There are many negative media images about black boys and men. However, I know black men who are being the village to our youth. I grew up watching the men in my neighborhood reach out to young kids in the community. If they were hanging out, Read More …
2019 Update: Republican Congressman Steve King said, “White nationalist, white supremacist, western civilization – how did that language become offensive?” A few days later other Republicans spoke out. However, for years King had been known to use racist language. The new face of the Republican party includes Read More …
As a kid growing up in Chicago, I always looked forward to the Bud Billiken Parade. It signaled back to school, but also highlighted talent in the black community. Black dignataries, celebrities, athletes, musicians, and marching bands from across the nation would come to the Read More …
I waited until I went home to let my tears flow. God, how is this possible in 2015? Prayers to the victims’ families and parishioners of this historic church. I am at a loss for words. Therefore, I will share Jon Stewart’s monologue. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/18/jon-stewart-charleston-no-jokes_n_7618110.html
Too often, the month of February is relegated to reruns of Alex Haley’s Roots on television and commercials with companies saluting black leaders. In the 1980s, there was a slogan: “It’s a black thing. You won’t understand.” History is not a black thing. It is an Read More …
It is rare that I am at a loss for words. However, I struggle to properly phrase the loss humanity has experienced. We love legends – Leonidas and his stand at Thermopylae, Gandhi’s humility crumbling British reign over India, King’s stand against the great USA Read More …
It is said that the true test of a relationship is how one responds to tragedy. In a previous post, I mentioned how America is like a big family of extended relatives. https://ronda-isms.com/uncategorized/real-america/ Like most families, we fuss and argue, but in the end, we Read More …
2019 Update: In 2013, some whispered there is no racism in America because we have a black president. Yet, President Barack Obama, his wife, FLOTUS Michelle, and daughters were ridiculed and had monkey caricatures made of them. This weekend in the nation’s capital, a Native Read More …
My heart and prayers go out to the victims, survivors, responders, and everyone involved at Sandy Hook Elementary School. It’s a week before Christmas and this happens. I am nostalgic this time of year, but this happens and you’re reminded that we don’t live in Read More …
I am now a New Yorker. However, on 9/11/2011 I am not. I was not here on 9/11/2001 to experience what New Yorkers endured. I vividly recall where I was and what I was doing when it happened. I was working as a contract attorney Read More …
For readers that have not been singled out for being part of an ethnic group or the color of your skin, this may be hard for you to understand. However, when the world around you says that everything about you is wrong: your skin color, Read More …
2019 Update: As some murmur about why we have a MLK holiday and Black History Month, the Guardian reports, “the FBI investigated a civil rights organization for potential “conspiracy” against the “rights” of the “Ku Klux Klan” and white supremacists” and the rise of the Proud Boys (organizers of Read More …