Wednesday, February 28, 2007

AT LAST!!


AT LAST!!
Originally uploaded by ujima.
On February 28:
1708: Slave revolt in Long Island New York.

Yesterday it was announced that a designer had been chosen
and we were shown a rendering of the President's House Memorial
which will also honor the slaves of George Washington. This will
be the first national commeration of enslaved people.

I've been marching with the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition
for the last five years. We are all so pleased that when people
come to visit the Liberty Bell, they will be able to visit this adjacent
memorial and hear the stories and see the environment of
those who lived there including the president and his servants
and slaves.

African American History *is* American History.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Door of No Return


Door of No Return
Originally uploaded by ujima.
On February 27:
1872: Charlotte Ray, first Black woman lawyer, graduated
Harvard University
1960: Lunch counter sit-in participants in Nashville, Tennessee
were attacked by white teenagers.

One of the most emotional times of my life was walking through
this door on Goree Island, Senegal and thinking of all the
captives of the African Diaspora who boarded ships and
were were sent to slave in the Americas.

Scanning more pictures of the Senegal trip. As it was sunny & 40,
I called Betsy and walked with her on the roads for thirty minutes.
It helped some to dissipate the anger and melancholy I was
feeling. Betsy's ancestors suffered through the same holocaust
and diaspora as mine did. (heavy sighs)

Monday, February 26, 2007

On Goree Island


On Goree Island
Originally uploaded by ujima.
On February 26:
1844 James E. O'Hara, a two-term congressman from NC,
is born in New York.
1926 Boxer "Tiger Flowers took the middleweight title from
Harry Greb and defended his new title in a return match.
He becomes the first Black to hold the boxing crown at this
weight.

We only got 1.5 inches of snow. So dissapointing:( I'm one of
the few people I know who likes winter weather.
In my room working on scanning pictures from a trip with the
Black Women's Collective to Senegal in 1982 while watching
a tape of VH1's "Bling'd:Blood,Diamonds and Hip Hop". You
gotta see it!

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Bill "Ready" Cash


Bill "Ready" Cash, originally uploaded by ujima.

1853 The first Black YMCA branch is organized in Washington, D.C.
by Anthony Bower.
1870 Hiram Rhoades Revels of Mississippi is sworn in to the
U.S. Senate.
1964 Muhammad Ali wins his first World Heavyweight
Championship when he defeats Sonny Liston.
1969 Barney Hill, the first person reportedly taken aboard a
UFO, dies in Newport News, VA.

Mr. Bill Cash was a member of the Negro League which was
formed because Black men were not allowed in white leagues.
He was the catcher for the Philadelphia Stars and also played
in Mexico and Canada.
Mr. Bill Cash (as he is called) lived near the school where
I taught. He would come and talk to the kids and even
established an after school chess club with
his friends as volunteers. There also gave classes in
painting on glass.

3PM and it has begun to snow. Luckily, Mom, Sis and I went
out early to the breakfast buffet and to Target. Now I'll read the
delicious Sunday newspapers. Let it snow!

February 24 Exhibit


February 24 Exhibit, originally uploaded by ujima.

1809 Haitians migrate to New Orleans following the Haitian
Revolution against French colonists.
1811 Rev. Daniel Payne is born a free Black in Charleston,
South Carolina.
1922 The home of Frederick Douglass is made a National
Shrine. The museum opens in Anacostia, VA through the
efforts of Mary B. Talbert.

You entered the Black History Showcase at the PA Convention
Center through the Underground RailRoad Tunnel. The exhibits
were varied and educational. It was a thrill to meet the Tuskeegee
Airmen, Buffalo Soldiers and Negro League baseball players.

Remained in town after helping my people at the events. (I've
got people:) We ate at Miss Tootsie's again. More tomorrow.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Black History Showcase


Black History Showcase, originally uploaded by ujima.

On this day February 23:
1886 W.E.B. DuBois, scholar, activist, author, and noted for his
groundbreaking book, "The Souls of Black Folk," is born in
Great Barrington, Mass.
1925 Louis Stokes, the first Black member of Congress from
Ohio, is born in Cleveland, OH
1956 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. states at a mass meeting at
Dexter Ave Baptist Church that "...We must realize so many
people are taught to hate us that they are not totally
responsible for their hate..."

Resting up today for a full day at the showcase exhibit
tomorrow. Well, I'm really resting because I didn't come home
until 2:30 AM. The writing group @ the clubhouse was one
dimensional so I went over into the bar and hung out playing
darts, talking and drinking lager until the exhausted bartender
threw us all out because he could tell we'd never leave otherwise.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Sight of the Prophet


Sight of the Prophet, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 22:
1956 Congressman Adam Clayton Powell
sends a message to President Dwight D.
Eisenhower stating that the White House
is responsible for safeguarding the lives
& civil liberties that local, state and federal
law enforcement & officials refuse to give.
1989 Col. Frederick Gregory becomes the
first Black to command a U.S space shuttle
mission.

Thursday is my volunteer day and that's
why I like Thursdays. I had four great
ladies doing four different activities so I
gladly ran from one to the other.
Going out to the clubhouse to help with
the newly formed writing club. Sounds
interesting.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Stars on our flag


Stars on our flag, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 21:
1862 Captain Nathaniel Gordon of the “Erie”, becomes the first convicted
slave trader hanged. He was caught carrying 800 men, women, and
children off the coast of West Africa.
1936 Barbara Charline Jordan, who is noted for being the first Black
keynote speaker at a Democratic National Convention and her role in
the indictment of President Richard Nixon during the Watergate hearings,
is born in Houston, TX.
1940 U.S. Representative John Lewis, an active member in the Civil
Rights Movement with participations in sit-ins at segregated lunch
counters, is born in Troy, AL.
1965 El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) American Black
Nationalist, is assassinated in New York City.

50ºF and very sunny. Everyone smiling and happy, but they'll be coughing
soon. Out to errands and an hour in the LAFitness pool. Going to help
Mom cook collards, chicken wings and sweet potatoes for Sis'
hooray-I'm-cancer-free dinner tonight. A rare (for us) yummy soul meal.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

A credit to our flag


A credit to our flag, originally uploaded by ujima.

1855 California's first Black Convention is held.
1895 Frederick Douglass, the powerful orator-statesman who
became marshal of District of Columbia, Minister of Haiti, and
founder/editor of the North Star newspaper, dies.
1924 Academy Award-winning actor Sidney Poitier, who won
an Oscar for "Lilies of the Field" and noted for his roles in
"Blackboard Jungle", "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", "To
Sir With Love" and "In the Heat of the Night", is born in
Miami, FL.

Such a lovely day! 46ºf. Strolling the nabe and chatting with
so many people who were also out because of the warm weather
and the sales @ Kohl's. Did a 30 minute turn on the treadmill @
LAFitness.
And then came the wonderful news: SIS IS CANCER-FREE!!!!!
The doctor says she doesn't need any more chemo, no radiation AND
she's allowed to drive her car. All praises!!

Monday, February 19, 2007

W.E.B. Dubois


W.E.B. Dubois, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 19:
1919 The first Pan-African Congress organized by W.E.B. Dubois meets in Paris.
1923 U.S. Supreme Court guarantees Blacks due process of law in State Courts.
The Supreme Court decides that due process of law is violated if a trial is dominated
or terrorized by mobs or if a witness is physically threatened.

Tired after being out late last night after Porgy. I did learn that the AAMP ball was sooo
fabulous!! They listened to all the complaints from last year and there were many less
speeches and much more dancing. I'm there next year for sure.
The temps will rise into the 40s tomorrow and remain there for a week. I'll definitely get
in the pool tomorrow!!

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Love of Buttons


Love of buttons, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 18:
1688 First formal protest against slavery by organized white body in English America made by Germantown (Pa.) Quakers at monthly meeting. The historic "Germantown Protest" denounced slavery and the slave trade.
1867An institution was founded at Augusta, Georgia which was later to become Morehouse College, following its relocation to Atlanta. Morehouse College is one of the most prestigious black colleges in the nation.
1896 H. Grenon invents Razor Stropping Device
Patent No. 554,867

I love buttons and have soooo many. I can never throw
anything away! Going out to Academy of
Music to see "Porgy and Bess" presented by the
Opera Company pf Philadelphia. Hardly a favorite but
I do like the "hit" songs.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Girard College Rally Day


Girard College Rally Day, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 17:
1870 Congress passed a resolution readmitting Mississippi on the condition that it would
never change its constitution to disenfranchise Blacks.
1891 A. C. Richardson invented the churn, patent #466,470
1919 Marian Anderson was entered in the New York Philharmonic Competition at age
17 by her music teacher, and placed first over 299 other singers.

Financeer Stephen Girard left *$6.000,000* in his will for the education of poor, white
male orphans. The private boarding school on 43 acres was opened in 1843. He limited
his bequest to white boys because he said that "quality of education would suffer if
sons of slaves were mixed with sons of whites".The City of Brotherly Love accepted the
money and the state of Pennsylvania ran the school.
The exclusion of Blacks was fought in the courts for many years. These pictures show
one of the marches I participated in during the 60s. The late, great Cecil B, Moore, a
lawyer who was also president of the NAACP spearheaded the protests. At this rally,
Billy Paul ("Me and Mrs. Jones") spoke and lead the singing.
Admission for needy Black boys was finally accomplished in May 1968.
Today Girard College,Grades K-12, has 741 students--boys *and* girls evenly-- 89%
of whom are African American.
The people united will never be defeated.

Friday, February 16, 2007

didn't go


didn't go, originally uploaded by ujima.

Sent in a donation equal to the price of a ticket. didn't enjoy the event last year. Couldn't
afford auction prices. Too many too long speeches. Good music but it was to listen to not
dance to. Stuck sitting at a table listening to politicians. Once was enuf.

Chill factor -2º today. Out to Dr. Tabas for eye exam. Still borderline on glaucoma (which
Mom has). Cataracts not serious, At home with eyes full of drops and vision not strong
enough to read newspapers. Listening to Bob Dylan.

Donated but


Donated but, originally uploaded by ujima.

February 16:
1857 Frederick Douglass elected President of Freedman
Bank and Trust.
1923 Bessie Smith makes her first recording, "Down Hearted Blues,"
which sells 800,000 copies for Columbia Records.
1951 New York City Council passed bill prohibiting
racial discrimination in city-assisted housing developments.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Great music


Great music, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 15:
1848 Benjamin Roberts filed the first school
integration suit on this date in on behalf of
his daughter, Sarah Roberts, after she
was barred from a white school in Boston, MA.
1898 R. Hearness, inventor, patented the
Sealing Attachment for Bottles.
Patent # 598,929.
1965 The home of Malcolm X was
bombed-just days before his assassination.
1968 Henry Lewis was named Director
of the New Jersey Symphony. Lewis
was the first Black to direct an American
orchestra.

by the great


by the great, originally uploaded by ujima.

Walked very slowly and gingerly to the
clubhouse last night. The paths were cleared
nicely, but I have an enormous fear of ice
because I fell and broke my leg and have
had a metal rod in my leg for 20+ years.
The band was fantastic and my neighbor
sang love songs (Valentine's Day) so
beautifullywith excellent high notes.
Today I did my volunteer stint @ the library
and then went to the hairdresser. -3ºCF
is not fun weather for waiting on the corner
for the bus, but i was wearing my BIG
quilted coat and lined boots. I love the
cold weather. It gives me energy!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Valentine Rose Wreath


Valentine Rose Wreath, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 14:
1867 - Morehouse College organized in Augusta, Ga. The institution was later moved
to Atlanta. New registration law in Tennessee abolished racial distinctions in voting.
1936 - National Negro Congress organized at Chicago meeting attended by 817
delegates representing more than 500 organizations.

The wreath was sent by he-who-thinks-I'm-swell.
Good thing I went to town last night. It snowed all night and transportation was a
nightmare this morning and afternoon. Luckily we were able to walk to lunch at
Miss Tootsie's Soul Food Café where we had a reservation. Food and atmosphere
for the soul for sure.

Gave Mom a scratch off Valentine's lottery ticket, but she didn't win anything. She
went out with Arlene and isn't back yet, but I'm sure she stopped in to see Sis and
is having a good time elsewhere too. The card from Women In Need I sent her with
a contribution in memory of The Queen didn't come in the mail yet.

Got home about 4 and am resting. There's a jazz band at the club tonight and I want
to go to support Ant & his wife who have organized it. I'll have to see how slippery
the walks are.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Rosa said no


Rosa said no, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 13:
1923 - The first black professional basketball team, "The Renaissance," was organized.
1957 - Southern Christian Leadership Conference organized at New Orleans meeting
with Martin Luther King Jr. as president.
1970 - The New York Stock Exchange admits its first black member, Joseph Searles.

The Neville Brothers sang,"Thank you,Sister Rosa; You were the spark that started our
freedom movement. Thank you Sister Rosa Parks."

I wrote:

Rosa Parks
Queen Mother
Of the Revolution:
Sometimes you have to
Sit down
To
Stand up
For yourself

Talking and walking
Quietly
But making
A noise
Heard
Around the world

Since it had been snowing lightly all day, I hotfooted it into town so I wouldn't get
snowed in and miss lunch tomorrow with he-who-thinks-I'm-swell. My present was
delivered today. You'll see it tomorrow. Lovely.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Out and about


Out and about, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 12:
1793 - First fugitive slave law enacted by Congress. The measure made it a criminal
offense to harbor a fugitive slave or prevent his arrest.
1865 - Henry Highland Garnet, first black to speak in the Capitol, delivered memorial
sermon on the abolition of slavery at services in the House of Representatives.
1909 - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
was founded. The call for the organizational meeting was issued on 100th anniversary
of Abraham Lincoln's birth by 47 whites and six blacks.

Up early and out by 10
and on the bus to town. Carrying book, walkman,
crosswords,towel for later and too many other
things in my Million Woman bag. Had to go to
Blue Cross because of a problem with my
account that I wasn't able to
solve by phone. Talking to someone in
person and the problem was solved
immediately.
Back home @ McD's eating fruit&nut
salad. First day with new trainer in 90
minutes so I skipped the $1 burger. Had
a very thorough workout with Heather,
she-who-knows-no-mercy. This is going
to be a good move for me.
Big sales @ Kohl's so I stopped there and
got some shirts for myself and one for Sis.
At home eating cake in celebration of
Abe's birthday ;)

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Coyle's Café


Coyle's Café, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 11:
1961 - Robert Weaver sworn in as administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, highest federal post to date by a black American.
1976 - Clifford Alexander Jr. confirmed as the first black secretary of the United States Army.

Afternoon meeting brainstorming fund raising ideas for the
Relay for Life which our team will again participate in during
a weekend in June. Having a pinata was my favorite idea
for a field activity.

I have set up my web page and will begin to send out emails
asking people to sponsor my effort in the Survivor Walk. Gotta
make one for Sis now. She'll be in the walk too :(

Saturday, February 10, 2007

*Great* Emancipator??


*Great* Emancipator??, originally uploaded by ujima.

Feb. 10, 1964 - After 12 days of debate
and voting on 125 amendments,
the U.S. House of Representatives
passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by
a vote of 290-130.
1966 - Economist Andrew Brimer is
appointed to the Federal Reserve
Board.

I never understood how Lincold could free enslaved people in
states where he wasn't president. I never understood why he
didn't free the enslaved people in the border states (MD,DE,VA).
I never understood why he was so in favor of sending the ex-
enslaved people back to Africa.

I did understand what Philadelphia Black orator and abolitionist
Robert Purvis said in a 1862 letter:
"Is injustice nothing?Is honor nothing?...It is said that this is
"the white man's country".Not so, sir. This is the red man's country
by natural right and the black man's by virtue of suffering and
toil. Your fathers drove the red man out and forced the black
man in.The children of the black man have enriched the soil by
their toil, sweat and blood. ....It is vain that you talk about "two
races" and their "mutual antagonism". In the matter of rights there
is but one race and that is the human race."

Democrat Barack Obama declared himself a candidate Saturday for the White House
in 2008, evoking Abraham Lincoln's ability to unite a nation and promising to lead a
new generation as the country's first Black president.

Friday, February 09, 2007

Ars Gratia Artis


Ars Gratia Artis, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 9:
1952 - Author Ralph Ellison's novel Invisible Man wins the National Book Award.
1971 - Leroy "Satchel" Paige is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
1995 - Bernard Harris, African-American astronaut, takes space walk.

One of my computer students asked me yesterday why I bother to
post a picture and write a blog entry daily when no one reads it
and no one leaves a comment. I could not make her understand
how much I enjoy doing this.
Artists don't have to be $ucce$$ful. Just making any kind of art is
so fulfilling even if you're not the best or not even that good.
Of the three students, not one understood what I was saying.
Different strokes.

I still wear the t-shirts and carry the bag I bought at the march.
As I have many bags and 90 or 100 tees, they don't get much wear
and stay colorful.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Million Woman March


Million Woman March, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 8:
1944 - Harry S. McAlphin, first African
American to be accredited to attend the
White House press conference.
1986 - Oprah Winfrey becomes the first
African American woman to host a
nationally syndicated talk show.

We were up and down by the river before sunup: Baltimore Sis,Sis
and I among thousands of woman waiting. Finally someone began
singing and all joined in. After prayers and a few short speeches, we
began walking.
When the sun came up, I turned to see that thousands more had
joined in the march. The singing, laughing and waving continued
for about an hour until we reached the steps of the Philadelphia
Art Museum (designed by a Black American,Julian Abele). We
sat and rested and talked to women from alll over the U.S.
BSis met a young girl who shared her surname, and they discovered
that they had relatives in common. I met a photographer from
London, Sandria Cruise, with whom I stay when in England.

The speeches, the music, but mainly the sisterhood keeps this
day fresh in my memory. I still carry the bad I bought that day
which says "Great Grandmother taught Gtandmother.
Grandmother taught Mother. Mother taught Me.I will teach YOU!!"

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Consuella the Queen


Consuella the Queen, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 7:
Feb. 7, 1926 - Negro History Week
originated by Carter G. Woodson is
observed for the first time.

February 7,1936: my oldest sister,
Consuella was born. She worked very
diligently while raising two children,
getting her B.A. degree at night, and
workingas an EEO officer for our
government.

She was called The Queen because she
was always fancy, drove a Cadillac
brougham, and carried herself so
magestically.

Unfortunately, she was a heavy smoker
and died ten years ago. We miss you,
Queen.

Going out to the clubhouse for the finals
of The Biggest Loser. Although I've lost
pounds and inches, I know I'm not in the
top ten; but the contest did help me to
stay focused.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

A niece visit


A niece visit, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 6:
1820 - "Mayflower of Liberia" sailed from New York City with eighty six Blacks.
1993 - Arthur Ashe dies. First African American tennis player to win at Wimbledon.
1867 - Robert Tanner Jackson becomes first African American to receive a degree
in dentistry.

a nice visit


a nice visit, originally uploaded by ujima.

My one-and-only niece drove up from Baltimore for a visit. I did errands
while she took Mom shopping. They got two cashmere sweaters reduced
from $84 to $16.80 and then minus the senior discount.

We drove over to Sis's with beautiful tulips and hoagies for lunch. It's easy
to make my niece laugh. We clown and tease for her happiness.

She drove Sis to the doctor's so she could get the last two of four drip
catchers out. Ah relief! And the stitches will come out on Thursday.
Sis's hair is still just a light layer of fuzz. Baby steps.

Monday, February 05, 2007

On February 5:
1866 - Congressman Thaddeus Stevens offered an amendment to Freedmen's Bureau Bill authorizing the distribution of public land and confiscated land to freedmen and loyal refugees in 40-acre lots.

1958 - Clifton R. Wharton Sr. confirmed as minister to Rumania. This career diplomat was the first Black to head a U.S. embassy in Europe.

1962 - Suit seeking to bar Englewood, N.J., from maintaining "racial segregated" elementary schools filed in U.S. District Court.

Tut Again..YAY!


Tut Again..YAY!, originally uploaded by ujima.

My BIL (73yo) did not come up for the exhibit. Too much Super
Bowl Party? Sis's friend Dee stepped up to go. She was great
company. Bright. Involved. Funny.

This time, I had the audio. Narration by Omar Sharif. We had the noon
entry which was excellent. Not crowded. School classes had
finished and were at lunch.

Aah. The beauty. The detail. The symmetry. I will go again before the
artifacts move on to London. Or maybe I'll go see it in London? Hmmm.

We ate lunch @ Aya's Cafe which was in walking distance.
(ayascafe.net) Ordered Faule wa Falafal, the Egyptian
National dish.

Was feeling fat in my winter layers (CF 0º) and even fatter
after the delicious lunch. Gym tomorrow >8D

Sunday, February 04, 2007

You know where I'll be :)


You know where I'll be :), originally uploaded by ujima.

Feb. 4, 1996 - J. C. Watts becomes the
first Black selected to respond to a State
of the Union Address.

Setting up my page on the cancer site
to collect donations in support of my
walk in the Relay for Life in June.

Reading the Philadelphia Inquirer and
New York Times. I'll go out to club about
5 to get a chosen seat.

Cousins from VA visiting Sis so she's
covered for the game. Mom'll watch it
off and on i.e. awake/asleep.

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Reading and resting


Reading and resting, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 3:
1874 - Blanche Kelso Bruce is elected to a full six-year term in the U.S. Senate
by the Mississippi legislature.
1903 - Jack Johnson wins the Negro Heavyweight title.
1920 - The Negro Baseball League is founded.
1956 - Autherine J. Lucy was admitted to University of Alabama. She was
suspended Feb. 7 after a riot at the university and was expelled Feb. 29.

Reading and resting. Going to club later.
Temple U dental students are having a fundraiser for their trip to Jamaica to fix
poor people's teeth. Chris said that when they went to Haiti last year,
he took care of at least 200 people a day!

Friday, February 02, 2007

Phil


Phil, originally uploaded by ujima.

On February 2:
1839 - Inventor Edmond Berger patented the spark plug.
1862 - District of Columbia abolishes slavery.
1897 - A.L. Cralle patents the ice cream mold.
1914 - Ernest Just, genetic biologist, wins the Spingarn Medal.
He received this same medal on this day in 1915 for his pioneering in cell division and fertilization.

Phil says there's going to be warm weather coming
in six weeks. BOOOO! I have more energy when it's cold.
There have been snow squalls every day, but nothing
sticks because them temp is not down to 32º.

Resting today except for a 20 minute walk. I was out
for hours on Wednesday and yesterday and m'back's
tired. Reading "Waiting for Snow in Havana."

Go Red for Women


Go Red for Women, originally uploaded by ujima.

GoRedForWomen.org

I was just out for a walk around the blocks earlier today. Many women were wearing red.
I peeled off the dress from this card and wore that.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

African Burial Ground NYC


African Burial Ground NYC, originally uploaded by ujima.

What you are calling African History and
Negro History is nothing but the missing
pages of world history.
Arthur Schomburg

Today in American History:
1865 John S. Rock becomes the first
Black attorney to practice before the
U.S. Supreme Court.