not a defense for being offended

There have been times on my journey, where I have faced many racial dilemmas or subtle racial bias. There were times I have to request close friends of mine stop using the N**** word when referring to me or calling other friends I knew this, even if it was only within conversation. There have been times when people have tried to justify there racial views, by using age, ignorance or misunderstanding as a defence. can I make it clear, that as a Black lady, I can more often than not read between the lines, and can work out for myself if you have any hate based motivation for your actions or comments. Whether it is printed in a paper, a subtle whisper, a Facebook Comment, this all shows your true feelings on the matter of race, and you should be aware that it makes it clear to those of a different nationality your true stance on race relations. Don't try and patronise me and make your actions seem defensible by placing the blame on my reaction. It is truly shocking and almost

Racism -the last tool of a desperate fool

Wow racism that bitter subject, the other day a family member of mine, explained she had been called a monkey. Someone else I know explained when they travelled they experience heart breaking hatred. I laughed with bewilderment but yet I am not as surprised as others. People need to understand there is no power in racism but to hurt the person with such a limited mind span. Think about it, to be racist you have to spend a lot of your time, thinking of why you hate this person, what they have done to you and what the world can do to make it better. In all this time whilst they have sat silently hating, the argument losing less strength as the years go by, they will still be stuck in that miserable grey world, not quite comprehending why others have  more important things to do, rather than to dwell on the deeds of another person. Whether they are Black, White, Asian or another race or religion. People may say that they wouldn't have been racist if the people they n

Poetic Justice

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Poetic Justice starring Tupac Shakur and Janet Jackson. This film is a wickedly, cool romance. I won't spoil the ending. I couldn't find the full film. I think I watched it on Love film, so grab some popcorn, and sit back, and watch an old skool film. Thanks for reading

racism -Hatred

I read a book once called Hatred, but  I haven't been able to find a picture of it so far, so I can't add a picture to this blog. However this story was about racism, and how it still exists in it's muted context in the 21st century.  It is good for understanding, what racism means, and the meaning of underground hatred. It talks about things like the wind rush which brought an  influx of  different cultures to the UK, and elsewhere. This turned out to be a false promise at the time and the book explains why. It also discusses more modern phenomena like islamaphobia, and the constant discrimination often faced by new nationalities who come to the UK and other countries via Immigration. I will try to add a book cover so you can see what it looks like, when I find an image.

Martin Luther King Jr-My personal hero

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 Martin Luther king, what an example of courage, tenacity and faith, in human kind and at a time when it seemed like his efforts were futile. He was my original personal hero, before I ever knew that there was more behind his roaring speech.  I wasn't aware of the Lynching, raping and maiming of black people that was prevalent during his time. I can only stand in astonishment and his feat at such a dangerous time. If he was ever to return and see what he began, wouldn't he be so proud. I am pretty sure most of you know about him, but I will leave you with his famous "I have a dream" speech, and links to some of his books available through many retailers suitable for the very youngest to the very eldest in society.

Murder She Wrote-The last free man

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This is an episode from the famous show from the 90's "Murder She Wrote." It is not available on you tube, but I have managed to find an introduction there for you to watch. In this episode of this show a black man is falsely accused of murdering a white man, and it shows the length people  go to save and persecute him. If any of you know where I can find a link to add to my blog please comment below

Alex Cross's trial by Jame Patterson

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This is a fiction book, written by James Patterson, as part of the Alex Cross series. This book I would highly recommend, as although it is fiction, it sometimes seem to speak a breathe of truth. it is a excellent book for learning some of what took place during slavery and sometime after, and brings you that bit closer to moving from the past into the future.

The Chamber by John Grisham

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This is a fiction book, which goes into some of what life was like in the 60's for black people. of course this is a made up story with fictional characters. It can sometimes make it hard to believe this when you read it but it is a good book, and the part of it not being real, goes someway to making it an easier read as it gives you less things to swallow

Books about black history books

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I discovered along this journey how difficult it was to find a lot of black history books, sometimes they had faded into obscurity, or they were not available in my local stores. when I was old enough to search on the internet, still some of the books I was interested in eluded me. when I began this journey, I only had an inkling of what to look for, as one slave narrative opened a chapter to another segment of Black History. It wasn't until a very good friend of mine, gave me her most prized possession to help me on my Journey. This book is called "The Norton Anthology of American Literature" fifth edition volume 1. This is a very cherished book, as it contains a lot of slave narratives, and parts of well know slave anthologies. However I found out there was an African- American version, and this is  still a longed for addition to my collection of books.  Another book I have used in my time, to discover new books and information. some of the books in this e

Additional reading ...Playas Handbook by Brenda Jackson

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I have read this book written by Brenda Jackson, "The Playa's Handbook". It will test your will power and ability to not sigh in frustration, as you follow the journey of 4 men, trying real hard to follow the rules in the Playa's Handbook. it is a brilliant romance with lots of plot twists and turns. This light read is well recommended.

How I Got Into Reading..And Additional Posts About My Current Reading Books/Styles

I love reading, and I miss those days when I could spend my afternoons, snuggled up with a good book. I was ready to dive into a new adventure, travel internationally, and fall in love with some antihero.  I didn't get into books until I was in my early teens, before this it was playing outside, television, and the internet. It wasn't until one summer, our T.V broke, and we were in the middle of the summer holidays. I wasn't able to sink into my favourite programme.  The only books lying about were the old Mills and Boons, and once I read one, I managed to read over 150 of them. I started collecting them, and had a catalogue of books, and even knew how many times I thumbed through a book. I am the type who can re-read the same book, numerous times. I might know the plot, but then the next time I read it, I can enjoy it more, and understand the twists and turns. I may have missed earlier.  I fell in love with romance, I was too timid at 14 to read murder mysteries,

Heartbreaking Film -The Untold Story of Emmett Tills

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This story, I have heard before, and read about, but I have not had the opportunity to watch this documentary where his family, describe the events before and after Emmett Tills Death. It is a sad movie, as there are no happy endings,   and no callings for swift justice were heard in time, and it's sort of echoes of a really dark past. This also captures a mother's true spirit for her children. I must warn you that there are some disturbing scenes. This movie is available to watch on YouTube, and I am sure there other channels, and books available which will take you through this story.

Mississippi Burning Film

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I would recommend this film, as a fictional view of post slavery racism. How Jim Crow law was used to the disadvantage of black people, and as an interesting portrayal of the fight for justice, in a time when there was no such thing for black people.

Rosewood-Film from 1997

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Recommendation -view with caution This is a film made in 1997, to reflect the period during the 20's. In this movie a black man is falsely accused of "Sexually assaulting a white woman". This causes havoc for the black section of the neighbourhood. They are now targets for lynch mobs and more This is a distressing movie to watch, as it doesn't soften the reality of a lynch mob, and the devastating results. It is a rather moving portrayal of a time when men felt nothing about killing another and rarely showed remorse. This is a film that may spark anger or shock. However this is something I would recommend you to watch, if you have made some sort of peace with the past, and are able to watch this as only a reflection of the past.

Harriet Tubman -My Personal Hero

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Harriet Tubman to me is the definition of an amazing idol. She was a Christian, she was brave, she was feisty and she was kind. What a combination. If we were to give away any award, I would gladly see Harriet Tubman, given the respect and recognition that is her due, she is likened to Moses in the bible that set the slaves free. I won't reveal her remarkable story as I believe it should be read from her words. This book is available everywhere, and I would recommend it to everyone. Harriet Tubman is a true legend, and once you have read her story. You will hopefully join in agreeing with me. It can be a wonder to remember that I am not only black but a black woman, and we had a whole different set of problems to overcome and maybe for a little bit longer, to get even close to where we are now. At some point I will write a blog about this and let you know my heroes of that time. If you have anyone you would like me to mention. Please comment below.  Books about Harriet

House Of Bondage Octavia Albert

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This is a book with a collection of slave narratives, combined together to give you a rather dank, and hard look at the men and women who suffered in bondage. It is not an easy read, but it is again something which helps you understand the personal grief of the authors, and those who were not able to bear testimony. It shows how heartless, cold and thoughtless slavery was, and again makes you question the purpose, and the reason this wretched institution took 200 yrs. to abolish.

Uncle Tom's Cabin Harriet Beecher Stowe

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This was a book I discovered around 17/18 years old, and it was a hard book to read. There were tears, there was anger, and there was remorse. I sometimes had to step away from this book, as it made me lose control emotionally, and there wasn't really an appropriate outlet. I believe this book made me start doubting my Christianity, and also question humanity.  I had to after reading this book make a conscious effort to stop reading black history books, which never seemed to make me feel very positive about our society. It took me another good few years before I came back and started reading, and enjoying the stories of our ancestors and remarkable tales of courage, fortitude and strength. I found it hard to distinguish between the present and the past. Although this book is made up, it is a combination of real stories and facts from that time. I do recommend reading it, but I feel I should warn those who are not as well read about slavery to take a rest, when it gets t

Frederick Douglass- His Slave Narrative

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  This is another slave narrative that I have read in my time, it is both powerful and inspiring, as he talks about his journey from slavery to freedom. He was born into slavery, and was destined to die as a slave. He learnt to read and write and he was eventually married into freedom. For a true testament, of a man's natural urge for freedom, how slavery was a tool of oppression and fear. Read Frederick Douglass’s narrative, this is available at most book shops and online stores. There are other books available which talk about his life, achievements and more. As I find them and read them I will add them also to my blog

My First Slave Narrative Was by Equiano olaudah

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I have read a few slave narratives in my time, and don’t think it gives you anything but a sense of confusion as to man's capacity for pure inhumanity, people's capacity to breed and promote cruelty and their ability to reduce humans to disposable carcasses.  Reading slave narratives will give you a more personal view of the era; they describe the reality of being held a slave, the urges for knowledge and freedom that is a natural human instinct. Once you have read one, you will be compelled to read others. I won't say it makes light reading but for an understanding about why the N word is such a no no, and why people still struggle to get past the cruelty of slavery. Reading a slave narrative will help enlighten you. I will tell you about other narratives in other blogs. Equiano olaudah was taken from his homeland, under duress, and shipped to the Caribbean islands.  Read his journey from slavery to freedom in his slave narrative. This is probably one of the m

Black History For Beginners by Denise Dennis

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This is an excellent book; I found this book in my early 20's. It was more designed for young people in their teens. However it was useful for learning about the different times. When slavery started and ended. What laws were introduced and when?  It is a small book, and gives you a good outline and basic knowledge for you to work from. I have lent this book out to others, who were just finding out about black history, and it is a very useful tool if your just learning or don’t want to get too deep into what happened. It doesn't scare you with awful pictures and stories and is an easier first step into black history. It may leave you curious for more, so stay tuned to the blog for more recommendations

Keeping The Past In The Past?

During the time I have spent reading and learning about black history. I have often heard people tell me to leave the past in the past. During my teens I had a hard time doing this, as everything I was reading, watching was from a person, and I found it difficult to maintain a logical perspective. However on reflection I have learnt to embrace my past, and celebrate the achievements of those who sacrificed so I may have my freedom, my civil liberties and more. I don't believe we need to leave our past in the past, but I do believe we need to be able to be realistic, and know that the people, who perpetrated these crimes, have long since gone. We would not have won our freedom alone, and we cannot blame a nation of people because of what their ancestors did. I encourage you to read and learn about black history, so that you have knowledge, and might find inspiration for dark and difficult times in your life. Sometimes seeing others struggle helps us focus on how we can surviv

Here and Now

I have travelled along this journey for a long time and I feel I should share some of the books, films and resources that have helped me along the way. I will let you know if it will shock or appal you. What you might learn and what insight it has given me. I will also let you know about my personal heroes and hopefully inspire you to find some too. Whether you are a beginner or an expert on this interesting trip into the world of black history please share your thoughts and experiences, I will try and teach you what I have learned and hope you will be kind enough to do the same. The next blog will be about books, experiences etc. Unfortunately I can’t give a specific date on when I read these books, but I will sure try to be as specific in detail as possible. I am not recommending these books /films/resources over others, but these are the ones I have used in reading about black history both abroad and in the UK. 

New Discovery On YouTube-Marva Collins Story

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This is based on a true story of a lady with a vision, despite numerous obstacles she succeeds in achieving her dreams. I don't want to spoil the plot by giving too much away, so I will leave a picture of her book and also to the YouTube movie. Once you have watched please comment below, and let me know if you were inspired too.

Roots-Alex Haley recommended title

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http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/546018.Roots “You can't tell where you're going, if you don’t know where you’re coming from” I’m not sure where this quote comes from but it is apt for this book. I am sure you are familiar with it, as it is available in book, film and audio format. Roots is a journey, from the heart of Africa to the inner cities of America. It tells you the paths that have been trod, and the roads that have been travelled by our ancestors. Sometimes it is heart breaking, and at others awe inspiring. It does have some hard to read parts, but to be honest when you are reading about black history that is to be expected. It’s never easy to hear your forefather was whipped 150 times and then had salt rubbed in the wounds etc. I would recommend this book to those, who know something about black history, and would like more understanding on the effects on black people, an idea on the different eras, and how things changed for the good. It is a story of h

My Venture Into A Dark Place...Books I Read

I was able to use a few good books, which were big and heavy, as my first introduction to slavery, and it was a most arduous journey. I can’t remember the title so I won’t be able to put a picture up. I am writing this blog 12 yrs. later, and some of the books I used I can’t remember very well. However my first venture into black history was through a rather unsettling trip through slavery, from its beginnings in the 1400’s to its slow end in 1857. It would be a while later, before I discovered our long fight for freedom, and equal rights. The cost to many of our people and the gratitude I must hold for them is immeasurable. During this time of discovery I was in my early teens, and this information only sought to get me angry, disillusioned and torn between the past and the present. I lost my faith briefly, trying to understand the purpose of these events, and if I am also black, was I meant to suffer this way also. It has since become apparent that GOD may have saved me from the

Why Black History And My Respect For It

Hi This is my journey into black history. Why I started it, why I feel it is important to keep learning about it, and why I feel it should never be forgotten. I have been brought up in an area and era where black history should be the furthest thing from my mind. We were taught all about the English kings and queens, wars that Britain fought and the people who we should never forget. I was totally ignorant of my history; all I knew at the time was that I was black with a Jamaican background. I knew my mother and my father, and even my extended family and that was where my black history ended My first trip into the world of black history began when I was 13 years old. I remember sitting in my geography classroom, at this time I had never heard of lynching, the KKK or anything else. I was flipping through my textbook, as we were being taught about the Nazi’s and World War 2. Our teacher was talking away, when I flipped to a page, with a picture of a strange looking boat, and lo