Each week, we post a topic for open discussion. Read on and give it some thought. Then when you're ready to add your voice to the dialogue, give us everything you've got.
This week's topic:
Africans in America, a special presentation of the Public Broadcast Network, paints a powerful picture of little known aspects of African American history. If you watched it, how has it impacted you?
Submit Date: 29 NOV 1998 Name: Dianne M. Daniels Email: "ddaniels@cityofnorwich.org Response:
Hi all,
This is a little late, as I only discovered this message board on nov. 29, but I'd like to add my two cents. I participated in a local version of this series, entitled African Americans in Connecticut. Thought it was difficult to hear of the shared past of my people, and the difficult circumstances they lived (and died) through, I found it extremely valuable to participate in the researching of and telling of our stories in our voices. For too long we have depended upon others to tell our story (i.e., our Municipal Historian, and a strong proponent of preserving African American history here in Norwich, is white) and it's time we take charge of our past, our present and our future. I have heard from other African Americans in my community that they found it very inspiring that someone who looked like us was telling our story. If even one person got something positive out of this, it was worth it! Our children need to see us as scholars and historians, not just athletes, comedians and drama experts.
Name: Jeff Email: Do'nt have one Response:
I drew this conclusion from the program. To continue to refer to ourselves as "black people"is an absolute disgrace to our forefathers! Why we even use the term "black" as a nationality. There was not a people from Africa that called themselves "black". They were Zulu, Bantu, Masi,etc. We are what our forefather's were without doubt or contradiction.
Name: Nate Evans Email: n8_evans@yahoo.com Response:
This series made it even more clear to me howwhites of the time knew exactly what they weredoing -- how these were acts of calculated evil,and how some tried--in vain--to justify it withtheir religion. It made me more determined toput my children in a position so that they willless likely have to turn to white people foreducation, business, services, support, etc. I'mnot racist but I do believe that the lack ofsupport the African-American community generallygives to itself impedes its progress, so Isupport my own. However,because of the psychological damage brought ontoAfrican-Americans by whites -- and this seriesshows that they really "worked us over" -- I canunderstand the lingering results of African-Americansquestioning all things "not white." Lastly, thisseries encouraged me more to never have my childrenhold the "founding fathers" of this country inhigh reverence the way I was taught to when Iwas in school. They will be taught to alwayschallenge those who put these criminals on apedestal. In fact, unless they were given a fullscholarship, I don't see how an African-Americancan be proud to attend the University of Virginiawhich was founded by that duplicitous criminal,Thomas Jefferson.
Name: Meshall Email: mgarris@yahoo.com Response:
The series was tasteful and informative in its approach to the issue of slavery. Angela Bassett is an
excellentnarrator.
Name: Ethel Holmes Email: ethelhol@home.com Response:
Right on to LLOYD BROWN we as African-Americans
must realize that we are the solution to our problems.We as a people have to frist love ourselves completely.When we learn to do that then everything else will fall into place.If that were true today the black media and so-call civil rights leaders would have stepped up to the plate to inform us the black community.I do not have in anger in my heart toward the family in Iowa,that was news worthy but the anger I feel is toward the African Americans in the Media, the black Republians, and the So Call Civil Rights Leaders for not bringing us to the attention of a wounderful event and blessing.
I also feel as African Americans we need to look to ourselves first as a race of people to always be ready to contribute spirituality and financially to other members of our race that are in need of help.When are we going to stop looking for hand outs when we should be proud to be African American or Black or what ever name we go under and look at who we are because we came from a great ancestry let's live up to it. Charity begins at home.The solution lies with us.
Name: Joe Mamma Email: Papapokey@msn.com Response:
Yesh, it's because you're black....give me a break! Do you think they would let David Duke take a donation like that? Hardley. Iactually agree with alot of collipso Louie's philosophies, one being that blacks and whites will never live in harmony and should not live together. But I don't understand all this whining. What country treats blacks better than this one? You got your Oprah Whinfrey's, your Bill Cosby's, your Michael Jordan's, your Michael Jackson's etc. Would you rather be back at your home land of Africa? Living in a hut? Get over it! Pat Buchanan for President!!!
Name: Duane Email: dfelton@net2001.com Response:
Slavery in America reminded me of the 1970's television saga Roots. A sad, tragic, yet informative and inspiring story. I found most interesting, the revelation that things might have, could have been different for the Affrican in American. Like Roots, this documentary made me proud of my African heritage yet angry at the price we have to pay.
Knowledge of the past is important, but living in the past is dangerous. We now hold the key to our own chains and shackles and some refuse to use it.
Name: Email: Urban_Guerrilla@webtv.net Response:
Why do we need the constant showing of the horrors inflicted on our ancestors by the white male? We know the inhumane treatment that sick minds forced upon our loved ones! What is charlie's purpose? Does he want to gloat? Does he want to make a few more millions? Does he want to subliminally rub our noses in his barbarism? I SAY ENOUGH!!!!! Each time we say Racism, he scrambles for a backdoor in which to escape! We shout Slavery, he says forget the past! Yet, he continues to show the world how he took a nation of people and destroyed them! The African-American Race is still trying to climb out of the Throes of slavery and its dehumanizing effects of destruction. This is how the continuation of constant injections of maniacal, demonic and putridness impacts on my senses!! How much longer do we African-Americans allow this cleverly disguised abuse to continue? If he (the white male), was serious about African-Americans forgetting his past dastardly deeds, he would do the proper thing and give reparation for his unforgivable sins committed against us! But, we know how he feels about money. So, he continues this unholy charade! Which is: A readily perceived pretense; A travesty!!! Once I was asked, why is the white male referred to as charlie or whitey. That's a fair question, and it deserves a fair answer. In his present state of Obnoxious Racist, he's whitey! When he proves himself to be a human being, I will call him that! The ever present Brainwash continues. . . .
