Black History Month is Still Important to Me

I haven't done a Black History post, and even though it's still early in the month, that disappoints me. I'd love to say that I've been thinking about a post in the back of my mind all week, but in reality, it hadn't even crossed my mind. A lot of this blog is dedicated to commenting on the Black experience, at least as told through popular media. In reality, being Black in America transcends that which the media readily covers, and that's why I've decided to post one of my favorite poems in celebration of Black History Month.

Poetry isn't something that I enjoy reading, as it's too subjective, and really just difficult. But, for me Gwendolyn Brooks' "Kitchenette Building" personifies the Black experience in America perfectly, so I'll share it with you guys. Something about the imagery reminds me so much of my childhood; not just in terms of my own family, but families around me as well.

I've spent four years in college around some of the most ambitious Black young-adults I've ever met, and I can't help but to think that we're all the result of the reality depicted in this poem: a generation of African-Americans struggling to maintain some sense of hope, despite the desperation of their circumstances, so that their children might make it a little further than they have.

Kitchenette Building

Gwendolyn Brooks

We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan, Grayed in, and gray.

"Dream" mate, a giddy sound,
not strong Like "rent",
"feeding a wife",
"satisfying a man".

But could a dream sent up
through onion fumes
Its white and violet,
fight with fried potatoes

And yesterday's garbage ripening
in the hall,
Flutter, or sing an aria down
these rooms,

Even if we were willing to let it in,
Had time to warm it, keep it very clean,
Anticipate a message, let it begin?

We wonder. But not well! not for a minute! Since Number Five is out of the bathroom now, We think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it.


Oh, and if you don't know Gwendolyn Brooks...you better ask

Tyra Banks is a G

Yes, there are times when her talk show is almost too embarrassing to watch (see the episodes when she praises Tyra for being Tyra...which is basically every episode). And no, I don't believe she'll ever be the next Oprah, in terms of public persona and television substance. But regardless of her shortcomings, Tyra has been handling her business for years.


Growing up, I can't remember any other black models in the game besides her and Naomi; and while Naomi may have the Fierce Chick game on lock, Tyra has that and personality to boot. I can think of more than a dozen models who have tried to maintain a career outside of the catwalk, and Tyra is one of very few who have managed to handle her business outside of the Vicki S Fashion Show. While her music career is a joke at best, she's gotten down on the big screen, small screen and behind the scenes effortlessly, and at just 35 is a financial mogul to boot.

I still remember her as the little seen, but always fun to watch around-the-way girl, Jackie from Fresh Prince. Back then she was the chick with the big forehead who you were tired of seeing every damn where. Today, she's the chick with the big forehead who is running shit, and you can't help but to give her mass respect for doing so. Love her or hate her, few Black women in the fashion world have been able to transcend the game like Tyra, and years from now folks won't be able to deny that she's opened plenty of doors for plenty of people.

But them white girl weaves gotta go. Tyra knows damn well her shit ain't that legally blonde.

Oh, and Kanye's Blog inspired this post, but I promised he wouldn't get any more shine until the new year, so I'll leave the link for you to Google.

This Shit is Disappointing

More than 70 % of the black voting population in California voted in favor of Proposition 8, banning gay marriage throughout the state. To me, that's as amazing as it is disappointing. It's not my intention to generalize any one group of people, nor am I trying to suggest that African-Americans are solely responsible for the plight of gays in America, but I feel as though I'd be fair in saying that the black community is the first to cite oppression and discrimination as problematic within the United States, but apparently, only as it applies to them. Today, we live in a society that regularly denies homosexuals the rights and privileges afforded to any other law-abiding American citizen, and instead of recognizing our struggle in another group, blacks across America continue to invest in a legacy of hate.

Part of the reason I wanted to avoid writing about this issue is because I don't feel as though I have anything new to offer to the same old argument. Still, as we celebrate the election of our nation's first black president, I can't help but to wonder why we're not more upset about the lack of progress that America has made elsewhere. Every African-American celebrating the significance of a black man assuming presidential office should recognize that the same social and political significance that gives us pride in relation to the election of Barack Obama, should shame us in relation to the passing of Proposition 8.

Blacks can be conservative. The implications of the treatment of homosexuals in America go far beyond political lines. Blacks can be religious. Gay marriage isn't a religious issue. However, blacks can't afford to be discriminatory.

Refusing gays the right to marry in the United States undermines their citizenship. While you certainly can't, and shouldn't try to, force any religious group to recognize same-sex marriages, the constitution is a document that governs all American citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. Marriage is not just a social institution, but also a means of obtaining several rights and benefits that should be afforded to all Americans without prejudice. If gays are expected to pay taxes and be civically responsible in other ways, then the right to marry is certainly an expectation for which they should hold our nation accountable. In the United States, equality is not something one should have to earn; it's the birthright of America.

Why can't African-Americans see that the same oppressive agenda that keeps gays from marrying today, kept blacks relegated to second-class citizens just a few decades ago? More than that, the same hate that we allow to prosper now always stands a chance at refocusing itself later. Once you've overcome the tyranny of oppression, you don't ignore it as it attacks someone else. Instead, you use the progress you've earned to assist in another group's battle, until equality is a reality.

We have to recognize that diversity goes far beyond skin color, and that none of us are safe until all of us are safe.

PS. Watch the clip above in its entirety. Janet and Ashanti are SO rocking the same wig.

My President Is BLACK

And no, that's not everything, but it's something I'm PROUD of today.