Black Angry Women

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Black Memories

Keeping it real means talking truth without apology to any of the readers of this BlackAngryWomen post. If any person feels offended, ask yourself why!

There was a time when Black people lived and socialized together and we welcomed that we were separate from White folk in the city of Portland, Oregon. White racism was an ever-present threat and force; and we Blacks knew well who our enemy was — both the White man and the White woman. Black interactions with respect to Whites was both formal and limited for the most part.  Our Black adults knew well the caustic, manipulative and dangerous nature of White people.

My Black father and other Black men and Black women established Black businesses designed to serve and service our Black community.   Blacks worked hard and creatively and many many Blacks bought homes and other income-producing properties.  Yes, Black communities have and can thrive and grow independently! 

Portland’s Black community was safe, peaceful, caring and supportive.  We knew each other and our children played and learned together.  Black youth knew the adults in our community and the adults knew and cared about us.  We who were young had genuine respect for our Black elders and we regularly heard and listened to our elders’ words of wisdom and advice.  Yes, Black youth loved dearly our Black elders and they loved us.  Black people visited the homes of each other at will and always we were welcomed. 

In the Black community of Portland, as neighbors, we helped one another without charge.  If there was a ‘known’ need, someone would step forth to fulfill that need. Black youth often carried a neighbor’s grocery bags inside the neighbor’s home.  Blacks often mowed neighboring lawns and shoveled the snow off the sidewalks.  While in grocery stores, Black youth often carried the grocery bags to a Black shopper’s car.  These were just a few of the many everyday practices that went unnoticed and that helped to develop Black youth into responsive and caring adults.  Uppermost, Black youth always showed and gave respect to our Black elders. 

So, the world was different when BlackParentSpeaks was a child.  And, the world was different when BlackParentSpeaks was a young and middle-aged adult.  I value and cherish the memories of times past.  Money and things meant little when compared to ‘Black’ human interactions.  We cared for each other, we valued each other and we looked out for each other.  We respected each other.  We listened to each other.  We had ‘Black’ self-love and we loved one another with few exceptions.  Urban Renewal (Black Removal), gentrification and school integration have been negatives for our Black communities across this country.  Hear my words:  Urban Renewal (Black Removal), gentrification and school integration have been negatives for our Black communities across this country.

Please do not fall prey to veiled and/or unveiled ‘White’ actions, rhetoric and other attempts to destroy and damage Black progress ever again…. Recognize that such attempts can be manifested by Whites, Blacks and others. Be Aware and be informed!

I urge our Black young and older Blacks NOT to become victims of their ignorance and/or lustful desires.  Reclaim your past and who you are intended to be.  Stop the clowning, stop the foolishness.  Stop selling yourselves, stop selling-out other Blacks, and stop gatekeeping for White folk!  Reach out and touch that which has been lost by you.  Appreciate those of us who gave so much with you in mind … Fannie Lou, Stokely ‘Black Power’ Carmichael lka Kwame Ture, Marion Barry, Sister KoKo, Brother Lester, Sister Betty, Brother Dick, Rev. David Eaton, Brother Martin, Brother Karenga, Sister Eleanor Matthews, Brother Featherstone, Brother Gaston, BlackParentSpeaks and so many many many more.   We did and gave with YOU in mind.  

Peace and Black Love!

Do NOT forget our Reparations.

 

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Black President Barack Obama — 6 December 2015

US President ‘Black’ Barack Obama’s address to the Nation tonight (6 December 2015) was such a disappointment and complete with revisionist historical facades and UNtruths.

The United States has NEVER employed true equality for Black African-Americans — nor has America repented and appropriately addressed the issue of racial equity. Truth is, Blacks were enslaved in America at the time of its founding. Our enslavers were ‘WHITE’ — please stay cognizant of this fact and do not fall for any hype to the contrary — no matter who postulates such ignorance, stupidity and/or MISinformation.

WE ALL need to hear the truth from our ‘Black’ President and not some made-up ‘political’ hype meant to comfort ‘Whites’ at the expense of us Blacks. ‘Black’ President Barack Obama needs to ‘tell the truth and shame the devil’….

America needs to clean up its own house and stop trying to sweep its dirty truth under the rug….

In tonight’s Presidential address to the Nation, ‘Black’ President Obama could have — and perhaps should have — spoken to terrorists’ killings perpetrated under the ‘guise’ of Christianity. Our President could have talked about America’s recent Planned Parenthood shootings and the murders of Blacks at the hand of law enforcement persons, etc. And, our ‘Black’ President could have ‘spoken for days’ relative to ‘White’ Christian ‘missionaries’ and others who facilitated and engaged in America’s slave trade….

Fact is that America has a lot of problems that are NOT ‘properly and effectively’ being addressed! An example of the many many many problems faced here at home include: Homelessness, a failing and flawed educational system. unemployment and underemployment, hunger, insensitivity, an ever-widening gap between the super-wealthy and the poor, and more. Embedded in all of America’s problems is the ugliness of RACISM!

BlackParentSpeaks offers the following comments to US President ‘Black’ Barack Obama and the media: America is NOT the world’s moral determinant or judge. And, words and expressions like “terrorists” and “innocent people” are problematic and over-used at best….

‘Don’t forget our reparations’.

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Undying love for Black people!

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Black Glimpse of Yesterday

Some gifts that are given to us by God should not be played with — at least that is the belief of BlackParentSpeaks.

The ‘late’ Stokely Carmichael — lka Kwame Ture — said that most difficult in life will be the commitment to ‘live for our people’. Brother Stokely expressed that anyone can die. Stokely’s thoughtful question was ‘Can YOU live for our people?’

BlackParentSpeaks has been intimately and honestly ‘involved’ in the Black Movement for what seems like a lifetime and before. My commitment has remained intact and I have, thus far, maintained my integrity. No lures, no temptations, have swayed my commitment to my people nor my commitment to justice and righteousness.

God blessed me to work alongside of such now-widely-known Brothers as Stokely — lka Kwame Ture, Marion Barry, Martin Luther King, David Eaton, Chuck Stone, and others. I witnessed our journeys together as we shared militancy, actions, emotions, thoughts, purpose, and death. Each of us was unique and yet the same. We dealt with entrapments, barriers, threats, detainments, and ever-present dangers to our livelihood, families, friends, and selves.

As part of my unique talent, I was allowed much. I remember my ‘argument of the century’ with Imamu Baraka– eka LeRoi Jones. I recall my refusal to ‘discuss’ with H. Rap Brown. And, I recall my persistent disagreement with some of the positions espoused by most-serious and astute brother Malauna ‘Ron’ Karenga. I well remember the likes of CORE’s Roy Innis and what he did that caused me to feel ‘total’ DISrespect and contempt for him! I likewise remember Andy Young and James Bevel and their ‘betrayal’ (read: “A Black Manifesto on ‘The June 24th Trick Bag’ from The Black United Front of Washington, D.C.” passed unanimously on 25 June 1968).

I think about my times of travel with the son of the Ambassador to Pakistan, the meals and talks at the home of Tanzanian Ambassador Gosbert Rutabanzibwa, my time at the OSOB while working for Senator Stephen M. Young of Ohio, dancing with Representative Charles Diggs, and more. I remember turning down a job offer from the ‘late’ Robert Kennedy and later turning down a job offer made by his brother Senator Ed Kennedy. I smile as I recall my refusal to allow Black actor Robert Hooks to pay for my meal at Ed Murphy’s Supper Club in DC.

And, I smile wryly as I remember law enforcement ‘taking me in’ for questioning because I traveled on an airplane with Dr. King’s brother — give me a break! I think about government attempts to ‘involve’ me in prison breaks and alleged ‘contracted’ killings. I remember the FBI questioning of my parents and others in the Portland, Oregon area relative to my childhood, activities, etc. As my father told me later, my father told the agents that they should be out eradicating ‘White’ racism rather than wasting monies harassing his daughter….

I remember law enforcement agents telling me that there was a contract out on my life and me telling them that the ‘moment we are born, we begin to die’…. I remember UNwanted searches, wiretaps, and more. I recall my response to law enforcement during questioning relative to Brother Muhammad Ali: ‘I knew nothing and could remember even less’.

Today, I think about the Sister who suffered a miscarriage following a scary and unexpected invasion of her home by law enforcement. Officers with guns had busted into her home as she lay in her bed. News of the invasion quickly traveled throughout DC and the ‘Word’ was that I would likely be the next target. Strapped brothers including Rev. David Eaton and Marion Barry immediately stepped forth to protect me from experiencing a similar illegal ‘surprise’ invasion….

I have always been a child of God and God has known me from the very beginning. God blessed me to work with amazing and committed individuals — Black folk devoted to righteousness. Many of the folk who I worked so intimately with have likely already ‘given up the ghost’ and moved on. BlackParentSpeaks, however, remains on earth for whatever God’s reason….

BlackParentSpeaks’ vigilance and commitment to righteousness continues. Whatever the final chapter, it has yet to be written.

‘Don’t forget our reparations’.

Feel free to share this BlackAngryWomen blog with others. We are all works in progress. Do YOU know what time it is? http://BlackAngryWomen.com/

Undying love for Black people!

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Black With Sticks – ‘We Did It Our Way’

White people are the perpetrators of ‘White’ racism – plain and simple. Whites have relied on fear and the façade of never-ending power in their attempts to cause Blacks to feel insecure and helpless. White people allow the notion that Blacks must go along to get along (with them).

BlackParentSpeaks asks – What people in their natural minds would ever choose to imitate the beyond-ugly behaviors and actions of White people!? It is White people who have spawned hatred, ravaged, raped, killed, scalped, stolen, castrated, hung (strange fruit), tarred, whipped, enslaved, and oppressed. The history of White people is horrible and ‘outside’ comprehension for some of US.

In spite of the history, presence, and legacy of White people, BlackParentSpeaks remains convinced that ‘as long as there is breath, there is hope’. As long as there is breath, a White person CAN embark on a road leading towards his or her redemption.

I am reminded of a White female child who lived with her White family in the vicinity of my Black family’s house on NE 12th in Portland, Oregon. That child and I attended the same elementary school at the time. I was a young ‘Black’ student at Irvington Elementary School solely because Whites-in-power had ‘mandated and forced’ me to integrate ‘White’ Irvington School. It was the 1950s.

‘White’ Irvington School had rules that befuddled my young ‘Black’ mind and I was a serious and curious soul with an independent, stubborn and quiet nature. Although I was but a third grader at Irvington, I quickly felt and experienced the racist resentment of Irvington’s ‘White’ community – teachers, parents, students and others.

The White child who lived in the vicinity of my family’s house was a ‘chip off her family’s racist block’. That child’s mouth was a ‘racist’ garbage can and her mind was similarly cluttered. Earlier, she had learned the painful lesson of spewing racist words while in reaching distance of yours truly. As a result, she learned to shout her racist filth at me while safely out-of-reach. Accordingly, I soon learned to ignore the White child’s racist words and I accepted that the White child was a reflection of her White family.

One day as I was walking alone through the halls of Irvington School, I barely heard what sounded like a muffled voice and cries. Looking around to make certain that I was not observed, I took a detour in the direction of the sounds. And, although I had been told to never ever open the door which, I believe, led to the boiler room – I extended my hand and slowly and quietly opened that door.

Drawn to the sounds, I saw a White male teacher and the White child who lived in the neighborhood of my family’s house. The blood I saw stunned me and I quickly and quietly exited the area and left the school – running all the way home. In my ‘young’ mind, I believed that the White male teacher had by now ‘killed’ the racist White child who lived in the neighborhood of my family’s house.

Thank heaven that my daddy was home when I ran through the front door of our house.

I told my father what I had heard, what I had done, and what I had seen. I identified the White male teacher and the child and I looked to my father for answers. Daddy asked me if the teacher or anyone else had seen me and I said ‘no’. In the wake of my fears, Daddy told me not to worry and to stay home – he assured me that that teacher was NOT going to kill me….

Daddy and my mother talked in private and then Daddy told me that he was going to the White girl’s house and he would soon return. Daddy told me not to tell anyone else what I had witnessed.

Upon Daddy’s return, he explained to me that what I had seen was “White folks’ business” and he assured me that the White child was not dead. Daddy explained that White folk were different than us Blacks and he told me that changes would immediately be made for me and any other Black students at Irvington Elementary School!

Daddy phoned other Black adults and some came to our house. The next day, Daddy met with the White Principal of Irvington School and told him what would and would not be allowed with respect to Black students.

Changes did happen. However, racism at Irvington Elementary School continued and the White community remained UNwelcoming and abusive.

As information, the White child’s family soon moved – as did many of the other White families in the neighborhood. As for the White child, she appeared to lose her rambunctious and mouthy personality following what I had witnessed at Irvington. I do not believe that I ever again heard that particular White child utter a racist word. Instead she seemed subdued and withdrawn afterwards.

During the time closely following the Irvington Elementary School incident mentioned herein, I did not know what had caused the White child’s dramatic personality shift. As an adult, however, I believe I have come to overstand at least one of the reasons she CHANGED….

‘Don’t forget our reparations’.

Feel free to share this BlackAngryWomen blog with others. http://BlackAngryWomen.com/

We are all works in progress.

Undying love for Black people!


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Black Integrated Thoughts and Memories

BlackParentSpeaks’ father was a wise Black man of great knowledge and patience. He modeled an ‘undying love for Black people’. Daddy loved my mother and he loved us children. Daddy was our protector in a racist ‘White’ America bent on killing off the ‘Black’ man, ‘Black’ woman, and ‘Black’ child.

My father’s nature fascinated me and often I, while a child, consciously and unconsciously imitated Daddy’s ways and style. My handwriting mirrored Daddy’s and my language and talk and thoughts largely developed by way of Daddy’s teachings.

While I was a child, I marveled at my father’s ability to speak and communicate in multiple languages and ways. I often watched and listened as my father acted as an interpreter in various situations involving non-English speaking folk.

Daddy handled most – if not all – of the Black, Spanish-speaking, Chinese, Russian, and Roma business in Portland, Oregon. And, on a regular basis, Daddy and I visited the home of a non-verbal ‘White’ couple and Daddy handled their business affairs by way of signing. Daddy likewise handled business for people without sight. I was forever and constantly learning while in the company of my father.

My father was not one to wear his credentials on his sleeve. Although Daddy had graduated Colorado College as the first ‘Black’ Phi Beta Kappa, Daddy seldom – if ever – wore his pin. Rather, Daddy’s pin was kept at home in a dresser drawer.

Daddy often explained that it was not important that other folk know that you know something; rather, it is important that you know that you know. Daddy also said other things that have remained a part of my persona throughout my life….

My father was a master electrician, plumber, and more. He liked working with tools and constructing devices. Daddy built a monstrosity of a printing press and we used the press to print business cards, invoicing materials, posters, etc. Daddy liked playing around with numbers and he geared me towards appreciating numbers as well.

Daddy was likely the fastest typist I have ever personally encountered. Initially learning to type by way of my father, I eventually found myself typing over 90 words a minute without errors. But, Daddy was quicker and just as accurate! I enjoyed challenging my father even though I always lost the challenge – smiles.

Because the ‘White’ elementary school in Portland, Oregon that I was forced to integrate did not provide me – a ‘Black’ student — with a language structure foundation, my father stepped in and guided me. Daddy showed me short-cuts in learning language and developing structure. As Daddy had taught me to do with math, Daddy showed me how to check my words, spelling, and sentences. Daddy explained punctuation, complete thoughts, and more. Daddy created challenging word games for his ‘kiddies’ and I enthusiastically played those games with delight.

Similar to my father, I read – and continue to read – quite a bit. Like my father, I also write quite a bit. Often, I write during the wee hours of the night and the early hours of the day. I lean towards conscious communication with our ancestors and spirits during such hours as well.

‘Purpose’ is often lacking in the lives of many. Folk with relatively considerable financial wealth have a tendency to horde, squander, demand, and seek more by way of greed. Solutions to societal ills elude them (or, quite frankly, do not interest them) because their hollow professions of concern lack substance, intent, and wisdom. What many fail to overstand is that today is short-lived and their money does NOT entitle them….

I am reminded of the day when I – BlackParentSpeaks — was so rudely approached by a man of considerable financial wealth and power. Although I was in ‘deep’ conversation with fellow Blacks at the time, the man chose to have several of his employees interrupt our gathering in order to ‘immediately’ speak to me. The man-of-financial-wealth was ‘White’; I am ‘Black’. Needless to say, I REFUSED the man-of-financial-wealth an audience.

The following day, BlackParentSpeaks was again approached by employees of the ‘White’ man-of-financial-wealth and I was offered upwards of a hundred thousand dollars, a car, and a house of my own if I were to accommodate the man’s wishes. Without the slightest hesitation, I refused. Later that day, the man-of-financial-wealth personally approached me. After telling him what he could do with his ‘offer’, I told him that if he ever wanted to reach out and truly ‘help’ in the fight for racial justice, he should again look me up. I have not been contacted by him since….

As I write these words, I smile. I smile knowing that I have maintained my ‘Black’ sense of integrity, involvement, and commitment. I have NOT sold out nor have I hocked my ‘Blackness’.

No, I do not own a home – no money to buy one. Yes, my 20-year-old car is sorely in need of repair and my bank account often hovers at a $10 balance. And, I sometimes make the rounds picking up empty soda water cans to redeem for deposit. Yet, I smile for I am convinced that I was ‘chosen’ (many are called, few are chosen) and I have been – and continue to be — blessed with a ‘purposeful’ life. Black Power!

‘Don’t forget our reparations’.

Feel free to share this BlackAngryWomen blog with others. http://BlackAngryWomen.com/

We are all works in progress.

Undying love for Black people!


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Black Natural Hair and Mental Slavery

The c.1967 journey to Black ‘natural’ hair freedom came by way of defiance and happenstance for BlackParentSpeaks. I was working as Secretary to Attorney Julian Dugas in DC – the nation’s capital – at the time. My employer was the Neighborhood Legal Services Project/Program (NLSP).

The morning BlackParentSpeaks went from ‘pressed’ hair to ‘Natural and Black’ hair is quite revealing. As was normal, I had gotten up for work and washed my hair with the intent of pressing same before leaving for work. Suddenly, there was an unexpected knock at my apartment door.

Quickly, I walked to the door and opened it to let in my sister who had recently moved to DC by way of California. We embraced and began sharing memories as I agreed to introduce her to ‘particular’ Blacks in the DC area.

Caught up in the excitement of my sister’s visit, time flew. After an hour or so of ‘talk’, my sister reminded me of my UNpressed hair and my job. She said words to the effect of ‘Oh, I had better leave now so that you will have time to press your hair before going to work…. There is no way that you can let ‘White’ folk see your nappy hair.’

Without missing a beat, I dismissively replied to my sister that she need not rush as I had no intention of pressing my hair. I told my sister that I was going to wear my hair ‘natural’ to work.

My sister became increasingly livid as she first urged and finally DEMANDED that I either press my hair or get a permanent! She expressed that one of the worse things I could do was to go to work with ‘nappy’ hair…. My sister spoke of my upbringing and told me that it would reflect on our family name if I were to show my ‘nappy’ hair to others.

Stunned by my sister’s assertions and words, I reacted telling her that I was NOT ashame of my ‘natural’ hair and that I would wear my hair however I chose to wear my hair.

My sister angrily made the decision to leave my apartment after acknowledging that she obviously could not change my mind.

Following my sister’s exit from my place, I hastily grabbed a blue strip of material and beautifully wrapped my natural hair before heading off to work. In my opinion, my ‘look’ was both refreshing and stunning and I had no reason to expect anything less than accolades.

The Director of NLSP was ‘Black’ attorney Julian Dugas. I was Mr. Dugas’ Personal Secretary – offered the job by him following his ‘questionable’ handling of my racial discrimination case against the Agency for International Development (AID). My work desk was directly outside Attorney Dugas’ office as information.

Roughly 30 minutes to an hour into the work day, Attorney Dugas rather loudly confronted me about my head wear. Simply put, Mr. Dugas shouted “What the hell is that on your head!???”

I responded that I was wearing a head wrap.

Mr. Dugas angrily ordered me to take my head wrap off as he went back into his office and slammed the door.

In accordance with Attorney Dugas’ orders, I UNwrapped my ‘natural’ hair and continued to do the business of the day.

Shortly after my removal of my head wrap, Attorney Dugas stood before my desk and demanded that I not report to work again with ‘natural’ hair or a head wrap. I responded in a firm and equally ‘loud’ voice the following:

“Mr. Dugas, you have two choices. Either you will see a head wrap every day that I work here or you will see my ‘natural’ hair. You decide….”

Mr. Dugas’ response – ‘Well, I’d rather see your ‘nappy’ hair than a head wrap.’

The negative outbursts and reactions BlackParentSpeaks received from fellow Blacks in response to my ‘natural’ hair helped me in my overstanding resolve. We — who are Black — must be defining in our purpose to both break and remove the shackles of mental enslavement.

‘Don’t forget our reparations’.

Feel free to share this BlackAngryWomen blog with others. We are all works in progress. Do YOU know what time it is? http://BlackAngryWomen.com/

Undying love for Black people!

http://BlackAngryWomen.com/


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‘Black’ Militant & Revolutionary Marion Barry ‘Gives Up The Ghost’ in 2014

‘Black’ Militant & Revolutionary Marion Barry ‘Gives Up The Ghost’ in 2014

On 23 November 2014 ‘Black’ Brother Marion S. Barry ‘gave up the ghost’ in America’s Capital — Washington, DC. This BlackParentSpeaks ‘WORD’ is a brief look at — and about — Marion Barry the ‘Black’ man!

Marion and BlackParentSpeaks began our relationship as active ‘Black’ militants, revolutionaries, cohorts, intimate friends, confidants and more during the 1960’s Black ‘Movement’.

Marion Barry – what can I say?!

Marion was a worthy and memorable force to say the least. He was focused and relevant. Marion led by doing; he was an activist and Black people throughout DC – the nation’s Capital – loved him. Marion paid his dues and he was – like many of US – beyond deserving of respect, loyalty and more.

Marion spoke the language that we ‘over’stood. He was fearless in his beliefs and actions. Marion was consistent although sometimes unpredictable. He was serious about life. Marion was a true ‘player’ – a runner who also focused on US sisters.

Marion had an obvious penchant for Black women. We sometimes lamented that if ‘Whites’ were ever to ‘get at’ Marion, it would be through a sister because Marion was attractive to the sisters and often ‘tempted’…. But, Marion was Marion.

Marion was serious about who he was – ‘Dear God, please do not let me be misunderstood’….

Marion was ‘real’ and he ‘shared’ with me. When Marion drifted from who he was, it bothered him greatly. Perhaps the most notable occasion involved young Rufus ‘Catfish’ Mayfield. Marion and I ‘talked’ more than once after what happened. Marion felt ‘painful’ guilt; at times, I wonder if Marion ever truly made amends….

Marion and I and Rev. David Eaton and Stokely Carmichael and Lester McKinney and, and, and – the list goes on.

Marion and I – at times – communicated by way of a personal ‘code’. On at least one occasion, that led to a suspected bomb threat.

I am reminded of ‘Black’ actor Robert Hooks who happened into ‘Black’ Ed Murphy’s DC Club one day and soon ‘offered’ to pay for my drink. It was obvious that Brother Hooks was intending to ‘show-up’ Marion because Hooks ‘talked trash’ about Marion and the ladies…. Hooks ‘assumed’ I was Marion’s ‘date’. I ‘thanked’ Hooks for the offer but explained that Marion would pay for my drinks and anything else I ordered. Later that evening, Marion and ‘Murph’ and I shared hearty laughs….

Marion was a genuine brother who did not shy away from trouble. Marion Barry looked trouble in the eye and took action. I remember Marion showing up at my DC place-of-residence prepared to protect me from the violent advances of law enforcement. I, also, remember Marion ‘kicking in the door’ of the police paddy wagon and what ensued thereafter…. The ‘truths’ go on and on. I sometimes think about Marion and the ‘bug’ he sometimes drove. I think about Marion’s romantic and sensitive sides and more.

I recall a time when Marion and others got into an ‘alleged’ protracted gun fight in buildings along the streets of DC. Law enforcement had cordoned off the area of the ‘alleged’ shootings…. Upon learning of the situation, yours truly intervened to bring a ‘peaceful’ end to the stalemate with no resulting charges.

Marion could be relentless and persistent – a man who did not give up or give in. The DC bus ‘MAN’cott was Marion’s ‘baby’. Home Rule was Marion’s ‘baby’.

During one of the DC Black United Front (BUF) meetings, I refused to give in to the wishes of BUF Board member Marion Barry. Marion felt he could persuade me otherwise. Marion stated that he and company would come to my DC home with force. I responded that if Marion and company did show up at my place, I would ‘blow’ him away first…. Following that exchange, Marion and I BOTH burst out in laughter.

‘Black’ Marion S. Barry was a man worthy of respect and loyalty. He was true and he was human. Marion shared love, pain, and hurt as he gave to the struggle in spite of…. Marion opened doors and provided employment to DC’s ‘Black’ youth and others. He paid his dues and more.

BlackParentSpeaks remembers ‘Black’ Marion S. Barry as a man of substance and love.

‘Don’t forget our reparations’.

Feel free to share this BlackAngryWomen blog with others. We are all works in progress. Do YOU know what time it is? http://BlackAngryWomen.com/

Undying love for Black people!

http://BlackAngryWomen.com/


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Police Body Cameras ‘Trick Bag’…. ‘Black’ Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Others

BlackParentSpeaks is compelled to speak AGAINST the case of requiring local police officers to wear body cameras while on duty. Perhaps something in this BlackAngryWomen post will touch the raw nerve of each reader.

BlackParentSpeaks values both privacy and the ‘right not to incriminate self’ laws. Violations of ‘privacy’ abound and the ‘privacy of our homes’ is a precious remaining ‘right’ — at least in theory.

Requiring local police officers to wear body cameras while on duty is a misnomer at best and a violation of ‘right to privacy’ practices and theories.

Body cameras will not stop our police officers who are bent towards wrongful practices involving ‘general’ abuses or racist abuses of power. If we truly believe that body cameras are a solution, we are wrong.

Police wearing of body cameras while on duty makes us all subject to invasion of our ‘rights to privacy’. Footage and ‘supposed unaltered fluid footage’ will be available and in the public domain. Likewise, such footage will be kept for years lest the camera footage no longer be ‘considered and deemed’ relevant.

First, the efficacy of cataloging and storing continuous footage and ‘alleged’ footage from local police body cameras is both costly and ridiculous. Safeguarding such footage is another questionable task. Where will such be stored and who will be in charge of maintaining the integrity and security of such? Who will handle the cataloging of this massive endeavor?

Already, ‘hacking’ and viruses present a major problem for all – including the Pentagon and other government agencies. Leaks abound. We are inundated regularly with breaches to security. What makes any of us believe that body camera footage and ‘supposed’ UNtampered footage will be kept and maintained with ‘greater’ security?

When thinking about police body camera footage, at a minimum, we must think about the movie making industry. Daily, we watch our TVs and many of us view movies. Camera footage is altered, transposed, manipulated, deleted, and otherwise pieced together to present a fluid story for viewers to ‘feel’ and believe. We are able to change ‘original’ footage on our computers at home and at work. ‘Is it real or is it Xerox?’ Who will have the legal authority to certify whether police body camera footage is UNchanged or CHANGED and what about ensuing disagreements? Who decides and determines ‘integrity’?

Will the footage filmed by body cameras flow constantly into a central computer system located away from the police officer who is wearing the body camera? Or, will each body camera contain its separate film footage for later download into a central computer located in individual precinct locations or…?

What happens when and if an officer’s body camera becomes nonfunctional or has blips?

What will be the dollar value of a police body camera on the public and non-public market? Will a police officer’s safety be jeopardized as a result of his body camera? How many body cameras will be ‘lifted’ and/or ‘liberated’ and/or confiscated and/or simply ‘lost’?

What will happen if a police officer fails by accident or on purpose to ‘continually and consistently’ wear his or her body camera? Will there be ‘real and effective’ consequences? Will local police officers be subject to dismissal as a result? Will body cameras operate while police officers are using the bathrooms? Afterall, incidents can happen in bathrooms and all spaces. If there are exceptions, what will be considered an exception?

Will body camera footage be reviewed randomly or continually and constantly by an oversight group or body? Or, will the review of the footage be solely ‘triggered’ by officially-filed complaints? And, who is – in fact – allowed to file complaints against local police officers? Can a person who is UNinvolved in a police situation file a citizen complaint? Can anonymous individuals and entities file complaints that ‘trigger’ the review of police body camera footage? Will the media have access? Will individuals have access under ‘freedom of information’ laws and policies?

If body cameras do become law, all that is visible in a person’s home will be on camera if and when the police enter a person’s home! Homes will become ‘public-viewing’ spaces for all to see. People who have ‘desired’ items inside their homes can and will become visible prey….

A person’s home will no longer be private. Folk can anonymously summon police officers and police officers can mistakenly go to and enter the wrong home. Yet, if an officer enters that home, all will be recorded on camera footage to be viewed later….

What will happen if ‘suspected’ illegal substances or items are subsequently viewed on body camera footage? What will happen when police enter homes where people are UNclothed or viewed as improperly clothed? Will we be seen ‘naked’ on body camera footage and where will that footage go? Do we really believe that ‘integrity’ will be employed or keep us safe from public viewing?

How many citizens will be co-opted as a result of body camera footage? How many people will be discouraged from calling for help as a result of police wearing body cameras? What victim of abuse wants to be publicly viewed as a result of the requirement for body cameras! Who really wants a police person to enter his or her home while wearing a body camera that puts ALL and everyone inside on film?

Police wearing body cameras is NOT a solution to racist police brutality!

The requirement for local police officers to wear body cameras puts all at risk. Local police officers will also be targeted as a result. If body cameras are made policy or law, there will be occasions when police officers wearing body cameras will unknowingly enter spaces that subject them to danger as a result of their body cameras. Afterall, the body cameras will film what police officers fail to see….

Do not be tricked by emotions or alleged hypes. If police body cameras are made law or required, please ‘insist’ that all police officers everywhere in America be required to wear body cameras — without exception or excuse. And, insist that police body camera video be continuous and fluid while the officer is on duty — regardless of the situation and circumstances.

Be Aware! Be Informed!

Feel free to share this BlackAngryWomen blog with others. http://BlackAngryWomen.com/

Don’t forget our reparations.


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Racism 18: Death of ‘Black’ Michael Brown – Ferguson, Missouri ‘White’ Cop Shoots and Kills

It is Friday, 28 November 2014. As I sit here, my mind is focused on the countless Ferguson, Missouries and the continued and never-ending racist injustice heaped on Black folk here in a racist and ‘White’ America. My dear friend and confidant ‘Black’ David Eaton said it first to me and I repeat same here – ‘White’ America went from barbarism to decadence without a period of civilization in between.

In regards to the killing of UNarmed 18-year-old ‘Black’ Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, BlackParentSpeaks is heartened to see the reactionary expressions of anger that are coming from ‘Black’ America. Black people are shot daily by Whites who actually believe that they are entitled to injure and kill Blacks – without repercussions, redress, or outcry. Racism is ugly, dangerous, and deadly. A racist and collective ‘White’ mentality has allowed — and encourages — America to fill its graveyards and its prisons with millions of Black bodies.

Today, BlackParentSpeaks sees an increasing number of Black people who are tired of being terrorized, plantationized, oppressed, and contained by Whites. Think about the irony – oppressive and racist Whites projecting themselves as superior to US.

As a teenager in the 1960s, I was recruited and offered the top secretarial job with the Agency for International Development (AID) in DC. After listening to the wisdom of my ‘Black’ father, I accepted the position offered and left my home in Oregon and traveled to DC — at the expense of the Federal Government.

Upon arrival in DC, I was told that the Comptroller of AID expected me to be ‘White’ and I was DENIED the position I had accepted with AID ‘because they did not allow Blacks to work in the Comptroller’s office….’ Although my pay remained per our agreement, I was assigned to work in the secretarial pool. Needless to say, I was not happy and sought legal help from the DC Neighborhood Legal Services Project (NLSP).

America’s legal system permitted racism and racial discrimination and the NLSP attorney I contacted for help took advantage of my trust (In my words, he ‘purposely(?)’ failed to properly represent me.) Was I angry?

After expressing my anger and confronting the attorney accordingly, that attorney offered me the choice of accepting a top secretarial position with NLSP or ‘running home to Daddy and Momma’. Again, after talking to my father and ‘allowing’ that attorney to likewise talk to my father, I accepted the position offered by NLSP.

Even though I did accept the NLSP position, I remained angry and disappointed and I learned an invaluable lesson about mankind and trust. As I continued in my pursuit of justice, I sought the help of the DC Student Non-Violent (lka National) Coordinating Committee – SNCC.

Upon meeting SNCC Director ‘Black’ Lester McKinney and some of the brothers and sisters who worked with SNCC, I felt immediately drawn to offer my assistance in the fight against racism and oppression. My skills and abilities were beyond impressive and I knew that my help was needed because so much ‘appeared’ to be in disarray at the DC SNCC headquarters. So, instead of me getting help from SNCC, I became a ‘trusted’ volunteer on-the-spot!

In quick order, I began working with ‘Black’ folk like Stokely Carmichael (lka Kwame Ture), Marion Barry, Rev. David Eaton, Calvin Rolark, and others. I never accepted a penny for the work I did in the ‘Movement’ – rather, along with volunteering, I helped in financing the ‘Movement’. As information, South African singer Miriam Makeba also helped financially. Sister Makeba later married Stokely in New York. Before Stokely, Sister Makeba had been married to South African musician Brother Hugh Masekela.

Please excuse BlackParentSpeaks for getting off track in this post. This post is intended to be about what is currently happening in political Black America; therefore, I will now return to my original intent with regards to this BlackAngryWomen post.

BlackParentSpeaks is heartened to witness the reactionary expressions of anger and outrage that come from the souls of ‘Black’ America. Ferguson brings to mind the 1960s and 1970s ‘Movement’ which was similarly often triggered by the racist killing of a Black at the hands of ‘White’ America.

We Black militants worked tirelessly and faithfully in the ‘Movement’. We were unapologetically active revolutionaries who ate and slept the ‘Movement’ as we paid our dues and the dues of others’. And, as we refused to let others turn us around, we were likewise met by ‘White’ orchestrated cries of “they are destroying their own neighborhoods and communities”….

As buildings and structures went up in flames, as cars were overturned and burned, as merchandise was ‘liberated’ from stores, ‘White-thinking folk’ asked foolish questions and made foolish statements UNworthy of our response. WE kept our eyes on the prize and refused to be turned around. As ‘Black’ Brother James Brown once stated, ‘I rather die on my feet than sit in my seat’….

Racism has been — and continues to be — a reality in America. Whites have been out-of-control for over 400 years now. Whites have continuously terrorized Black folk in America and any and all ‘supposed’ lulls were due to ‘Black’ demands and actions. White folk are the oppressors. White folk are the racists! It is White people who think and/or project themselves as superior to US who are Black.

Stop for a minute and think of the ludicrousy of Whites who voice their sentiments of White superiority. Oppressive and racist Whites speak words that both decry and blame the oppressed – words that ‘attempt’ to blame US for our own oppression. Well, the victim is not to blame. Every time I look in the mirror I see a victim of White racism – me.

Just as I did not allow my White oppressors to dictate to me when I was young, I continue to NOT allow Whites to dictate my reaction to my oppression at their hands. To do otherwise would mean that BlackParentSpeaks is either a sell-out or out of her God-blessed ‘Black’ mind…. BlackParentSpeaks is forever indebted to her people, her ancestors; and, BlackParentSpeaks hopes and prays that she has served – and continues to serve — her ancestors well.

My people, my ‘Black’ ancestors, were forcefully and viciously enslaved and brought to this country – dubbed ‘America’ — in chains. My ancestors were maimed and killed. My ancestors were cut open and their limbs were cut off by their White oppressors. My people were castrated and hung from trees while White men, women, and children rejoiced over the sight while picnicking. (‘Black’ Nina Simone sang of the Strange Fruit.)

My people were whipped and raped. My ‘Black’ ancestors were torn from their families and sold to ‘White’ slaveholders who garnered wealth and material riches as a result of their inhumanity to us Blacks. My Black people were tricked and abused and used as ‘sport’ by treacherous and evil White men and White women. My ‘Black’ father, when a child, was saved from death by his Creek mother who hid him from the Whites intent on using him as sport in their weekly ‘White’ game of drag racing….

We who are Black must be vigilant in our pursuit of righteousness — a life free of fear and ‘White’ terror. We must hold White folk accountable. We must keep our eyes on the prize! We must be pro-active and we must make demands. We must keep our eyes on the prize! We must each decide the course of action we will each take in order to help liberate ourselves and each other in a racist America.

It is important to note that Black self-defense is NOT violence! Violence is what is inflicted upon Blacks in a racist America. BlackParentSpeaks emphatically states that Black people have a right to be angry. And, we have an obligation and a responsibility to express our anger in whatever way or fashion WE so choose…. ‘White’-oriented folk do NOT have the right to dictate or judge ‘Black’ reaction or ‘Black’ response to White terrorism. It is both logical and sane that Black folk REBEL and it is important that WE define and choose the words to describe what WE do.

Be Aware! Be Involved!

Feel free to share this BlackAngryWomen blog with others. http://BlackAngryWomen.com/

Don’t forget our reparations.


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August 2014 IS THIS THE FACE OF A KILLER KOP? ‘White’ DARREN WILSON in Ferguson, Missouri….

Wilson was earlier identified in a photo shared on Yahoo!, that was originally uploaded to Facebook by his father

 

IS THIS THE FACE OF A KILLER KOP? — The Ferguson, Missouri 6-Year Veteran ‘White’ Police Officer DARREN WILSON whose gun reportedly discharged multiple times and ended the life of Unarmed ‘Black’ 18-Year-Old Michael Brown on 9 August 2014.

NBC News has verified photos of Darren Wilson, #Ferguson police officer who killed #MikeBrown http://on.msnbc.com/1mXDPna
6:47 AM – 17 Aug 2014

+++++++++++++++++++

August 2014 IS THIS THE FACE OF A KILLER KOP? ‘White’ DARREN WILSON in Ferguson, Missouri….

BlackParentSpeaks has been aware, involved, lived and remained ‘Black’ long enough to witness the repeat of history over and over and over again.  White America continues to grapple with its racist past, present, and future. The 9 August 2014 killing of unarmed ‘Black’ 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri by Ferguson six-year veteran ‘White’ Police Officer Darren Wilson is a typical in-our-face reminder of racism and everyday life in America.

Overstanding the message sent as a result of the killing of unarmed 18-year-old ‘Black’ Michael Brown by ‘White’ Police Officer Darren Wilson, BlackParentSpeaks has visions of the 1967 Washington, DC Police killing of another Black youth – c. 18-year-old Clarence Booker. Youthful and unarmed Clarence Booker was shot and killed ‘allegedly’ as a result of the most-grievous crime of littering.  BlackParentSpeaks was one of the many many many Black folk who proactively ‘took to the streets’ of DC, organized, and demanded and ‘successfully’ helped in holding White folk accountable for their racist actions. OUR unrestricted and unlimited actions helped in forcing ‘real’ change in our nation’s capital.

This BlackAngryWomen post is written to the Black people of Ferguson, Missouri:

Do NOT let the media, White-thinking folk or others choose your words or actions.  White folk riot — Black folk do not!  We Blacks are involved in a rebellion — not a riot!  We have overwhelming reason, justification, and purpose for the actions we take in rebelling against injustice and racism.  WE Blacks are the victims of White racism.  WE are the victims of 400 plus years of slavery, discrimination, unpaid forced labor and more….  Black people can never even come close to reclaiming all that is owed us and our people!  That said….

Before any settlements or talks of settlements are had, BlackParentSpeaks offers the following bits of wisdom.

1. Demand and get in writing a legally binding agreement with ALL law enforcement agencies (local, City, County, State, and Federal) that clearly guarantees that NONE of the demonstrators, protesters (so-called “looters, etc.”) will be prosecuted for ANY so-called illegal activities that followed the killing of ‘Black’ Michael Brown by Ferguson, Missouri ‘White’ Police Officer Darren Wilson. This demand should be NONnegotiable. If not, the Police will pick you off one by one and file charges against you once the eyes of the nation and world are no longer watching or interested in the events in Ferguson, Missouri.

BlackParentSpeaks also strongly suggests that you require a public statement by a government official (perhaps your overseeing ‘White’ Governor Jay Nixon) expressing that the people’s anger and actions were overstandable and no prosecutions or charges will be imposed against any of the protesters or demonstrators or so-called “looters, etc.” who took to the streets following the killing of ‘Black’ Michael Brown. Further, any and all already filed charges or prosecutions will be dropped and/or dismissed. Note: Missouri ‘White’ Governor Jay Nixon might want to include in his statement a piece about ‘us all working together to heal the racist divide’ that has PUBLICLY surfaced as a result of the ‘White’ officer shooting and killing of unarmed 18-year-old ‘Black’ Michael Brown….

Contact Information for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon:
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon
216 State Capitol
P.O. Box 720
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Fax:(573)751-1495
Tel:(573)751-3222
email: mogov@mail.mo.gov
web: http://www.mo.gov/

2. Demand the return of all cell phones, Laptops, IPads, cameras, film, footage, pictures, text messages, and other items seized, confiscated, and illegally taken from demonstrators and protesters by law enforcement during the aftermath of the killing of ‘Black’ Michael Brown. In the event that any item is not returned in its original prior-to-seizure condition (as determined solely by the victim of the seized item), a lump sum government payment of $2500 is to be issued forthright to the victim. Further, that $2500 will NOT be counted as income to the victim under any charitable or assistance programs, local, City, County, State, or Federal programs or entities. And, the payment is NOT reportable on any income tax returns or used to determine eligibility for any government or private or charitable programs including Food Stamps, Housing, and other assistance and help programs.

All who had their personal property taken by law enforcement should ‘assume’ that texts messages, contacts, pictures, etc. have been copied and could be used in future attempts to create havoc and problems for them. Please do not underestimate the anger of those who are determined to ‘hush’ your righteous cries for justice….

Of course, there are other demands that must be put in place and there remains the charge to hold Ferguson, Missouri 6-Year Veteran ‘White’ Police Officer DARREN WILSON accountable….

I strongly urge the Black folk of Ferguson, Missouri and throughout these United States to recognize that the fight to lessen and end racism is serious business. Know that you are freedom fighters and you are not alone in this struggle. Please do not fall prey to ‘smiling faces’ or words designed to separate us from each other – no matter the race, job, or position of the person speaking the words.

BlackParentSpeaks says ‘Right-On’ to ALL who have taken to the streets in Ferguson. I say use ‘whatever means is necessary’ to get answers and righteous justice.

By the way, the audacity of a ‘White’ mindset to tell Black adults that they must stay inside and not venture outside of their homes because of a racially-discriminatory CURFEW is beyond angering to me! Do not let yourselves be corralled or caged. Simply put, Black people are human beings and Black people have the right to walk and travel the streets like any other people. Please do NOT let others frighten you into accepting  apartheid in Ferguson, Missouri.

‘Don’t forget our reparations’.

Feel free to share this BlackAngryWomen blog with others.  http://BlackAngryWomen.com/

We are all works in progress.

Be Aware!  Stay Involved!