Episodit
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Why is knowing history important? If we don't know history, are we really doomed to repeat it? Doug and Robin (siblings and historians) read excerpts from a famous classical Greek scholar about the "refuge and strength" of history and discuss the historical context of modern events. Doug will also reveal surprising behaviors of current politicians over a cup of espresso. Learning history can be fun--really!--and this discussion will prove it.
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Does the end of Black history month mean the end of learning Black history? Do we still need Black history month? How can we continue to learn Black history AFTER Black history month has ended? Doug and Robin (siblings and historians) discuss these questions over a cup of espresso.
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Why love history? Does history matter?
Welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Hi, I’m Robin the host and one of many history lovers at this great and groundbreaking podcast show. Right now, you are at an exciting place to remember African American history, a peaceful place to reflect on the African American experience and a bold place to keep MAKING history every single day.
I’m so glad that you’re here so we can share in this journey together. History should be a shared experience. So, let’s get started.
Hello, habari gani, nangadef! As promised, I will explain these greeting a bit later in the show.
People often ask me why I love history. They say “it’s so boring!” “it’s pointless” and my personal point of debate: “it’s all lies anyway.”
Hmmm…I would love to say that none of those comments are true. But let me just say that they’re not completely wrong either. Or at least they don’t have to be.
In elementary and high school, I actually hated history. Yes, it’s true that I was not always the history lover that I am today. But, when I was younger I found history to be boring and I definitely didn’t get the point of learning about dead people and past events.
Then I discovered something: History isn’t about past events and dead people. It’s about events and people. As one of my favorite historians put it, “History is not about the past. No one ever lived in the past. They lived in the present. The difference is that it was THEIR present. Not ours. They were caught up in the living moment exactly as we are today. And with no more certainty of how things will turn out we have.”
History does talk about past events—but all (or the vast majority) of those events were people driven. They didn’t happen in isolation. People made them happen. And those people are just like us today: Making events happen today.
So, why do people think that history is boring, pointless, or untrue? It’s mostly in the presentation. History is usually taught as a series or names, dates and death counts. That’s a pity because history is so much more. It is a story, it’s our story.
That’s why I love history; I have always been captivated by a good mystery, moved by a tender love story, excited by a dramatic adventure story or inspired by a story of victory or triumph.
Judging by the number of people at the movies or people browsing bookstores, I’m not the only one who loves a good story.
So ANYONE with a reasonable amount of curiosity or interest in people can love history. There is no end to the amazing stories. And history being made today and every day.
About history being a bunch of lies…well people can take a bit of “creative license” when retelling a story. But they can and do cross the line. There are definitely untruths in history and that is especially relevant for people of color. African American history has been retold in ways that, at best, diminish our contributions and, at worse, eliminate not only our contributions but also our very presence and significance in those stories. And that’s the very reason why we should learn history—so we can tell the truth. That’s the very purpose of rememberinghistory.com—to tell the truth of African American history, including the contributions, the victories, the defeats, the challenges, the struggles—whole range of the human experience.
On that note, let’s get started with the history or…the stories.
Let’s start with a few birthdays.
May 9 is the shared birthday of two history makers—white men, actually—who played an important role in African American history. We will talk about one today and the other will be a surprise for next week’s show. You might think it strange to open today’s show by honoring a white person. This is a show about African American history, after all. Well, this man’s work has been very influential in the African American community and actually on a global scale. I’m talking about the German philosopher, economist, historian, political theorist, sociologist, journalist and revolutionary socialist. I’m talking about Karl Marx who was born on May 9, 1818.
What importance does he have in African American history? Karl Marx believed in a classless, stateless egalitarian society, stating in his landmark book, The Communist Manifesto “The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” The Communist Party was the only political movement on the left in the late 1920s and 1930s to place racial justice and equality at the top of its agenda. In fact, As the Great Depression unfolded, the Communists launched intensive campaigns against lynching, evictions, whites-only trade unions, job discrimination in jobs and police brutality.
In the 1960s and 70s, the Communist Party in the US fought for civil rights, protested the war in Vietnam and demanded equal rights for African Americans and women. This was attractive to many Africans and African Americans. Many African and African American activists and leaders have also focused on fighting economic inequality as a primary cause. And many Black civil rights activists, writers and scholars received support from the Communist party and joined the party though some eventually left it. Paul Robeson. Richard Wright. WEB Dubois. Langston Hughes. Ralph Ellison. Chester Himes. I’m not trying to convince anyone to adopt Communism, but I do encourage having an open mind and learning the history. That’s what we’re here for.
If you questioned the relevance of Karl Marx in African American history, you definitely will NOT question the significance of the next person. He was born on May 19, 1925. Do you know who I’m talking about now? Of course, you do. Malcolm X or El-hajj Malik el-Shabazz as he was known at the time of his assassination at the age of 39. Malcolm (as I remember him) was a complex person who continued to evolve in extraordinary ways throughout his short life.
As a dynamic, charismatic and highly intelligent speaker and activist throughout the 1960s, Malcolm changed the way that Black people thought of themselves and their community. He started as a minister and national spokesman with the Nation of Islam. In 1964, after a life-altering pilgrimage to Mecca, he returned to the United States to found the Organization of Afro-American Unity. This Pan-Africanist organization was designedto fight for the human rights of African Americans. Malcolm was sadly assassinated in 1965. He is most remembered as fighting for the rights of African Americans “by any means necessary” but the quote that I think represents him more is when he said, “A race of people is like an individual man; until it uses its own talent, takes pride in its own history, expresses its own culture, affirms its own selfhood, it can never fulfill itself.” Happy birthday, Brother Malcolm!
May, 2018 marks the opening of a new museum. Museums are a great way to learn history and I just love how museums are becoming more interactive and engaging. No longer are they places to just see pictures hanging on a wall—no disrespect to pictures by the way—but museums are places to become immersed in period of time, an issue, an event or even a person’s life. The museum that I’m thinking about does all of those things and more. What is it? Here’s a hint: It is in Montgomery, Alabama and it showcases (rather, honors) more than 4,000 people. Give that some thought and stay tuned for next week’s show when I tell you all about this amazing new museum.
Here’s an important date: May 17, 1954.
Brown v. Board of Education was decided by the United States Supreme Court on May 17, 1954. This was one of the most important cases EVER decided by the Supreme Court. It declared that segregation in public schools violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14thAmendment of the United States Constitution. Argued by the renowned 46-year old civil rights attorney, Thurgood Marshall, who would successfully win 29 out of 32 cases that he would argue before the nation’s highest court. Many people were excited about the Court’s decision to desegregate the public schools “with all deliberate speed” (that comes directly from the Court’s decision) but Southerners fought against integration in many ways. Some counties closed down schools rather than be forced to integrate. Others created different criteria to prevent integration. Some states even created all-white academies—some of them still exist today.
The Pupil Placement Law segregated students by subjective standards like family background or special ability. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court upheld these Pupil Placement Laws. Dr. Martin Luther King said that the Pupil Placement Law was almost as far-reaching in limiting integration as the Brown decision was in limiting segregation. Yet I gotta say that the Court’s decision was absolutely an absolute victory and a bold step in the fight for civil rights. Still segregation remained entrenched. Two years after the Brown decision, no Black child had attended school with a white child in 8 of the 11 former Confederate states. Ten years after the decision, only 2.3 percent of Black children were attending school with white children. And today the resegregation of gripping school districts around the country. You can find more information on this topic at the rememberinghistory.com website. You’ll see another example of how history does not stay in the past.
Now, we will end this section by remembering James Cone, the eminent religious scholar, philosopher and activist. Dr. Cone died on April 28, 2018. James Cone is widely regarded as one of the most influential theologians in the United States. He wrote many landmark books including Black Theology & Black Power, A Black Theology of Liberation, God of the Oppressed, The Spirituals & The Blues and The Cross and the Lynching Tree. His books and speeches questioned the traditional teachings of the Bible, and made Christianity understandable and relevant to oppressed people. He is memorably quoted as saying, “I wanted to speak on behalf of the voiceless black masses in the name of Jesus whose gospel I believed had been greatly distorted by the preaching and theology of white churches.” Dr. Cone will be greatly missed but also greatly remembered. In fact, I’m gonna remember his teaching in next week’s podcast show. So, I hope you’ll come back for the next show.
But no. we’re not done with this show yet! Last week, I greeted you with Habari gani and Nangadef.
Some Rememberinghistory.com listeners will remember the Swahili greeting Habarigani from the December show when we celebrated Kwanzaa. But what is Nangadef? That is a greeting that I recently learned when I visited Senegal. Nangadef is a greeting in the Wolof language that asks “how are you?” The traditional response is to say “Mangifi” meaning I’m fine.
Why do I bring this up? I’m reflecting on my trip or rather, trips, to Senegal. Travelling is a great way to learn about another culture, language and history. There was lots of all of this in Senegal! One of the main reasons that I went was to visit the island of Goree. Goree was an important part of the TransAtlantic slave (or, rather, people) trade for more than 400 years. This is where many people where held—after they had been captured—to be transported to Europe and the Americas where they would be enslaved. More than 20 million people passed through the ominous “door of no return” for the three-month journey that ultimately ended with their enslavement in America, Brazil, the Caribbean, England or another country. Twenty million people! And, I learned that another 6 million people died either on the island of Goree or on the journey across the ocean. I saw the small, dark rooms where the men, women and children (yes, men, women and children—not slaves!) were held for months awaiting the terrible journey. The rooms were overcrowded, small, dark and damp. People were let out of the room only one time per day to use the bathroom. I also saw the chains and leg-cuffs that were put on the people and the punishment room. It was chilling. I stood at the Door of No Return where people left the island and boarded the ships headed to enslavement in different parts of the world. Strangely, the island itself was beautiful: the water was clear and blue, the ocean air was crisp and fresh and the sun was shining. But this was the last view that (at least) 20 million people saw before going below deck and emerging in a new country to be sold into slavery. Goree is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I highly recommend visiting this important place. While I have read a lot about the transatlantic trade in people and the Isle de Goree specifically, I felt an emotional response when I actually visited the island. And I learned so much.
So, I’m reflecting on the importance of travel as a way of learning and experiencing and FEELING history. Of course, there is a lot more to Senegal than the Island of Goree. And my guide took me to great places like the cemeteries where both Muslims and Christians are buried, bustling markets where local people are selling their products—not tourist products—but products for every day living like groundnuts, groundnut oil, shea butter, clothes, fresh meats and lots more. We passed on the animal reserves—I’ve got nothing against animals—but we had decided instead to visit the University of Dakar, which has 60,000 students. We weren’t able to sit in on a class but we visited some libraries, bookstores and an incredible exhibit by Cheikh Anta Diop who was a Senegalese historian, anthropologist, physicist, and politician. Dr. Diop studied the human race's origins and pre-colonial African culture. I’ve read his book, Precolonial Black Africa and The African Origin of Civilisation. Those are both excellent perspective-changing books. And you can find them on the rememberinghistory.com website.
Finally, we visited Layen Mausoleum, which is dedicated to Saidi Limamou Layen, the founder of the Layen Muslim brotherhood. It is magnificent and remarkable for many reasons. Besides all of the gold and intricate designs on the walls and floors, women had to be dressed completely in white from head (including a white head covering) to foot. People were there to help you dress properly. When I saw myself dressed in that way, I was shocked. Not in a bad way though. I had never seen myself in this manner and it was mind-expanding. No, I don’t always want to dress in that manner. But I realized that travelling can help you to see yourself and the world in a different way. And I was grateful for the experience. So, my reflection for this week is that travelling can be educational AND fun. And it is a great way to learn history. Try to leave the resorts and the beach, get off the bus, go for a walk, ask questions and be open-minded. Just take it all in.
Music
It’s story time!
Storytelling is a great part of the African American experience, given to us from African cultural traditions. I am pleased to present this story (or fable) written by master storyteller, Eshu. The theme is purpose.
Let’s begin with taking a few deep, cleansing breaths to help us focus on this story and its important lessons.
Take a moment to get comfortable.
Now, breathe in through your nose then out through your mouth.
Let’s begin.
This story is called Anansi and his Sons. Written by master storyteller, Eshu Bumpus who has generously allowed us to use these stories. You can find more of his stories at folktales.net.
Anansi and his Sons
When Anansi's first son was born and Anansi and his wife, Aso were ready to name the child, the baby spoke up and said, "I have brought my own name with me. It is See Trouble." Their second son also announced his name in this way. He was Road Builder.
Each of his six sons in turn announced their names in this way. There was River Drinker, Game Skinner, Stone Thrower and Cushion.
Once, Anansi had to go on a long journey. On his trip, he found a big, bright, shiny ball. He was bringing it home, when he fell into the lake and was swallowed by a big fish.
Anansi decided right then that he would give the bright shiny object to whoever rescued him.
As time passed, and Anansi did not return home, his family became worried. See Trouble looked ahead to see Anansi inside the big fish. He told his brothers. Right away, Road Builder cleared a path through the forest for his brothers to follow.
When they got to the lake, it was the thirsty brother's turn.
River Drinker drank up all the water in the lake. There was the big fish at the bottom. Game skinner went right to work. He cut open that fish to let Anansi out. Anansi was still holding that bright, shiny object he had found.
Suddenly a giant bird flew down and grabbed Anansi. It took him way up into the sky. Stone Thrower grabbed a rock and threw it. He hit the bird just right to make it let go of Anansi. Down, down Anansi fell, but he didn't get hurt because Cushion put himself in the way. Anansi landed softly.
Anansi wanted to give the bright, shiny object to the son who had rescued him, but he couldn't decide who had done the most to help him.
He gave the bright, shiny thing to Nyame, who put it up in the sky until someone could figure out which son deserves it the most. It is still there in the sky. You can see it tonight.
The End.
I hope that you enjoyed this story. It was short but powerful and enlightening.
This story is about unity (or Umoja in the Swahii language) and how we can all contribute our skills, thoughts and feelings to help each other. Separately, we can be lost. Together, we can not just survive but thrive and grow.
By the way, if you DID enjoy that story and discovered that history is not boring or pointless and that it can actually be interesting and inspirational, you might like to learn more—there IS lots more!Rememberinghistory.com is committed to bringing this information to you in a fun, educational and memorable way. I’m talking now about our Black History Kits. These kits are designed to teach history through videos, games (like crossword puzzles or word searches), fun quizzes, recipes and, yes, books, too. These exciting kits will guide you step by step through learning different parts of African American history (like the slavery and reconstruction periods, Black power and activism and great achievements) as well as experiencing Black culture through making delicious recipes, listening to great music and reading African folktales.
Learning history should be fun. And these Black history kits ARE fun, educational and unforgettable. There is lots to choose from for adults, kids and families. I hope that you’ll look at them on the rememberinghistory.com website. And mention this podcast for a free gift!
Now it’s time to come to wind things down. Let’s end by taking a few deep breaths to help you absorb and relax.
In through your nose then out through your mouth.
Again, in through your nose then out through your mouth.
Last time, and let’s make this a big inhalation through your nose, then slowly release your breath through your mouth.
That’s great.
If you like, you can stay for a 2-minute guided meditation to help you relax. Learning history is fun and interesting and important. But it can also cause tension or stress and bring about difficult emotions. So, I welcome you to stay for the relaxation meditation that will begin immediately after this show. No pressure. And, if you don’t have time right now, you can always find this short meditation and other meditations on the rememberinghistory.com website.
Thank you for joining us today at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history AND we’re making it. Every day!
Bye for now.
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This is Robin Lofton and I want to welcome you to rememberinghistory.com where are remembering history and we’re making it. Hello, habari gani, nangadef! I’ll explain that one a bit later. Right now, you are at a safe place to remember African American history, a quiet place to reflect on the African American experience and a powerful place to make history every single day.
I’m so glad that you’re here so we can share in this journey together. History should be a shared experience. So, let’s get started.
This is the month that we, at rememberinghistory.com, remember and acknowledge the activists who are working for a better world, we reflect on the importance of activism in the African American community and we resolve to keep up the work of the activists—past and present—to make changes in our communities, our country and yes even our world.
In April, we remembered the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (one of the world’s foremost activists) who, sadly, was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This year, 2018, marks the 50thanniversary of his death. His legacy definitely endures. However, the goals and visions that he had for a better world have definitely NOT been realized. Poverty, injustice, economic, political and social inequality, violence, group supremacy. They are still a part of the American experience—the global experience, in fact—so we still have LOTS of work to do. And I’m so impressed with the constant, fearless of work of activists that are working and fighting to make a better world.
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Do you like movies?
I don’t really care for movies. But there are exceptions. I’ve noticed that there are more movies about history and cultural experiences. And I really enjoy those kinds of movies. I’ve noticed, in particular, that there are more movies about African American history (or American history, actually) like Marshall, Loving, Twelve Years a Slave (based on the amazing book), Hidden Figures (again, based on the amazing book) and lots of others. They always make me think a lot—then I start doing research. And I learn so much.
I was asked to make a presentation about the movie, Selma. Remember that movie about the Bloody Sunday march—it happened on March 7, 1965, on the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma, Alabama. (Yeah, that name should be changed; he was a Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan.) My presentation was simply to introduce the movie then we would watch the film and the audience would have a discussion about the importance of the march itself and voting rights in America.
To prepare for this presentation, I watched Selma. I had already seen the movie but I watched it again just to be more familiar with it. I had forgotten what a powerful movie that it was so I was kinda seeing it again for the first time. Several things struck me about the movie.
First, the importance of the activists in the film. Yes, there was Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, John Lewis and SNCC (the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee). Yes, they were important and powerful.
But I was also impressed with people who showed up for the march for voting rights, the people who went to register to vote in Alabama like Annie Lee Cooper but was turned away by the registrar. By the way, Oprah Winfrey plays this role stunningly in the opening scene of the movie. I remember hearing so many people gasp when the registrar demanded that she name all of the judges in Alabama! There was Jimmy Lee Jackson, a 26-year old woodcutter, army veteran and father. Yes, he was a Black man. He had repeatedly tried to register to vote for many years and had been repeatedly denied. In the movie and in real life, he (along with his mother and grandfather) participated in a night march to protest the arrest of another activist—James Orange—who was being held in the county jail. During that night march, the local police attacked the marchers and chased them through the night, beating them. Jimmie Lee and his mother and grandfather ran into a café to hide but police found them and continued beating them. As Jimmie Lee tried to help his mother who had been hit with a billy club, a state trooper shot him repeatedly in the stomach. Bleeding and in terrible pain, Jimmie Lee ran outside where troopers continued to beat him until he collapsed. Jimmie Lee died 8 days later in the hospital. That part was one of the most moving and difficult scenes of the movie.
By the way, it is commonly thought that the Bloody Sunday march was about voting rights. This is a misconception. The march was actually held to protest the shooting and murder of Jimmie Lee Jackson by the Alabama police. (Unfortunately, we’ve had a lot of those marches in the past few years too.)
Let’s discuss another activist from the movie: Reverend James Reeb.
After the Bloody Sunday march, Dr. King had asked all people of conscience from around the country to come to Selma for another march across the bridge. People of all faiths, races and ethnicities answered his call. Rev. Reeb was one of the people who didn’t hesitate to go to Selma to march for voting rights. Rev. Reeb was a 38-year old Unitarian Universalist minister from Boston. And, yes, he was white. He was also a member of the SCLC. And he insisted that his four children go to integrated schools and his church was also integrated. He went to Selma—answering Dr. King’s call—to march. For various reasons, the march didn’t happen on the scheduled day. That night, Rev. Reeb and several other ministers when out to dinner at an integrated restaurant. On their way home, Rev. Reeb was attacked by white supremacists. He was viciously beaten and died several days later. The movie showed his murder—for which no one was ever convicted—and it was another excruciating scene to endure. Reverend Reeb was a courageous and principled person who believed in equality, justice and the nonviolent fight for justice and equality.
One activist who was mentioned in the movie but not shown for her courage and activism was Viola Liuzzo. She was a 38-year white woman, civil rights activist and mother of five from Detroit. Viola was also a member of the NAACP. She was not on the front lines of marches but played a supportive role by transporting people to and from marches, making lunches and even babysitting. She participated in the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery. After marching to Montgomery, she drove other participants home and was driving with 19-year old Leroy Moton back to Selma. Leroy was a black man who had also participated in the march. On a dark and lonely road, the Ku Klux Klan chased her and shot her in the head. The Klan thought that Leroy was dead so they left the scene.
I know that a movie can’t show everything but I wished that they could have given more than a nod to Viola Liuzzo—she was a courageous activist, principled woman and a loving wife and mother. She deserves to be remembered. Well, that IS what we’re doing here today. We’re remembering the brave activists: Jimmie Lee Jackson, Reverend Reeb, Viola Liuzzo and many others who fought for justice and equality. And they made the world—our world—a better place.
Why do I bring up these stories? Because this is April and we are focusing on activism and activists. Not every story can be told and there are so many from the Civil Rights Movement that will NEVER be told, but these people risked everything to make demands of their government, in this case to demand the right to vote for themselves and for others. And they demanded justice for Jimmie Lee Jackson. The word that comes to my mind: Respect.
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So, it’s time to look at the history calendar for this week. I have two calendars that I use: One is called The Peace Calendar printed by the SyracuseCulturalworkers which is a progressive publisher committed to peace, sustainability, social justice, feminism and multiculturalism. The other is calendar is called A History of Racial Injustice, printed by the Equal Justice Initiative. EJI is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. Both groups are doing excellent work. Just to give them a shout out, you can purchase their calendars and other products at the rememberinghistory.com website. And, of course, you can make a donation to them to support their work. You’ll find the link at rememberinghistory.com. Hey, we gotta work together!
History is full of things that are interesting and uplifting as well as the disturbing and downright horrific and this week is no different.
Let’s start with the interesting: In the United States, this is National Library Week! So, this is a great time to visit your local public library and perhaps even thank a librarian. Where I live very few public libraries are still open, which is such a shame. As a child, I cherished the days that I spent reading and exploring in my neighborhood library. So, this is a good week to visit a library—actually, every week is a good week to visit a library.
One library that I absolutely love is the African American Museum and Library in Oakland. This is a fantastic combination of historical exhibits with a fully functioning and very comfortable library. Yes, the focus is on the African American experience so the AAMLO (as it is called) offers speeches, jazz and blues concerts, activities for children and an excellent selection of books on African American history and culture. Highly recommended. Go to rememberinghistory.com for more information and links.
Next, we’ll look at this week’s uplifting event in history. April 10 is the birthday of Dolores Huerta--an American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers. Born in 1930, Dolores Huerta began her career teaching elementary school. After teaching elementary school, Huerta left her job and began her lifelong crusade to correct economic injustice:[2]
She is quoted as saying, “I couldn't tolerate seeing kids come to class hungry and needing shoes. I thought I could do more by organizing farm workers than by trying to teach their hungry children.”
Ms. Huerta is a strong and persistent advocate for the rights of migrant farmworkers, directing the UFW during the historic national grape boycott from 1965 to 1970. That famous boycott led to the signing of a collective bargaining agreement for farmworkers. She also fights for consumer rights and women’s rights. As an advocate for farmworkers' rights, Huerta has been arrested twenty-two times for participating in non-violent civil disobedience activities and strikes, Huerta has been arrested 22 times and suffered severe beatings from law enforcement. She remains[when?] active in progressive causes. This is an uplifting story about a courageous woman from humble beginnings who fought bravely for causes that improved the lives of one of the most vulnerable groups in the United States, the migrant farmworkers. Her story is inspirational, uplifting, educational and still continuing. If you would like more information about Dolores Huerta, there is new documentary, called simply, Dolores, that aims to put Huerta where she belongs – alongside Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, and Gloria Steinem as one of the most important US activists and organizers of the 20th century. You can find the DVD or link to the download on the rememberinghistory.com website.
On to the disturbing. April 12 is National Equal Pay Day (in the United States). This important day was founded in 1996. That’s not disturbing. The disturbing part is that, in 2017, Women’s average pay in the United States is still only 79 percent of men’s pay for the same work! While I’m happy about the many advances that women have made, there is clearly more work to be done before we can start patting ourselves on the back or, even worse, getting complacent. So, perhaps we shouldn’t celebrate or commemorate National Equal Pay day until we actually have equal pay. It is possible! Or as Dolores Huerta said, “si, se puede!” (She coined that term long before Barack Obama.)
Finally, to end with the downright horrific. April 14, 1906. A white lynch mob hangs and shoots to death Fred Coker (aged 20), William Allen (aged 25) and Horace Dunn (aged 20), three black men, before a crowd of 5,000 in a town square in Springfield, Missouri. They had been arrested for robbery and rape though they had strong alibis showing that they did not commit the crimes. The remaining African American population was forced to flee their homes out of fear of continued mob violence. Lynching was a form of racial terrorism used by whites to keep blacks under their thumb once slavery ended. Over 4,000 African Americans (AMERICANS) were lynched from 1877 to 1950. You can get more information on lynching in history and the modern forms of violence against African Americans on the Equal Justice Initiative website—www.eji.org.
BTW, you might feel that it does not make sense to mention people who were lynched, especially when it was so long ago—more than a hundred years ago in the cases that I just mentioned. But I feel that it IS important. These were people. Individuals. And they were killed because of racism—hatred from the mob that killed them AND hatred from the criminal justice system that failed to punish the murderers and from the society that found it acceptable to kill people because of their race. During those times, the NAACP would put up a sign outside of its window whenever they were notified that a person had been lynched. The sign said simply, “A man was lynched today.” We must not forget that it happened or ever diminish its importance no matter how long ago it was. Finally, this does make me think about the African Americans that we hear about very often that are killed by police, security guards or private citizens, the justice system that refuses to punish the offenders AND the society that finds it acceptable. Gotta think about it.
This has been a busy week in African American history and we have just scratched the surface. I hope (like I said about movies earlier) that YOU will dig deeper, do more research and learn more. There is always more to learn.
If you want more guidance or support in your efforts, you might want the services of a history coach. A history coaching service is available at the rememberinghistory.com website to help guide you through the material, answer questions, provide materials, make suggestions for your research or study approach, and support you every step of the way.
History is important but it is not always pretty or easy. And no one needs to approach it alone at rememberinghistory.com. The coaches are there to help and happy to work with you in whatever way suits you.
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At the beginning of this show, I greeted you with Habari gani. You might know that greeting from the Swahili language. The regular Rememberinghistory.com listeners will remember it from the December show when we celebrated Kwanzaa. I also greeted you with Nangadef. That is a greeting that I recently learned when I visited Senegal. Nangadef is a greeting in the Wolof language that asks “how are you?” The traditional response is to say “Mangifi” meaning I’m fine.
Why do I bring this up? I’m reflecting on my trip to Senegal. Travelling is a great way to learn about another culture, language and history. There was lots of this in Senegal! One of the main reasons that I went was to visit the island of Goree. Goree was an important part of the TransAtlantic slave (or, rather, people) trade for more than 400 years. This is where many people where held—after they had been captured—to be transported to Europe and the Americas where they would be enslaved. More than 20 million people passed through the ominous “door of no return” for the three-month journey that ultimately ended with their enslavement in America, Brazil, the Caribbean, England or another country. Twenty million people! And, I learned that another 6 million people died either on the island of Goree or on the journey across the ocean. I saw the small, dark rooms where the men, women and children were held for months awaiting the terrible journey. The rooms were overcrowded, small, dark and damp. People were let out of the room only one time per day to use the bathroom. I also saw the chains and leg-cuffs that were put on them and the punishment room. It was chilling. I stood at the Door of No Return where people left the island and boarded the ships headed to their enslavement in different parts of the world. Strangely, the island place was beautiful: the water was clear and blue, the ocean air was crisp and fresh and the sun was shining. But this was the last view that (at least) 20 million people saw before going below deck and emerging in a new country to be sold into slavery. Goree is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I highly recommend visiting this important place. While I have read a lot about the transatlantic people trade and the Isle de Goree specifically, I felt an emotional response when I actually visited the island. And I learned so much.
So, I’m reflecting on the importance of travel as a way of learning and experiencing and FEELING history. Of course, there is a lot more to Senegal than the Island of Goree. And my guide took me to great places like the cemeteries where both Muslims and Christians are buried, great markets where local people are selling their products—not tourist products—but products for every day living like peanuts (or groundnuts), peanut oil, shea butter, clothes, fresh meats and so much more. We passed on the animal reserves—I’ve got nothing against animals—because we decided to visit the University of Dakar, which has 60,000 students. We weren’t able to sit in on a class but we visited some libraries and bookstores. Another campus is being built and I’m excited to return and visit it. Finally, we visited a Muslim mausoleum which was interesting for many reasons. One main reason was that women had to wear white head coverings and long white skirts. People were there to help you dress properly. When I saw myself dressed in that way, I was shocked. I had never seen myself in this manner and it was eye-opening and mind-expanding. No, I don’t always want to dress in that manner. But I realized that travelling can help you to see yourself and the world in a different way. And I was grateful for the experience. So, my reflection for this week is that travelling can be educational AND fun. Try to leave the resorts and the beach, get off the bus, go for a walk, ask questions and be open-minded. And take it all in.
Music
It’s story time!
Storytelling is a great part of the African American experience, given to us from African cultural traditions. I am pleased to present this story (or fable) written by master storyteller, Eshu. The theme is purpose.
Let’s begin with taking a few deep, cleansing breaths to help us focus on this story and its important lessons.
Take a moment to get comfortable.
Now, breathe in through your nose then out through your mouth.
Let’s begin.
This story is called The Name of the Tree. Written by master storyteller, Eshu at folktales.net.
The Name of the Tree
Once there was a terrible drought in the land of the animals. A kindly king came from over the mountain and planted a special tree. He told them that this tree would bear fruit all year round in any kind of weather. All they had to do to get the fruit was to speak its name. The name of the tree was Oowungalema.
The animals thanked the kind old king and he returned to his own land, which was far over the mountain. The animals then sounded the Great Drum to call everyone for miles around.
When all were gathered at the tree, the lion asked Anansi to speak the name of the tree.
"I thought you were going to remember the name!" said Anansi.
"I don't remember the name!" said the lion, "Someone must know it!"
They asked everyone who had been there when the old king planted the tree, but not one of them could remember the name of the tree. They decided to send someone to ask the king for the name. They were all very hungry, so they decided to send someone fast. They sent the hare.
The hare ran as fast as he could through villages, across the river, through the bush, over the mountain and straight to the court of the kindly old king. The king told him, "The name of the tree is Oowungalema."
The hare ran back, repeating the name to himself as he went along. On the way home, he stopped at the river to rest and take a drink. The water was nice and cool. It felt good after all that running. The hare splashed around for a while to cool himself off, then he got out of the water and started back to the tree.
When he got back, the animals all cheered. "Now we can have the fruit! " they shouted.
Hare went up to the tree to speak the name, "Oomagamoomoo, no, oobapadoopa, Noomooogamooga"
Try as he might, the hare just couldn't remember the name.
"We have to send someone else." Lion said at last.
So the springbok was sent. She ran all the way to the king over the mountain and tried to keep the name in her head all the way home, but coming through the forest, she tripped over a root and bumped her head. The name was lost again.
Next they sent Leopard, but on the way back he started chasing a monkey who was teasing him. He forgot the name as well.
Many others tried and failed until finally, the tortoise asked if she might go. Most of the animals laughed because the tortoise is so slow.
"Give her a chance!" Anansi said, "She may succeed where the rest of us have failed."
The tortoise went to her mother and asked, "What do you do if you must remember something very important?"
Her mother told her to keep repeating it no matter what happens. So the tortoise set out on her journey. When she reached the king over the mountain, he said, "The name of the tree is Oowungalema."
Tortoise kept repeating it over and over to herself all the way home. When the monkeys teased her in the forest, she only said, " Oowungalema."
When she passed by the river and the sound of the water made her thirsty, she looked at the water and said, "Oowungalema."
And when she got near her house and her children came running to her, she only said, "Oowungalema."
Finally, the tortoise came to the tree. All the other animals were anxiously waiting. The lion spoke, "Tortoise, please speak the name of the tree."
Tortoise said, "Oowungalema."
At last, the animals were able to eat the fruit. Everyone was grateful to the tortoise who kept to her purpose where every one else had failed. The end.
What did you think? Well, I liked this story—of course, I selected it because I like it—but I think that really showed everyone can get distracted away from their purpose. They get caught up in the busyness, thinking that their accomplishing their mission. Then what happens? They realize that they don’t remember how to say Oowungalema (like in the story), or they haven’t done their homework, done their regular fitness, spent time with their partner, written their business plan, done their meditation or whatever mission they set out to do. Or they sit around complaining about injustice, grousing at the latest silly thing that President Trump has said, or they watch CNN obsessively. But they don’t stick to their mission as ACTIVISTS. It’s easy to get distracted; to forget one’s purpose or mission. And I think that this story shows it well. And even offers a solution to prevent it from happening. I liked it and I hope that you did too. But I would love to hear your ideas about the story at the rememberinghistory.com website.
By the way, if you DID enjoy that story and found the history calendar events when we discussed great activists like Delores Huerta, Jimmie Lee Jackson and African American historical events and achievements, you might like to learn more—because they is lots more! Rememberinghistory.com is committed to bringing this information to you in a fun, educational and memorable way. I’m talking about our Black History Kits. These kits are designed to teach history through videos, games (crosswords), fun quizzes, recipes and books. These multi-dimensional kits will guide you step by step through learning different parts of African American history (like the slavery and reconstruction periods, Black activism and great achievements) as well as experiencing Black culture through making delicious recipes, listening to great music and reading African folktales.
Learning history should be fun. And these Black history kits ARE fun, educational and unforgettable. There is lots to choose from for adults, kids and families. I hope that you’ll look at them on the rememberinghistory.com website. And mention this podcast for a free gift!
Now it’s time to come to wind things down. Let’s end by taking a few deep breaths to help you absorb and relax.
In through your nose then out through your mouth.
Again, in through your nose then out through your mouth.
Last time, and let’s make this a big inhalation through your nose, then slowly release your breath through your mouth.
That’s great.
If you like, you can stay for a 5-minute guided meditation to help you relax. Learning history is fun and interesting and definitely important. But it can also cause tension or stress and bring about emotions like anger or fear. And you might feel the need to relax and release some of the tension or difficult emotions. So, I welcome you to stay for the relaxation meditation will begin immediately after this show. No pressure. No guilt. Everyone makes his, her or their own decision. And, if you don’t have time right now, you can always find this short meditation on the rememberinghistory.com website.
I’m Robin at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history AND we’re making it. Every day!
Bye for now.
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Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Habari gani,
I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com and I’m so glad that you’ve come back for this great and groundbreaking show. We’ve been doing something a bit different from our usual podcast show when we talk about different issues affecting the African American community, and discuss the great contributions of African Americans to their communities, the country and world. Today we are celebrating the last and final day of Kwanzaa. Wow, what an experience but it’s coming to an end. And we will focus on an issue that is deeply rooted in African and African American culture: faith (or as we say in Swahili: Imani).
I’ll begin—as usual--by bidding you the traditional greeting of Kwanzaa in the Swahili language: Habari gani! If you’re just joining us, you’re very glad to have you with us and I would strongly urge you to listen to the 7 previous podcasts that introduce Kwanzaa and explain each of the days of Kwanzaa.
We learned yesterday that Kuumba or creativity is linked to finding and living your purpose (called Nia). They are both founded on knowing your historical and cultural identity. Your creativity is YOUR unique way of making the world into a better place; a place that is more beautiful, more beneficial and more productive than when you were born. If you have any questions, please contact us at rememberinghistory.com website or the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook. Stay with us today—everyone is welcome around the Kwanzaa mat (the mkeka)—but please take time to listen to the previous shows.
Let’s prepare ourselves to begin to Kwanzaa celebration for the seventh and final day. Take a deep cleansing breath before the celebration begins or find another way to quiet and focus your thoughts and energy. Perhaps you want to stand and do a few stretching movements. Just take a moment to get centered and ready to begin the celebration. Remember Kwanzaa IS a celebration but please also show respect for this solemn ritual.
Day 7: Imani (faith)
Habari gani! Your response: Imani!
One more time: Habari gani! Imani!
Now please give me the Swahili greeting. (pause) Imani!
The 7th day of Kwanzaa falls on January 1st. That’s right on New Year’s Day.
The last day of Kwanzaa...the first day of the New Year...has been a time of serious appraisal for African people. Also known as the "Day of Meditation" or "Day of Assessment," it is a period of self-reflection related to things done and things yet to be done. Following in this tradition, it is a time to ask yourself AGAIN the following three questions that we started with on Day 1: "Who am I?" - "Am I really who I say I am" - "Am I all I ought to be?" In addition, this is also a day when many Kwanzaa participants choose to pay particular homage to the ancestors...those of the community as well as those of the family.
This seventh day of Kwanzaa is Imani! Again, it means faith. What does faith mean in the context of Kwanzaa?
Dr. Karenga thought of Imani as believing in ourselves, our people, our parents and teachers, our leaders and the righteousnessness and victory of our struggle. It also stresses the importance of our vision for a better community and for a better world.
In the context of African spirituality, faith begins with a belief in the Creator (God) and in the positivity of the creation. Recognizing that all African spiritual traditions believe that we are formed in the image of the Creator, we are capable of self-mastery and development in the context of positive support, the ability to self-correct, care for and be responsible for each other. This allows us to also believe in our ability to create a just and good society. Faith in ourselves is essential.
We must also believe in the value and validity of our struggle for liberation, equality and justice and for a higher level of living. Many people link this to the belief in our capacity to carry out our role in history with dignity. This role is to start a new path and history for other oppressed people and establish a new paradigm for humanity.
This faith gives us the strength to invent, innovate and reach inside ourselves to find our true selves. We must not imitate others, particularly people who do not have our best interests at heart. We have the strength to struggle and ultimately prevail.
In the final analysis, we must have faith in ourselves and the people who support us. With love and understanding, we can step back onto the stage of human history as a free, proud and productive people.
Faith in our Creator (for many African Americans, this would be Jesus Christ) is well-established in the African American community. From the Negro spirituals, AME church, the Church of God in Christ and numerous other churches, faith is our source of strength and our ability to endure and overcome any hardship. And most of our popular leaders have usually emerged from the church. However, it is also been a source of “enslavement” by limiting our options and requiring that we endure and suffer through what should never be endured or suffered. Still, faith in our Creator will undoubtedly remain strong in the African American community as it is rooted in African spiritual traditions.
In modern times, many African Americans are linking their spiritual faith with their cultural heritage. The celebration of Kwanzaa has been the result. And this has enhanced our historical and cultural identity as well as our political expertise and strength. Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X (later el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz), Minister Louis Farrakhan, Reverend Al Sharpton, Reverend Jesse Jackson are modern leaders rooted in faith-based activism. Other leaders who came before them were Bishop Richard Allen who was born into slavery, later purchased his freedom and founded the AME church. Then there was Bishop William J. Seymour who founded the modern Pentacostal church and preached a radical Christianity. I can never forget James Cone who dedicated his life to confronting racism in the United States through his experiences in ministry, education, and authorship. He published the landmark book, A Black Theology of Liberation.
Finally, Alexander Crummell was an American scholar, an Episcopalian minister, and founder of the American Negro Academy, which was the first major learned society for African Americans. Alexander Crummel was also an early advocate of African-American self-help and self achievement. There have been many others. And they walked the line between spirituality and progressive politics.
Let’s end here but I want to mention—again—the landmark book by James Cone called Black Theology of Liberation. This is a great book for anyone who thinks that they must choose between spirituality and racial progress. He also wrote God of the Oppressed and Black Theology & Black Power. All were perspective changing books for anyone stuck in the belief that it’s all about the struggle or that we as a people must wait for our “pie in the sky.”
Now let’s prepare to light the Kwanzaa candles:
First, the Black candle (in the middle) is lit. Red candle to the far left is lit Green candle to the far right is lit Then another red candle farthest to the left is lit. Then another green candle farthest to the right is lit. Then final red candle is lit. Last of all will be the green candle.Take a moment to enjoy the beautifully illuminated candleholder (the kinara). Let’s enjoy the beauty of all seven candles on the kinara.
Now let’s read a story about the concept of Imani, the concept of faith. This final story will be read by my husband, Jonas.
Damon and Pythias
(While not an African Folktale, has always been one of my favorite stories and it demonstrates the principle very well.)There was once a king who was thought of as a tyrant. His people hated him. He really wasn't such a bad person, but he had very bad advisors and they did cruel things in his name. They made him believe that he couldn't trust the people. So since he never listened to the people, he never found out what his advisors were doing. Whether he was a bad person or not, he was a bad king.
In the town near the king's castle, there was a group of rebels. They decided that the only way to change things was to get rid of this king. They though that if they killed the king, his death would be a warning to the next king. So they held a meeting to see who would volunteer to assassinate the king.
Among these rebels was a young man named Pythias. He said that he would volunteer, but that he had to wait for two days, just until his sister was married. Their father was dead and he was the only one who could perform the ceremony so that she could be properly married. They told him that they couldn't wait for two days, because the king was going to be out of the castle that following day on a hunting trip and it would be the only chance to get to him. So finally, Pythias agreed to do it.
He was hiding in the forest the next morning with bow and arrow ready, but someone saw him and warned the king before he got a chance to shoot. Pythias was captured and brought before the king. The king's advisor suggested that they bring Pythias to the town center and execute him in front of everybody as an example of what would happen to rebels.
Pythias did not regret what he had done. And he accepted his fate, but he pleaded with the king to give him one day to take care of his family business and see his sister properly married.
The king laughed and said, "I will let you go if someone else is willing to take your place and die in your place if you fail to return."
Now Pythias had a best friend named Damon. Even though Damon was not a rebel, he was a true friend to Pythias. There was nothing they wouldn't do for each other. So Pythias called out to the crowd and asked for someone to find Damon.
When Damon was brought there, the king asked if he was willing to take Pythias' place on the gallows until he returned. Much to the amazement of the king, Damon agreed.
The king couldn't believe his ears. But since he had made a promise, he had to keep his word. Pythias was released and Damon was chained in his place.
Pythias rode as fast as he could, gathered his family together and performed the wedding ceremony. He took care of all his business and was heading back to the town center, when his horse fell and broke its leg. Pythias still had miles to go and he was on foot.
Meanwhile, the king, who never believed that Pythias would come back, was telling Damon what a fool he was.
"I have never seen anyone so foolish in all my life!" the king said, "He won't come back."
"You have never seen true friendship." Damon answered.
The king was sure that no man would voluntarily come back to his own execution. But Damon was equally sure that his friend would not leave him to die.
Pythias had until midday to return. If he was not back by then, Damon would be killed. Pythias was running until he could hardly breathe, but he didn't slow down. Finally, he saw a man riding by and begged him for a ride.
"Please!" he pleaded, "I must return to the town center or my best friend will be executed in my place."
Pythias quickly told the man his story and the answered, "It is quite a story you tell. I would never forgive myself if I didn't see it through to the end."
Pythias jumped onto the back of the man's horse and they raced to the town center just as the rope was being put around Damon's neck.
"Wait!" shouted Pythias, "I am here!" The king was shocked!
"I told you he would return." said Damon proudly.
"In all my life I have never seen such friendship," said the king, "And now that I have seen it, I could never destroy it. I will let Pythias go free on the condition that you accept me as a friend as well."
Damon and Pythias and the king became the best of friends. And with true friends at his side, the king began to see what bad advice he had been taking all those years. He sent away his former advisors and with the advice of Damon and Pythias, he became a just and fair king.
If you like, you can discuss this story and what it meant to you. No pressure or demands. This is a time of sharing for those who wish to share. And a time of listening for those who prefer to listen.
Now let’s fill and pass the unity cup (kikomba cha umoja). Everyone take a sip.
Since this is the final day of Kwanzaa, so we will change from our previous days. At this time, we will stand and hold hands and say:
Harambee! Seven times-- one time for each day of the Kwanzaa ceremony.
Harambee means “let’s pull together!” in Swahili.
Ready?
Harambee!
Harambee!
Harambee!
Harambee!
Harambee!
Harambee!
Harambee!
Now let’s blow out all the candles.
This concludes the celebration of Kwanzaa.
Just a final note, Kwanzaa (or the principles of Kwanzaa) can be celebrated throughout the year, not only in December. Although it is connected with the harvest, it can be recognized every day. That’s actually a good idea; you can focus on one principle each day and how you can incorporate it into your life and pass it on to other people in your life.
Let’s just repeat them now:
Umoja (unity)
Kujichagulia (self determination)
Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
Nia (purpose)
Kuumba (creativity)
Imani (faith)
Congratulations on completing Kwanzaa. And a special thanks to Eshu for his fantastic Kwanzaa stories that you can find at www.folktales.net. And a special thanks to my dear husband Jonas and amazing son for reading some of the Kwanzaa stories on this podcast show.
Let’s come to a close now.
Thanks so much for joining us at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history AND we’re making it. Every day. Bye for now. Harambee!!
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Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Habari gani,
I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com and I’m so glad that you’ve come back for this great and groundbreaking show. We’ve been doing something a bit different from our usual podcast show when we talk about different issues affecting the African American community, and discuss the great contributions of African Americans to their communities, the country and world. Today is a very special day because we are continuing with our celebration of Kwanzaa! We are already on day six of this uplifting and inspirational celebration. Today we will focus on the concept of Kuumba, which means creativity.
I’ll begin—as usual--by bidding you the traditional greeting of Kwanzaa in the Swahili language: Habari gani! If you’re just joining us, you’re very glad to have you with us and I would strongly urge you to listen to the 6 previous podcasts shows.
We learned yesterday that Nia or finding and living your purpose is founded on knowing your historical and cultural identity. And that your purpose should be a goal that contributes something great to your community or the world. It must be something larger than yourself and larger than the pursuit of money. I think of it as a “magnificent obsession.” If you haven’t heard the previous Kwanzaa podcasts, I strongly recommend that you do so. If you have any questions, please contact us at rememberinghistory.com website or the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook. Stay with us today—everyone is welcome around the Kwanzaa mat (the mkeka)—but please take time to listen to the previous shows.
Let’s prepare ourselves to begin to Kwanzaa celebration for the sixth day. Sometimes I take a deep cleansing breath before the celebration begins to quiet and focus myself. Perhaps you want to stand and do a few stretching movements. Just take a moment to get centered and ready to begin the celebration. Remember Kwanzaa IS a celebration but please also show respect for this solemn ritual.
Day 6: Kuumba (creativity)
Habari gani! Your response: Kuumba!
Let’s do it again: Habari gani! Kuumba!
Now please give me the Swahili greeting. (pause) Kuumba!
The 6th day of Kwanzaa falls on December 31st and it is an extra special day! As it is New Year’s Eve, the day is an especially festive day because it marks the last day of the calendar year.
On this special final day of the year, the home is specially decorated with traditional Kwanzaa colors of black, red and green. Special dishes are made for the family and guests. On December 31, families and communities hold a karamu which is a special feast, including readings, remembrances and a festive meal. The karamu feast may consist of traditional African dishes, as well as those featuring ingredients that Africans brought to the United States...sesame seeds, peanuts, sweet potatoes, collard greens and spicy sauces, for example. This celebration may be held at a home, church or community center.
The sixth day of Kwanzaa is Kuumba! Again, it means creativity. Everyone has a different vision of creativity so let’s ask what does creativity mean in the context of Kwanzaa?
Dr. Karenga thought of Kuumba as always doing as much as we can in the way that we can in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than when we inherited it.
Kuumba follows logically from the principle of Nia. (Nia means purpose which we discussed it yesterday). Kuumba is the commitment to expressing your creativity within the context of your purpose (your magnificent obsession). It is the commitment to leave the community and your world in a better position than when you came into them.
This principle was deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian culture. Creativity was considered both an original act of the Creator (or God) and a restorative act of God. There was a spiritual and ethical commitment and obligation to constantly renew and restore the legacy of the ancestors and the great works of history.
This was considered as Ma’at, which we discussed in the first day of Kwanzaa called Umoja or unity. Each pharaoh saw his or her reign as a reaffirmation and renewal of the good, the beautiful and the right.
Creativity is viewed much differently in modern western culture, including African American culture. In that context, it is viewed as a method of personal and individual expression. Perhaps the missing element is the Nia, which links creativity to a larger purpose serving humanity. However, Kuumba is rooted in African philosophy and, therefore, is a part of African American heritage. Regaining and reconnecting with our historical and cultural identity is an essential step toward expressing our Kuumba and finding our Nia. These principles are, indeed, closely connected, both being dependent on learning and teaching African (and African American) history, culture and traditions.
For more information, return to the resources on purpose by WEB Dubois and Franz Fanon.
Now let’s prepare to light the Kwanzaa candles:
First, the Black candle (in the middle) is lit. Next we will light the red candle then a green candle. Then another red candle then a green candle. Finally we end with a red candle.Take a moment to enjoy the beautifully lit candleholder (the kinara).
Not let’s read a story about the concept of Kuumba.
Just a short note. This story involves a *Griot (Pronounced Gree-Oh). A griot is a name for the traditional Storyteller and Historian in parts of West Africa. Let’s begin:
Anansi Writes a Song
A lion named Simba was ruler of a small kingdom called Korro. A traveling griot* came to his village to give a performance. He played the Kora and sang stories about great men and women and the deeds they'd done. He sang about things going on all across the wide world. The king and everyone around enjoyed the music very much.
When he was finished, the bard asked king Simba for a small token in exchange for his performance.
Simba went into a rage! "You dare ask me for a gift!? You should be honored to have me listen! You should give me a gift!"
Simba was so angry that he ordered his servants to give the griot fifty lashes.
The griot returned home and told his friends what happened to him at King Simba's court. They were shocked and angry to hear of the meanness of the king.
Anansi was among the friends of this griot and he decided to write a song to let everyone know how they felt about Simba.
It went like this.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
He is fat and very flabby.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
He's a fool whose mane is shabby.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
his face is ugly, his teeth are few.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,He wrote the song with a very catchy tune and people all over the countryside began to sing it. Women sang it while they were cleaning clothes at the river. Children sang it during their games. Men sang it while digging yams. It was heard at dances and festivals. Soon it was known all over Africa.
When the king heard the song, he sent for the griot he had mistreated and asked him, "Who has written this song about me?"
"It was Anansi who wrote the song, but everyone sings it," responded the griot.
"I will give you much money if you tell him to stop the song." Simba promised.
But the griot refused saying, " A thing once it is done cannot be undone. You did not have to have me beaten, but you did. And now you cannot undo it. Anansi did not have to write the song, but he did. Now the song is alive among the people. It cannot be taken back."
Anansi's song about Simba is still sung to this day.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
He is fat and very flabby.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
He's a fool whose mane is shabby.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro,
his face is ugly, his teeth are few.
Simba the Lion, king of Korro.
The End.KUUMBA — Creativity
If you like, you can discuss this story and what it meant to you. No pressure or demands. This is a time of sharing for those who wish to share. And a time of listening for those who prefer to listen.
Now let’s fill and pass the unity cup (kikomba cha umoja). Everyone take a sip.
Pause and reflect on the concept of Kuumba (creativity) and how you can bring more beauty and benefit to your world in your own special or unique way. Try to think of your special gifts and how they can be used to uplift humanity.
Then blow out the candles.
This concludes Day 6 of the Kwanzaa celebration.
Again I want to thank Eshu Bumpus for providing this story about creativity. This story was written by Eshu who is an accomplished storyteller and expert on Kwanzaa. You might know that storytelling has strong roots in African culture as a method of teaching and transforming as well as entertainment. Eshu has a website called www.folktales.net.
Thank you for participating in Day 6 of Kwanzaa with us. Remember to visit us on our Facebook page called Wiki History if you need more information or want to share your Kwanzaa experiences with us.
We hope to see you tomorrow at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri. (Kwanzaa YEH-Noo ee-wah nah heh-REE). Happy Kwanzaa!
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Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Habari gani, I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com and I’m so glad that you’ve come back for this great and groundbreaking show. We’ve been doing something a bit different from our usual podcast show when we talk about different issues affecting the African American community, and discuss the great contributions of African Americans to their communities, the country and world. Today is a very special day because we are continuing with our celebration of Kwanzaa! We are already on day five of this uplifting and inspirational celebration. Today we will focus on the concept of Nia which means purpose.
I’ll begin by bidding you the traditional greeting of Kwanzaa in the Swahili language: Habari gani! If you’re just joining us, you’re very glad to have you with us and I would strongly urge you to listen to the 5 previous podcasts: the introduction to Kwanzaa podcast, the first day of Kwanzaa podcast (called umoja or unity), and the second day of Kwanzaa podcast (called kujichagulia or self-determination), day 3 of the Kwanzaa podcast which is called Ujima and yesterday, we did day four of Kwanzaa, which is called Ujamaa.
We learned yesterday that cooperative economics of Ujamaa) is a commitment to shared social wealth and working not only to help people that are disadvantaged or impoverished, but actually ending poverty itself. We learned that Julius Nyerere (who was the first president of Tanzania) was a strong advocate of Ujamaa or African socialism for his people and he was much beloved by them. Remember they called him Mwalimu, which is a name for a beloved and respected teacher. And you might remember that Dr. Martin Luther King fought against poverty and materialism, which he said created a sick society. He was a true radical. If you haven’t heard the previous Kwanzaa podcasts, I strongly recommend that you do so. If you have any questions, please contact us at rememberinghistory.com website or the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook. Stay with us today—everyone is welcome around the Kwanzaa mat (the mkeka)—but please take time to listen to the previous shows.
Let’s prepare ourselves to begin to Kwanzaa celebration for the fifth day. Sometimes I take a deep cleansing breath before the celebration begins but I always find some way to quiet and focus myself. Perhaps you want to stand and do a few stretching movements. Just take a moment to get centered and ready to begin the celebration. Remember Kwanzaa IS a celebration but please also show respect for this solemn ritual.
Day 4: Nia (Purpose)
Habari gani! Your response: Nia!
Let’s do it again: Habari gani! Nia!
Now please give me the Swahili greeting. (pause) Nia!
The fifth day of Kwanzaa is Nia! It means purpose. That’s a rather vague concept so let’s ask what does purpose mean in the context of Kwanzaa?
Dr. Karenga thought of Nia as building our communities together, maintaining them, and restoring them to greatness.
Nia is essentially a commitment to the collective vocation of building, developing and defending our national community, its culture and history in order to regain our historical initiative and greatness as a people. This requires an understanding that our role in human history has been and remains a significant one and that we, as an African people share in the grand human legacy that Africa has given to the world. We have the legacy of not only being the fathers and mothers of humanity but also the fathers and mothers of human civilization. It’s unacceptable that we who are the fathers and mothers of human civilization have been playing the role of cultural children of the world. The principle of Nia brings awareness to our purpse in light of our historical and cultural identity.
Inherent in this discussion of deriving purpose from our historical and cultural identity is the focus on generational responsibility. Franz Fanon (remember him from our discussion of self-determination/kujichagulia) poses this responsibility in competing terms by saying “each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission and then fulfill or betray it.
He suggests that this “mission” should be framed within the larger context of the needs, hopes and aspirations of the people. He goes further to state that each of us is morally and culturally obligated to participate in creating a context of maximum freedom and development of the people.
Finally, Nia suggests that personal and social purpose do not conflict but rather complement each other. The highest form of personal purpose is, in the final analysis, a social purpose. And a social purpose is a personal purpose that translates into a vocation and commitment which involves and benefits the collective whole AND gives fullness and mean to a person’s life in a way that individualistic and isolated pursuits cannot.
According to the Nia concept, true greatness and growth can never occur in isolation or at another’s expense. African philosophy teaches that we are first and foremost social beings who reality and relevance are root in the quality and kinds of relationships that we have with others. WEB Dubois (a scholar who wrote the Souls of Black Folk) stressed education of social contribution and rejected vulgar careerism rooted in the sole pursuit of money. This reiterates that purpose is not to simply create money markers but to cultivate men and women capable of social and human exchange on a larger and more meaningful scale, men and women of culture and social conscience, men and women of vision and values that expand the human project of freedom and development rather than diminish it.
Wow, there is a lot of relevance and reflection for African Americans! Understanding our purpose from the perspective of a historical and cultural identity requires us to KNOW our historical and cultural identity. Yet this has been denied to us since the day that we were brought to the United States. African history is not taught in elementary or high school. It is available at the college level but, by that time, African American children have already learned many myths about the continent. These myths make African American children embarrassed or ashamed of their African roots. And this disinformation is difficult to override after it is learned.
So, the African American community is challenged with teaching African history, its greatness and glory and its cultural traditions to the next generation. Because with the historical and cultural identity, finding and pursuing one’s true and higher purpose is difficult and confusing.
It is important to pursue the highest and loftiest purpose that uplifts and develops the community and world. And this need not conflict with one’s personal (or career) goals. However, this can conflict with western philosophy that focuses on the materialistic and “me-first” goals of the individual over the development of the community. Yet this philosophy remains deeply present in the African American community though it is often disparaged. But, when considered with the other communitarian principles of Kwanzaa, it shows that our fates are connected. When one African is suffering, all Africans are suffering. And when any African American is suffering, all African Americans are suffering. African Americans have shown their understanding in this principle through their courage and efforts during the slavery period, the struggle for civil rights and the Black empowerment—political and economic--movements. But the development of a purpose that is a true expression of one is based on knowing one’s historical and cultural identity. And African Americans are learning and teaching this as never before in our history. On that high note, let’s move to the next part of the Kwanzaa celebration of Nia.
But quickly let me just mention that I strongly encourage everyone to read Franz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth and The Souls of Black Folk by WEB Dubois. These are books to read again and again and keep in your library. Then pass them on to your children.
Now, let’s light another green candle.
We will light a lot of candles today so let me just say the order:
Black candle (in the middle) is lit first. Then the Red candle to the far left is lit Next the Green candle to the far right is lit Then the red candle farthest to the left is lit. Then (today) another green candle farthest to the right is lit. (pause)Take a moment to enjoy the beautiful lit candleholder (the kinara).
Not let’s read a story about the concept of Nia.
The Name of the Tree
Once there was a terrible drought in the land of the animals. A kindly king came from over the mountain and planted a special tree. He told them that this tree would bear fruit all year round in any kind of weather. All they had to do to get the fruit was to speak its name. The name of the tree was Oowungalema.
The animals thanked the kind old king and he returned to his own land, which was far over the mountain. The animals then sounded the Great Drum to call everyone for miles around.
When all were gathered at the tree, the lion asked Anansi to speak the name of the tree.
"I thought you were going to remember the name!" said Anansi.
"I don't remember the name!" said the lion, "Someone must know it!"
They asked everyone who had been there when the old king planted the tree, but not one of them could remember the name of the tree. They decided to send someone to ask the king for the name. They were all very hungry, so they decided to send someone fast. They sent the hare.
The hare ran as fast as he could through villages, across the river, through the bush, over the mountain and straight to the court of the kindly old king. The king told him, "The name of the tree is Oowungalema."
The hare ran back, repeating the name to himself as he went along. On the way home, he stopped at the river to rest and take a drink. The water was nice and cool. It felt good after all that running. The hare splashed around for a while to cool himself off, then he got out of the water and started back to the tree.
When he got back, the animals all cheered. "Now we can have the fruit! " they shouted.
Hare went up to the tree to speak the name, "Oomagamoomoo, no, oobapadoopa, Noomooogamooga"
Try as he might, the hare just couldn't remember the name.
"We have to send someone else." Lion said at last.
So the springbok was sent. She ran all the way to the king over the mountain and tried to keep the name in her head all the way home, but coming through the forest, she tripped over a root and bumped her head. The name was lost again.
Next they sent Leopard, but on the way back he started chasing a monkey who was teasing him. He forgot the name as well.
Many others tried and failed until finally, the tortoise asked if she might go. Most of the animals laughed because the tortoise is so slow.
"Give her a chance!" Anansi said, "She may succeed where the rest of us have failed."
The tortoise went to her mother and asked, "What do you do if you must remember something very important?"
Her mother told her to keep repeating it no matter what happens. So the tortoise set out on her journey. When she reached the king over the mountain, he said, "The name of the tree is Oowungalema."
Tortoise kept repeating it over and over to herself all the way home. When the monkeys teased her in the forest, she only said, " Oowungalema."
When she passed by the river and the sound of the water made her thirsty, she looked at the water and said, "Oowungalema."
And when she got near her house and her children came running to her, she only said, "Oowungalema."
Finally, the tortoise came to the tree. All the other animals were anxiously waiting. The lion spoke, "Tortoise, please speak the name of the tree."
Tortoise said, "Oowungalema."
At last, the animals were able to eat the fruit. Everyone was grateful to the tortoise who kept to her purpose where every one else had failed. The end.
If you like, you can discuss this story and what it meant to you. No pressure or demands. This is a time of sharing for those who wish to share. And a time of listening for those who prefer to listen.
Now let’s fill and pass the unity cup (kikomba cha umoja). Everyone take a sip.
Pause and reflect on the concept of Nia (or purpose) and what you feel is your TRUE purpose in life. Try to think of it as something that is bigger than just you, something that can move and uplift humanity.
Then blow out the candles. (pause) This concludes Day 5 of the Kwanzaa celebration.
Again I want to thank Eshu Bumpus for providing this story about collective work and responsibility. This story was written by Eshu who is an accomplished storyteller and expert on Kwanzaa. Eshu has a website called www.folktales.net.
Thank you for participating in Day 5 of Kwanzaa with us. Remember to visit us on our Facebook page called Wiki History if you need more information or want to share your Kwanzaa experiences with us.
We hope to see you tomorrow at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri. (Kwanzaa YEH-Noo ee-wah nah heh-REE). Happy Kwanzaa!
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Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Habari gani, I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com.
I’m so glad that you’ve come back for this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history and culture. And today is a very special day because we are continuing with our celebration of Kwanzaa! We are already on day four of this uplifting and inspirational celebration. Today we will focus on Ujamaa.
So, I’ll bid you the traditional greeting of Kwanzaa in the Swahili language: Habari gani! If you’re just joining us, you’re very welcome but I would strongly urge you to listen to the 4 previous podcasts: the introduction to Kwanzaa podcast, the first day of Kwanzaa podcast (called umoja or unity), and the second day of Kwanzaa podcast (called kujichagulia or self-determination) and day 3 which is called Ujima.
We learned yesterday that collective work and responsibility (or Ujima) is a commitment to active and informed togetherness on matters of common interest. And we learned a powerful lesson that African freedom is indivisible, meaning that if any African anywhere is oppressed then all Africans are oppressed. If you haven’t heard the previous Kwanzaa podcasts, I strongly recommend that you do so. If you have any questions, please contact us at rememberinghistory.com website or the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook. Stay with us today—everyone is welcome around the Kwanaa mat (the mkeka)—but please take time to listen to the previous shows.
Let’s prepare ourselves to begin to Kwanzaa celebration for the fourth day. Sometimes I take a deep cleansing breath before the celebration begins but I always find some way to quiet and focus myself. Remember Kwanzaa is a celebration but please remember to show respect for the solemn ritual.
Day 4: Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
Habari gani! Your response: Ujamaa!
Let’s do it again: Habari gani! Ujamaa!
Now please give me the Swahili greeting. (pause) Ujamaa!
The fourth day of Kwanzaa is Ujamaa! It means cooperative economics. That’s a strange and curious term but what IS cooperative economics?
Dr. Karenga (remember he founded Kwanzaa) said that cooperative economics means to build our own businesses, control the economics of our own community and share in all its work and wealth.
It sounds like a complicated term but it is actually quite simple. Ujamaa (cooperative economics) is a commitment to the practice of shared social wealth and the work necessary to achieve it. Cooperative economics is built on the fundamental communal concept that social wealth belongs to the masses of people who created it and that no one should have more than his or her fair share. It is the principle and practice of shared wealth. I really like that the Kwanzaa principles are not just theoretical but require action and practical effects.
One famous African president strongly believed in Ujamaa. He was Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania, following colonialism. Much loved by Tanzanians and the British, Nyerere (known to most people as Mwalimu, meaning teacher) was an African socialist who strongly believed in Ujamaa. He said, “Ujamaa is based on the assumption of human equality, on the belief that it is wrong for one person to dominate or exploit another , and on the knowledge that every individual hopes to live in a society as a free person able to lead a decent life, in conditions of peace with his or her neighbor.” Mwalimu (President Nyerere) told us that ujamaa is above all human centered, concerened foremost with the well-being, happiness and development of the human person.
Ujamaa also stresses self-reliance in the building, strengthening and control of the economics of the community. Mwalimu said that we must depend on ourselves and our own resources. Closely related to self-reliance is the respect for the dignity and obligation of work and appreciation for the value of work. Inherent in this belief is harnessing our resources and putting them to the best possible use. All of this is for the community and society at large.
A strong (though possibly not obvious) element of ujamaa is generosity. Generosity is thought to generate its own reward. An African proverb (in the book of Ani) says “small gifts return greater and what is replaced brings abundance.” And the Book of Ptah-Hoptep teaches “be generous as long as you live. What goes into the storehouse should come out. for the bread is made to be shared.”
This is an ancient African ethic of care and responsibility which forms the concept of shared wealth. This ethic is expressed in one of the earliest books—called the Book of Coming Forth by Day—which defines generosity as “one who has given bread to the hungry, water to the thirsty, clothes to the naked and a boat to those without one.” In fact, many of the ancient writings in Egypt and other parts of Africa express the ethic of responsibility and shared social wealth. In modern philosophy, the concept of shared social wealth is not simply to be generous to the poor and vulnerable but ultimately to end their poverty and vulnerability so that they too can live a decent, un-deprived and meaningful life.
As African Americans, we can also think of ways to be generous. How can we help our communities? How can we work to end poverty? What is our vision of a shared social wealth?
Volunteering and donating money are both admirable and necessary to help others. But how can we envision an end to poverty in the African American community and on a global scale? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while fighting for social justice, was also working for economic justice and an end to poverty.
Most people are not familiar with Dr. King’s attack on poverty as an evil pervasive in American society. His dream of a more free and democratic America and world morphed into a nightmare owning to the persistence of racism, poverty, militarism and materialism. (These are Dr. King’s words!) This is the Radical King that was committed to looking beyond race and instead looked to concentrations of economic power and pockets of economic weakness or deprivation. So, we can think and envision a world in which poverty no longer exists rather than accept that it is simply a fact of life. Like Mwalimu (Julius Nyerere) and Dr. King, we can envision a world based on shared wealth.
For more information, refer to the book, The Radical King by Cornel West. This book shows the radical, intellectual and visionary that was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essential and eye-opening book.
Remembering Julius Nyerere in Tanzania. History, Memory, Legacy
by Marie-Aude Fouéré
If you’re interested in learning more about Julius Nyerere—and I hope that you are—this is a great introduction to this lesser known post-colonial African leader.
The Book of Going Forth by DayYes, it’s a real book!
Let’s end the discussion about cooperative economics and move to the next step in the Kwanzaa celebration.
It is now time to light another red candle to the right.
It is now time to hear a Kwanzaa story about cooperative economics.
If you like, you can discuss this story and what it meant to you. No pressure or demands. This is a time of sharing for those who wish to share. And a time of listening for those who prefer to listen.
Now let’s fill and pass the unity cup (kikomba cha umoja). Everyone take a sip.
Pause and reflect on the concept of ujamaa (cooperative economics) and how you can work to help people suffering in poverty or other disadvantages. Try to envision a world without poverty. Yes, it’s possible.
Then blow out the candles.
This concludes Day 4 of the Kwanzaa celebration.
I just want to thank Eshu Bumpus for providing this story about collective work and responsibility. This story was written by Eshu who is an accomplished storyteller and expert on Kwanzaa. You might know that storytelling has strong roots in African culture as a method of teaching and transforming as well as entertainment. Eshu has a website called www.folktales.net. I am so grateful that he has agreed to allow us to present his stories on this Wiki history podcast.
Thank you for participating in Day 4 of Kwanzaa with us. Remember to visit us on our Facebook page called Wiki History if you need more information or want to share your Kwanzaa experiences with us.
We hope to see you tomorrow at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri. (Kwanzaa YEH-Noo ee-wah nah heh-REE). Happy Kwanzaa!
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Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Habari gani, I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com.
I’m so glad that you’ve joined us for this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history and culture. Remember boring stuff is NEVER allowed at the Wiki History podcast show so get ready for exciting stuff today—the third day of our Kwanzaa celebration.
So, I’ll bid you the traditional greeting of Kwanzaa in the Swahili language: Habari gani! If you’re just joining us, you’re very welcome but I would strongly urge you to listen to the 3 previous podcasts: the introductory podcast show, the first day of Kwanzaa podcast (called umoja or unity), and the second day of Kwanzaa podcast (called kujichagulia or self-determination).
We learned yesterday that self-determination (or kujichagulia) is a commitment to learning about yourself, your history and culture and the practice of your history, culture and just being you. Listening to our podcast show will help so I really recommend it. If you have any questions, please contact us at rememberinghistory.com website or the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook.
Let’s prepare ourselves to begin. Sometimes I take a deep cleansing breath before the celebration begins but I always find some way to quiet and focus myself. Remember Kwanzaa is a celebration but please remember to show respect for the ritual.
Day 3: Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
Habari gani! Your response: Ujima!
Let’s do it again: Habari gani! Ujima!
Now please give me the Swahili greeting. (pause) Ujima!
Yes, the third day of Kwanzaa is Ujima! It means collective work and responsibility. But what IS collective work and responsbility?
Dr. Karenga says that Ujima means “to build and maintain our community together and to make our Brother’s and our sister’s problems, our problems and to solve them together.”
Examining ujima (or collective work and responsibility) shows that it is a commitment to active and informed togetherness, particularly on matters of common interest. It is also recognition and respect of the fact that WITHOUT collective work and responsibility, progress is impossible and freedom unthinkable. This makes us think about a collective identity and a collective future.
Ujima, as a principle and practice, means that we accept responsibility for (collective responsibility for) our failures and setback as well as our victories and achievements. This shows that African freedom is indivisible. As long as any African is oppressed, exploited, enslaved or wounded, all African people are. Clearly, this rejects the concept of individual freedom. Instead it shows the need for humanism though not an abstract or escapism type of humanism. Ujima supports humanism that begins with commitment to and concern for other human beings.
Finally, ujima can be seen in terms of the challenge of culture and history. Labor—on the personal level and collective level—is at the center of history and culture because it is the fundamental way that we create ourselves, define ourselves, develop ourselves and confirm ourselves as people.
The challenge that we are faced with is how to restore that which was damaged or destroyed in our history and culture. And we must remember that we are each a cultural representative of our people and have no right to misrepresent them or willfully do less than is demanded of us by our history and culture.
Collective work and responsibility remains a strong mindset in the African American community. Yet it is also misunderstood, probably because of the immersion in African American culture in the broader western culture of individualism in the United States. This could also be an example of the destructive effects of slavery.
Not only did African slavery destroyed tens of millions of lives but it also destroyed great cultural achievements, created technological and cultural arrest, thereby eroding and limiting the human possibility that Africa could have offered to the world. This is often forgotten or diminished.
There have been groups within the African American community that have lived and operated under the principle of Ujima. The Black Panther Party is a prime example in its internal operations but also in its commitment to uplift the community through various different—and successful—programs. The Nation of Islam also focused and continues to focus on collective work and responsibility in the Black community. These groups and many others within the Black community have shown the strength and commitment to put the collective above the individual, knowing that the individual benefits best in this environment. Also the recognition that progress is impossible with the collective effort is taking hold and staying at the forefront of African American consciousness.
For more information, read
The Black Panther Party: Service to the People Programs.
The book discusses the different and revolutionary social programs started and operated by the Black Panther Party. Its Free Breakfast Program served as a model for national programs. Other initiatives included free clinics, grocery giveaways, school and education programs, senior programs, and legal aid programs. These programs addressed the persistent social and economic injustices in the United States. This is a great introduction to the social injustices but also shows that people, working and planning together, can make huge progress.
Let’s end the discussion about collective work and responsibility and move to the next step in the Kwanzaa celebration.
It is now time to light the green candle farthest to the right.
It is now time to hear a Kwanzaa story about collective work and responsibility.
The Great Drum
The lion sent out a message for all the animals to come to a very special meeting.
Messengers went far and wide to spread the news of this meeting. As soon as the animals heard the message, they hurried right away to the council circle. It was about three weeks before they were all gathered. The lion was very disappointed.
"We have got to find a way to get everyone together more quickly!" shouted the lion.
Anansi had an idea. "What we need," he explained, "Is a great drum, one that can be heard all over the forest. When the great drum is sounded, everyone will know right away and come swiftly to meetings."
Everyone agreed that this was a fine idea. The animals were divided into groups, each group taking on a different part in the construction of the drum. The first group cut down a large tree.
The second group trimmed off all the branches. The next group hollowed out the tree.
Then sculptors worked to decorate the drum. They worked hard through many days. On their way home at the end of each day, they would sing;Life is labor,
We are tired and hot,
We work so hard,
Because we work for our people.Everyone worked except the monkey. While the others labored, he found a nice shady spot to hide and eat berries all day long.
When they were on their way back to the village, Monkey would join them as though he had been working with them all along.
Monkey sang:Life is labor,
I am tired and hot,
I work so hard,
Because I work for my people.Anansi watched and knew exactly what Monkey was doing, but Anansi said nothing.
When the Great Drum was finished, it had to be brought to the council circle. The problem was that the Drum was very heavy and no one wanted to carry it. It was then that
Anansi spoke up.
"Since no one wants to carry the Great Drum and we have all worked so hard already, I suggest that the laziest person among us carry the Drum."
All the animals thought this was a good plan. Each of them looked around, trying to think who among them was laziest. Who hadn't they seen working? First one looked at Monkey, then another and soon all eyes rested on the monkey.
Monkey stepped out into the center of the circle and announced, "I just want to make one thing perfectly clear. I will not carry that drum!"
All the animals laughed. Anansi said, "No one mentioned your name, Monkey. All we said was that the laziest person should carry the Drum."
People were wondering to themselves, who was laziest among them. But the monkey did not have to wonder. He knew very well who was laziest. He came forward and made it clear when he spoke.
So it was agreed that the monkey had to carry the Great Drum to the council circle. The end.If you like, you can discuss this story and what it meant to you. No pressure or demands. This is a time of sharing for those who wish to share. And a time of listening for those who prefer to listen.
Now let’s fill and pass the unity cup (kikomba cha umoja). Everyone take a sip.
Pause and reflect on the concept of ujima (collective work and responsibility) and how you can work together with others to resolve problems. Of course, this is just a suggestion. Ujima has many layers and any of them can give cause for reflection.
Then blow out the candle.
This concludes Day 3 of the Kwanzaa celebration.
I just want to thank my son Benjamin Eshu Bumpus for providing this story about collective work and responsibility. This story was written by Eshu who is an accomplished storyteller and expert on Kwanzaa. You might know that storytelling has strong roots in African culture as a method of teaching and transforming as well as entertainment. Eshu has a website called www.folktales.net. I am so grateful that he has agreed to allow us to present his stories on this Wiki history podcast.
Thank you for participating in Day 3 of Kwanzaa with us. Remember to visit us on our Facebook page called Wiki History if you need more information or want to share your Kwanzaa experiences with us.
We hope to see you tomorrow at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri. (Kwanzaa YEH-Noo ee-wah nah heh-REE). Happy Kwanzaa!
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Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Habari gani, I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com.
I’m so glad that you’ve joined us for this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history and culture. rememberinghistory.com or at this Wiki history podcast show. Remember boring stuff is NEVER allowed at the Wiki History podcast show so get ready for exciting stuff today—the second day of our Kwanzaa celebration.
So, I’ll bid you the traditional greeting of Kwanzaa in the Swahili language: Habari gani! If you’re just joining us, you’re very welcome but I would strongly urge you to listen to the introductory podcast show on Kwanzaa and the show about the first day of Kwanzaa called Umoja, which means unity.
We learned yesterday that unity (or umoja) is the foundational principle AND practice of the Kwanzaa celebration so it’s important to learn about unity. Listening to our podcast show will help so I really recommend it. If you have any questions, please contact us at rememberinghistory.com website or the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook.
Definitely stay with us today but, when you get a chance, I think that you will learn a lot about what Kwanzaa is, who started it and why it was founded in 1966 and the importance of unity on which all the other principles are based. Always good to have background information. Knowledge is power.
Let’s prepare ourselves to begin.
Day 2: Kujichagulia (or self-determination)
Habari gani! Your response: Kujichagulia!
Let’s do it again: Habari gani! Kujichagulia!
Now please give me the Swahili greeting. (pause) Kujichagulia!
Yes, the second day of Kwanzaa is Kujichagulia! It means self-determination. But what is self-determination?
Dr. Karenga said self-determination is: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
This is a particularly important concept for African Americans. But first let’s go a little more deeply into examining the principle.
Self-determination (I will use the English word) is both a commitment and a practice. It demands that we, as an African people, define, defend and develop ourselves instead of encouraging others to do this for us. It requires that we learn, accept and embody our history and culture and commit to shape our world in our own image. It is also a call to bring our own unique perspective to the world and speak its truth to the world.
Self-determination is a fundamental part* of freedom and of being a free people. For that reason, we also want the world to reflect our truth and perspective, our image AND our interest. Before we are able to reflect this to the world, we must as individuals, develop a strong sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance.
The great Franz Fanon (who wrote the groundbreaking book, The Wretched of the Earth), has said that each person must ask himself or herself three questions:
Who am I? Am I really who I say I am? Am I all that I ought to be?Yes, those are not easy questions, but they are important even essential to self-awareness and self-acceptance as a prelude to self-determination. They are not simply questions of personal identity, but more profoundly, they are also questions of history and culture. They are questions of understanding and accepting a collective identity.
Returning to the three questions.
Who am I? To answer this question requires the individual to know and live one’s history and to practice one’s culture.
Am I really who I say I am? To answer this question requires the individual to have an employ a level of cultural authenticity, discerning between what is merely appearance and what is fundamental, what is culturally rooted and what is foreign.
Am I all that I ought to be? To answer this question requires the individual to use ethical and cultural standards to measure individuality and personhood. To examine the quality of one’s thought and practice in the context of who they are at this time and who they want to be now and in the future.
These are not easy questions or self-examinations but they are important exercises to attain a full level of self-realization. They are important for exercising your rights to freedom. Freedom is not free and self-examination is one cost of it.
For African Americans, this is particularly important because self-determination was denied to us in the United States. As enslaved persons, we were denied EVERY type of power or right to live as free persons and to pursue a self-determined path. That also involved the denial of our African history, language, and culture. After the end of slavery, African Americans were STILL denied this right and power. We were given labels rather than being allowed to name ourselves. We were denied a proper education, the right to vote, the right to own property, to travel, to marry whom we chose, and many other fundamental rights to determine and shape our lives and our future. That is why the celebration of Kwanzaa is so important as it helps us to remember and connect with our heritage. And Carter G. Woodson founded Black History month (today called African American history month) for the same reason. He said, “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
But the commitment to self-determination was ALWAYS present in Black people even after we first landed in America. (This is not a surprise since this concept is an integral part of African cultures.) So, we fought for freedom. We have fought for equality. And we fought to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves. (Dr. Karenga was right about that.) But the struggle continues. For rights and powers individually and collectively. Learning our history and culture is an important. Practicing our culture is important.
So that ends the discussion of self-determination (or kujichagulia—I felt the need to use the Swahili word, exercising my right to use my language of choice). Please remember to ask yourself: Who am I? Am I really who I say I am? Am I all that I ought to be? Ask yourself every day. And I strongly encourage you to read The Wretched of the Earth by Franz Fanon. He was a true warrior for freedom and self-determination of the African people. His book is life-changing.
It is now time to light the red candle farthest to the left.
It is now time to hear a Kwanzaa story about self-determination.
The Three Tests
Once, long ago three tigers came to Africa. They went to the country of the animals and made this terrible announcement.
"From now on, this land will be ruled by the Tigers. We are, after all, the strongest, fastest and wisest of all animals. Therefore, we are the only fit rulers." they claimed.
A little mouse spoke up from the crowd, " But we have a council where we make our decisions together, we don't need or want any ruler."
One of the tigers let out a roar so loud and fierce that the poor mouse started running and didn't stop until he was in the land of the humans. To this day, he lives in the houses of humans. Her cousin, the field mouse misses her terribly.
The other animals didn't like the idea much either, but they looked at those tigers' big claws and sharp teeth and were afraid to speak. These tigers were even bigger than the lion.
"We will collect taxes and we'll also change the name of this country. From now on, this will be Tigerland and you will call yourselves servants of the tigers." they said.
Finally, Anansi spoke. "Great tigers, it is clear that you are strong, fast and wise, but just so that everyone will know for sure that you are stronger, faster and wiser than anyone else, let us have a contest." Anansi suggested.
The tigers liked the idea, so Anansi continued. "Let us prepare ourselves, then tomorrow we will choose someone to compete against each of you."
So the tigers left and the animals held a private meeting to discuss what to do.
The next morning, the animals were ready. The tigers came to the council circle. The strongest tiger spoke first. "Who will compete against me?" he asked.
"I will." said the tiny voice of the field mouse.
The tiger laughed until he cried. "This will not take long." he said.
"Who will race me?" roared the swiftest tiger.
"I will." said the tortoise.
"This is no contest at all!" shouted the tigers.
Hare told the third tiger, " I must bring you to the home of the owl. She is the wisest of all creatures."
"We will see," said the tiger.
First was the contest of strength. The field mouse brought the tiger to a large clearing.
They each stood at one edge of the clearing with one end of a rope. Between them was placed hundreds of big thorn bushes. When she gave a signal of two short tugs on the rope, the tiger was to start pulling. The loser would get dragged across the thorns.
The tiger laughed at the little mouse and said that he was ready. She gave the signal, and the tiger began to pull. What he didn't know was that behind the field mouse, standing in the forest was a great bull elephant holding onto the rope. So while the tiger pulled on one end, the elephant pulled on the other. The tiger got dragged all the way through the thorn bushes yelling, " Ouch! OOOCH! Ouch! Ouch!" all the way.
"If this is how strong the mice are, I would hate to see what the other animals can do!" he shouted.
Next was the race. The tortoise brought the fastest tiger to a five-mile stretch of road in the forest. At each mile marker, one of tortoise's cousins was hiding. (To the tiger they would all look alike.)
When the race began, Tiger went zooming away, leaving the tortoise in his dust. As he was coming to the first mile marker, the tiger was laughing to himself. "How could a tortoise think he could outrun me?" he said.
Just then, Tortoise came out from his hiding place behind the mile marker.
"What took you so long, Mr. Tiger?" he asked politely.
Tiger was shocked. "How did you get here so fast?!" he screamed.
Tortoise didn't answer. He just slowly plodded off toward the next marker. The tiger zoomed past him and ran at top speed to the second mile-marker, only to find Tortoise sitting there waiting.
"I really thought tigers were faster than this." he said, sounding very disappointed.
"I'll beat you yet!" shouted the tiger as he sped to the next marker. At this third marker, Tortoise was sitting down playing a game of Mankala with Anansi and laughing about how easy the race was. Tiger couldn't believe his eyes.
At the fourth marker, Tortoise was asleep, snoring loudly. Tiger sped by him so fast that he left the tortoise spinning like a top.
Finally, tiger was racing toward the finish line. Tortoise was nowhere in sight. Tiger was running at full speed. Nothing could stop him now. Yet, as he got closer to the line, he noticed a little round thing sitting there. It must be a rock he told himself. But as he got closer, he saw that little head and those four little legs and he knew. Tortoise was already there!
"It's impossible!" he screamed. But no matter how much he screamed, it didn't change the fact that Tortoise had won the race.
Now the hare was bringing the third tiger to the home of the wise old owl. But the hare kept complaining of stomach pains and said that he couldn't walk very well.
"Can't you get someone else to show me the way?" said the tiger angrily.
"I'm the only one who knows the way," whispered Hare, "It's a secret."
Tiger was irritated. " Then you'll just have to ride on my back," he said.
They rode on for a little while, but the hare kept letting himself slide off the tiger's back, so they weren't making much progress.
"If you bring me to my house, I can get my saddle." Hare suggested, "That way, I won't slip off." So the tiger brought the hare home and let Hare put a saddle on him.
"And if you let me use these reins," Hare continued, "I can steer you left or right without talking so much. I have a sore throat you know."
Tiger agreed. Then the hare went into his house and came out wearing spurs and carrying a whip.
"Wait a minute!" said Tiger, "What's all that for?!"
"Oh I just wear these spurs for show." Hare said. " And the whip is so I can keep the flies off you while you're giving me a ride."
"Okay," said the tiger, "But be careful."
So they rode on, but not to the owl's home. They went right to the council circle. All the other animals were gathered there. When Hare came in sight of the other animals, he dug his spurs into the tiger's sides and snapped that whip against the tiger's backside and yelled "GITTY UP HORSEY!"
That tiger went jumping and howling through the crowd looking about as foolish as a fool can look. All the animals laughed and laughed. The other tigers were so embarrassed that they pleaded with the hare to stop.
The hare got off the tiger's back and took his saddle and reins. Those tigers agreed never to come back to Africa again. That's why, to this day, there are no tigers in the forests of Africa.
And everyone got along fine in the land of animals with everyone as equals, no kings, no queens, no rulers. The End.
If you like, you can discuss this story and what it meant to you. No pressure or demands. This is a time of sharing for those who wish to share. And a time of listening for those who prefer to listen.
Now let’s fill and pass the unity cup (kikomba cha umoja). Everyone take a sip.
Pause and reflect on the concept of kujichagulia (self determination) for a moment. Perhaps consider the three questions: who am I? Am I really who I say I am? Am I all that I ought to be?
Then blow out the candle.
This concludes Day 2 of the Kwanzaa celebration.
I just want to thank Eshu Bumpus for providing this story about self-determination. This story was written by Eshu who is an accomplished storyteller and expert on Kwanzaa. You might know that storytelling has strong roots in African culture as a method of teaching and transforming as well as entertainment. Eshu has a website called www.folktales.net. I am so grateful that he has agreed to allow us to present his stories on this Wiki history podcast.
Thank you for participating in Day 2 of Kwanzaa with us. Remember to visit us on our Facebook page called Wiki History if you need more information or want to share your Kwanzaa experiences with us.
We hope to see you tomorrow at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri. (Kwanzaa YEH-Noo ee-wah nah heh-REE). Happy Kwanzaa!
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Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Habari gani, I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com.
I’m so glad that you’ve joined us for this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history and culture. I find history to BE inspirational, instructional and entertaining. And African American history and culture fit the bill in all of these ways. Personally, I hate boring stuff. So boring stuff is not allowed at rememberinghistory.com or at this Wiki history podcast show.
Did you remember the traditional Swahili greeting of habari gani? If you remembered, great. If not, it’s okay. Perhaps next time! Today we will celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa! If you’re just joining us, you’re welcome and I would strongly urge you to listen to the introductory podcast show on Kwanzaa. Stay with us today but, when you get a chance, I think that you will learn a lot about what Kwanzaa is, who started it and why it was founded in 1966. Always good to have background information.
I’m sure that you remember that there are 7 days of the Kwanzaa celebration, beginning on December 26th and ending with a special celebration on January 1st.
Before we begin, remember that you will need the Kwanzaa mat (the mkeka), the candleholder (kinara) and 7 candles (the *)—1 black candle, 3 red candles and 3 green candles, and the unity cup (the kikomba cha umoja).
I’m just taking a few extra minutes since this is the first day to make sure that you have the Kwanzaa objects needed for today’s celebration. But, you learn by doing, so let’s just do it!
Habari gani! Your response: Umoja!
Let’s do it again: Habari gani! Umoja!
Now please give me the Swahili greeting. Umoja!
Yes, the first day of Kwanzaa is Umoja! Umoja means unity. But what does unity mean?
According to Dr. Karenga, unity means “to strive for a principled and harmonious togetherness in the family, community, nation and world African community.”
Let’s think more deeply about the concept of unity. It is the first and foundational principle of Kwanzaa. Without unity, all the other principles will suffer. It is both a principle and a practice of harmonious togetherness, not simply being together. Unity has always been a cardinal virtue of both African societies. It was a foundation of ancient Egyptian life as the concept of Maat, which was harmony and balance on the natural cosmic and social level. It was also represented as a goddess called Maat. Among the Dinka (who today live in southern Sudan), unity is known as cieng, which is both morality and harmonious living together. In both of these ancient societies, one could not live a good life without living in harmony with the family and other members of the community.
Unity is also a practice, meaning to engage in positive interactions with others. Taking it a step further, the practice of unity is a form of active solidarity. So people develop a dependable togetherness that is born, based and sustained in action. Yet it’s important to remember that unity is a moral principle not a political device or slogan.
Unity as a principle and practice begins in the family. There must be harmonious living between brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. Families must share and act in unison. The family must reject harshness and practice gentleness, stress cooperation and avoid conflict. They must also be very attentive to things that would divide or create threats to togetherness. The family must be, as in African culture, the focal point of unity, not simply of siblings and genders, but also generations. Respect for the elders is one of the most important expressions of the family unit. Participation of elders in the daily life of the family benefits the young and old and links all the living, the departed and the yet unborn as a unit.
To conclude before lighting of the black candle is that unity requires equality, reciprocity and friendship. It also creates equality, reciprocity and friendship within families, communities and nations. Remember unity (or to use the Swahili term, Umoja) because is the foundation on which all the principles of Kwanzaa rely.
Unity holds a very special place in African American culture. When we were enslaved in America, we protected and supported each other even as we faced cultural, linguistic and religious conflicts. After slavery ended, we worked together to organize our labor and economic efforts, which were met with strong and violent resistance from the white community. But the concept of unity, which we brought with us from the continent, remained an integral part of our individual and collective consciousness. And its force was never welcomed in the United States.
The American government saw that unity among African Americans was dangerous. And there have been concerted efforts to undermine unity in the African American community. From the FBI’s attempts (under J. Edgar Hoover and others) to infiltrate Black organizations like the Black Panther Party, discrediting Black leaders like Martin Luther King and Malcolm X to injecting drugs like crack cocaine into our neighborhoods and separating Black families through imprisonment or job shortages, the attack on unity has been pervasive and persistent. Yet unity still persists in the African American community though it has taken different forms. And it is still as important as ever if we, as African Americans, are going to survive and succeed as individuals and as a people.
Because this concept is so important, I want to recommend three books. (Usually I recommend only one.) But you can find them all at rememberinghistory.com and on the Wiki History Facebook page.
The first is:
The Cultural Unity of Black Africa: The Domains of Matriarchy & of Patriarchy in Classical Antiquity
by Cheikh Anta Diop
This is a great book about the different cultures and ethno-linguistic groups on the African continent. Excellent history and examination of the cultural, economic and political situation in Africa. And Dr. Diop is a scholar in African history who has written numerous groundbreaking (and myth-busting) books on ancient and modern African history.
The Solution: How Africans in America Achieve Unity, Justice and Repair by Jay Morrison.This book provides the history of how African Americans have experienced unity, rejected it and how we’ve dealt with threats to unity. It also provides practical steps for individuals and communities to achieve and maintain unity.
3. The Willie Lynch Letter and The Destruction of Black UnityThis book by Willie Lynch describes how unity was attacked among the enslaved Africans. It is a chilling book that showed nothing happened by chance, coincidence or bad luck.
No need to remember these three books now. You can find them on the website or Facebook page.
It is now time to light the first candle. You will light the black candle in the middle.
It is now time to hear a Kwanzaa story about unity.
Anansi and his Sons
When Anansi's first son was born and Anansi and his wife, Aso were ready to name the child, the baby spoke up and said, "I have brought my own name with me. It is See Trouble." Their second son also announced his name in this way. He was Road Builder.
Each of his six sons in turn announced their names in this way. There was River Drinker, Game Skinner, Stone Thrower and Cushion.
Once, Anansi had to go on a long journey. On his trip, he found a big, bright, shiny ball. He was bringing it home, when he fell into the lake and was swallowed by a big fish.
Anansi decided right then that he would give the bright shiny object to whoever rescued him.
As time passed, and Anansi did not return home, his family became worried. See Trouble looked ahead to see Anansi inside the big fish. He told his brothers. Right away, Road Builder cleared a path through the forest for his brothers to follow.
When they got to the lake, it was the thirsty brother's turn.
River Drinker drank up all the water in the lake. There was the big fish at the bottom. Game skinner went right to work. He cut open that fish to let Anansi out. Anansi was still holding that bright, shiny object he had found.
Suddenly a giant bird flew down and grabbed Anansi. It took him way up into the sky. Stone Thrower grabbed a rock and threw it. He hit the bird just right to make it let go of Anansi. Down, down Anansi fell, but he didn't get hurt because Cushion put himself in the way. Anansi landed softly.
Anansi wanted to give the bright, shiny object to the son who had rescued him, but he couldn't decide who had done the most to help him.
He gave the bright, shiny thing to Nyame, who put it up in the sky until someone could figure out which son deserves it the most. It is still there in the sky. You can see it tonight.
The end.
If you like, you can discuss this story and what it meant to you. No pressure or demands. This is a time of sharing for those who wish to share. And a time of listening for those who don’t wish to share.
Now let’s fill and pass the unity cup. Everyone take a sip.
Pause and reflect on the concept of unity (umoja) for a moment.
Then blow out the candle.
This concludes Day 1 of Kwanzaa.
I just want to thank Eshu Bumpus for providing this story about Unity. This story was written by Eshu who is an accomplished storyteller and expert on Kwanzaa. You might know that storytelling has strong roots in African culture as a method of teaching and transforming as well as entertainment. He has a website called www.storytelling.net . I am so grateful that he has agreed to allow us to present his stories on this Wiki history podcast.)
Thank you for participating in Day 1 of Kwanzaa with us. We hope to see you tomorrow at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. Kwanzaa yenu iwe na heri. (Kwanzaa YEH-Noo ee-wah nah heh-REE). Happy Kwanzaa!
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Hello history lovers and welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.
Hi, I’m Robin the host and in-house historian at rememberinghistory.com.
We hope that you enjoyed the November podcasts that discussed African Americans in the military, focusing mostly on Black veterans. We heard some great stories, some sad stories and some inspirational stories. And remember the quote by WEB Dubois: We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting. I’m still moved whenever I read that quote. African Americans had it hard after they returned home from various wars. They weren’t welcomed as the heroes they were, who had fought for freedom and democracy around the world. But WE can recognize their courage and service and we should do so throughout the year. These stories and podcast shows are just one way but it’s important that they are remembered for their service. I know that some of the stories were a bit heavy, but I hope that the lessons were learned and that the inspiration was felt.
I’m so glad that you’ve returned for this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history and culture. I find history to BE inspirational, instructional and entertaining. And African American history and culture fit the bill in all of these ways. Personally, I hate boring stuff. So boring stuff is not allowed at rememberinghistory.com or at this Wiki history podcast show.
Speaking of the show, the Wiki history podcast show for December will focus on a very special theme: The celebration of Kwanzaa! Yes, this is the month that many Black people—African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans and continental Africans—celebrate Kwanzaa. And that’s what we are going to do this month.
The format of the show will also be a bit different too. Today’s show will introduce the celebration of Kwanzaa, what it’s about, who started it, when was it founded, WHY it was started, then I’ll briefly introduce the 7 days of Kwanzaa.
Each of the next 7 shows will be dedicated to celebrating one of the 7 Kwanzaa days. These shows are for the whole family—all of the rememberinghistory.com shows are good for the whole family—but these Kwanzaa shows can be enjoyed during the Kwanzaa season. There will be great information but, more interestingly, there will be a Kwanzaa story that explains the daily Kwanzaa theme. It will be great for families to discuss the Kwanzaa theme, what it means and how individuals and families can incorporate this theme into their lives.
So, you see, this is very different from our usual Wiki history podcast format. It’s more interactive and celebratory. By the way, I would love to know your thoughts about these podcasts after you have listened to them. It can help us to improve these podcasts to make them more meaningful and impactful (I love that word!) for you.
Before we begin, just a bit of housekeeping.
During this podcast, you will hear about the rituals, the objects and different words in Swahili related to Kwanzaa. You will HEAR about them, but I completely understand if you want to actually SEE them, too. You can find visuals and words on the Wiki History Podcast Page on Facebook. You will find pictures, animated videos and a community of history lovers. There is also a place for comments, which I hope that you will leave for us because we really appreciate them and we do respond. Also, if you enjoy this show, please let others know about it. They might like it and find it inspirational too. Let’s change the way that we think of history—one friend at a time.
And the Rememberinghistory.com staff is committed to presenting the stories and contributions of African Americans but we also want to encourage you to make history today. We hope that this show does that but also we have the Making History Today! newsletter that teaches people how to change the world! It’s actually easier than you might think but it’s a great newsletter that you can subscribe to at the Rememberinghistory.com website and Facebook page. Don’t be shy; go right ahead and subscribe and get started changing the world and making history!
Let’s begin talking about Kwanzaa! Tis the season!
Habari gani!
Habari gani!
That’s a traditional greeting in the Swahili language. And it is always the way of starting the Kwanzaa celebration for the day.
We’re gonna begin the discussion in a slightly different way. Before we talk about what Kwanzaa is, let’s talk about what Kwanzaa is not.
Kwanzaa is NOT political.
Kwanzaa is NOT religious.
And Kwanzaa is NOT related to Christmas.
Kwanzaa IS a wonderful week-long celebration of African culture and spirituality. (It is NOT associated with any religion.) It was designed to help African Americans remember the history, richness and rituals of African culture, particularly the African mindset of showing gratitude for the harvest, honoring the ancestors and remembering the family unit. Kwanzaa celebrates all of this.
Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Ron Karenga who was an active part of the Black nationalist movements of the 1960s and 1970s. He designed it as one of the first specifically African American holidays. During the 1960s and 70s, there was a movement by African Americans to reconnect with African culture and history—things that were systematically stripped away from us during slavery and then diminished and disregarded for years. So, Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration. No, it is NOT political. It is NOT religious. It is NOT related to Christmas. It is cultural and educational.
Today, Kwanzaa is celebrated by about 30 million people worldwide—in the United States, in Canada, the Caribbean and several European countries.
Kwanzaa (which means “first fruits”) begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st (New Years Day).
It’s important to remember that Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage. So, start with decorating your home, making your home beautiful with pictures, posters, art, statues or anything else that uplifts your spirit and beautifies your home. Place African crafts, baskets, cloth patterns, sculptures, banners and pictures throughout your home. Focus on the Kwanzaa colors of black (which represents the African people), red (which represents the blood or struggle of the African people) and green (which represents the land and future of the African people). Most important thing: create a space in a prominent area for the Kwanzaa table or altar. You will use that every day throughout Kwanzaa.
What will you need
You need 3 things:
Kwanzaa mat (mkeka). You can use the Kwanzaa flag, Pan-African flag or a tablecloth with 1 or all of the Kwanzaa colors. A candleholder (kinara) with 7 candles mishumaa saba. 1 black candle, 3 red candles and 3 green candles. Unity cup kikombe cha umoja—any simple or elaborate cup or goblet.That’s it. Yes, of course, there is a lot more that you can add but these are the basics. And you will use these items on every day of the Kwanzaa celebration.
So, let’s get to it:
Each of the 7 days of Kwanzaa has a theme on which you will focus during the ceremony. Let’s go through the theme first then we’ll go through the activities. By the way, I’m gonna give you the daily theme in Swahili first then in English. It really doesn’t matter which language you use. Personally, I like using new languages but just use whichever feels better to you.
Day 1. Umoja!
Harbari gani! On the first day of Kwanzaa, we recognize Umoja or the concept of Unity.
Dr. Karenga (remember he founded Kwanzaa) thought of Umoja (Unity)—working for and maintaining harmony and togetherness in the family, the community, the nation and the world.
The first day of Kwanzaa is celebrated on December 26. It begins with lighting the Black candle at the center of the kinara. Lighting the Black candle marks the beginning of the festive Kwanzaa season. Someone will then make a statement, tell a story or even say a poem about the concept of Unity. This part is very flexible. You can sing a song, play an instrument, perform a dance or do anything that illustrates the concept of unity. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled.
Then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the Black candle is blown out and the ceremony for the day is ended.
(Day 2): Kujichagulia!
Harbari gani! December 27 is the second day of Kwanzaa. On Day 2, we celebrate Kujichagulia or self-determination.
Dr. Karenga thought of self-determination as defining who we are, creating who we are, and acting and speaking for ourselves.
On this second day of Kwanzaa, first the black candle is lit then the red candle (farthest to the left) is lit. Then someone will make a statement or tell a story about the principle of self-determination in his or her own life. Again, this part is very flexible. You can be as creative as you like. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled then passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the Black and Red candles are blown out and the ceremony for the day is ended.
(Day 3): Habari gani! Ujima!
Remember that everyone will greet each other with habari gani.
December 28 marks the third day of Kwanzaa. On Day 3, we celebrate Ujima or collective work and responsibility.
Dr. Karenga thought of Ujima as building and maintaining our community together, sharing our joys and problems and solving our problems together.
Next we light the candles in the following order:
Black candle (in the middle) is lit Red candle to the far left is lit Green candle to the far right is litThen someone present will then make a statement, tell a story or discuss about the principle of collective work and responsibility. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled. Then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the candles are extinguished and the ceremony for the day is ended.
(Day 4): Ujamaa!
Harbari gani! December 29 marks the fourth day of Kwanzaa. On day 4, we celebrate Ujamaa or cooperative economics.
Dr. Karenga thought of the concept of Ujamaa as building and maintaining our own businesses, and supporting the businesses of others and growing and profiting from them together.
On the fourth day of Kwanzaa, you will light another red candle. So the order is:
Black candle (in the middle) is lit first. Red candle to the far left is lit Green candle to the far right is lit Finally the red candle farthest to the left is lit.Then someone will make a statement, tell a story or discuss about the principle of cooperative economics in their life or as it affects others. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the candles are extinguished and the ceremony for the day is ended
(Day 5): Nia!
Harbari gani! December 30 marks the fifth day of Kwanzaa. On day 5, we celebrate the principle of Nia or purpose.
Dr. Karenga thought of nia as focusing on building our communities together, maintaining them, and restoring them to greatness.
On the fifth day of Kwanzaa, you will light another green candle. So the order is:
Black candle (in the middle) is lit first. Red candle to the far left is lit Green candle to the far right is lit Then the red candle farthest to the left is lit. Then another green candle farthest to the right is lit.Then someone will make a statement, tell a story or discuss about the principle of purpose. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled with juice. Then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the candles are extinguished and the ceremony for the day is ended.
(Day 6): Kuumba!
Harbari gani! December 31st marks the 6th day of Kwanzaa and it is a very special day! On the 6th day, we celebrate the principle of Kuumba or creativity. As it is New Year’s Eve, the day is an especially festive day because it marks the last day of the calendar year.
Dr. Karenga thought of kuumba or creativity as working hard to make our communities more beautiful and functional for today and for future generations.
Then we light the candles:
First, the Black candle (in the middle) is lit. Red candle to the far left is lit Green candle to the far right is lit Then another red candle farthest to the left is lit. Then another green candle farthest to the right is lit. Then final red candle is lit.On this special final day of the year, the home is specially decorated with traditional Kwanzaa colors of black, red and green. Special dishes are made for the family and guests. On December 31, families and communities hold a karamu which is a special feast, including readings, remembrances and a festive meal. The karamu feast may consist of traditional African dishes, as well as those featuring ingredients that Africans brought to the United States...sesame seeds, peanuts, sweet potatoes, collard greens and spicy sauces, for example. This celebration may be held at a home, church or community center.
Then the unity cup is passed around. All members who are present should remember their ancestors while the Unity cup is shared.
(Day 7): Habari gani! Imani!
The last and final day of Kwanzaa falls on January 1st, New Year’s Day.
The focus on the seventh day of Kwanzaa is on Imani or faith.
Dr. Karenga thought of Imani as believing in ourselves, our people, our parents and teachers and our leaders. Believing in the importance of our vision for a better community and for a better world.
Next the candles are lit:
Always begin with the Black candle in the center then alternate back and forth between the red and green candles until all are lit.
Then someone will make a statement, tell a story or discuss about the principle of creativity. Afterwards, the unity cup is filled with juice. Then it is passed around the table. Everyone takes a sip from the unity cup. After the sharing of the cup, the candles are extinguished and the ceremony for the day is ended.
The last day of Kwanzaa...the first day of the New Year...has been a time of serious appraisal for African people. Also known as the "Day of Meditation" or "Day of Assessment," it is a period of self-reflection related to things done and things yet to be done. Following in this tradition, it is a time to ask yourself the following three questions: "Who am I?" - "Am I really who I say I am" - "Am I all I ought to be?" In addition, this is also a day when many Kwanzaa participants choose to pay particular homage to the ancestors...those of the national community as well as those of the family.
Everyone concludes the entire ceremony saying "Harambee!" (which is a reminder to “let’s pull together!”) seven times—one time for each day of the Kwanzaa ceremony.
So, lots of information just now. Just to recap.
Step 1: Everyone stands around the Kwanzaa table. Bid each other the traditional greeting of Habari gani. Answer by saying the theme of the day. Take this opportunity to practice your Swahili. Answer: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) or Imani (faith)
Step 2: Light the candles for the day. Always start with the black candle in the middle then alternate between the red and green candles.
Step 3: Someone present will make a statement, tell a story, say a poem, sing a song or just discuss the daily theme in his or her life. Get creative here and just express yourself in any way that works best for you.
Step 4: Fill the Unity cup and pass it around the table. Everyone will take a sip from the cup.
Step 5: Put the candles out. You’re finished.
These steps are continued for the seven days of Kwanzaa. At the end of the 7th day, everyone shouts “Harambee!” seven times. Harambee means “let’s pull together!”
So, that is the celebration of Kwanzaa. You see that it can help individuals and families to remember and feel the connection with their African roots, culture and heritage. There is a lot more that you can do as part of this celebration. Do it YOUR way but don’t be shy about expanding yourself and reaching for new experiences.
And, as I promised in the beginning, you can get more information about Kwanzaa from Maya Angelou. She and award-winning filmmaker, MK Asante made a movie about Kwanzaa called The Black Candle. It is the first movie ever made about Kwanzaa and was filmed in the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. The film discusses Kwanzaa’s growth during the Black Power movement through the modern day experience as a global pan-African movement.
This is an excellent film for all ages and can help to understand the context, meaning and importance of Kwanzaa to families and communities. The Black Candle has been described as more than a film about a holiday: it’s a celebration of a people! Highly recommended. You can get more information about The Black Candle on the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook and you can rent the film on iTunes.
Speaking of excellent films about Kwanzaa, the rememberinghistory.com team has created an animated video about Kwanzaa—what it is, what it means and how to celebrate it. You can find it on the rememberinghistory.com website and the Wiki Podcast page. It’s short, educational and lots of fun. Your whole family will enjoy it.
So, that’s all for this introduction. I know that I mentioned a lot of words in Swahili. Again, you can find them at the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook. You will also find pictures of the items like the kinari (the candleholder), the unity cup (kikumba cha umoja) and lots of other helpful items. Most importantly, you will find a lively group of African American history and culture enthusiasts who enjoy meeting new people and discussing these topics. Everyone is welcome!
Finally, I just want to remind you that 2017, the Wiki History podcast show is dedicated to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Located in Washington, DC, the National Museum of African American History & Culture opened in 2016. This kind of museum was long overdue but it finally happened and it is a place that everyone should visit and explore. Museums are a great way to bring history to life and to keep it alive for future generations. Wiki History is honored to be a part of this important process. For every person that listens to this podcast show, rememberinghistory.com will donate $1 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Are you ready to learn about Kwanzaa and hear some great Kwanzaa stories? Great! Go ahead and listen to Day 1 of Kwanzaa!
If you have any questions about Kwanzaa or want to share your stories of how you celebrate Kwanzaa or even why you choose NOT to celebrate Kwanzaa, please contact me at [email protected]. I love hearing your thoughts and stories. Also, as promised, when you contact me and leave your email address, I will send you a special e-gift for Kwanzaa (yes, Kwanzaa also can involve gift-giving!)
On that high note, a very joyous Kwanzaa from everyone at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it! Every day. Ha
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Welcome back! That last section was pretty heavy. The racial terror and violence inflicted on Black veterans who had fought for their country are difficult subjects to hear and infuriating to learn about. But it’s even more infuriating that these stories are not taught in schools or discussed on the Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day holidays. Yet these stories need to be told and remembered. Why? It’s history. Not the glamorous and happy history but still it is a part of American history AND the African American experience. It honors the Black soldiers who fought, endured and persevered through the wars, the discrimination and the violence. Again, it reminds me of the quote by WEB DuBois: We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting.
Second, this dishonorable behavior by white Americans who were determined never to accept or respect the contributions of African American soldiers is instructive. We can learn something from their behavior: Why did they act as they did? What were they thinking? What were they afraid of?
Some historians have responded to these questions by focusing on the trigger of their behavior. They didn’t like the thought of a Black veteran wearing his uniform with pride, unity and confidence. This conflicted with the white supremacist picture and structure that they had worked hard since the slavery period to develop. A skilled and confident Black serviceman in uniform is a different person than an uneducated and enslaved person in rags. The former terrified white people. The latter appeased them.
Think of Black Navy veteran Joe Nathan Roberts who, in June 1947, was studying at Temple University as a result of the GI Bill. He went to visit family in Georgia when a group of white men became upset because he refused to call them “sir.” Later that night, Mr. Roberts was abducted from his parents’ home and shot to death. African American veterans had definitely changed and this was disturbing to the white population, particularly in the south.
Then the federal government made a bold move to help veterans. They passed the GI bill. And that permanently changed life in America.
What is the GI Bill?
The GI Bill was officially known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. It was a law that provided a range of benefits for returning World War II veterans (who were commonly referred to as G.I.s). It was an important race-neutral piece of legislation for veterans. However, we will see that African American veterans did not receive the full benefits of this historic legislation.
Benefits included dedicated payments of tuition and living expenses to attend high school, college or vocational or technical school, low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans to start a business, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. It was available to all veterans who had been on active duty during the war years for at least 90 days and had not been dishonorably discharged—exposure to combat was not required. By 1956, roughly 7.8 million veterans had used the G.I. Bill education benefits, some 2.2 million to attend colleges or universities and an additional 5.6 million used the GI bill for some kind of training program.
Historians and economists judge the G.I. Bill as a major political and economic success—especially in contrast to the treatment of World War I veterans—and a major contribution to America's long-term economic growth.
Although the G.I. Bill did not specifically advocate discrimination, it was interpreted differently for blacks than for whites. Historians have argued "the law was deliberately designed to accommodate a “Jim Crow” or segregation-based society. Because the programs were directed by local, white officials, many Black veterans were refused benefits. For example, of the first 67,000 mortgages insured by the G.I. Bill, fewer than 100 were taken out by non-white vets.
Why is this part of the story important to remember? Because it helps explain the ongoing challenges of African-Americans to build wealth and achieve intergenerational mobility.
How the GI Bill played out is one of those reasons. Whites were able to use the government guaranteed housing loans that were a pillar of the bill to buy homes in the fast growing suburbs. Those homes subsequently rose greatly in value in coming decades, creating vast new household wealth for whites during the postwar era.
But black veterans weren't able to make use of the housing provisions of the GI Bill for the most part. Banks generally wouldn't make loans for mortgages in black neighborhoods, and African-Americans were excluded from the suburbs (and other predominantly white neighborhood) by a combination of racially restrictive covenants (that were still legal) and informal racism.
In short, the GI Bill helped fostered a long-term boom in white wealth but did almost nothing to help blacks to build wealth or to help Black veterans to re-adjust after their military service. We are still living with the effects of that exclusion today -- and will be for a long time to come. THIS is why it is so important to discuss this GI bill of 1944. What happens in the past can definitely have an effect in the present: The GI bill is a great example of that.
But the GI bill did have its benefits for Black veterans too. The GI bill did have a very positive effect in one area: Education.
The passage of the G.I. Bill in 1944 set off an explosion in higher education. It provided veterans with generous financial aid for tuition and living expenses. By 1947, 49 percent of all college students were veterans and nearly half of the 16 million eligible veterans had used the G.I. Bill for higher education or job training when it ended in 1956. It has been passed again to extend it for veterans of later wars.)
The G.I. Bill changed the structure of the United States, creating access to education for millions of Americans and helping to spawn the modern middle class. But this increased opportunity was not universal even in education.
Many African-American veterans could not attend college because of their sub-standard Jim Crow primary and secondary educations. Those with high school diplomas were largely limited to overcrowded and under-funded historically black colleges and universities that often lacked the liberal arts education available at predominantly white institutions.
While these veterans were often only able to choose among overcrowded black colleges, the influx of subsidies for black students forced many white universities to open their doors to nonwhites, helping begin the great integration of higher education. Of course, many of the southern universities remained solidly segregationist. Eventually, the supreme court (with the help of federal troops) forced them to integrate.
So, the GI Bill (The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944) had a positive impact on veterans following World War II and fortunately it was passed again for subsequent wars. In some ways, it contributed to creating or solidifying an American middle class—by helping people to buy homes, receive unemployment benefits and attend high school and college. In fact, President Bill Clinton called it one of the most important pieces of economic legislation that was ever passed in the United States.
But it’s clear that the benefits were unequal.
African American veterans (and other non-white veterans) were not able to reap the benefits of the GI bill. The social structure that kept whites on top and blacks on the bottom had not been resolved in such a way that Black veterans were able to fully access the benefits of the bill in the way that white veterans were able to.
But access to education was certainly one way in which African Americans were able to benefit. And they took full advantage of that opportunity. That benefit had an impact on generations of African Americans. But the financial benefits offered by the bill that would help with mortgages and assist in home ownership were largely inaccessible to African Americans. And that also had an impact on generations of African Americans.
We’re gonna come to a close now. This podcast is getting rather long. But the story of African Americans in the military needs to be told. We’ve only touched on it. I haven’t even mentioned the Black heroes—both men and women—who served with great distinction and honor in the military. They deserve to be remembered. And I haven’t mentioned the servicewomen and men who TODAY are serving courageously and protecting freedom and democracy around the world. They deserve a podcast show too.
Remember that the African American experience in the United States is not all doom and gloom. It’s also victory and achievement. Courage and honor. Greatness and glory. In spite of everything, African American veterans and civilians have achieved so much in this country and contributed so much to building and protecting the United States. Remembering history means remembering everything including the good, the bad and the ugly.
Let’s end with the following quote:
On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.
So, what can WE do?
At rememberinghistory.com, we want to learn the history but we also want to take action. We can we do so that no veteran (Black or otherwise) is ever left behind?
It’s a good question but I don’t have all the answers. I have some ideas though.
I want to hear your thoughts and ideas. But I also want to see you at the next show where you can hear practical tips for helping our veterans. They did for us. Now it’s time to do for them. We don’t want any of our service women or men left behind.
So, let’s confront this tough task in the next show. It should be interesting and I hope actionable. It is time to take real action to respect, protect and support our veterans and their families. So that brings us to the end of today’s podcast show.
I realize that I mentioned lots of names, places, events, experiences and other information that you might want more information about. The rememberinghistory.com team has you covered. You can get more information, see the people and places, read the “What You Can Do” list, see great pictures and even find good a book list at the Wiki History podcast page on Facebook. You can also find the newsletter called Making History Today! which discusses practical ways that you can actually MAKE history through education, the arts, political activism or whatever interests you.
Finally, I just want to remind you that 2017, the Wiki History podcast show is dedicated to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Located in Washington, DC, the National Museum of African American History & Culture opened in 2016. This kind of museum was long overdue but it finally happened and it is a place that everyone should visit and explore. Museums are a great way to bring history to life and to keep it alive for future generations. Wiki History is honored to be a part of this important process. For every person that listens to this podcast show, rememberinghistory.com will donate $1 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Come back soon to Remembering History where we ARE remembering history and we’re making it. Every day! And, like Matthew Henson, get ready to sit on top of the world! Bye for now!
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Black Veterans Podcast #1
Welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. I’m Robin Lofton, the Chief In-house Historian and host of this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history. I find history to BE inspirational, instructional and entertaining. And African American history fits the bill in all of these ways. Personally, I hate boring stuff. So boring stuff is not allowed at rememberinghistory.com or at this Wiki history podcast show.
Speaking of the show, today’s podcast show is about African American servicewomen and men and veterans. I think that this is a great time to learn about Black veterans. Why? Because it’s November. In the United States, we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11, which is also Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in other parts of the world.
Yes, this is the month in which we celebrate the service of the brave men and women in the United States military. It is truly an honor and a pleasure to remember them but I often feel that this is not enough. One month and the sincerest thank you are not enough to compensate them for their courage, their commitment and their sacrifice. So, I’m inclined to thank them every day. To show appreciation every day.
How can we show real appreciation to our African American veterans for what they have endured?
Several ways. First, we can learn the history. We can learn what they have endured as servicemen and women. And it goes far beyond their service on the battlefield. Second, we can remember their contributions, their heroism and their undying commitment to fighting for freedom. Third, we can ask what we can do for THEM today. We can give back to these people who gave us so much.
And that is what this Wiki history podcast show is going to do this month.
I just want first to mention that, during this podcast, you will hear about people, places, events and issues. You will HEAR about them, but I completely understand if you want to actually SEE them, too. You can find pictures of them on the Wiki History Podcast Page on Facebook. You will find pictures, animated videos and a community of history lovers. There is also a place for comments, which I hope that you will leave for me because I really appreciate them and I do respond. Also, if you enjoy this show, please let others know about it. They might like it and find it inspirational too. Let’s change the way that we think of history—one friend at a time.
And the Rememberinghistory.com staff is committed to presenting the stories and contributions of African Americans but we also want to encourage you to make history today. We hope that this show does that but also we have the Making History Today! newsletter that teaches people how to change the world! It’s actually easier than you might think but it’s a great newsletter that you can subscribe to at the Rememberinghistory.com website and Facebook page. Don’t be shy; go right ahead and subscribe and get started changing the world and making history!
Let’s begin with the history right now.
Did you know that African Americans have served in every major American war since arriving in the American colonies? From Crispus Atticus in the Revolutionary War up to modern times, African Americans have always had a strong presence in the U.S. military. Yes, even in the two world wars, African Americans were a dominant force. The Vietnam War saw the largest number of African American soldiers in combat. And also the youngest group of soldiers, but of course this was true for soldiers of other ethnicities as well.* More recently, African Americans have served in the Persian Gulf wars and in Iraq* and Afghanistan.
I think that the African American experience in the military was perfectly summarized by historian and scholar, WEB Dubois when he said:
We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting.
We return. We return from fighting. We return fighting.
What did Dr. Dubois mean by this statement? He wrote it in May, 1919 following the World War I. This meaning has changed over time but it reflects the difficulties that African American servicemen and women faced in the past and continue to be confronted with. But the point is that African American servicemen and women and veterans are still confronted with different issues than their white counterparts. Today it is frustrating and infuriating. In the past, it was fatal.
Let me explain. From the end of the Civil War through the end of the second world war, African Americans who served their country were confronted with violence and terror. During the period between 1877 and 1950, more than 4,000 African Americans were lynched. (By the way, this important research was done by the Equal Justice Initiative—and was the most comprehensive research done to date. They should definitely be commended for this unprecedented survey of the lynching of African Americans, showing that there was a virtual reign of terror happening against Americans during that period.) Yes, more than 4,000 African Americans were killed during that period. And research showed that no one was more at risk of experiencing violence and targeted racial terror than Black veterans. White soldiers absolutely did not face this kind of treatment following their military service.
On this point, Bryan Stevenson (executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative) said, “We do so much in this country to celebrate and honor folks who risk their lives on the battlefield. But we don’t remember that black veterans were more likely to be attacked for their service than honored for it.” Wow!
Let’s look back to the armistice following world war I. Black soldiers returning home were greeted with a wave of intense hostility and discrimination. Whites were suspicious and angered at the thought of Black soldiers enjoying certain freedoms, civil rights and possibly liaisons with white women in Europe. And the black soldiers had experienced freedoms in Europe and they were ready to assert those rights when they returned back to the United States. The stage was set for an intense conflict. It began in the summer of 1919, which became known as the Red Summer.
Anti-black riots erupted in 20 cities throughout the United States. A Louisiana newspaper editor wrote, “This is the right time to show them what will and what will not be permitted.” At least 13 African American veterans were killed by lynch mobs. Countless more endured beatings, shootings and whippings. The Red Summer is still remembered by older Black veterans and their families. It was a rude awakening to the fact that even though African Americans had fought valiantly, died courageously and contributed constantly to the war effort, they were not going to enjoy the civil rights and freedoms that they had fought for in Europe. And white citizens were quick to remind them that the white supremacist social structures still existed.
Just the sight of a Black veteran wearing a soldier’s uniform put that soldier at risk of serious bodily harm or death. In fact, the only provocation was often a black man’s insistence on wearing his soldier’s uniform in public. Again, Bryan Stevenson explains it. “Just the sight of a black soldier, just the suggestion that he might take on that empowered, adult, mature identity—that could get him killed.”
And it did. In Hickman, Kentucky in December 1918 just weeks after the end of WWI, recently-discharged African American soldier named Charles Lewis was standing on the street in his uniform when a white police officer began harassing him and claimed that he fit the description of a robbery suspect. Mr. Lewis insisted that he was a good soldier and would not commit robbery. He was arrested. At midnight, a mob of masked men broke into the jail, seized Mr. Lewis and hanged him. They left his body (still in uniform) hanging for all to see. A newspaper headline the following morning was titled, “Nip it in the bud.”
Then there is the story of World War II veteran, Isaac Woodard. On February 12, 1946, Isaac Woodard wore his uniform on a Greyhound bus travelling from George to North Carolina. When he protested mistreatment from the white bus driver, South Carolina police beat him so severely that he was permanently blinded. Although the NAACP protested the attack and demanded prosecution for the offenders, no one was ever convicted. Mr. Woodard later stated, “ We went overseas and did our duty and now we’re home and have to fight another struggle that I think outweighs the war.”
He wasn’t alone in his experience. Civil rights activist, Hosea Williams, had been captured by Germans during the second world war. After his release, he stated, “I want to tell you the Germans never were as inhumane as the state troopers of Alabama.” That says a lot.
So while Black and white Americans fought for freedoms and democracy abroad, white Americans were willing to accept, condone or remain silent on the issue of racial terror, violence and oppression targeted towards African Americans--particularly African American VETERANS—in their own country.
But this racial terror did not start in the 20th century. It began much earlier. As I said, African Americans have been fighting in wars since the American Revolution. But the real terror began following the Civil War.
More than 200,000 African Americans fought in the Civil War. Originally, the Union army was reluctant to allow Black soldiers to fight at all, claiming that that the Black soldiers would feel entitled to respect and rights after the war ended. They served as soldiers, spies, nurses and in supportive roles. In fact, Sojourner Truth served as a spy during the Civil War. The movie, Glory, showed a major battle at Fort Wagner that the 54th Regiment (an all-Black unit) courageously fought but, unfortunately, never won for the Union. But this was just the beginning. Afterwards, many Black soldiers were allowed to join the Union army and President Lincoln credited them with the Union’s victory.
However, following the war at the start of the Reconstruction era in 1877, African American soldiers lost the rights that that had fought for. They were no longer slaves but they were still living in a society founded on white supremacy. They were prohibited from handling or carrying weapons, they were assaulted, driven from their homes and killed by lynch mobs.
Nevertheless, 380,000 African Americans enlisted in the segregated Army to fight during the First World War.
Why would they do that?
Many had a sense of “patriotic unity” and they hoped that it would increase their social status in the United States. Mississippi Senator James Vardaman warned that this would happen. In a speech on the senator floor in 1917, he stated, “The return of black veterans to the South would inevitably lead to disaster because once you impress the negro with the fact that he is defending the flag and inflate his untutored soul with military airs, he will believe that his political rights must be respected.” In his crude and demeaning way, the senator was right. After Black soldiers returned from Europe where they experienced freedom and more equality, they did expect the same type of treatment when they returned home. But all that they discovered was a society holding on its white supremacist foundation and willing to maintain it through terror and violence. That’s how the Red Summer began. Hundreds of Black men, women and children were killed by mobs and police violence throughout the country. Black veterans were specifically targeted. They were shown no appreciation or respect for their service.
I don’t know if you have heard of the Harlem Hellfighters. They were the 369th infantry regiment who fought in the first world war. They fought so courageously and effectively that France awarded them the country’s highest military honor. Yes, they were an African American unit. Shown the highest respect in Europe but at home they were shown neither respect nor honor.
And this continued following the Second World War in which more than a million African Americans enlisted. Despite all of the violence, discrimination and America’s commitment to maintaining a social structure that kept Blacks in an inferior position, more African Americans than ever enlisted to fight for freedom and democracy abroad. And African Americans continued to fight with skill and honor. I hope that you have heard of the Tuskegee Airmen who served in World War II. Yes, there were many others—if we have time, I’ll discuss them but you can also find them on the Wiki History Podcast page on Facebook.
Yet, as in the first world war, discrimination was active and virtually mirrored the segregated, white supremacist society at home. Black soldiers worked in inferior positions, cleaning the officer’s quarters and latrines or were given highly dangerous, front-line combat missions that were considered too dangerous for white soldiers. Punishments for Black soldiers were often excessively harsh. Black soldiers at military bases in the segregated south were forbidden from eating in restaurants though the restaurants would serve German prisoners of war. White supremacy remained the norm in military life as in the civilian world.
After the war and the return of the Black veterans to the United States, the terror and violence resumed and even increased for Black veterans. Any African American in uniform was at high risk for violence and killing.
You might ask why the soldiers would wear the uniforms if that would put them at increased risk of violence. Great question.
But I see that there was pride in their military service and what they contributed to fighting tyranny and protecting democracy around the world. The soldiers walked with confidence and a newly discovered feeling of entitlement. They had experienced freedom in other parts of the world. They wanted—demanded—those rights when they returned home. The proud and confident black soldier scared many white people and threatened the white supremacist social structure. So, yes, the violence increased. But the African American veterans were changed forever and this changed the entire Black community forever. The modern civil rights movement was imminent, brought in part by these confident and uplifted Black veterans of the second world war. I’m thinking about Hosea Williams (he was the one who preferred the experience as a POW in a German prison to facing Alabama state troopers). And Medgar Evers who became a powerful leader in the NAACP. The black soldiers and veterans changed their communities and the country.
But the fight was not over yet. The United States federal government passed the GI bill—and it “attacked” African American veterans and their families on a different front. This will take us directly into the second part of this great and groundbreaking podcast show.
If you like, you can take a break here. Then continue on to the next podcast that discusses the GI Bill and its effect on African American veterans, their families and communities. But please don’t stop here because you don’t want to miss that exciting and disturbing part about how Black veterans struggled in the past and how they AND their families are still struggling.
But if you choose to stop--Hey, it’s a free country--I just want to remind you of the Wiki History Podcast Page where you can find more information and pictures of the people discussed in this podcast. Also, you will find interesting discussions, questions, videos, games and a whole community of history lovers just like me and you. So please stop by the facebook page and join the fun. Also, I will give you a sneak peek into the podcasts for December. Rememberinghistory.com and Wiki podcast page will discuss Kwanzaa! Yes, it’s that season again and we will discuss the 7 fantastic days of that great and festive celebration.
Finally, please remember that for everyone who listens to these podcast shows, the rememberinghistory.com staff will donate $1 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. It’s a great museum—long overdue—but it’s here now and we must support it and other efforts to preserve and honor African American history.
So that’s all for now. You can’t see me but I’m standing and saluting our Black servicewomen and men on active duty AND our Black veterans. Let’s remember to honor them this month and every month.
See you soon at rememberinghistory.com where we our remembering history AND we’re making it every day. Bye for now!
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Welcome to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. I’m Robin Lofton, the Chief In-house Historian and host of this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history. I find history to BE inspirational, instructional and entertaining. And African American history fits the bill in all of these ways. Personally, I hate boring stuff. So boring stuff is not allowed at rememberinghistory.com or at this Wiki history podcast show.
Speaking of the show, today’s podcast show is about Black explorers and adventurers. I think that this is a great time to learn about Black explorers. Why? Because it’s October. In the United States, October is the month that many people celebrate Columbus’s birthday. Yes, it’s a federal holiday celebrated on the second Monday in October. But it’s important to know many individual states are celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ day instead of Columbus’s birthday. And I think that we all know the reason for that.
Here at rememberinghistory.com, we are celebrating Black explorers as we have for the past several years by discussing a few Black explorers and their inspirational stories. However, this year, we’re doing something a bit different. We are going to examine WHY people explore, why exploration is so important, and then we’re gonna ask for your thoughts about what exploration means to you and where you might like to explore one day.
During this podcast, you will hear about people, places, events and issues. You will HEAR about them, but I completely understand if you want to actually SEE them, too. You can find pictures of them on the Wiki History Podcast Page on Facebook. You will find pictures, animated videos and a community of history lovers. There is also a place for comments, which I hope that you will leave for me because I really appreciate them and I do respond. Also, if you enjoy this show, please let others know about it. They might like it and find it inspirational too. Let’s change the way that we think of history—one friend at a time.
So, why is exploring important? First let’s look at what exploring actually is.
To explore means to travel to an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.
Throughout the centuries, exploring has taken different forms. Yet there was always the aspect of a “new and unfamiliar” place. In days past, many people explored new areas to find new riches and wealth like gold or other precious minerals. Others explored new areas to acquire land that they could homestead and farm. Still others were interested in the peoples of new and unfamiliar lands for reasons such as enslavement, slave trading or promoting “civilization.”
Wow, these past purposes of exploration were not so noble or endearing. Exploitation was the focus. And we know the damage and destruction that was done to indigenous peoples and their land. Gee, this makes me think of the quote “I fear the evil that men do in the name of evil but God save us from the evil that men do in the name of good.” Lots of death and destruction in the wake of many early explorers. Columbus included. But did you know that there were several Black explorers who traveled with Columbus like the Nina brothers Juan (he actually helmed La Nina), Francisco who was a sailor and Pedro who was actually with Columbus when he landed in Trinidad. Another Black explorer, Juan Guarrido, accompanied Vasco de Gama in his search of the Fountain of Youth. Juan Guarrido was also part of the Cortez-led invasion of Mexico, which led to the conquest of the Aztecs in 1519. (Okay, that’s not a great legacy for an explorer but he is also credited with harvesting the first commercial wheat crop in the Americas.)
Modern exploration is MUCH different from exploring in days long past. (Unless perhaps you’re thinking of exploration for oil, rubber or other precious commodities.)
Modern explorers focus more on the educational and observational aspects of exploring. Today’s explorers really want to learn about a new place or to discover the existence of the new place. Take Matthew Henson for example. He is credited as being the first African American to reach the North Pole. (Some say that he was actually the first person from anywhere to reach the North Pole!)
But Matthew Henson was an able and experienced sailor, navigator and craftsman. He learned the Inuit language and culture, married an Inuit woman and learned to build igloos and drive dogsleds in the Inuit way. I remember an iconic quote from Henson saying, “I think that I am the first man to sit on the top of the world!”
And, of course, there was William Henry Sheppard who explored the Congo river area in Central Africa. Born a free man in Virginia in 1865, he attended a “colored” school where he learned to read and write then actually took classes with Booker T. Washington at Hampton College. After becoming a Presbyterian minister, he developed a burning desire to become a missionary in Africa. He was finally allowed to go to the Congo river basin in what is today called the Democratic Republic on Congo. He settled in a village called Luebo.
He met the Bakuba people and learned their methods of survival and culture. He studied their crops, textiles and music. He studied the way that the Bakuba people worshipped their ancestors. He learned to hunt and killed snakes and large game to help feed the villagers. He even killed a hippopotamus and learned to dry the meat to trade and share with the villagers.
Sheppard learned to speak the Kuba language, which helped him to discover parts of the Congo region where no American or European had ever gone. Sheppard and his local Bakuba guide would go from village to village buying eggs at different markets. For three months, he would buy and eat eggs and preach the gospel at every village where he stopped. For years, he stayed and studied the culture and, because of his excellent language skills and respectful manner, he was welcomed into the villages by the local leaders. William Henry Sheppard was definitely an explorer!
As a boy, Sheppard had often said of Africa, “When I grow up, I shall go there.” And that’s exactly what he did!
Barbara Hillary also went there! Not to the Congo but to the North Pole. Then to the South Pole. Many people told her that she was too old and that she would die from the cold and hardships. That the North Pole was no place for a 75-year old woman from New York who had reduced breathing capacity about a bout with lung cancer. But she went there anyway. At the age of 75, she went to the North Pole. Then at 79 years old (in her case, 79 years young), she went to the South Pole! She always said that age was just a number. To get out a challenge yourself. That was exactly what she did.
Another explorer who wouldn’t let age stop her was Sophie Danenberg who at age 34 became the first African American woman to climb Mount Everest. Through the urging of a childhood friend, she started mountain climbing while living in Illinois.
Danenberg's first major climb was at Mount Rainier in Washington State in 2002. Over the next two years, she scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Baker in Washington state, and Mount Kenya, 2003. In 2005 she scaled five more major peaks including Denali and Mount Tasman.
But 2006 proved to be her big year!
Sophie received a surprise phone call to inform her that she was permitted to join the expedition that was going up Mount Everest. And she only had one week to prepare! Yes, it was a struggle. On the mountain of mountains, she developed bronchitis, frostbite and a clogged oxygen mask. Yet but she persisted and prevailed. And, on May 19, 2006, she became the first Black woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Sophie was the first Black person but definitely NOT the last. With privately raised funds and sheer focus and determination, men and women from the African continent have scaled Mount Everest. Notably, Saray Khumalo from South Africa climbed Kilimanjaro, Mera Peak, LoBuche East, Elbrus and Aconcagua—all in four short years. She has faced Everest but, unfortunately, nature stood in the way. In 2014, she was deterred by deadly avalanche that killed 16 sherpa. The following year, an earthquake prevented her from climbing Everest. But Saray Khumalo will not be forever deterred and she’s already started raising the money for her next excursion—this time to the summit!—going up Everest, encouraged by a quote from Nelson Mandela: It always seems impossible until it’s done! Saray climbs for herself but also for others: she has raised money to building libraries and schools in South Africa and to provide lunches for school children. And, by the way, another South African, SibuSiso Vilane, became the first Black man to climb Mt. Everest in 2003 and has actually climbed all seven major peaks and completed the 3 Poles Challenge (you know, North Pole, South Pole and Everest).
But explorers have not stopped with Mount Everest. That’s the highest peak offered on this planet but other Black explorers went beyond the limits of planet Earth. Where did they go? They went into space! African American astronauts are a group of extreme explorers and have gone “where no man (or no ONE) has gone before!” (Sorry I just couldn’t resist that Star Trek quote!)
Let’s quickly meet them:
*Colonel Frederick Gregory—an accomplished pilot and test pilot BEFORE joining NASA. He spent more than 18 days in space and he was the first African American to pilot and command a space shuttle mission.
*Mae Jemison was a scientist and medical doctor before joining NASA. She spent 190 hours in space as a mission specialist and conducted groundbreaking experiments in space on weightlessness and motion sickness. In 1992, she became the first African American woman to go to space.
*Major General Charles Bolden was an experienced marine aviator and test pilot before joining NASA. He went on 4 flights and served as commander and pilot on the different flights. Major General Bolden spent more than 28 days in space.
*Colonel Guion Bluford, Jr.—a fighter pilot and engineer before joining NASA. In 1983, Colonel Bluford became the first African American to go to space, logging in more than 28 days in space as a mission specialist.
*Stephanie Wilson was an aerospace engineer before joining NASA as an astronaut. She has spent more than 42 days in space as a mission specialist and was responsible for robotics for spacewalking support. Ms. Wilson is still in active duty with NASA.
*Joan Higginbottam was an electrical engineer before joining NASA. She logged in more than 12 days in space where she operated the space station remote manipulator system.
*Robert Satcher was a surgeon, chemical engineer and professor at Feinburg School of Medicine before joining NASA. He was a mission specialist logging in 10 days and 2 walks in space.
*Robert Curbeam was a Naval flight officer, pilot and engineer before joining NASA as an astronaut. He worked as the spacecraft communicator and spent 37 days in space, including 45 hours on 7 walks in space. And yes THAT is the record for time spent walking in space!
*Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Anderson was a physicist before joining NASA as an astronaut. He spent more than 593 hours in space as a mission specialist, payload commander and lieutenant colonel in charge of science experiments.
*Captain Winston E. Scott is an engineer, pilot and (today) Dean of the Florida Institute of Technology before joining NASA. Captain Scott logged in 24 days in space, including 19 hours spent on 3 WALKS in space.
*Alvin Drew was a physicist and aeronautical engineer before joining NASA. He spent more than 25 days in space as a mission specialist and CAPCOM officer. He also did 2 walks in space for 12 hours!
*Leland Melvin was a materials science engineer before joining NASA. He has since logged in more than 23 days in space as a mission specialist.
*Bernard Anthony Harris was a biologist, medical doctor and pilot before joining NASA. He logged in 18 days in space as mission specialist and payload officer. In 1995, he became the first African American to do extra-vehicular activities, meaning that he actually WALKED in space.
Wow, we could make an entire show of the African American astronauts who have graced the NASA program AND ventured into outer space.
I want to give a special salute to two astronauts who died during their explorations:
*Major Robert Lawrence, Jr. was a skilled pilot and scientist. He was the First African-American astronaut; the first to be selected for astronaut training in 1967 in the Manned Orbital Laboratory program, which predated NASA. Major Lawrence was killed in a jet accident.
*Ronald McNair—was an optical physicist when he was selected by NASA. McNair was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster mission in 1986.
Before we move on to another interesting group of explorers, I do want to mention one more astronaut: Jeannette Epps. She has not yet gone into space but her time is coming. In 2016 NASA announced that Ms. Epps will launch on her first spaceflight in May 2018. She will be a flight engineer on Expedition 56, remaining on board for Expedition 57. Ms. Epps will become the first African-American crew member on the space station!
Let’s cheer her on in May of 2018. Great to watch a first flight AND a great step forward for African Americans and women everywhere!
But African American explorers didn’t only just aim higher and higher. They also set their sights on what lies beneath. In this case, they aimed—and conquered—the Mammoth caves in Kentucky.
We’re gonna stop here in this podcast show. We’ve covered a lot of great explorers; people who explored the North and South poles and the Congo. We just discussed people who have explored outer space and even walked in space! I think that we’ve gone high enough for now. In the next podcast show, we’re gonna explore another dark and untouched part of THIS planet. And we’re gonna continue our discussion about why we explore and why exploring is so important. I hope to see you at Part II of this great and groundbreaking discussion.
Also, please remember that you can “meet” many of these people on Facebook at out Wiki History Podcast page. Or at least you can see them. Pictures really do say a thousand words and seeing these people can help to bring them to life. You will also find our newsletter that helps you to learn history and teaches ways that you can MAKE history. Remember, we’re all history makers. We all have something to contribute. These stories show that ordinary people can do extraordinary things and live extraordinary lives.
So, I look forward to seeing you at Part II of the Black explorers podcast show at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it every day. Bye for now!
Welcome back to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. I’m Robin Lofton, the Chief In-house Historian and host of this great and groundbreaking show that will inspire YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history.
This is part II of the podcast show on Black explorers. In the previous show, we discussed the importance of exploration and how exploration has changed over the centuries. And we discussed people who had aimed high (Mount Everest high) and even higher (outer space). Those were such interesting and inspirational stories. I hope that you’ve listened to part I of this series. I promise that you’ll be ready to stand and salute these brave men and women. But for now, I think that we should continue with the discussion of Black explorers.
Remember at the end of the show, I introduced the next group of explorers. They didn’t aim to go higher and higher. They were focused on discovering a part of this planet that had been ignored and feared: the Mammoth Cave system in Kentucky. Let’s get straight to their fascinating stories and then we’ll end with a discussion of why exploring is important and why it’s important to learn the stories of these great explorers.
The Mammoth caves make up the longest known cave system in the world, with more than 400 miles explored. Did that stop or scare these explorers? Not for a minute. In fact, many African Americans (some former enslaved persons) extensively explored this grand, gloomy and peculiar place.
Let me just mention a few of these courageous and skilled cave navigators.
Although human activity has been recorded in the Mammoth caves for more than 6,000 years, Stephen Bishop was one of the lead explorers and guides in the complex and yes dangerous subterranean cave system. In fact, he is the person who coined the “grand, gloomy and peculiar” term to describe the Mammoth Caves.
Stephen Bishop came to the Mammoth caves in 1838. He was African American, 17 years old and enslaved. Yet because of his great exploration and guiding skills, he did enjoy some freedoms and privileges in the Mammoth caves—and avoided the grueling physical work and suffering endured by other enslaved people. In fact, he was first introduced to the Mammoth caves by a white explorer. This developed Bishop’s love of exploration—and he spent the next two decades exploring the Mammoth caves.
Although he was introduced to the caves by other explorers, Stephen Bishop went far beyond those explored and toured areas. Bishop discovered miles of new routes that no human eye had ever seen. And he opened the gateway for modern exploration of these vast and incredible caves. Bishop also worked to draw a map from memory of the different passages in the caves. It was published in 1844 and was the defining map of the caves for over 40 years!
Yes, he made history: Stephen Bishop was the first to cross the “Bottomless Pit” which was a series of deep vertical shafts. Other explorers had stopped at the Bottomless Pit, refusing to cross over that dangerous abyss. Quite understandable but Bishop was not scared or stopped. He continued past the Bottomless Pit and into areas that had been completely unexplored. And he later safely guided others over the Bottomless Pit and into new regions of the caves. Bishop also explored and guided others into areas of the Mammoth Caves called Fat Man’s Misery (I can only guess why it was given that name!), Cleveland Avenue and the Mammoth Domes. Those are some of the most famous areas of the caves, made famous and popular by Stephen Bishop. Other popular attraction discovered by Stephen Bishop He discovered strange blind fish, snakes, silent crickets, and the remains of cave bears.
He absolutely loved the Mammoth caves and had a real drive for exploration. Still it was hard work and he crawled through tight winding passageways, discovered an underground river, scaled huge rocks, and dared to walk on a rickety nature-made ladder across the "Bottomless Pit."
In 1856, Stephen Bishop received his freedom but unfortunately died the following year at the age of 37.
Stephen Bishop might have been born into slavery, but he was never a slave. He was an explorer! And today he is a legend!
Another Black explorer who came to the Mammoth caves in 1838 was Nick Bransford. However, Bransford didn’t become a full-time explorer for nearly 20 years after moving to the caves. He started full-time guiding in 1857, after the death of Stephen Bishop.
Nick Bransford was an enslaved person (born during the period of slavery). Like Bishop, he was leased out and sent to the Mammoth caves to work. And interestingly there were records showing that he was valued at $800, which was substantially more than for other enslaved persons. This was most likely because of his skills as an explorer and guide.
Bransford later purchased his freedom by selling eyeless fish that he captured in the underground rivers within the caves.
The Mammoth Caves attracted many formerly enslaved people. Ed Bishop for example. No relation to Stephen Bishop. He came to the Mammoth caves in 1886.
Among his greatest achievements was to guide the German cartographer, Max Kamper, into the Mammoth Caves. For 8 months, he and Kamper remained at the cave, visiting all the known sections. But Ed Bishop also discovered new sections that he presented to Max Kamper. One such newly discovered point (located on the Violet City Lantern route) was named Bishop’s Pit in 1908, in honor of Ed Bishop. Together Bishop and Kamper produced a map representing more than 35 miles of passages in the cave. Ed Bishop was widely recognized for his knowledge of the cave and as a teacher for the guides.
Ed Hawkins discovered a monumental series of vertical shafts. The passage leading up to these incredible shafts was later named Hawkins Pass. A great honor to this great explorer. And, yes, visitors can still see these shafts. Just take the Wild Caves Tour!
The last person that we’ll discuss who was important at the Mammoth Caves was Will Garvin. He was a private in the army, serving in a Colored Troop during the Civil War. Will Garvin was never an enslaved person. Following the Civil War, he began exploring and guiding in Mammoth caves where he made his mark for discovering an area later call the Corkscrew. This was actually a maze through collapsed rubble that linked the upper levels of the cave system to the lower levels near the water table. This area also provided an exit from the cave so visitors wouldn’t have to retrace their steps.
Some people say that Will Garvin also discovered the Colossal Caverns. This area was so treacherous that it even wasn’t opened to the public until 1972 (some 70 years after its discovery). It is one of the caves still protected within Mammoth Cave National Park.
But Will Garvin also made another important discovery—or had an important experience. This is really interesting.
He was the first person to experience the optical illusion called the Statue of Martha Washington. As he was exiting the cave, he saw a spectral silhouette of a woman who looked just like Martha Washington! I know strange things can be seen in the caves but this was one of the strangest! And it is still occasionally seen on certain tours in the historic section!
So, that concludes the discussion about Black explorers at the Mammoth Caves. And it concludes the presentation of Black explorers.
Now I just have one question:
Why do we care about these explorers?
Because they faced their challenges with honor, courage, and determination.
Whether it was Mount Everest, the Mammoth caves, the mighty Congo River, the North and South poles or outer space, they went there (using the words from Henry Sheppard in the Congo!) And they went boldly!
Everyone has an Everest. Everest can take many forms: going to school, applying for a job, fighting injustice, writing a book, public speaking or fighting an addiction. We all have our Everests. We are ALL explorers. The personal accounts in this podcast are stories of REAL people. And we can have a story too. We just have to find our challenge and face it. Victory is inevitable.
So we have much to learn from explorING and from exploRERS. Like many other people, I have done my share of exploring. And I think that the main thing that explorers discover is actually something within themselves. It is strength, courage, determination, creativity, persistence and other qualities that helped them to endure hardships, face their fears and rise to new heights. As Barbara Hillary said, when she reached the North Pole at the age of 75, there are no limits to what we can do and we can all challenge ourselves to do great things.
On that high note, I think that this is a great place to conclude this podcast. I hope that you have found it fun, educational and inspirational. I definitely have!
One interesting thing that I noticed about all of these great explorers is that they had so many different interests. Of course, they were completing committed to their explorations and their time, energy and focus were always in that direction. But they were multi-dimensional people in every respect. Matthew Henson—who went to the North Pole—was also a survivalist and linguist who loved the Inuit culture.
William Henry Sheppard –who explored the Congo—was also an avid art collector.
Mae Jemison—the first African American woman in space—loves African history and dance and speaks four languages: Swahili, Russian and Japanese in addition to English.
Others are voracious readers, cartologists, scuba divers, marathon runners, musicians, public speakers, sculptors and so many different interests. So, it’s important to remember that we can have many interests—some might be consistent with your dharma (life’s purpose) but others might conflict. Yet these interests make us complete people.
And, since I mentioned Mae Jemison, I read a story about her. After she had finished her medical studies and returned from the Peace Corps, she received a phone call. It was from NASA. She had submitted an application to NASA years before. On the phone call, they asked her: “Are you still interested in becoming an astronaut?” She answered simply “yeah”. That answer opened up a whole new world to her and within 2 years she went to outer space. Lesson here: Say “yes!”.
All of these explorers said yes to new experiences even when others were telling them to say no. But saying yes opened them to becoming great explorers.
Finally, Charles Bolden, the astronaut who was the first African American to become head of NASA, showed how there are no limits except what we can envision. He said,
"You know, the universe is a big place. I'm a practicing Christian, so in my faith, I learn about omnipotent, omnipresent God, which means he's everywhere. He's all-knowing. He does everything. And I just cannot bring my little pea brain to believe that a God like that would pick one planet of one of millions of suns and say that's the only place in the vast universe that I'm going to put any kind of life. And so the problem is I haven't been far enough away." [29]
I realize that I mentioned lots of names, places, events, experiences and other information that you might want more information about. The rememberinghistory.com team has you covered. You can get more information, see the people and places, read the “What You Can Do” list, see great pictures and even find good a book list at the Wiki History podcast page on Facebook. You can also find the newsletter called Making History Today! which discusses practical ways that you can actually MAKE history through education, the arts, political activism or whatever interests you.
Finally, I just want to remind you that 2017, the Wiki History podcast show is dedicated to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Located in Washington, DC, the National Museum of African American History & Culture opened in 2016. This kind of museum was long overdue but it finally happened and it is a place that everyone should visit and explore. Museums are a great way to bring history to life and to keep it alive for future generations. Wiki History is honored to be a part of this important process. For every person that listens to this podcast show, rememberinghistory.com will donate $1 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
Come back soon to Remembering History where we ARE remembering history and we’re making it. Every day! And, like Matthew Henson, get ready to sit on top of the world! Bye for now!
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How Leaving the United States made me a better American
Hi and welcome to the July issue of Making History Today, the newsletter for people who want to change the world. I’m Robin, the editor of this great and groundbreaking newsletter. I’m so happy that you are receiving Making History Today and listening to this podcast.
As the editor in chief, I have the privilege every month of writing a few words about a current event or an important issue that I think will be helpful, interesting or even intriguing to the Making History Today community. This month, I made an interesting observation about myself. It’s something that I notice every year. Mostly in July. You see every July, I return to the United States for a vacation. That’s when it happens. I notice the same thing. I notice a change in myself and in the United States.
But let me back up a bit and tell you the whole story. It’s not long but it’s important because then you’ll understand that when I left the United States, I actually became a better American. And that’s the subject of my editor’s note for the July issue of Making History Today.
In 1994, I moved to the Netherlands. It was not supposed to be a permanent move to leave the United States. I was going to study at a Dutch University for my Masters degree in European Law. I was planning a year-long adventure of living abroad, learning another language and travelling around Europe. My program was scheduled to end in May 1995 and then I would return to my life and law practice in California.
I DID complete my program in May of 1995.
But I didn’t return to live in the United States.
What happened?
A lot.
I had developed a different worldview. And my view of America had definitely changed.
Let me begin by saying that I love the United States. I always have. I can still get misty-eyed when reading the Declaration of Independence. I read the U.S. Constitution for the sheer joy of it. I love the cultural diversity of the country, the can-do attitude and the everything-is-possible belief. I could make a long list of the great things in and about the United States. But what I experienced in Europe during that study abroad year was a game changer for me.
I met so many new and interesting people from around the world—each of us defined PRIMARILY but NOT SOLELY by our nationality. But as an African American woman, I never thought of myself as fully, mainstream American but more as “on the fringes” American. Yet when I spoke with people from Spain, Poland or South Africa, I realized how fully American that I really was or am. At first, this was a shocking realization. Then it became a teachable moment, an epiphany—it became my opportunity to grow and learn how other people live, think and experience life. That’s when I discovered how fully American that I really am. And—perhaps more importantly—that Americans are not living as fully as we can.
What do I mean?
I mean that Americans (myself included) accept certain things as “acceptable” or “just how things are”. Or that this is the best way to do something. Or we simply can’t imagine something different. And these are things that we should NEVER accept.
Here’s an example: I became sick while I was in the Netherlands. I was a student and didn’t have much money and no Dutch health insurance. I needed to spend the night in the hospital and have tests. I was worried that I couldn’t afford all of that. The hospital never even asked to see my insurance information. (In contrast, the hospitals and pharmacies that I have visited in the United States spend lots of time asking about insurance, deductibles, exemptions and a host of other financial information that has NOTHING to do with medical treatment!) The Dutch hospital was clearly more interested in my treatment rather than my ability to pay. Everyone spoke English. And I was treated with professionalism and kindness.
Months later, I was sent a bill that was less than $500, (and this was for an overnight stay in the hospital and a complicated test). I sent the bill to my American health insurance provider who refused to pay any part of it.)
This was not the only experience that I have had with the medical systems in different European countries. They all have provided excellent service at a fraction of the costs of the American system. Most non-Americans simply don’t understand how the American system can cost so much money.
The same is true for the educational system, particularly at the university or graduate school level. I paid about $1,000 for my post-graduate program at a fantastic law school in the Netherlands. This is a fraction of the costs of American schools.
But everything is not just about costs. It is much more.
I’ve witnessed what people expect from their government such as transparency and accountability. Real debate and progressive discussion happens on issues like GMOs, stem cell research, gun control, race and ethnicity, women’s rights, abortion, LGBTQ rights and same sex marriage. Yes, there are far-right and far-left parties but they aren’t dominating the mainstream (even though they might want to do so) and they’re not controlling politicians to make or support laws that serve only the privileged and powerful few. Lobbying and political action is regulated and transparent. Pharmaceuticals are regulated. Even television is different. Whenever I visit the United States, I become acutely aware that advertising is dominated by food and pharmaceuticals. Not the same in the various European countries that I have lived in.
Of course, European countries have their problems and issues. Having lived in Sweden, England, Belgium and the Netherlands, I have been frustrated sometimes with the amount of regulation (mostly the paperwork!) and the higher taxes. But I have been more impressed with the access to health care, excellent and affordable schools and the civil liberties.
Europeans ask me why so many people are imprisoned in the United States, why so many people are allowed to have guns, how people can afford the health care and why Americans have such limited paid medical, maternity and family leave. They ask me why stem-cell research is so controversial, why abortion is such a heated issue, why there is so much gun violence and why American universities are so expensive. I don’t have answers to these questions except to say that Americans view health care, affordable education or employment security as privileges. Europeans view them as rights. Americans accept the death penalty, life sentences and mass incarceration as a standard response to crime.
Most European countries don’t have the death penalty or the high incarceration rate of the United States. Yet European countries have lower crime rates than the United States. You know, the United States houses 22 percent of prisoners around the world though it makes up less than 5 percent of the world’s population. Today I find that shocking. When I lived in the United States, it seemed “normal.”
Yet I do consider myself more American than ever before. And my increased “Americanism” is leading me to demand more from my government than ever before. I want America to be that “more perfect union” that it can be.
This could be what happened other African Americans travelled or even lived abroad. People like James Baldwin, Richard Wright, Chester Himes and Josephine Baker moved to Europe and experienced a different world from the oppressive racism, random violence and segregation in America where they were born. WEB Dubois went to live in Ghana and learned the real greatness and grandeur of African history and culture in contrast to the “dark continent” view of Africa that he learned in school. And Paul Robeson studied in England and visited the Soviet Union. He said in Moscow, "Here I am not a Negro but a human being for the first time in my life, I walk in full human dignity."
This was also true for many African American soldiers who fought in the first and second world wars experienced better treatment, higher social status and more rights and liberties while living abroad. And yes it was very difficult to return to the racist society in America who was not grateful for their service and sacrifice but was determined to strip them of their rights and put them back on the bottom of the social order.
Yet many African Americans did return to their birth country. And, like the Black veterans, they were different people. Having seen how the world can really be, they returned to demand that America live up to its own rules and standards—as stated in the constitution—and to create a better country for all of its people.
I also needed to leave my country before I understood that things could be different. They should be different. I needed that view from the outside. Moving abroad gave me that awareness.
I remember James Baldwin once said,
“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
I do too.
And I feel that America can become a better place AND I can be a better American. That means holding American society and government to higher standards.
Americans CAN have affordable health care, employment security, maternity and paternity leave, safer and less violent communities, programs that support the more vulnerable and less abled segments of society, racial equality and justice, a clean environment, a strong infrastructure, social and economic fairness and meaningful political participation.
But we will have to work for it. Demand it. And sacrifice for it.
Change at the most fundamental level will require airing out dirty laundry for the world to see. But I’ve learned that people already see our dirty clothes hanging in the wind. And I am now more aware than ever that the emperor is not wearing any clothes.
But I’m also ready to wash America’s dirty laundry and point out the emperor’s nakedness.
Awareness, for me, is the first step towards change. I feel that makes me a better American: awareness and a willingness to work for change. Incidentally, that is one of the reasons why this Making History Today newsletter is so important: it’s a vehicle to channel the activist feelings and drive to change America and, actually, change the world.
I’m gonna wrap this up with another quote from James Baldwin:
Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
Yes, living abroad has helped me to see the problems and develop the strength to face them. I want America to become that more perfect union that it can be—and I’m prepared to work for it.
So, am I saying that the only way to become a better American is to leave it? Definitely not. There are lots of ways. In my next Editorial note of Making History Today, I’m gonna discuss a few other ways—some require big changes but others are small changes. I’ll present a few and I would like to hear your journeys too. You know, we can’t change our country or our world until we can change ourselves. See you in November!
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The Importance of African American history: Believe in fairy tales!
Hi and welcome to the Wiki History lecture series called History is Power! Produced by rememberinghistory.com where history is power. Today, we’re going to discuss the importance of knowing African American history. We begin by asking why is history important? Great question. Perhaps the answer can be found in this famous journal entry, which says,
Next time I go to a movie and see a picture of a little ordinary girl become a great star, I’ll believe it.
And whenever I hear someone read fairy tales to my little boy, I’ll listen.
I know that dreams do come true.
I know because I am now playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the big leagues!
I always dreamed about playing for the Dodgers, but honestly, I always had my doubts. I used to tell myself: “Something will happen. It just isn’t in the books for you to play in the majors. You’re a Negro. Negroes haven’t been in the big leagues. Some day they will be. But you won’t be the lucky guy.
Can you guess who wrote this entry? Jackie Robinson. In 1947--following his first major league game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson was the first Black person to play major league baseball. He made history. And he went on to win the league’s MVP award in 1949. During his career, he would play in 6 World Series. He concluded this entry by saying,
Being up here is absolutely wonderful. That’s why I’m a believer in fairy tales now. You see, it actually happened to me!
It was said that Jackie Robinson endured more racial insults and threats of violence than anyone in American history. But we know that Jackie Robinson made history. And history is power.
Yes, we can learn a lot from history—that can inspire AND empower US, too.
With this inspiration and empowerment, WE can make history.
And THAT is our goal at rememberinghistory.com. We are remembering history AND we’re MAKING it.
You’re gonna hear about many African Americans that made great accomplishments, contributions and changes in every field—law, medicine, art, literature, science, engineering, the environment, sports, American society and even the world! We will learn that they faced lots of obstacles, problems, rejections and sometimes even violence. But most importantly we will learn that—despite all of their challenges-- they still made history.
Nothing came easy for Jackie Robinson or any of the other African Americans that you’re gonna hear about. Yet through their resolve, perseverance, focus, determination and hard work, they made a difference for themselves and for others. They MADE history. You see, just like Jackie Robinson said: fairy tales can come true. It happened for him. And it can happen for you, too.
History teaches that it can happen. History also teaches HOW things happened and why. And that nothing ever had to happen in the way that it did.
So we need to know the African Americans who came before us; what happened before us—the successes, the defeats, the victories and the challenges. We need to know the African Americans who helped to build and transform the United States and, indeed, who helped to shape our world. Some names will be unfamiliar from the past: Dr. Carter G. Woodson who wrote the Negro National Anthem later called the African American National Anthem (yes, there is one!) and who founded Black History Month. Ida B. Wells who fought against the horrible (but at-the-time common) practice of lynching. And, of course, the mathematical genius, Benjamin Banneker, who made great discoveries in astronomy and developed theories about relativity. Did I mention that Benjamin Banneker was born in 1731, a descendant of enslaved parents?
And, like Jackie Robinson, the road was not easy yet they endured. Others did too. There was James McCune Smith, who moved to Scotland to earn his medical degree because no American universities would accept a Black man. He graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1837 becoming the first African American to receive a medical degree. Dr. Smith then returned to the U.S. where he had a distinguished medical career in private practice, opened two pharmacies, and trained young Black doctors.
And there is Marcelite Harris who, in 1997, became the first woman to achieve the rank of major general in the US Air Force. Yes, she became the highest ranking woman in the United States Air Force and the country’s highest ranking African American woman in the Department of Defense! However, she had to apply THREE TIMES before her application for training was accepted.
And did you know that Michael Jordan was cut from the basketball team in his sophomore year?! Most of us know what he went on to achieve!
You see; nothing came easy for any of them. But these people were not afraid to be first. Or to stand out. Or even to stand alone. They weren’t afraid to fail. They never gave up. Neither should we.
We can learn a lot from them. We can begin by asking ourselves:
What was it like to be alive during their time? What it was like to walk in their shoes? What motivated them? What were they afraid of? What didn’t they know?But remember that history is not just the study of the past. It is interesting because nobody ever lived in the past. People have only lived in the present. Frederick Douglass, Malcolm X, and Harriet Tubman didn’t think of themselves as living in the past. They were living in the present. The difference is that it was THEIR present. Not ours. They were caught up in the living moment exactly as we are today. They didn’t know how things would turn out. Neither do we today.
Jackie Robinson didn’t know what would happen when he joined the Dodgers and stepped on the field that day in 1947. Dr. Smith did not know what would happen when he moved to Scotland to study medicine or when he returned to America in 1837. And Major General Marcelite Harris never knew if she would ever be accepted into the Air Force or that she would receive so many medals and honors but she kept trying. But we can use their stories and strength (their fairy tales) to be empowered, inspired, and moved to make our own fairy tales.
We know the history. And history is power.
History teaches us that we can believe in fairy tales. And that we can make history.
This website will span 400 years of the African American experience: from slavery to freedom to equality to justice. The stories and lessons will empower and inspire you. We will learn about Black explorers, educators, civil rights, the Black experience in the military, Black holidays and celebrations, the struggle for equality through marches and protests and many more fascinating subjects. Take a look at rememberinghistory.com for the complete schedule. We’ll also discuss CURRENT events and TODAY’S heroes and history makers. That’s gonna keep us busy and intrigued as well but we MUST recognize and honor them too. People like Marva Collins, a great educator who founded an elementary school for Black kids who were labeled as “uneducatable”. But she developed a school and system to help these children to learn and become successful adults. Another current hero is Mae Jamison who is an engineer, physician and NASA astronaut. She became the first African American woman to travel in space. Did I mention that she also speaks four languages?! You’ll have to listen to the podcast show to find out which ones! She has been described as one of the most impressive people that you’ll ever meet. And, we absolutely cannot forget Colin Kaepernick, who was a skilled and talented quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers taking them to the Superbowl and NFC championships. He has not been signed to ANY NFL team since he started the “take a knee” movement, which focuses police violence and racial injustice against African Americans. He is a brave and committed role model and leader that deserves our respect. All of these people are deserve our respect because they fought and defeated the odds and lots of obstacles. They are making a difference and making history.
You see, these are great stories and there are so many of them to listen to, enjoy and learn from.
So, we hope that you will join us at rememberinghistory.com. And that you will read our newsletter called Making History Today where you can learn how to make a difference in your community and even the world! And we do hope that you will make comments, ask questions and join this wonderful community of history lovers and aspiring history makers on the website or on Facebook. Or both! No limits!
Keep believing in fairy tales! They do happen.
We hope to see you soon at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. Every day. Bye for now!
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Hi everyone, I’m so glad that you are reading this issue of Making History Today and listening to this podcast. I’m Robin Lofton, editor-in-chief, of Making History Today! and I like to add that I’m also one of the in-house history lovers and aspiring history makers. That’s what this newsletter is all about and what Rememberinghistory.com is committed to. In this September issue of Making History Today!, I’m gonna address an issue that many people have approached me about: How can I work as an activist that focuses on the United States when I’m not actually LIVING in the United States? You might be surprised but this is a common concern for many (estimated 9 million) American citizens living around the globe.
This issue is very VERY important to me. You see, I am an American expat living in Belgium. I was born and raised in San Francisco then went to college at UCLA and law school at University of Pennsylvania. I left the United States in 1994 to get my Master of Law degree at the Rijksuniversiteit Maastrict in the Netherlands. But I had only planned to stay in Europe for a year then to return back home the United States. Well, it’s 2017, I’m still living in Europe. Lots of stuff has happened like marriage, children and other work and study opportunities so I’m still here. That’s a long story and maybe I’ll share that with you in another issue.
I’m gonna be honest with you though that for most of my time in Europe, my activism was limited to watching CNN and being the resident “American” among my non-American friends. That basically meant that people asked me questions about the United States like “why don’t most Americans speak more than 1 language?” “Why does U.S. health care cost so much? And my personal favorite “Why do Americans need so many guns?” I answered for all 325 million of my fellow Americans. That was the extent of my activist activities. I was an armchair activist or a slacktivist like I mentioned in the July issue of Making History Today!. That’s pretty sad, huh?
But, over the years, things began to change. I began to pursue my love of history again—I’d always been interested in history—and I started writing about history, which was how Rememberinghistory.com was born. Over the years and 3 presidents (Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama), I began to grow more interested in politics and was able to see the United States from a distance. Suddenly, I began to see the problems more clearly: outrageously expensive health care, gun violence, economic disparity, rising levels of racism, sexism and xenophobia and a long list of others. (No, everything isn’t bad but these things definitely exist there!)
And with the election of Donald Trump in November, 2016 as the 45th president of the United States, everything became clear: the time had come to move from only studying and learning history to MAKING history. To taking action.
With that commitment, it has not been difficult working as an expat activist. And it has been so rewarding. So I am glad that people are asking me how to work effectively as an activist when living abroad.
What can you do? To be brief, you can do A LOT.
Let me get more specific:
Connect with the local political party: Democrats Abroad is a worldwide organization and it is definitely following the major issues in the United States and issues that affect Americans living abroad (such as taxation). But mostly they are focused on issues happening within the United States. You can work directly with them as a volunteer on projects that you’re interested in. Or you can get on their mail list and work on your own following their suggestions such as calling members of congress. They have a great campaign right now in which you take a picture of yourself calling your member of congress and reading a certain script. They send the picture to the main office with the hashtag #NotTooFarAwayToCall. By the way, you don’t have to be a member of the Democratic Party to join Democrats Abroad. (BTW, Republicans Abroad also has groups for U.S. expats. Connect with PAGE, which is Progressives Abroad, Global Exchange. This is a worldwide group of progressive-minded people who want to get involved in U.S. politics. There are offices in many cities around the world. Each office is independently operated by a local expat. This organization is much smaller than Democrats Abroad and they are also more independent. Each group will decide which issues that it wants to focus on and pursue. If there is no group in your city, then you can work on your own or start a group. The global office of PAGE provides weekly guidance and regular support. This is a dynamic, exciting and diverse organization and they are very committed to making change in the United States and around the globe. Remember, you can work with an established group or on your own. Either way, you get lots of exposure to issues and practical ideas that you can implement. What else can YOU do? Write letters. Send tweets. Send postcards. These can—and should—have a simple message: Support the DREAM Act. Protect the rights of immigrant families. Provide universal health care. They don’t need to be THIS simple but just make sure that your message is clear and easily read. And it should be polite too. Make phone calls. Your congressional representative is required to keep records on every phone call that the office receives. So, get your message or script ready and make your call. You can call every day. Leave a message on the voice mail or leave it with the receptionist. This applies to calling the President as well. By the way, you can call anonymously if you like. Volunteer locally on issues that are important to you. I’m interested in migrants and refugees. So, yes, I focus on the United States by sending my postcards, making phone calls, and sending email messages and tweets about the DACA program and the DREAM Act to my Congressional reps and President Trump. But I also volunteer to serve meals to refugees in Brussels and I make donations to organizations that are supporting or providing services to refugees in Belgium and the United States. These organizations need your help in many different ways. Be that resident American. As I said earlier, people would often as my opinion about issues or events happening in the United States. I speak up about these issues. I don’t try to “hide our dirty laundry” by making things look different than they are. I answer in a straightforward way if I am knowledgeable about the issue (such as immigration) or I respond about my personal experience with the issue, for instance, the health care system. Today, I speak up. You can too. That’s great activism. Start a Facebook page or campaign. You can connect with so many people through Facebook by starting a general page about politics, a specific political issue or about what President Trump is doing on a daily basis. This page can be informative, activist or both. But you can attract other people who share your viewpoint so you can work together to make your views known. Attend a march. There are marches happening around the world. Join the march and meet with people who share your views. One point here is that I encourage you to march as a means to unify people not to divide or incite people. There’s a big difference. Keep aware and informed. I know this might sound trite and obvious but it is SO important to stay informed about what’s happening in your home country and globally. (Remember it’s all connected.) If you want to have an impact, you gotta know what’s goin’ on. (Sorry, don’t mean to sound like Marvin Gaye!) But you DO need to know what’s goin’ on. At a minimum, watch the news channels like CNN or MSNBC or the BBC. But find also find your favorite non-traditional news (dare I say alt-news?) website, YouTube Channel or other news channel, radio station or online source, commentary sources and even the newspaper. Read regularly. Stay up to date. Personally, I follow what’s happening in the United States government so I have signed up for free updates at GovTrack.us and I have signed up for updates on the websites of my congressional representatives. So, I’m notified whenever they vote on ANYTHING—like a piece of legislation, federal and states judges. And I know when they will speak on an issue and what they said. These days, it is quite easy to stay informed. You just have to choose your sources and keep the information (and there will be lots of it!) organized and accessible. Speaking of organization. You must organize yourself. Make a plan. I discovered when I got started in activism that there are actually lots of issues that I care deeply about. So many, in fact, that I simply don’t have the time to work on all of them. I can do 2 or 3 on a regular basis then temporarily address 1 more if a crisis develops. That’s all. Prioritize your issues so that you can focus your efforts and energy to make the greatest impact. Make an advocacy plan. If you don’t know how to make a plan for your activist activities, the advocacy coaches at rememberinghistory.com are here to help.So, that’s all for now. You see, there are many different ways that you can make an impact as an activist even when you aren’t living in the country where your efforts are focused. American expats can be effective as activists working on U.S. issues. You will be effective and you will definitely be busy. But remember to have a plan. That probably should have been the first thing that I mentioned! And this works not just for Americans but for any expat activists. You’re not too far away to care or to make a difference. If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or at the 2 Make History Today Facebook page. So, I’m signing off now. Thanks for listening and thanks for reading Making History Today! Bye for now.
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Marching Podcast #1
Welcome back to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it every day! March is the month in which we focus on—surprise!—marching! Marching is one of the most common and I would say most effective ways to protest. And Americans have been protest marching since the country was founded.
Americans have marched for many reasons. American marched to protest the Stamp Tax—actually that march took place even before the United States officially existed. Americans have marched to protest wars like the War of 1812 and the Vietnam War. We have marched to protest racial inequality. We have marched to ensure the right to vote for women and people of color. We have marched to bring attention to and protest against police violence and gun “carry” laws. Americans have marched to show unity and solidarity with immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable and disenfranchised groups. Americans have been marching for almost 250 years and there is no reason to think that we will ever stop marching. In fact, I hope that we don’t stop marching because it is the hallmark of a democracy that people can “speak out” against their government’s action.
Of course, Americans aren’t the only people who march. I’m reminded of Gandhi marching against British rule in India. I’m also reminded of Black South Africans who marched against the violent and racist regime of apartheid. I can’t forget the suffragettes in England who marched to demand the vote for women AND for other social and economic rights for women. And, on a smaller but still important scale, I remember the students at Oxford in 1973 were marching and chanting: “What do we want? A student union! When do we want it? Now! What are we wearing? Dirty jerseys!” This was a major act of civil disobedience by Oxford students in violation of a strict and centuries-long dress code. And yes they DID get their student union. And India got independence from Britain. And apartheid was ended in South Africa. And English women got the right to vote. Marching works!
Yes, marching is a worldwide phenomenon to demand, to oppose, to protest and to bring attention to a problem and evoke emotion in people. Marching is effective. Marching is powerful. Marching makes history. So, this month (March), rememberinghistory.com salutes all of those brave, strong and committed people who get out and march. And just as people need marches, marches need people. And the people who brave the elements, the security forces, the wrath and power of the government, and the criticism of friends and family members to get out and march deserve our respect and our gratitude. So, this episode is dedicated to marchers and marches around the world.
In this first show about marching, we will look at some marches from the past. Some of the marches are VERY famous and iconic. Others are not-so-famous or widely-known. However, the common thing about all of these marches is that they were very effective in what they were trying to achieve. That takes us directly to our second podcast show this month which will discuss how to conduct a march effectively and how to participate in a march safely. Marches are often started by ordinary citizens just like you—individuals who CARE about an issue and want other people and their government to know about it and DO something about it. These were people who cared enough to get involved. And they made history. You can also make history and the next podcast show can help to you organize a march or participate in one.
One last bit of housekeeping then we’ll get straight to learning about marches in history:
First, if you enjoy this show, you can get more information at the Wiki history podcast page on Facebook. You will find pictures, short videos and a community of history lovers. There is also a place for comments, which I hope that you will leave for me because I really appreciate them and I do respond. Also, if you enjoy this show, please let others know about it. They might like it and find it inspirational too. We can all remember history AND we can all make history!
Finally, I just want to remind you that in 2017, the Wiki History podcast show is dedicated to the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington DC. Museums are a great way to bring history to life and to keep it alive for future generations. Wiki History is honored to be a part of this important process. For every person that listens to this podcast show, rememberinghistory.com will donate $1 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture. I also donate personally and I hope that you will too.
That’s enough for now. Let’s get started with this great and groundbreaking Wiki history podcast show. Today’s show is called “marches that made history.”
When I was remembering or reading about important marches, I found myself torn between marches that were huge—100,000 people or more—and marches that were relatively small—some were less than 50 people. We will discuss a march that had only ONE person. Which marches had the most impact? Which marches got media attention? Which marches changed laws and society? Which marches are still remembered?
What I discovered was nothing short of remarkable. Size didn’t matter! The number of people participating in the march was not as important as the organization, focus and determination of the marchers. Of course, participation is important—I really want to stress that—but I want to stress even more that the determination of the marchers was more important than any other factor. Their determination to affect change, to persist in the face of adversity, to be united in their cause, and to be committed to this form of nonviolent protest. With that said, let’s begin our journey down the memory lane of marching!
We will open with a small march that left a mark on the city of Oakland and perhaps beyond: The Twelve-Man March
This march was organized to bring awareness to the reality and the dangers of racial profiling. This was a great march: here’s what they did:
On July 19, 2013, twelve African American men marched to Oakland’s city hall. All the men wore business attire: suit, tie, dress shoes, etc. All the African American men presented as businessmen. They peacefully marched to city hall holding signs condemning racial profiling and the negative portrayal of African American men in the media.
In speeches at Oakland’s famous Ogawa Hall, the protesters cited the killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida and Alan Blueford in Oakland. Both were African American, young, and unarmed when they were killed. Alan Blueford killed by law enforcement. Trayvon Martin by a self-proclaimed neighborhood watch officer. No one was convicted in either killing. Racial profiling was the cause that identified (incorrectly and unjustly) these young men as dangerous criminals. Racial profiling had also been involved in other kinds of harassment of African Americans by law enforcement officers.
This was a small, but powerful and focused march that that brought awareness to racial profiling and presented a powerful vision of African American men that is rarely shown to the public.
Let’s jump back in time for a moment—and for some of the most famous marches. We’re going to the 1960s. This was a huge decade of social change and it witnessed LOTS of marches.
Of course, there was the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom held on August 28, 1963. Did you know that was the FULL name of the march? The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his iconic “I have a dream speech.” There were an estimated 250,000 people in attendance—people of all races, ethnicities, genders and religious backgrounds. The focus of the march was to encourage President Kennedy to sign a civil rights bill that prohibited discrimination in employment, housing, education and the use of public facilities.
Also in the 1960s, staying with the same theme were the Selma to Montgomery marches. These were a series of three marches to demand the passage of a voting rights act. The marchers walked along Route 80 from Selma, Alabama to the capitol in Montgomery. On March 7, 1965, as the marchers peacefully crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, state troopers and county possemen attacked the unarmed marchers with billy clubs and tear gas after they passed over the county line. It was a violent and aggressive act by law enforcement that was witnessed by the entire country and even internationally. This event became known as Bloody Sunday.
The second march took place March 9. Troopers, police, and marchers confronted each other at the county end of the bridge, but when the troopers stepped aside to let them pass, King led the marchers back to the church. The third march started March 21. Protected by 1,900 members of the Alabama National Guard under federal command by President Johnson, and many FBI agents and Federal Marshals, the marchers averaged 10 miles (16 km) a day along the highway. The marchers arrived in Montgomery on March 24 and at the Alabama State Capitol on March 25.[11] With thousands having joined the campaign, 25,000 people entered the capital city that day in support of voting rights.
The route is memorialized as the "Selma To Montgomery Voting Rights Trail," and is designated as a U.S. National Historic Trail.
The Voting Rights Act was passed in that same year.
Another march that turned violent was an Anti-Vietnam War march, held on November 15, 1969. More than a half-million people marched on Washington, DC to protest the US sending troops to fight in Vietnam. This was just one of many marches opposing the Vietnam War—some were peaceful, some were not. But they all were impassioned and determined. (Just a separate note here: some people claimed that the Vietnam War was one of the first wars to ignite public protest and marches. Not true. The first major movement against an American war was to protest the War of 1812. These marches often did become violent, threatening President Madison and members of Congress.)
Leaving the 1960s, the Reagan presidency (1981 to 1989) ignited another wave of marches and protests.
One of the largest and most memorable (for its uniqueness) was the Solidarity Day march. Do you remember that march? I do even though I was a teenager at the time! On September 19, 1981, more than 260,000 people marched in Washington DC in support of the air traffic controllers. President Reagan had just summarily fired 12,000 air traffic controllers who had gone on strike for better wages and safer working conditions (for instance, to limit their working hours). But the larger goal of the march was to protest Reagan’s budget cuts and tax policies. Labor unions—particularly the AFL-CIO—and civil rights organizations met at the Washington Monument to show solidarity against the president’s policies.
The next year, 1982, witnessed one of the biggest marches in US history against the building and proliferation of nuclear weapons. Held on June 12, 1982, more than a million people marched in New York City to protest President Reagan’s proposed budget that expanded the military budget to allow for the research and building of nuclear weapons—while cutting the budgets for health care and education. These marches remained peaceful—by both marchers and law enforcement—but tensions and passions ran very high during these events.
And who could ever forget the National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights? Held on October 11, 1987—still during Reagan’s presidency—the “Great March” as it was dubbed was attended by 200,000 people—of all orientations—demanding federal money for AIDS research and treatment and an end to discrimination against homosexuals. This march was held during the “AIDS epidemic” which was disproportionately affecting the gay and lesbian communities but the federal government had not responded with federal funds or legislation to protect this segment of American society.
The next major march on this issue was the March on Washington for LGBT rights and LIBERATION. Held on April 25, 1993 (just 6 years after the previous march on Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights), an estimated million people marched to demand a civil rights bill against discrimination, to demand more funding for AIDS research and for reproductive rights.
Two years later, Washington DC experienced its next million-person march called the Million Man march. Held on October 16, 1995, more than a million people marched in Washington DC. This march had a different goal than the others—it was not primarily making demands on the government (for legislation for example) or telling the government to stop something (like the Vietnam War or funding nuclear weapons). The million-man march—more accurately could be called the million black man march. It focused on bringing solidarity and unity to the African American community. It was a serious march and also a fun and festive black family day of picnics, music and fun.
The new millennium witnessed a new kind of marching. Single city marches expanded into multi-city, even multi-national marches--all coordinated on a single day or weekend. In other words: marching went global!
The invention of the Internet/World Wide Web and later social media helped to expand the reach and inclusion and coordination of marchers and protesters focused on a single goal.
One of the biggest of these modern marches was the march against the Iraq war. This march was held on February 15 and 16 in 2003 and occurred in cities across the United States (including New York, Seattle and Los Angeles). More than 10 million people attended. This march is known as the largest march in world history and it demanded that President Bush stop the invasion of Iraq.
Another large, multi-city march was held the following year on April 25, 2004 in cities across the United States. It was the march for women’s lives and was the largest pro-choice march ever held in the United States--attended by 1.5 million people both women AND men.
Wow, so the marches got larger but more focused. More diverse, inclusive and sophisticated. This is activism at its finest and these marches all made a difference. And the marchers made history.
While the early marches (like the Vietnam War marches) might seem like they were unsophisticated and simple, that is simply untrue. People were focused and passionate. They coordinated their efforts and took to the streets—sometimes facing the wrath of law enforcement. The people on that fateful bridge in Selma* had very little protection from law enforcement or recourse for the violence taken by the police or military. These marchers put their lives on the line. (And lest one thinks that this cannot happen today, just look at the DAPL marchers* in North Dakota, facing private military forces and being deprived of basic necessities in their protest march for clean water and respect for their sacred lands.)
Without the Internet and social media back in the 1960s, people relied on phones, meetings and word of mouth. I remember in college that I would see posters that advertised marches about issues like the environment, rights of minority groups and health care. Marching has definitely evolved over the decades (actually centuries!) but they continue to be an essential tool to let our government know what we think and to make demands for our rights.
And marching continues to bring us together as a people. Think of January 21, 2017. The Women’s march following the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th U.S. president took place in numerous cities and countries (including my resident city of Brussels, Belgium). And it brought us all together to remember that we are “ONE” people and that we must support each other during bad times and good. It was one of the most unifying events that I have ever witnessed, seeing women AND men and everyone else standing together as one. It reminded of that saying, “A people united can never be defeated.”
I want to conclude this Wiki history podcast show by discussing one more march. It is a notable march though you probably won’t read about it in many history books. It is not notable because it involved thousands of people because it didn’t. It is not important because it involved multiple cities or countries. It isn’t notable because so many famous people participated in it. But it IS important and it IS notable. This march definitely made history.
This march involved one man with an important cause. His name was William Lewis Moore. Moore was a white man, a former graduate student at Johns Hopkins and postal worker who became an activist supporting rights for mentally ill persons and later supporting civil rights for African Americans. (In fact, he became a member of CORE—the Congress of Racial Equality). William Moore participated in a series of one-man marches in support of civil rights. On his first march he walked to Annapolis, Maryland, the state capital. On his second march he walked to the White House. His third march started in Chattanooga, Tennessee and was headed to the state capitol in Jackson, Mississippi. He was carrying a letter that he planned to hand-deliver to Mississippi Governor Ross Barnett urging racial equality and an end to segregation. During his march, he wore a sandwich board sign that said “Equal rights for all and Mississippi or bust!” Moore said: "I intend to walk right up to the governor's mansion in Mississippi and ring his doorbell. Then I'll hand him my letter."
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Unfortunately, on April 21, 1963, 70 miles into his march to Mississippi, Moore was found dead by the roadside, having been shot twice in the head at close range. No one was ever convicted of his murder. In his bag, he had the letter that he had planned to deliver. In part, it said, "the white man cannot be truly free himself until all men have their rights." He asked Governor Barnett to "Be gracious and give more than is immediately demanded of you...." Moore was 36 years old at the time of his murder. You can find additional information about William Moore, including pictures, on the Wiki History podcast page on Facebook.
This might be a downer to end with but I do want it to have an impact. This was a march by one brave man who stood for racial equality and wanted to take his views directly to the governor of Alabama. That took courage! He deserves to be remembered for his bravery and activism. That’s what rememberinghistory.com is all about!
So, that’s all for today’s podcast show. Marches are great! I hope that this trip down the memory lane of marches and marching has left you feeling as inspired as I am. From the biggest multi-city, multi-national marches to the 12-man march in Oakland and William Moore’s one-man march in Alabama, individuals can have an impact and make a difference. And marching is one way to make a difference AND make history.
In the next podcast show, you will learn HOW to march and the elements of an effective protest march. Learning history IS important but MAKING history is essential. And you’re gonna learn how to do JUST that in the next show. Remember to go to the Wiki History Podcast page for more information about great marches and great marchERS. And that for everyone who listens to these great and groundbreaking podcast show, rememberinghistory.com will make a contribution to the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
And let’s all remember the words of William Moore, "Be gracious and give more than is immediately demanded of you."
See you next time at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history AND we’re making it. Every day. Bye for now.
- Näytä enemmän
