Black History Month 2013 Day 1

This year I decided to take a look at some of my favorite films and television shows starring black actors. I have also asked　a few friends, Adam Ragan, Marvin Dangerfield, & Staci Robinson, to write up a few as well. These choices may not all be blockbuster releases, well-known, or critically acclaimed, but they have shaped our lives in one way or another. This is　not　to　say,　however,　that　these　are　the　only　films　or　television　programs　with　black　actors　that　have cultural significance or influence, but in the short 28 days allowed for Black History Month these are the ones we wanted to share with you. These choices are not only important to Black History, but American History in general. Do you agree? What would be on your list? Take a look and follow along for Black History Month 2013.

Before we start, I would like to thank the exceptionally talented Asheley Brown for contributing her genius to this year’s banner. Love you so much lady!

'Boyz N The Hood' (1991)

Cultural Significance:

John Singleton wrote and directed this 1991 feature film about childhood friends in South Central Los Angeles. It stars Cuba Gooding Jr in his breakout role along with Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut, and (one of my main men) Ice Cube. The story follows a group of friends through the ups and downs of life in South Central.

This movie has significance in Black History and Cinematic History for a couple of reasons. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. This made John Singleton the youngest person to ever be nominated for Best Director, as well as the first African-American nominated for this award.

It had a budget of $6.5 million and grossed $57.5 million. It was also screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. In 2002 this film was deemed ‘culturally significant’ by the Library of Congress and in turn was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

The film is still referenced in rap music and had its 20th anniversary DVD release in 2011. Rotten Tomatoes, a movie review website, has given it a 96% rating and IMDB rates the film at 7.7 out of 10. Needless to say, the film still holds a lot of significance in popular culture.

Personal Significance:

Now, this movie has a really funny memory for me. Why, you ask? It is most definitely not a comedy, but the way I first watched it is very humorous. My parents used to tape movies off HBO and put all the titles down on a list. I would read through the list and find movies I thought were interesting, but needless to say in the mid-90s I was much too young to watch most of them. My parents would always say no when I said I wanted to watch Boyz ‘N’ The Hood, and the only reason I can think of that I wanted to watch it was because I thought the title was cool. So, one night when my grandma was babysitting us I got her to let us watch it. She said, “Are you sure you can watch this?” I said, “Of course! Mom and Dad let us watch it all the time.” As we get into the movie my grandma asks again (this time with more doubt in her voice) and I give the same answer (with more elation obviously). We finished it up and I went to bed. As you may guess, my parents were none too pleased, but that film has stuck with me forever. I never really thought about the violence, but I will always remember Cuba Gooding Jr’s impactful performance as Tre Styles.

If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend it for the strong performances and the powerful story. If you have seen it I recommend revisiting this fantastic film.

Sources:
Wikipedia
IMDB

Calvin Dwayne Straughter 1982-2012

Calvin Dwayne Straughter. Here is a man that could make you love him and hate him in the same moment. Here is a man that made my college years so full of life and learning, but also made me want to strangle him on a consistent basis. Every time I’d ask him why he would say or do things when he knew it made me mad he’d just say “Because I’m testing you to see how far I can push our friendship. If I push you hard but you stick around I will know you are a true friend.” The crazy thing is that Calvin couldn’t be pushed back, not often anyway.

He was, however, always up for a heated discussion. I’ve heard that Calvin was a much angrier person before I met him in 2002, but the only anger I ever saw from Calvin was to better the human race. He got angry about things that a lot of people still push under the rug and ignore. I always valued that in Calvin and it took me a long time to be able to stand up and defend others like he did. Most people that didn’t know him just thought he was an “angry black man,” but it wasn’t just about race. He wanted equality for all. When Jewell was having discussions about protecting people regardless of sexual orientation Calvin was one of the loudest (and we all know he was loud) supporters of this protection on campus. I will never forget how Calvin wanted everyone to feel wanted and loved. Calvin chose the first Unity t-shirt quote by Audre Lorde “Your silence will not protect you.” Calvin encapsulated every part of this quote and taught me to try as I might be as impactful as he was.

Now, I knew bits and pieces about Black History when I met Calvin, but I would not be the advocate I am today for promoting the history of African Americans that I am without him. From my first Unity meeting where I fully found out how sheltered I had been to discussing “Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In The Cafeteria?” I started my journey when I met him. He led us, as Unity and as a campus, to greater understanding of what togetherness can feel like. He led our Unity family and wove it into the tight knit group it still is today. William Jewell College was forever changed when Calvin Straughter walked onto its campus and I was forever changed when he first stood up to lead a Unity meeting. William Jewell, for me, was synonymous with Calvin Straughter. My experience wouldn’t have been as full or fun without. That being said it may have been a bit less stressful sometimes, but I’ll take it.

Calvin taught me to stand up and not be afraid to ask the tough questions. He also taught me how to act as silly as possible with too many people watching. I can still remember him giving the backbeat to folks in the cafeteria while they freestyled to things as trivial as food trays and mystery meat. I cherish those silly days in the cafeteria, but I also cherish the days when he was making me work my tail off to put on the first annual Unity Step Show. Man, that still feels like one of the coolest accomplishments I’ve ever been a part of. I never thought I would know what my true passions in life were, but through Unity and the friendships I gained through Unity I found my true passion: love for people, not matter who you are.

Calvin was always still keeping up with me, even as I moved to Japan to start this amazing journey for myself. I had the pleasure of reading an early novel of his that has since been taken away due to stupid computer problems, but I got this glimpse in that moment of the greatness that I am so saddened to say won’t be able to be shared with the world. I cannot imagine the world without Calvin Straughter being a name that everyone on earth knows. How could this be? How am I never going to be able to hear Calvin tell me how he wants to know what life is like or how I’m doing? How can he never be the light that made us all burn so bright? How can he not be here to help those “UNLEARN” what we have so ridiculously been taught by history? How can our leader be gone? I was so excited to feature Calvin in my blog, but I never in a million years imagined it would be a tribute. It was supposed to be during a Pulitzer Prize winning moment. I feel robbed, but I know that the world has truly been robbed because now the whole world doesn’t get the chance to be fully changed and transformed by Calvin Straughter. I’m just thankful, lucky, and blessed that I was able to get that opportunity myself. I love you friend. C Straughter, forever, you crazy punk.

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/)