A Season To Remember

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

This is the open line of a very popular song that we all hear each year.  It highlights and captures the essence of the holiday season and yet it reminds many of us of how the commercialization of Christmas has evolved on the years.  This song along brings to light many of the aspects of the holidays and its meaning.   

As all of us know, the sights and sounds of this Christmas season are everywhere.  It is a time… with colors, the foods, the lights, the deserts, the caroling, the travel, the family, the friendship, the shopping and especially those… half off sales. This time of the year that puts a lot of people in a great spirit of sharing.  This includes participating in food, toy and clothing drives, volunteering and gift giving and let not forget the egg nog.  For many of us, we look forward to this time of the year.  Even with the worldwide commercialization of Christmas, it real meaning and origin is from the bible.  

On the other hand, this time of year is also full of people, for various reasons that see and experience this holiday season differently. Some of them carry an indifference spirit and some the “O humbug spirit” or “nonsense attitude.” They have become the symbols of “Ebenezer Scrooge” and “how the Grinch stole Christmas”. They enjoy blaming others and to talk about something positive in a negative way.  They look at the poor and those who depend on government assistance as being just too lazy to do better.           

However, it is also a time to remember those who are less fortunate then we are and those who are struggling to make ends meet, lack of food, inadequate shelter, no employment, and underemployment, those with health care challenges, the disable and more.  This time of year, regardless of the struggle and situation is to remember how bless many of us are, to live in a country, where many things we take for granted and do not exist in other countries.  It is to be aware, that what we have and our abilities to work hard to obtained what we desire.  It is a time to enjoy family, friends, neighbors, seniors, orphans, veterans, and the wounded warriors to just name a few on my list.  It is to remember to not waste, to be frugal and to be mindful that this season is not about us, but Christ… and that includes us.      

Standing Tall - Nelson Mandela

“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.”

Those were the words of Nelson Mandela, (1918-2013), who became the first black South African to become President of South Africa.  His journey to the Presidency and his life long struggle for equality for all South African is truly noteworthy and is a standard to live by.  His work included dismantling the legacy of apartheid, tacking institutionalized racism, poverty and fostering a national racial reconciliation. 

Mandela, who attended the Fort Hare University and the University of Witwatersrand, studied law.  He rose to prominence in the African National Congress (ANC) and participated in various campaigns to stand again the oppressive apartheid government.  In 1962, he was arrested and convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the state government and was sentenced to life imprisonment.  After serving 27 years in various prisons, including Robben Island, Pollsmoor  and Victor Verster, he was release in 1990.  His release came in part to the growing international campaign that lobbied for his release as well as the effects of international sanctions.  

Under his remarkable leadership, he was able to usher in a new age for South Africa and the world.  During his one term as President he promulgated a new national constitution, created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate past human rights abuses, land reform, combat poverty, unemployment and expand healthcare services.  As a result of his leadership he was able to lift the international sanctions and restore the county status as part of the League of Nations. 

Even through much of his live, Mandela was considered a controversial figure, he gained international acclaim for his activism and philanthropy.  In all he received over 250 honors as well as the Nobel Peace Prize, the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Soviet Order of Lenin and the Bharat Ratna from India.  His impact continues to shape and reshape the focus of how people of various backgrounds can live together in peace and with respect.  This also means to find ways to move forward and a willingness to work together for the common good of all people.  His legacy has affected us all in more than one way or another, perhaps this week and during this holiday season, all of us will take time out to reflect upon a life lived in harmony with real human values.             

The Things We Play

The Checkered Game of Life was created in the winter of 1860 by a young man named Milton Bradley; he was 24 at the time.  By the next year, in 1861, over 45,000 copies of the game were sold.  The game was created with a focus on a person’s life from poverty to wealth. Over the time the original game was undated to reflect the changing of times and culture.  At the beginning a total of two to six players could participate in a game at a time, however with newer versions of the game a total of eight to ten players could enjoy the game. 

By 1960, a modern version of the game was introduced as “The Game of Life,” with a focus on a person’s travel throughout their life, from college to retirement, jobs, marriage, and possible children along the way.  Today, the game is simply known as LIFE.  From its humble beginnings to the present, the game continues to be played by individuals, family and friends alike who simply enjoy the game to past the time away and sharing some special moments with those they love and care about.   In addition, the game continues to be popular; a card game was created, as well as an express version and even one called WiiWare.    

Milton Bradley is credited by many with launching the board game industry in America through his Milton Bradley Company.  With a mechanical draftsmen and patent agent background, he when on to create several other games, rules, coloring books and inventions.  Over the years, the Milton Bradley Company has created numerous well known games including Battleship, Connect Four, Twister, and Yahtzee.  From my viewpoint, I see each of these games as a way to bring people, community, families and friends together.  It is a way to participate and share something with common beliefs and simple rules that are easy to understand. 

Amazing isn’t it, that a game that began nearly 150 years ago, still continues to impact our lives in various ways today and yet it allows us to take the time to play with some simple rules to see life from another perspective.  It is a game that continues to capture our imagination with what is possible, to make decisions, to take risks, experience failure and success.  The ultimate result of playing the game of LIFE is that each player can finish... they made it.  Through the good, bad and indifference the game comes to an end and it perhaps makes you wonder about your own life…in a way… and then you realize that I am playing my LIFE for real.    

 

The Things We Do

Many people often wonder how those who are in the positions of leadership in public service and private business take the news when reports come to light that things are not getting better and that some outcomes are having a negative effect upon others and the community at large.  It is assumed that people in leadership will do the right thing, act ethically, make positive changes to improve the quality of life of those they serve.  It is assumed that these leaders and managers have what it takes, the skills and talent to keep things headed in the right direction.  It is also assumed that when it comes to ensuring that the people they represent or lead will always have their voices heard regardless of the situation.  But that is expected.

What really happens?  Can a person in leadership do something that is beyond their belief system, heart, faith or conscience?  Is there a separation between what is right and wrong, church and state or does a person give in to what is in their best interest?  What is in it for me, myself and I… or better yet, how can I get the most out of this situation that benefits my future ambitions.  Oddly and strangely enough these and more are the questions that continue to beset our society even in the 21^st century. 

However, there is not a day that goes by or even a moment that we find people struggling to keep their heads above water, homeless, hungry and alone.  There are so many people in our society that are hurting, hearts broken and crushed by the weight of policies and regulations that benefit only a few and not the many.   It is not that all of them have lost their way, bad choices, their lot in life, but also there continue to be many people who can help… who don’t.    

The story of the Good Samaritan in the bible provides the best insights to helping those in need, especially when the question is asked… Who is my neighbor?  We must remember that there are no limitations on who can make a difference in another person’s life.  And with that in mind during this holiday season, let us answer the question not only through our words, but through our actions.                

A Matrix of New Leadership

As the 21^st century continues to unfold, we are witnessing an end of an era in which many topics that were once though as being untouchable are now being reconsidered.  This is also a time in our society when a number of subjects that were taboo, off limits and the rule of law are being challenged. Some of our most recent controversies include marriage equality, immigration, mental health, gender issues, equal pay, voting rights, health insurance, union membership, drug treatment and the right to bear arms.   Some of the changes have been well received and a huge burden has been lifted, while on others… the verdict is still out.

With each passing day, more and more issues are coming up that once set the cultural norms for our cities, communities and society in general.  On one hand it is a good thing to take a fresh look at policies and practices that were applicable for one generation, but now may be outdated and obsolete.  We need to keep in mind that a lot of things need to reviewed, altered, and disappear from the books.  In addition, there are some things that are not dying out fast enough.   

On another hand, ...and this is no laughing matter, we are also witnessing a time period in which people are trying to reintroduce ideas from our distance past and even from the pages of history as some new relevant, moral or conservative belief.  Many of those ideas reflect segregation, greed, prejudice, suppression of voting rights and human rights.   

This era is requiring the emergence of new kind of leadership to address the mounting list of issues facing communities and the nation.   Some of the major challenges include the retirement of the baby boomer generation, social security, diversity, climate change, racism, socioeconomics, gun violence, poverty, education, future workforce, sustainably of natural resources and globalization.  This new leadership must shift from competition, division, and control; but focus on building partnerships, collaboration, fostering connections and common ground.  This new leadership must not be afraid of the past, but must learn from it and build upon its true values and equal rights.   Now, that is not too much to ask for? 

Standing The Watch

Throughout history and all across the globe, countless nations, neighborhoods, communities, towns, and cities have adopted various forms of what is called the “watch.”  The term and concept have been used with a number of professions, careers and the military.  To have the “watch,” has come to symbolize an effort to be on guard or on the lookout for things occurring that may affect us all.  

In more recent times, the “watch” has become a systematic approach to local vigilance by residents of a particular neighborhood to discourage crime and to promote safety.  This watch is referred to as the “Neighborhood Watch.”  Even most large companies, corporations and manufactures have security details that list positions as being the night watch.  During the colonial days of our nation, there were those who were employed as the town or city watchmen. 

In the Navy, the “watch” is a vital part of everyday standard operation and procedure.  On shore or at sea, the watch is critical at every level and includes all ranks.  Even when there is a retirement from the Navy, there is a poem that pays tribute to those who have served and “stood the watch.”   The poem goes on to say, “while some of us were in our beds at night, this sailor stood the watch; while some of us were at school or work, this sailor stood the watch; even before some of us were born into this world, this sailor stood the watch; when the storm clouds of war were brewing, this sailor stood the watch…. However, the most stunning part of that poem comes toward the end … “this sailor stood the watch for a number of years, so that all Americans could sleep safety, each and every night, secure because this sailor stood the watch…   

Truly remarkable … what a wonderful thing to say to those men and women who have served their country well and now find themselves at the end of their military career.  And to finally say to them, … “we are here to pay our respects as it is said for the final time… you stand relieved… relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led.  Sailor you stand relieved of duty, we have the watch.”    

Charting A New Course

It becomes quite frustrating to learn that so many people can’t get on the same page these days; even with the growing mountain of issues facing those living in Urban America… you can’t miss any of them.  Beside the need for affordable housing, there is gun violence, high unemployment, health care, quality education, health insurance, crime, equal treatment and poverty.  And these are just some of the top vote getters.

It is also hard to believe that people can grow up in the same neighborhoods; attended similar schools; work in the community and yet be so different in terms of what they know is needed to make the community and schools better.  How can it be, that even with so much in common, backgrounds, religious beliefs, best in education and upbringing, things continue to turn out the same way?    

The portrait of urban America all across our great nation is not a good picture.  More cities are facing a steady decline in the quality of services, resources, jobs, safety, and reinvestments.  Each day the task is becoming more and more challenging to keep things up and going…as the way thing were.   It is especially difficult, when most people are expecting different results while doing the same things over and over again.  Of course there are some pockets of success in every city, but there are the other sides of the city no one wants to really talk about.   

All of us have heard the saying… “you don’t have to reinvent the wheel…” in order to make a change.  That may be true, but perhaps the wheel just needs some more air in it, or realignment.  May be…just maybe… what is needed is that we need to chart a new course for urban America…to boldly go into uncharted territory, a new frontier, a new direction and perhaps to envision something greater.   So, I suggest that we stop assuming what our urban communities needs and start with the people who live in those neighborhoods and get their view of what is needed… and thereby assume nothing.   Let’s see where that take us!

A Time of Honor

“Why do you want this so bad?”

This was the question Jo (Anujanue Ellis) asked her husband Chief Carl Brashear (Cuba Gooding Jr.) in the movie “Men of Honor.”  His answer to his wife was…“Because they said I couldn’t have it.”  His wife asked this question of him to find out the real reason why he wanted to return to full active duty in the Navy as a deep water savage diver after an accident cause him to lose one of his legs.  In his quest to return to active duty, he had to go before a Naval review board to demonstrate that he was ready for active duty.   After demonstrating that he was physically fit; he was re-certified and when on to serve 10 more years in the Navy as a master diver.     

Similarly and with the same sediment, focus and determination, people also should believe in the turnaround of Urban America, especially in Milwaukee.  Even when it seems that the very foundations that once sustained neighborhoods over the years, now stand in disarray.  Many inner city residents who live in tough neighborhoods need a chance to demonstrate that they deserve a chance, investment and re-certification.   

All across America, there is a lot of great work occurring in the inner city to make them a better place to live, work and play.  Is it enough? And what else can be done? ...are the critical questions that need to be answered.  Most people would agree that a lot is at stake in terms of the health, safety, education and personal property in urban America.  With each passing day, the cost continues to rise if the issues and challenges of residents are not addressed.        

Today, the inner city needs men and women who for no other reason want to help bring urban neighborhoods back to life.  It needs people who are in it for the right reasons and are working as hard as possible to make things happen.  Of course there is a lot to do, roads to cross, hills to climb, fences to mend and bridges to build.  But it is all possible, for all it takes are good people to do the right thing.   

When It Matters Most

“I have never felt that anything really mattered but the satisfaction of knowing that you stood for the things in which you believed and had done the very best you could”

 

These were the word spoken by Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the height of World War II (8 Nov. 1944).  Mrs. Roosevelt became a catalyst for change and played a pivotal role in civil and human rights.  As the longest serving First Lady, (3 terms) she made it a habit to improve the social conditions of all Americans, regardless of race, religion and socioeconomic status.   This was not done along political lines, but rather as matters of the heart and to what we call being decent and in order.  She stood to make America better, to live up to its creed and to ensure that all Americans get a fair chance. 

 

Over the past decade or two, it appears that much of what she stood for has been lost.  It has also been lost due to the fact that so many people today are only concerned about what is in it for them and not for “good” of the greater society.  At the heart of what is really being lost is that so much of what happens in Washington, DC affects all Americans.  In so many ways, nearly every aspect of our society depends on our national government to work and to work well.  This is especially true for the most vulnerable of our society, who depends and need access to medical care, education, food and shelter. 

 

The ongoing diversions and miscues of our elected officials in the federal government over the past five years has been something truly for the record books and you just wonder how in the world some of them were elected in the first place.  It is just astonishing to see and hear about all the political games, maneuvers and the disregard for fair treatment of those locked in poverty, the disable, returning Veterans, seniors, children and the working poor.  The essence of America and our way of life continues to not be forged through one’s political afflation, wealth and influence, but rather through the blood and sweat of the average American who is invested in the pursue of  living a better life for themselves and their family.   So,... it time to get back to work!

An Affordable Care Act

“Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it's the moments that take your breath away”

This is one of the notable quotes the leading character, played by Will Smith makes in the movie “Hitch.”  Just such a moment occurred on October 1, 2013, when it became official that over 43 million uninsured Americans could begin to sign up for health insurance, even with preexisting medical conditions.  This new law is better known as ObamaCare. 

As you are aware, maintaining a good health insurance plan for yourself and your family is essential to improving and extending one’s quality of life.  Those with a great insurance plan are truly blessed, while those who are struggling to make ends meet find it quite difficult to afford any health insurance at all.  However, even those with good health plans, there are financial limits within those plans and not covered by the standard insurance premiums. 

Over the years, health insurance companies have always set risk limits on various medical conditions and what would be covered for those who become ill.  And if and when those coverage limits were reached the ongoing costs to cover those future medical bills would have to be paid by the individual or family.  In many cases those with high risk medical conditions would be dropped from future policies with the same company, face restrictions or much higher future premiums.   

If and when a family finds themselves dropped from a policy, then the task of finding another health insurance carrier is nearly impossible.  All health insurance companies do not want to take on the risk and the cost of providing a level of care for an individual or family that have preexisting medical health issues. The preexisting medical condition occurred before a program of health benefits when into effect.  In most of these situations, families have been left high and dry, saddle with enormous debt, unpaid medical bills, losing their homes, wiping out their life savings and reducing the ability to enjoy any quality of life.   

Offering a great health insurance package and other family benefits was once the hallmark of major companies.  They prided themselves on maintaining a quality workforce, longevity, loyalty and good working conditions.  However, today many of those kinds of companies, both private and public, have reduce those kinds of benefits and more.  Today, it is more about the bottom line and not the workers that keep the company profitable.    

It been a long time coming, numerous US Presidents have tried and failed to get something like this in place, but now it is official… Health Care for the most vulnerable individuals and those families that have experienced a health care crisis that has left them without any coverage at all… it is now available and Affordable.      

Let’s Get Busy Living

“Tomorrow is not promised to anyone… you only have today.” This is what I was taught from my youth as a way to view life in general.  However and most of the time we forget or take for granted what we have.   Believe me… I have been around a while, traveled to a number of countries while in the Navy… and what some people complain about… is nothing.  Just trade your place in America with someone else from another country and you will see.   In many countries around the world it is pretty rough and I don’t think some of us would be able to survive or get accustom to living without all of the modern conveniences.     

So much of what we are accustom to does not exist in other places around the world. The average American enjoys traveling on paved streets, drinking clean water, walking in the park, taking a shower, air conditioning, shopping in a grocery store, a visit to the mall, museum, a nice restaurant, and children attending a nice school, and in house plumbing and… you get the picture.  It is truly a stark contrast in lifestyles and cultures.  Of course that does not mean we live in a perfect country, far from it, and yes, we still have quite a few issues to work on.  We can never turn our heads from the high level of gun violence, poverty, voter suppression, homelessness, joblessness, underemployment, abuse, war on drugs, greed and racism.     

What is truly amazing about people from around the globe is the fact that regardless of where you are from, we all share a common humanity and a desire to have a livable wage job, live in peace, and enjoy life, our families and friends.  However, this is not the case and it seems that we are always chasing after what we desire and not taking the time to enjoy what we have.  For most people this is the greatest dilemma, to always want something that is out there and not really enjoying the present moments and to be thankful.    Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, once the president of Morehouse College (1940-67), Atlanta put it this way …. “It’s not what you keep, but what you give that makes you happy.”  And so here we are, my suggestion is simple… let’s work together to overcome our differences and make our world a better place.  Are you with me?   

Making It Happen

We have all heard it said once and a while that there are a lot of great ideas out there.  Of course that is the problem…“they are out there.” First of all, where is out there? Secondly, who is looking? And finally, what should be done?  These are just a few of the questions that have to be answered.    

Most of us would agree with the assessment that there are a lot of things that need to get done to ensure a better future for the next generations.  This is especially true for those living in urban America.  This includes cleaning up the environment, rebuilding neighborhoods, creating sustainable employment, enlarging political tents, expanding health and wellness initiatives, improving educational institutions and providing better housing.  And this is just a short list. 

If you want to make something happen, even in our modern society, it takes concern people who do not mind leading people with a purpose.  Today, more community based advocates are needed to help in the process to make our communities and streets better and safer.  In most cases there is so much that is out of place that it does not take long to find any issue worth getting involved with.  Of course, one will have to be ready to deal with pushbacks, confrontations and the misunderstanding that come as part of the reality.  When cultural, institutional and business norms are being affected…the heat, temperature and risks just increase.            

We all can agree that in this 21^st century a lot of things need to be done for the wellbeing of our communities and nation… and to get it right.  And of course the sure complexity of our American society, its structures, systems of government on various levels, the board landscape of educational institutions… change and reform is hard to take.   Nicholas Butler Murray, (1863-1947), a former president of Columbia University and Nobel Peace Prize recipient in 1931, offered this insight on leadership… “there are three kinds of people; those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.”  The question for us today, where does each of us stand? 

Back To Our Future

“Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.”  These were the words once spoken by Edmund Burke a noted author, orator, political theorist and philosopher in Great Britain.   Those words are ringing so true today in the 21^st century as never before.  The echoes and legacy from America’s past have reemerged and many of us are appalled at what we see happening.

 

A new generation has emerged with a set of values that is reflective of a pervious era.  Even though we have made progress in many ways in our nation, the overarching results still remain the same.  Today, these remix of values with a modern twist continue to pledge the greatest nation in the world.  There are no more slavery ships, trading blocks, branding irons, or whipping posts, and chains, but the tentacles of that era have reached far into this 21^st century.           

 

In her book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Joy DeGruy Leary points out that the ongoing legacy of slavery, it’s the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual traumas that African people endured for hundreds of years.  She further cites that the descendants had to endure on going trauma for another century after the Civil War.  The effects of these long term traumatic experiences of de-humanization and crimes against humanity continue to impart African Americans today.  In defining these experiences she goes on to say that is a condition that exists when a population has experienced multigenerational trauma resulting from centuries of slavery and continue to experience oppression and institutionalized racism.      

 

It seems to me, that in order to move forward in finding some workable solutions to the many problems that exist in African American communities today, there is a need to come to grips with our past, its history, struggles, to talk about it, remember its lessons, a day of atonement… in order words we must learn to “heal our brokenness.” Some have made it out … but the work is far from over… for there are still countless others who are still trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, self-doubt and limited opportunities.  This effort requires all of us to share in helping those who are lost and can’t find their way out.   The time is now… our future awaits.  

 

A Cure for Insanity

“Just let me get this straight…” So you want me to give up my right to vote, to not have a livable wage job, to not have social security, to be homeless, no affordable health insurance, no quality education, raise my taxes, live in a tough neighborhood and on mean streets…and then don’t say anything about it.  Well, don’t hold your breath too long on that one.    

While living in one of the greatest and wealthy nations in modern times, I see the dismantling of a way of life that has been the “gold standard” for active engagement throughout the world.  But on the other hand, we have the most people in prisons, a high unemployment rate, a gun culture that is out of control, a high dropout rate in education, glass ceilings for people of color and women in top public and private sector jobs and a lack of representation in local, state and national governments.  It is clear that as Americans, we are still dealing with the “race” factor and certainly this is not in the best interest of county that wants to remain the global leader.     

It is just unbelievable today, that there are many people in our society who by their actions want only to have things their way and to keep “the other” people out.  It’s like a sub culture complex that continues to exist in spite of the reality of what is happening on the streets of America, and people are hurting.  It appears that and in so many ways that the well off and those who have found a way to make it to the top of the wealth ladder… feel no obligation at all to help others who remain living in adjective poverty. 

Most of what I have just said is about “abnormal” behavior.  It does not make any sense at all, it is insane.  From my perspective, I know that some people grew up in, were forced into and have become trapped in “abnormal situations.”  And when people are in abnormal situations, they cannot make a “normal decision.”  And when the normal decision that needs to be made is being viewed through the eyes and minds of a person who has been affected by what is “abnormal,” then things get real ugly soon.  You get my point.  And getting out of this “new normal” takes a strong will, soul searching or an act of God.   In this case, the price tag for the cure is just some “common sense.” 

Beyond the Dream

It has been fifty years since the March on Washington when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech in front and on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  This event occurred on Wednesday, August 28, 1963.  It has been estimated that 200-300,000 people participated in that march and stood on the National Mall to hear Dr. King.  

This march included people from all corners of American society, races, ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic status.  The march itself was more than just making a few speeches, statements and holding signs; it was reflective of a national movement for equal rights in every aspect of American society. This march is widely credited with helping to pass the Civil Rights Acts (1964) and the Voting Rights Act in 1965.  

The “I Have a Dream” speech has become one of the most profound and moving public speeches in American History and the world.  The speech provided a vision and embellishes the hopes of African Americans and other minority groups who have been locked out of the main stream of business, politics and social change.     

Since that time and until now the speech continues to be a manifesto for a movement that has evolved over the decades in numerous ways.  Even though some progress has been made on various fronts over the past 50 years, there is still much work to be done.  Everyone has not enjoyed the benefits, freedoms and opportunities that were spoken of by Dr. King on that day.   For many in the African American community are dealing with breakdowns in the family, rising poverty rates, low wage jobs, high incarceration rates, drop outs, no affordable health care, drug abuse, mental health issues and poor housing.   

 
In a real sense the speech continues to point the way, provide inspiration and serve as a reminder that what we are seeking is within reach.  Our struggles help us to become a little stronger and wiser, regardless of the odds.  Even though the cracks in modern life are enormous, the essence of the speech continues to spark considerable debate and provides a pathway to more promising and brighter days.   I hope that the dream will never die during my generation and that the new emerging generations will find the courage to continue the work in making the dream a reality for all. 

 

Lifting the Veil...

All across America there are countless number of statues that have been erected that reveal much about our nation’s past.  Each statue offers a point of reference in the collective conscience of our nation and pays tribute to a time, event or to a person that has made a significant contribution in society.   Of course some people do not see all statures in the same way as I do and… yes, some statues do spark a lot of debate about their meaning.  All the same, these statues for good or bad, remind us of who we are, where we have been and what we have done in the American experience.  

One of the most significant statues in my opinion in America is in Tuskegee, Al on the historical campus of Tuskegee University.   It is called “Lifting the Veil of Ignorance.” This status is a depiction with Booker T. Washington, the founder, lifting a cloak from the head and body of a young man who is symbolized as a terrified slave.  In the slaves hand is a book which represents education and who crouches on a plow and anvil, representing tools of agriculture and industry.   This unique bronzed statue was designed by sculptor Charles Keck and erected in 1922. 

This amazing statue has stood for nearly 90 years and has come to symbolize the link that exists between Tuskegee’s past to its future.  In a sense it displays the dream of one man in his quest to lift African Americans by providing a quality education that shows the way to a better life.  The statue only provides a mere glimpse into what the legacy of Booker T. Washington was about.  It in no way tells the full story of his journey, hopes, dreams, struggles, and failures.  But it does provide a spark to continue the debate about the value of technical education in a modern society.  This statue by far has stood as an undaunted reminder that there is still a lot of work to do, even in the 21^st century.  

We all can learn a lot from this noteworthy statue of our past, it continues to stand for something and a bench mark of greater and better things to come.  Milwaukee, like so many other major cities in America is looking for answers to improve the academic achievement of black youth, especially black males.  Perhaps some of those answers can be found not in the present, or future, but from the distance past, when the odds of getting a college education at all were truly a miracle.  Maybe, just maybe… Booker T. Washington had it right all alone… there is still a need to help lift the veil.  And in his own words, he stated “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.”    

The Price of Dignity

"Man! the cost of everything is going right through the roof…can you believe this!” This is what I heard during a recent visit to the grocery store in my community.  It came from a man while he was going down one food isle than another.  It sounded like he was having a hard time understanding why the cost of food commodities was going up and up.  And to his defense he was just thinking out loud and reflecting on his displeasure at how expensive food was becoming.   

Like this man, many of us are in the same state of mind and feeling the same way.  For most of us we are having a hard time seeing how to get ahead when our wages are not keeping up with inflation, hours being reduce, limited overtime, cuts in health and other vital benefits.  In a real sense most of us are just happy to just have a steady job these days, especially since the economy has not fully recovered.         

There certainly has been a lot of belt tightening over the past few years and it seems that we have a few more years to go.  It also appears that those in government do not fully understand what the average person and family is going through each and every day.   It gets even more challenging when we see that a lot of people in upper management of companies are receiving big salaries, bonuses, and golden parachutes upon their retirements or when they move on to another company.       

The picture does not get any brighter for those trying stay in the middle class and it certainly more dismal for those of us who are the working poor.   The odds seem to be always against us, never getting a break, just holding on and just struggling to keep our heads above water.   Remarkably the hardest thing to come to grip with in life is to learn how to remain true to one’s values, beliefs and that with hard work and determination things will work out somehow.   I was taught by my parents and forefathers that your true self will always remain the same, regardless of what happens or will happen in your life. The greatest strength a person can show is to always keep one’s head high when others are losing their. 

It's Time to Stand UP

The calls keep on coming… calls for justice, fairness; stop the violence, jobs, advice, educational reform and list is just endless.  If it affects you, it’s your voice that is sounding out the alarm.  But who do you voice your concerns? And who is listening?  If it does not affect you… it's just another day in the park… it’s not my problem, let someone else deal with it.  I may hear about it, have a passing thought and that is about it.      

We are now living in an American society that continues to care less about the general welfare of 97% of all Americans, than the new minority group… the super-rich.  It is a sad state of affairs, the rich continue to get richer and the poor continue to suffer.  And to make matters worse, there are those who go about protecting the rights of the haves and not the have not’s.  The rhetoric and the grand standing that continue to be pushed by these protectors... is just shameful.       

The once available ladders in which those in poverty could use and climb up are becoming few and far in between. And if you can figure a way out of the mazes, over the huddlers, and across the broken bridges it is truly an act of faith, courage and perseverance.  The pathway to success and beyond is quite a challenge these days and yet it is something worth to strive for.          

Even in the midst of knowing issues in which people can just avoid the advice of law enforcement, get out a vehicle, load a gun, pick a fight and shoot and kill an unarmed young person… without a cause… is just pure nonsense.  It is even more puzzling when the legal system can be played and further underlines the deep down flaw in the system that has been built and designed with prejudice at its cord. Where is the fairness, balance and justice in that?   

It continues to be hard to believe in the American Dream, land of the free and home of brave… when no matter what the truth is… it is not allowed to come forth… regardless of the loss of life, price paid, and lives forever shattered.  The debate will continue and hopefully someone will get the message and finally stand up to be counted.         

 

Skittles and Tea

“Just when you think you got it all figured out, wait another day or so and something else happens… and you say… “What was that all about?  And how did they get that wrong?”  

I know that it seems crazy, but just like a page out of history; we keep coming back to the same headline, same page and reference notes.  The only difference is the date and time.   And here are some facts, like more of America we are becoming more diverse each and every day.  And in America it is still about “race,”  the color of one’s skin, texture of hair, culture, tattoos and ethnic background.   According to the 2010 census data most major cities like Milwaukee in America have become more diverse with a younger generation that is more mixed, independent, liberal and carefree.  Added to this new phenomenon is a new wave of immigrants, political refugees, detainees and outcasts; and this “melting pot”… smells, looks, feels, taste and acts very differently than the previous generations.   

It’s about to get quite interesting from now until 2020.   For those who can’t wait… just make sure you keep your head above water… and you have not seen anything yet.   Just look at what’s happening now… climate change, cyber wars, rising sea levels, expanding world populations, natural and man-made disasters, famine, educational reform, debates on health care, social security and new diseases.  And when you add in stuff we are already wrestling with, such as crime, war, stand your ground laws, voter suppression, abortion restrictions, drone strikes, terrorism, same sex marriages, corporate greed, toxic pollution and limited resources… well you get the picture… this is going to be some kind of recipe.   

It is already hard to keep up with so much happening these days, one has to be so careful where you go, who you hang out with, what you say and what you are doing.   For you never know who is watching, following, tracking or listening.  Regardless of what you believe in, doing the right thing, treating others the way you want to be treated and following the laws of the land… everyone does not have or share those same values.  And so when you are out and about at night in your local neighborhood convenient store to buy a little snack… and just remember…be careful and take nothing for granted… even in a free county.