Month May 2015

Countee Cullen Spoke of Baltimore

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Countee Cullen  was believed to have been born on this day in 1903 (although, some historians say he was born on March 30, 1903).  Some accounts list Cullen’s birthplace as Baltimore, while others list it as Harlem, New York.image

In any event, one can assume, from Cullen’s writings, that he had an intimate understanding of Baltimore…

So, in honor of the birthday of the great poet, Countee Cullen, I ask that you read what he had to say in his poem, “Incident.”


Incident

Once riding in old Baltimore, 

Heart-filled, head-filled with glee, 

I saw a Baltimorean 

Keep looking straight at me. 


Now I was eight and very small, 

And he was no whit bigger, 

And so I smiled, but he poked out 

His tongue, and called me, ‘Nigger.’


I saw the whole of Baltimore 

From May until December; 

Of all the things that happened there 

That’s all that I remember.


by Countee Cullen

No “Thugs” Here

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A “teachable” moment: The article below is a classic example of how you report on a violent interaction between suspects and police to minimize getting the facts wrong and to minimize the likelihood of lawsuits ensuing from citizens who understand their legal rights, have the means to hire lawyers to fight for their rights, who have shoved their middle finger in the face of law enforcement, and who pose an ongoing threat to society, in general, and the rule of law, in particular.  And, who, by the way, just happen to have all manner of concealed and “open-carry” weapons.

        To read  the “teachable moment ” article, click  Waco Melee.

Note the restraint of the writer. At no time in the article does the author suggest that the gang members in the “Waco Melee” threatened the police or that any officer “feared for his life.”  The “Waco Melee” was just an unfortunate incident, whereby many innocent, law-abiding citizens were in the wrong place when violence erupted between a few biker outliers — no “thugs” here. The police came and, since there were no un-armed kids or toy guns in sight, they restored order.

Louis C K on #SNL 40th Anniversary

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Yesterday, I laughed at the clip of Louis CK’s SNL monologue.  Last night I had a nightmare about it.

I saw images of a small boy being brutalized by a large man, and, because I couldn’t wake up, there was nothing I could do to stop it.

I’m not laughing now.

Click here for Louis C.K.’s SNL Monologue About Child Molestation
If his monologue was designed to make me think, it was successful. If it was designed to make me laugh, it was a transient success, at best. If it was designed to humanize child rapists and minimize the hurt that they inflict on vulnerable children, Louis C K’s monologue was a failure.

(Oh, by the way, he broke no new ground in his put down of Black women.)

Click here for the skit:This is how I talk – SNL.

Help Me Pay It Forward

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In 1970, I graduated from Bennett College For Women. Bennett College encouraged me to explore, grow and spread my wings.  It served as a solid foundation that enabled me to earn a Professional Degree from The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in 1973 and to enjoy a fulfilling  career as a librarian, dedicated to expanding the knowledge-base of people of all races, faiths, professions and beliefs.

Now, forty-five (45) years later, I need your help to ensure that Bennett College can continue to send other young women forward to make a difference in the world.

What the world needs now is educated women (and men) who know who they are and who will work for the good of all humanity. Bennett has a history of producing just such graduates. Please give so that Bennett College for Women can continue  to achieve its mission of educating compassionate, committed women of excellence.

I am requesting donations in multiples of 45 to commemorate my 45th anniversary.

Please give:

–$4.50   –$45.00   –$450.00   –$4500.00

–Other ($           )

Please know that all contributions will be greatly appreciated.

contributions may be sent directly to:

Bennett College, Office of Alumnae Affairs, 900 E. Washington Street, Greensboro, N.C. 27401. Please put my name in the memo section of your check.             

Donations may also be made directly from GoFundMe.com/BennettCollege

 

Thank you. 

Jannifer English McAdoo