Today’s feature is one of the strongest people I have ever met. Enzi Tanner; or as I met him, Zakiya Tanner, is one of the fiercest friends you could ever ask for. From the first time we met at a recruiting event for what would become our alma mater, William Jewell College, to the present I can always count on Z in a pinch to give quality advice and encouragement. I met Z as a woman who was faithful and have seen her grow into a man that continues to be faithful. Z became the first African American at William Jewell College to be homecoming royalty and is now blazing a trail on so many different levels in Minneapolis. I love Z forever and always. This is his story:



Enzi Tanner is a self identified Black American transgender spoken word artist. He currently attends the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities where he is pursuing a Masters of Divinity, with an emphasis in Peace and Justice. Enzi is one of the co-pastors (and founders of) House of the Transfiguration. House of the Transfiguration is a new church starting up in Minneapolis. They are dreaming together about a community that celebrates and welcomes people, works for justice, and is vitally involved in the community. Enzi is one of the Leaders of trannsaints. Trannsaints empowers leaders of the African American faith communities. Enzi is a street based outreach worker for Lutheran Social Services. As an outreach worker Enzi connects at risk and homeless youth to resources. He has committed his life to community organizing in areas of intersections; in particular where issues of race, gender, sexuality, faith, and economic justice collide.




Why do I think Black History Month is important?

I have always been passionate about history and I wish more people were as passionate about history as I am. One of the reasons why Black History Month is important is because in a time where history is becoming more and more white washed it’s refreshing to be reminded of the many accomplishments and trials of people from African American decent.

What do I do to contribute to Black History Month?

The simplest thing I do is daily post a status update on Facebook about today in Black History. It’s small, but it allows several thousand people on my friends list to see some small facts about Black History. I also have led a chapel honoring the life of Malcolm X on February 21st each year when I am able to. Black History Month is also a time where I am able to engage the youth I work with on an even more intentional level around their history, my history, and our history.

Today’s feature is a man named Jeff Horton. I’ve met Jeff Horton within the last year and from what I can see, he’s pretty much amazing. He is a person that makes you feel comfortable from the jump, but still manages to be completely honest with you as well. I have had many chats with this man and he’s done lots of interesting things. He’s a phenomenal violinist and from the last 10 months I’ve known him he’s also been a good friend. This is his story:



I was born in New York City on January 29th, 1982. As an infant, I lived in the section of the Bronx called Parkchester. I lived there for three years with my mother, father, older brother, and older sister. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment until my parents decided that it was time to move to a bigger place. After months of searching, my parents found a beautiful three-story house in another section of the Bronx called Kingsbridge Road where I would grow up for the next 15 years.

As an elementary student, I went to a public school in Manhattan called Central Park East II. The school consisted of students ranging from a number of cultural and financial backgrounds. At this school is where I began to learn violin at the age of six with Roberta Tzavaras, founder of the Opus 118 violin program in East Harlem. (For those that may not remember, this is the woman that the 1999 film, “Music of the Heart,” was based on. Ms. Tzavaras and Opus 118 were also the subject of the 1995 documentary, Small Wonders.)

I continued my studies of violin at the world famous Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. I studied all academic subjects as well as majored in music performance. I graduated in May of 2000 where I received a diploma in academics and music.

After high school, I left New York City and attended University in upstate New York at a private school, Ithaca College. At Ithaca, I studied a number of subjects including music, education, business, Italian language, photography, and theater. I graduated from Ithaca with a BA in Theater and a minor in Italian language.

After University, I decided I wanted to see more of the world so I decided to move to Yokohama, Japan to teach English at a conversation school for a year. Living in Japan I fell in love with the people and the vast culture that Japan had to offer. I decided to extend my stay in Japan, indefinitely, and continue to dedicate myself to help Japan and its people learn English.

Today’s feature is a man named Jonathan Taylor. I met him a few years ago when he began working with my father at Station 6 in Des Moines, Iowa. Since that time I’ve come to know how much of an amazing person he is. He’s fantastic right from the first second you meet him. He’s kind, driven, and funny. I see big things in his future. This is his story:



Bio:
Jonathan Pierre-Maurice Taylor
From Council Bluffs, Iowa
Currently living in West Des Moines, Iowa

Jonathan grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa and went to Thomas Jefferson High School. He graduated in 2000 and then went on to study at Drake University. As a high school student he achieved many things in the realm of sports. A four sport athlete – football, track, wrestling, and power-lifting – who was a state qualifier in each, and he still graduated with a 3.64 GPA. He was also named the Council Bluffs Male Athlete of the Year in 2000.

When he got to Drake he was still on the road to success by staying focused on school while still excelling on the football field. He made the Dean’s List in 2003 and was also on the Athletic Director’s honor roll. This didn’t stop him from becoming a 1st-team all-conference and 1st-team all-American player either. At Drake University he joined the prestigious fraternity of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc and was named Brother of the Year (2008). After getting his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2005, he went back to Drake University in 2010 to begin working on his Master’s in Public Administration.

Philanthropically speaking, Jonathan gives his time to many worthy causes. He is currently active in Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc, Local #4: Des Moines Fire Department Union, Zeta Kappa Lambda Educational Foundation, and he sits on the Board of Dietetics for Iowa Gubernatorial Board of Commissions. From May 2006 – May 2007 he was a member of the Drake Black Men’s Alumni Association.

He also has an up to date coaching license. He was the varsity running back coach for Roosevelt High School from May 2004 – July 2005. He was a personal trainer for awhile and had an internship as a strength and conditioning coach at Drake University.

Jonathan has not stopped there. His full time job is working as a firefighter and paramedic for the Des Moines Fire Department (DMFD). He started at in 2005 and has been acquiring certifications to increase his skill set on the job. He was given a Letter of Commendation and a Certificate of Meritorious Service in March 2007.



Here is why Jonathan thinks Black History and Black History Month is important:

It’s important to not forget that we aren't that far removed from a segregated country. My mom was born in 1948 and remembers the civil rights movement very vividly; the dogs, the fire hoses, the oppression of the 50's and 60's and even into the 70's. My generation likes to think it happened a long time ago, but many fail to remember we are only a generation removed from it all.

Something else that is lost in Black History by the masses is the impact Black people have had on American history; just like every other culture, nationality, and ethnic group. With that being said, most people who aren't Black can trace their heritage back to a specific place, country, town, and/or village, which can’t be said for most Blacks. This is why the term African-American doesn't apply to all Black people.

Black History is a very vital and important part of American History that is lost in most everyday conversation. Open a history book and note the mention of Black people's involvement outside of the Civil Rights Movement; I have a hard time believing you will find much. We are a strong, vested, important, and significant part in the history of this country. In other words, to acknowledge Black History is to acknowledge American History.

I couldn’t let Ms. Houston’s passing go by without my own little tribute. So, we are diverting today from the regular emails and celebrating the woman I’ve loved since I was a kid. This is my Whitney journey:



RIP Whitney Houston
August 9. 1963 -- February 11, 2012

“Here I sit…trying not to cry…asking myself why…” – Heartbreak Hotel

I have loved Whitney Houston ever since I can remember. My mom had me listening to The Bodyguard soundtrack before I could understand what `Queen of the Night` even meant. Now, don’t get me wrong; Whitney had her issues and we all poked fun at her. 'Crack is Whack' has been parodied how many times? However, we kid because we love, right?! At the bottom of all that we wanted Whitney to come back and rule the charts again.

I grew up on Whitney. `Exhale (Shoop Shoop)` was one of my favorite songs in middle school, even though I wasn`t old enough to watch the movie til many years later. The Preacher`s Wife was a staple that my mother and I watched regularly. (Plus, Denzel looks amazing in that grey trench coat.) Prince of Egypt was made even more amazing because of the beautiful music that Whitney and Mariah made together. And…not even gonna lie…I LOVED the Whitney and Brandy version of Cinderella. How could you not?!

I can`t even begin to describe how many times I have listened to the `My Love is Your Love` album. It always spoke to me even if I wasn`t going through the things she was talking about in the music. That being said, the title song is one that I truly believe is what life is about: LOVE. Whitney had a gift that lifted people up and made them happy. How could you not want to dance with everyone when `I Wanna Dance With Somebody` came on the record player?



So I, for one, will be listening to Whitney on a loop for quite some time and praying that the woman has finally met some peace. It feels like one of my besties is gone forever. Thank you Lord, for preserving her music for generations to come.



“If I should die this very day
Don't cry, 'cause on Earth we weren't meant to stay
And no matter what the people say
I'll be waiting for you after the judgment day” - Your Love Is My Love

Today I'd like to take a break from profiling individuals and highlight a few institutions that have helped educate and inspire many people. These institutions in and of themselves have shaped Black History in a very positive way over the years.



1. The first university I'd like to highlight is Clark Atlanta University. This university is a merger of the two schools Clark College and Atlanta University. Clark College was first opened in 1869, while Atlanta University was opened in 1865. The two schools merged in 1988 and have seen immense success. They offer a variety of programs and they are located in the heart of Atlanta. Clark College was the first liberal arts college for African Americans and Atlanta University was the first African American graduate school. The highest degree they offer is a doctoral degree; however, they offer degrees in 38 areas. One of its notable faculty members was none other than W.E.B. DuBois. (http://www.cau.edu)



2. The second university I'd like to highlight is Howard University. This university is located in the heart of our nation's capital and shortly after the Civil War in 1866. The school was named after Civil War hero General Oliver O. Howard. The university received it's first African American President in 1926; his name was Dr. Mordecai Wyatt Johnson. Howard University created what is said to be the first civil rights course in history in 1938. It started small, but it is currently one of only 48 U.S. private, Doctoral/Research-Extensive universities, comprising 12 schools and colleges with 10,500 students enjoying academic pursuits in more than 120 areas of study leading to undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. A notable graduate of Howard University is the late US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. (http://www.howard.edu/)



3. The third university I'd like to highlight is Alcorn State University. This university has three locations in Lorman, Natchez, and Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was founded in 1871 and is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States and the second oldest state supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi. It was founded as the result of the people of Mississippi's to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved Africans. Its location was originally the site of Oakland College. Alcorn State University operates seven divisions with degree programs in more than 50 areas including the bachelors, masters, and educational specialist degrees. A notable graduate of Alcorn State University is Medgar Evers, Mississippi's first NAACP field secretary. (http://www.alcorn.edu/)



4. The last university I'd like to highlight today is Spelman College. It is a female institution that was founded in 1881 and is also located in the heart of Atlanta. Originally it was called Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary and was founded by Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles. The school changed its name to Spelman College in 1924. It currently enrolls 2,100 students, in 27 different bachelor’s degree programs. Their current President, appointed in 2004, is Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum. She has written one of my favorite books on race titled "Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria?" A notable graduate of Spelman College is Ruth A. Davis, 24th Director General of the United States Foreign Service. If you have some time, please take a look at the Spelman College YouTube page for some amazing videos about the people and event of Spelman. (http://www.spelman.edu/)

Today’s feature is a man named Jeremial Rife. Jeremial is a person that has been in my life for a very long time. When I first began lifeguarding in 1998 at the Riverfront YMCA, in Des Moines, Iowa, Jeremial was there. He was a lifeguard at the time, just like me, but over the next six years he came to be the Youth Director at Riverfront. He inspired many kids from all over the community and was always quick to give a listening ear. He was also the person who sparked my ‘get fit’ journey that led me to a 60 pound (27.3 kg) weight loss in 2010. This is his story:



Birth Place - Des Moines, Iowa
Birth Date - June 2, 1975
High School - DSM Hoover
College - Graceland University
Post Grad Work - William Penn University

Born in Des Moines, Iowa Jeremial (JT) Rife has been somewhat of an
accomplished person. Voted in High school to be the least likely to
succeed, I have done many things since graduating high school. First, I
have actually sung on national television. In 1994, a friend and I were working the telephone bank for the Jerry Lewis telethon, and the host, Mike Pace, asked the volunteers if they had any special talents to share with the late night audience. My friend and I said that we would sing "Amazing Grace" and after a quick audition, the host allowed us, two Graceland University students, to sing "Amazing Grace."

Also, I have been an accomplished servant to the community by serving on
many active boards including the Inner City Urban Development League and the John R Grubb YMCA, to which I have been the chair of both.

For the past 15 years, I have been a licensed minister; serving as a youth
pastor/leader in several churches in the Des Moines area.

I currently work at the Principal Financial Group in the Specialty
Benefits Division, am married to my wife, Jayne, and have a handsome baby boy named
Xavier.



I think Black History Month is important because it gives us, as black people,
an opportunity to reflect on where we have been and where we came from. As I
am witnessing in my own inner circle, if you do not make Black History
important, others will not either. Most white people do not understand why
Black History is so important. What most white people fail to realize is
that without this annual recognition, most black people would not have any
real exposure to their sense of culture or pride in what we, as black people,
have actually accomplished.

Today’s feature is a man that I am proud to say has been my manager, my friend, and my mentor on a number of things. I have learned many things from Ryan in the four years I’ve known him, mostly about how to respect others while still keeping your beliefs strong. He sets a good example in business and in life about how to be. This is his story:



Bio:
Ryan Wahl
34 years old
Father of a 2 ½ year old son
Born in Colorado Springs, CO
Currently in West Des Moines, IA
Sales Representative

When Heather asked me to write about Black History Month, I found it rather odd. Why me? I am a 34 year old white male, originally from Colorado Springs. I grew up in a middle income family, in a good neighborhood, located just down the street from my elementary school. It’s hard to explain, but I never broke my friends down into categories. I never said “I have Black friends. I have Asian friends. I have Hispanic friends.” It’s not something I did or ever thought about. They were simply my friends. They were good to me so I was good to them. The only color I really ever saw was golden, as in the Golden Rule, which is something I firmly still believe in. The concept and intention of Black History Month never really resonated with me until I went to college.

I attended Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. It is a small liberal arts college with an enrollment, during my time, of probably 1,500 students. The campus was small and easy to navigate, but I could quickly see that the diversity I was so familiar with was not as evident. Coming from a city with a population of 400,000 to a city with one of 85,000, it should have been expected. I had friends who would joke that I was the “blackest guy on campus”, which I took no offense to because I didn’t understand that their intentions were from a negative place. You see, I was greatly influenced by hip hop growing up. I loved the style, the music, and the self-confidence I saw radiating from the people I watched. I launched Hip Hop Friday Nights on the campus radio station my freshman year. Honestly, I wasn’t very good, but I liked bringing a taste of that culture to the campus. I had a few people come in the years after that really helped the night become the most listened to night on campus radio. I thought this was all a great sign, that there was no ill will towards me and the way I carried myself. It wasn’t until a great friend of mine explained the negativity behind the comment that it really sank in to me that the lack of exposure and education on the Black community to these people from small, rural towns is what continues to perpetuate stereotypes.

What does any of this have to do with Black History Month? My years in small towns that lack the cultural diversity that larger cities offer are, in my opinion, in most need of exposure to the amazing contributions of Black people throughout the world. The only exposure they get is what is on the news, in movies, or music. That is such a small sampling of anyone and usually does nothing more than perpetuate stereotypes. This month can and should be used to explore, expose, and convey the amazing and beautiful contributions that so many Black inventors, artists, and everyday people have given to society.



I think the best thing that I can do as the father of a young son is continue raising my child in a home that does not see color and just love people for who they are. My son doesn’t see “Daddy’s Black friend Jeff”, he sees his Uncle Jeff; just like Jeff’s children see me as Uncle Ryan. Although a small start, teaching children not to see color is a beautiful thing. I believe it’s a step to fully integrating Black history into the full year, especially in schools. Why is it that when children are learning about the moon landing they can’t also learn about George Carruthers, whose work culminated in the camera/spectrograph that was placed on the moon in 1972? (Thanks to Marvin Lee Dangerfield for the link on this story.)

Today’s feature is a woman named Tara Seals. I met this girl when she was a lowly freshman at William Jewell College (‘cuz you know I was a big bad sophomore, lol). Her energy is undeniable. It’s impossible to not love Tara from the first time you meet her. She is strong and kind; plus she is talented as all get-out. This is her story.



My name is Tara Seals and I am a 27 year old African-American Young Lady who has definitely made a mark in history. I am currently a Public Health Nurse at the Kansas City Health Department and I work in the Child Immunization Clinic. I also work part time as a staff nurse at Children's Mercy Hospital. These are both great accomplishments; I am preventing diseases and educating the community with my full time job, plus caring for the sick in the pediatric field at Children's Mercy. However, I feel like my mark in history comes from other areas in my life.



I attended and graduated from William Jewell College, which is a predominately white private college, with a degree in nursing. There were only 6 African Americans who graduated from this program in 2007. In 2006 I was the 2nd African American to win Homecoming Queen and shortly after was honored with the Liberty Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award.

In April 2009 I became a member of the elite sorority of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., which is a historically Black public service sorority that was founded on January 13, 1913. Black History has impacted my life growing up for sure, but it really hit me when I pledged into Delta. I was taken aback as I learned about the rich history of not only our Phenomenal 22 Founders and the things they accomplished; especially being college educated woman in the 1910's who were educators, singers, lawyers, and made a stand when they walked in the Women's Suffrage March in March of 1913 (which was a movement for women's rights to vote and to hold public office). Our Sorority not only had amazing founders, but amazing members. We have woman who, like Shirley Chisholm, ran for the presidency, or like Frankie Muse Freeman, and the late Dorothy Irene Height; both women who were instrumental in the fight for civil rights for not only African-Americans, but for African-American Women.



I am making history from past accomplishments, but also through me chairing a mentor program for middle school girls through my sorority called the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy Program. We meet with the girls on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month and expose them to educational activities and service learning opportunities that deal with math, science, career exploration, self esteem building, book clubs, and sex education. I take this job seriously because I have an opportunity to give and have a positive impact on the future of Black history through these young ladies. Black History Month is important to me because it is a constant reminder that I am where I am because of what African-Americans have done during their history and I want to be the same for our future.

Today’s feature is a man named Briar Rabbit. He happens to be a guy that I just found the other day while searching information about Black History Month. He is a fantastic talent out of Chicago that is definitely worth checking out. I wasn’t able to get a full account of why he feels Black History Month is important (since he’s currently on tour), but if you check out his video about his new album you can get a good idea about where his feelings are at.

Briar Rabbit Presents "The Great Routine" from Briar Rabbit on Vimeo.

For an added bonus; those in the Des Moines area can have the pleasure of checking him out tonight (Feb 5th) in Clive. He is performing at The Grape Vine located at Ravenwood Office Plaza 2175 NW 86th Street, Suite 4 Clive, Iowa 50325. A $10 cover is well worth this show!

Here is his story:



Bio

According to the Chinese calendar, 2011 was the year of the rabbit. In Chicago, it was no different. Emerging in February, Briar Rabbit released a debut album ("one of best local albums this year" - The Deli Magazine) as well as a music video; was featured on a full-length film, WBEZ, The Chicago Tribune, The Red Eye Chicago and several local blogs; performed at Taste of Chicago, ABC 7's Windy City Live and haunted most of the city's staple venues; raised over $6,000 for a short bus to be converted to run on veggie oil and hit the road all before Christmas. Coining the genre "thought-pop," Briar Rabbit achieves musical complexity without pretension, combines layered lyrics with infectious melody, and presents self-awareness with a strong sense of honesty. It's smart, it's catchy, and if the world doesn't end in 2012, it will make you think as it melts your heart.



The Great Routine Press Release:

Chicago, IL - January 26, 2012. According to the Chinese calendar, 2011 was the year of the rabbit. In Chicago, it was no different. Emerging in February, Briar Rabbit released an acclaimed debut album and music video, performed at Taste of Chicago and on ABC's Windy City Live, raised over $6,000 for a short bus to be converted to run on vegetable oil and hit the road all before Christmas.

Now Briar Rabbit (AKA musician Phillip-Michael Scales) is taking on his most ambitious project to date: The Great Routine is a suite of songs that examines the black minstrel shows of the late 1800s from a contemporary African American perspective.

As a songwriter, Scales was compelled to write The Great Routine after taking an African American Music History class a few years back. In his own words:

"The idea [behind black minstrel shows was] that in order to pursue your passion to its fullest extent, you have to degrade yourself. Once you degrade yourself, you make a lot of money which may or may not be worth something (depending where you go). You are virtually given a pass through society when you're in character. So how do you decide to make that choice? How much can you endure? What difference are you really making? Don't forget your adoring audience, they love you like Mickey Mouse but are simultaneously setting mouse traps at home. There are two separate worlds that rest on your shoulders. Our Minstrel elects to collide those worlds in one event. I didn't write The Great Routine because it was a black story, I wrote it because it was a good story. A story about American entertainment."

In preparation for February's observation of Black History Month, Briar Rabbit has posted an introductory video on his official Website. Every Thursday of the month he will be offering a new track from The Great Routine as a free download in exchange for a post on Twitter.

Official Briar Rabbit Website w/ introductory video and song download for The Great Routine:

http://www.briarrabbit.net/

Today’s feature is a woman that has been inspiring me for years, Dr. Cecelia Robinson. She is strong and kind. She is motivating and patient. Plus, she truly cares about each and every student she teaches. I love her and I know you will too. This is her story:



Celebrating Black History

Celebrating Black History Month on the William Jewell College campus has been a part of my work for thirty-three years. From the moment I was hired on this predominately-white campus, I knew that my destiny would be intrinsically linked not only to the course work that I would teach, but also to the task of sharing my cultural legacy and black perspective on the issues and events affecting African Americans on the Hill. Jewell has grown more diverse, but not with African American diversity; we are still the least represented minority. Taking the time to recognize Black History month allows our campus and country to honor, and show support for the only individuals who arrived in America bound in chains. We have survived and emerged victoriously like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Though some in society may see our race as a burden, we have earned the right to be celebrated.

Unfortunately, early historians failed to chronicle black contributions; so much has been omitted and neglected. I am the volunteer historian for the Clay County African American Legacy Inc., and I serve on the Clay County Historical Millennium Board. The work I do for these organizations focuses on making the community aware of the contributions of African Americans to the northland. Blacks have been an integral part of the history of Clay County since the 1820’s. My dream is for every American to recognize African Americans as productive heroes and heroines who are making this world a better place to live. We are more than popular culture icons in the sports and music entertainment industry. This goal can be achieved through education.
My father was a history teacher and perhaps it was predestined that I would grow to love history as a hobby. Researching and chronicling information on African American pioneers of the northland has taken me on a twenty-five year journey. I have traveled throughout the counties of Clay, Platt, and Boone, interviewing hundreds of people. Moreover, I have trekked though cornfields, old cemeteries, the Recorder of Deeds Office, museums, libraries, websites, and read a thousand primary documents dating to the early 1800's. Once, while on a visit to Dr. William Jewell’s family cemetery in Columbia Missouri, I discovered the soles of my shoes covered in persimmons after paying homage at the graves of the enslaved blacks who were a part of his family. Those African American men and women are among the people upon whose shoulders I stand today.

In 2003 my research, which includes a list of over 150 black pioneers, businesses, schools and churches in Clay County dating from the 1800’s to the present day, was engraved on the back of the Freedom Fountain located on the old courthouse square in Liberty. This information is available for everyone to view 365 days per year, including Black History Month. Over the years, the research for this work has been labor-intensive, sometimes done with the help of a magnifying glass and gloves, and sometimes with the help of a shovel and a trowel, but it has always been rewarding to share with others.

Celebrating Black History Month brings me unspeakable joy and pride. I know the trials and tribulations my people have had to endure throughout history. We have worked and labored in fields for people who wanted crops without having to plow the land. We have nursed generations of other people’s children while taking care of our own families. We have planted, cooked, cleaned, and sacrificed while others have “reaped the harvest of golden fruit.” I will celebrate the lives of the millions of African Americans who have been marginalized by a society who often chooses to deny their existence. I will continue to read, research, write and be a voice for those who have been silenced. Today, I am proud to be the only African American professor on the William Jewell campus. I have worked here sixty-six semesters. When I walk across the Quad, I am unbowed: I lift my shoulders, hold my head proudly, and greet everyone with a smile. In any event, I will always encourage celebrating Black History Month, so that no one will ever forget that African Americans helped to build this great nation. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month, would agree.

I had the most amazing opportunity to meet Shaleese when she was still “Beaz” and before she became “Rockett.” Coincidentally enough, we did not meet in our hometown, but in college. We had completely different perspectives of the place we called home, but that didn’t stop us from becoming fantastic friends. It actually encouraged and nursed this friendship. I have seen Ms. Rockett through many a struggle, but she has always and will always come out on top. I am proud to say she is one of MY friends.
This is her story:



My name is Shaleese Beasley-Rockett. I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa. I am the youngest of 3 children. I took the long route of life through several different colleges including William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo, Prince Georges Community College in Largo, MD, and a few other places in between. I found myself landing back in Parkville, Mo, where I graduated from Park University with my bachelors degree in Social Work. Once I moved back to Missouri, I met my husband and had my son and found myself staying in the greater Kansas City area. I then returned to Graduate school and completed my Masters in Social Work in July of 2011. I currently work in the urban core of the city at a non-profit organization called Bishop Sullivan Center-St. James Place. I am employed as a Job Counselor assisting low income job seekers return into the working field. 85% of my clients are African American- and 43% hold a felony conviction. I truly enjoy working with this population and know it is my calling from God.

Why do I believe black history is important? Growing up in Iowa, in a 99.2% white state (at the time it may have increased .5% by now LOL), black history was the furthest thing from many people's minds. I remember the first time I truly recognized that being "black" was different. I was 5 years old and swinging on a swing at school. A classmate of mine told me to get off and I told her no. She loudly shouted "Nigger get off that swing now". My teacher came and put us both in time out???? Our parents were then called in the following day, and my classmate’s father refused to shake my father's hand. That is when my parents started pounding the importance of black history into my mind. Although society was teaching me that black people were lazy, mean, trouble makers, dumb, and had no goals, black history taught me the opposite. Black history taught me how black people were intelligent, creative, strong, and beautiful. I learned that if it wasn't for Black people this country truly wouldn't have much at all. I see the current generation of children lacking their knowledge on black history. As a parent I want my son and future children to understand that being black still means you are creative, strong, and a beautiful person. I hope to instill the positive image of being black into my own children as my parents did for me.



My contribution in black history would be the work that I do within the urban core community. God blessed me to be able to complete my education so that I can give of my time and talents to those in need. Social Workers focus on being advocates for those in society who "slip through the cracks", those that we all see, yet some choose to ignore. My way of giving back is focusing on those in the Black community who meet those criteria, through mental health case management, counseling, or on a political level.

I am finally at the point in my life where I can truly say it loud "I'm Black and I'm Proud."

Hello everyone and welcome to Black History Month 2012. This year I have decided to do something a little bit different. I have asked some friends of mine to tell me their stories; why Black History is important to them and what their individual impact is. I think that Black History is a huge part of the history of America, but I also think that people doing what they do, day in and day out, is a huge part of our history as well. That’s why you will have the pleasure to read about some amazing people who are doing amazing things every day, just by being who they are. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have enjoyed gathering stories.

To start off the month you are going to be reading about a man, who I’ve only known a short while, but has blown me away from day 1. His name is Marvin Dangerfield and this is his story:



Bio:
Marvin Lee Dangerfield
48 years old
Father of six + 2 grand children
Born in New Orleans / Raised in Detroit Michigan
Former: Marine Corps Engineer
Current: Business man / Radio personality in Japan

Upon leaving the military, I decided to stay in Japan and test the waters, and after 30 years of testing the waters I am still here! I’ve worked for various industries here over the years and have come to rest in both Education and Media. I’m a fulltime employee of an English Language School, which has over 36 locations throughout Japan. My current role in this organization is developing their Japanese Language program to assist their employees, instructors, and foreigners in the general public to improve upon their Japanese communication skills. I am also a radio DJ or radio personality, as they say here. I’ve been in this line of work for about 20 years now and love it. So, basically I wear 3 hats: 1) the father, 2) the businessman, and 3) the DJ. I can honestly say I enjoy them all with great passion.

Black History:

As I am a black man from America, born in the 60’s, I have seen a great deal of the good and bad of America and now being an expat; I’ve been able to also view America from a distance and see the various stereo types of the black man. The musician, the athlete, the thug, etc … projected in the news and in movies. The more I see these stereo types, which are very true to a certain degree, the more I feel that educating not only black people about their heritage, but also all people of the world about the positive contributions made by African Americans is extremely important. Here are several points I think are important.

1. Black people need to study and understand our past in order to make a better now and even better future for the black race. Knowledge is power; knowledge brings pride and self awareness. Black children need to be taught about great black people, so that they too can dream and aspire to be great. Education is the key that opens the door.
2. Non Blacks, who only know of or see the bad stereo types of black people need to be educated on the positive contributions made by black men and women, not just Michael Jordan or Jay-Z, but people like: Lonnie G. Johnson, Granville T. Woods, Percy Julian or Elijah McCoy, George Carruthers, and so many others who have helped change the world, not just for black people but for all people, regardless of color.

I grew up in a predominately black environment in the Detroit Metro area, with very little direct day to day contact with white people except for school, work, shopping, etc. There were very few white people who lived in the neighborhood (you could count them on one hand) and we always felt that we could not trust whites or that whites were against us, or had advantages over us, and so on and so on…

Although, this was somewhat true, as we lived in a rough environment and had a shabby public school system, blah blah blah and the images that we had of white folk were from “Happy Days” or the “Brady Bunch”. I learned as I got older, educated, lived with, worked with, and befriended many white people from all over the world, that they basically only knew what they saw on TV or in the Movies about black people, they too had not been educated on the positive contributions or just how similar we all really are, as they too didn’t know us, just as we didn’t know them. That is why being educated on Black History is important for all of us, as it brings us just a bit closer.

What have I done?

Well, as I am but a simple man. I feel my contribution to black history is current and ongoing. As I have great pride in myself, I instill that pride into my children. I teach them, that being black is not a bad thing, and that they should be proud of who they are, so hopefully they will keep that pride with them and pass it on to their children. Also, being in a unique situation where I can meet many men and women from all over the world, I tend to be very positive and show people respect and kindness and expect the same in return. I honestly feel that I have had many interactions and my personality has opened the door for many non blacks to not be afraid of “the black man” and hopefully they will be able to befriend or communicate with other black people.

Lastly, for me being one of the only (maybe only?) 100% black American radio personalities here in Japan, I have hopefully opened the door for many many Japanese people to understand that blacks are just the same as them, we just speak a different language, look a bit different, but deep inside we are the same. On air as in face to face communication, I give and share positivity. I feel at times that I am an unofficial ambassador for black people. If I can conduct myself in the business world, daily daddy world, and the on air radio personality world with pride, respect, intelligence and positivity then, my contribution to black history is being made now and will roll over to the future.

I’m proud of my past, the good things and bad things in it. I’m proud of my heritage and I’m proud to be a strong good man, who just happens to be black!