Jussie Smollett - the one that got away. . .

Honestly, I haven't written this post before today because I really wanted to be wrong.  I didn't want to rush to judgment.

I didn't really want to believe that someone would make up such a hurtful lie.  Although, I admit that I never thought it was true from the first time I heard the scenario.  Which, is another reason I didn't want to say anything.

But at this point, it's like "the elephant in the room."

I won't get into the details of Smollett's tale of being the alleged victim of a duo of "MAGA" supporters who, as you know by now, allegedly poured bleach on him and tied a makeshift noose around his neck in the middle of winter in freezing cold temperatures on the streets of Chicago as he strolled out for a late night/early morning Subway sandwich.

And, yes, this hurts many people, including Smollett.  We have the people who work and make their livings on the hit show 'Empire,' castmates, friends, the many politicians, activists and celebrities who came out in support of Mr. Smollett when the story first surfaced, the LGBT community and the African American community who will suffer (hopefully not in silence) because of Smollett's selfish need to be the center of attention.

However, I'm also very offended by the portrayal of the alleged attackers.  They've been spoofed, objectified, stereotyped and even though they may have been willing participants in what appears to be a terrible sham, they too, are victims in a sense.  Victims of a society who loves to point fingers and laugh at black men.

Bottom line - it's all bad.  

West Oakland Health Center - 50th Anniversary Gala

Details

Date:

February 16, 2019

Time:

6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Cost:

$ - See event webpage

Event Categories:

Adult, Art/Culture, Community, East Bay, Fundraiser, Gala/Awards, Health & Wellness, Oakland, Performing Arts, Young Professionals & Young Adults

Website:

http://bit.ly/2UxgoJ5

"Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" - Channeling James Brown in Black History Month

I'd been planning to do a Black History Month post for nearly a week now.  

I was kind of stuck in a writing rut about what to say.  

We all know the history of Black History Month (which began as Negro History Week), we know most of the well-known stories of the inventors, and civil rights activists, heroes and sheroes of our race.

But, what about the regular ordinary every day folks who make Black History Month so special.

As I was driving today, I stopped at the light and looked to my right at the caring crossing guard who not only held up her sign so the young black man could safely get to his middle school, but she put here arm around him, smiling and chatting as he safely navigated the busy intersection.  

And I thought, "Well, she's a real every day hero!"  

And last night I was watching a sports channel and they were telling the story of NFL players who take time out of their schedules to visit inner city schools and offer inspiration to the students.  Of course, they're role models.  However, my attention focused on the middle-aged woman who works in the after school program they visited in Georgia taking care of the elementary school kids after normal school hours.  She's a hero.  Yep.

And then I thought about the people who are running for President of the United States in 2020.  Two of whom look like me.

Despite a few bumps and some bad news the first week in February, I'd say we're showing our pride as best we can - considering the circumstances.

Happy Black History Month.

And in the words of the "Godfather of Soul,"  "Say it Loud!  I'm Black and I'm Proud!"