excerpt from CHEROKEE FEAST OF DAYS, DAILY MEDITATIONS, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
Little is more symbolic to the Cherokee than a crystal-clear flowing stream. The banks of such a stream have known the most meaningful prayers, the worship and gratitude of the innermost soul. It is here that the Great Spirit speaks to us in supernatural ways, for the Cherokee. The stream not only cleanses and washes away wrong and error but it is the tongue over which slip the words that have been fed there by the last rain. The words are a direct form of communication to the Great Holy Spirit, Who so centers our lives. All rivers run to the sea - whether it is a person's life or the flowing stream. Some of it is turbulent, some peaceful - with depths and shallow places, with swift mainstreams and circling eddies. But it is always moving, always gathering into its flow the experiences that make us who we are.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
MOVING BACK HOME TO CHEROKEE
I just successfully found an apartment in Cherokee, NC on the reservation. It is the same apartment complex I used to live in only a different apartment. It is on the river and I can again wake up to the sound of the river and the birds. I can renew old friendships and find new friends. I can find the spirit of my daddy, fresh and loving again. The faces I see will be familiar and welcome.
It will take a while to get settled, the move is scheduled for November 1 so I will again be off track for awhile but never fear. I will return with a fresh spirit.
Much love,
Anne
It will take a while to get settled, the move is scheduled for November 1 so I will again be off track for awhile but never fear. I will return with a fresh spirit.
Much love,
Anne
Monday, August 22, 2011
REVISITING THE KALEIDOSCOPE
excerpt from ANNE'S WRITINGS (see Aug 25, 2010)
I woke up this morning thinking of my first blog with my own ethnicity and remembered how strongly I felt impelled to share my journey of discovering my human family with others.
This poem of my own story was written in November 2002. The past two months have been a journey of healing and discovery with my biological family and I thank God for each pause and chance to renew and enjoy this. I wish you a loving journey with your own family as I repeat this first blog.
FOCUSING THE KALEIDOSCOPE
Reconciling my heritage. Who am I? My search.
Even as a child it seems I was always watching from the outside. Some would say trauma could cause a shell of protection around the heart and mind. Mayhaps, the physical, mental and sexual abuse I know to be a part of my earliest days caused this very real part of who I am.
Inside the shell only I know just how tender and fragile yet fiercely strong my heart and mind are.
Always, I remember searching.
What was I searching for? - my unique place in the universe.
One thing I seemed to always know, God was with me, loved me, nurtured me, protected me in even the most horrendous of times.
When I gave my heart it was completely. It was returned to me battered and sore. Still I think to give it again.
From my family the traits of many cultures formed the kaleidoscope of who I am. Getting the picture in focus has been my life's quest. My feeble, biased guesses tell me of the parts.
From the English I get the compulsions, the inclination toward living in the head rather than the heart, and the need for the image of perfection.
From the Irish I get the romantic notions, the thrill of the mysterious breezes and flutters of the butterfly, the quickening of my heart when I hear the whispers of the fairies, the raucous delight in the laughter of my children, the weepiness at the sigh of the stranger.
From the Scot I get the stoic, the persistence, the grit to put one foot in front of the other even though the path is thorny and around the corner may dwell danger and pain.
From the Jew maybe I get the sense of martyrdom, of being put upon by life's changes and chances, of persistence in my faith, of the desire for a culture that defines me yet is so illusive it shimmers distantly in its many forms and colors like a mirage.
From the Indian I get my center, my connection to the green, the wind, the sound of the rustle of leaves, the sense of the solidness of the earth, the soothing fluidity of a lake or ocean, the kinship to the animals who have their special purpose, the sense that there is a deep spirituality reflected in all of God's creation on this physical plane. The beat of the drums echoes my heartbeat, the piercing poignancy of the flute lifts my soul and causes it to soar and dip and throb. I sense an eternal wisdom in the still, calm acceptance of life's lessons and yet a fierceness in remaining true to inner understandings.
Who am I? Will my later years find me softening the shell and coming forth from my chrysalis to fly freely, toward the sun and the flowers and perchance be willing to rest on your shoulder?
Nov 2002
Anne Hunter Respess
I woke up this morning thinking of my first blog with my own ethnicity and remembered how strongly I felt impelled to share my journey of discovering my human family with others.
This poem of my own story was written in November 2002. The past two months have been a journey of healing and discovery with my biological family and I thank God for each pause and chance to renew and enjoy this. I wish you a loving journey with your own family as I repeat this first blog.
FOCUSING THE KALEIDOSCOPE
Reconciling my heritage. Who am I? My search.
Even as a child it seems I was always watching from the outside. Some would say trauma could cause a shell of protection around the heart and mind. Mayhaps, the physical, mental and sexual abuse I know to be a part of my earliest days caused this very real part of who I am.
Inside the shell only I know just how tender and fragile yet fiercely strong my heart and mind are.
Always, I remember searching.
What was I searching for? - my unique place in the universe.
One thing I seemed to always know, God was with me, loved me, nurtured me, protected me in even the most horrendous of times.
When I gave my heart it was completely. It was returned to me battered and sore. Still I think to give it again.
From my family the traits of many cultures formed the kaleidoscope of who I am. Getting the picture in focus has been my life's quest. My feeble, biased guesses tell me of the parts.
From the English I get the compulsions, the inclination toward living in the head rather than the heart, and the need for the image of perfection.
From the Irish I get the romantic notions, the thrill of the mysterious breezes and flutters of the butterfly, the quickening of my heart when I hear the whispers of the fairies, the raucous delight in the laughter of my children, the weepiness at the sigh of the stranger.
From the Scot I get the stoic, the persistence, the grit to put one foot in front of the other even though the path is thorny and around the corner may dwell danger and pain.
From the Jew maybe I get the sense of martyrdom, of being put upon by life's changes and chances, of persistence in my faith, of the desire for a culture that defines me yet is so illusive it shimmers distantly in its many forms and colors like a mirage.
From the Indian I get my center, my connection to the green, the wind, the sound of the rustle of leaves, the sense of the solidness of the earth, the soothing fluidity of a lake or ocean, the kinship to the animals who have their special purpose, the sense that there is a deep spirituality reflected in all of God's creation on this physical plane. The beat of the drums echoes my heartbeat, the piercing poignancy of the flute lifts my soul and causes it to soar and dip and throb. I sense an eternal wisdom in the still, calm acceptance of life's lessons and yet a fierceness in remaining true to inner understandings.
Who am I? Will my later years find me softening the shell and coming forth from my chrysalis to fly freely, toward the sun and the flowers and perchance be willing to rest on your shoulder?
Nov 2002
Anne Hunter Respess
Monday, August 8, 2011
ISN'T IT TIME
Song from France by Gregory Paul, Baha'i
"Did you ever look into the eyes of happy childen
Did it make you feel like being young again?
Do you know there are a million kids just like them
Who won't live past the age of nine or ten?
Isn't it time, isn't it time, isn't it time
Isn't it time to help the children of mankind?
Did you ever look into the eyes of a child that's hungry
Did you wonder how it feels to have no food?
You could ask ten million kids who know the feeling
They will tell you that isn't very good.
Isn't it time, isn't it time, isn't it time
Isn't it time to feed the children of mankind.?
Did you ever look into the eyes of a war torn soldier
or hear the cry of mothers who have lost their son,
As they get down on their knees
And pray O dear God please
Change the world that gives our children guns.
Isn't it time, isn't it time, isn't it time
Isn't it time to save the children of mankind?
Did you ever think that if we really loved our children
We would not wait one day to end all wars
And then the earth could be as one great country
With peace for all mankind,
Forever more.
Isn't it time, isn't it time, isnt it time
Isn't it time to love the children of mankind?
"Did you ever look into the eyes of happy childen
Did it make you feel like being young again?
Do you know there are a million kids just like them
Who won't live past the age of nine or ten?
Isn't it time, isn't it time, isn't it time
Isn't it time to help the children of mankind?
Did you ever look into the eyes of a child that's hungry
Did you wonder how it feels to have no food?
You could ask ten million kids who know the feeling
They will tell you that isn't very good.
Isn't it time, isn't it time, isn't it time
Isn't it time to feed the children of mankind.?
Did you ever look into the eyes of a war torn soldier
or hear the cry of mothers who have lost their son,
As they get down on their knees
And pray O dear God please
Change the world that gives our children guns.
Isn't it time, isn't it time, isn't it time
Isn't it time to save the children of mankind?
Did you ever think that if we really loved our children
We would not wait one day to end all wars
And then the earth could be as one great country
With peace for all mankind,
Forever more.
Isn't it time, isn't it time, isnt it time
Isn't it time to love the children of mankind?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
WHY INTERMARRIAGE?
excerpt from RACEUNITY@ (see Aug 31, 2010)
response to above question: July 18,
"Dear .......,
Your thoughts are very much on target! I would like to comment on your comments on intermarriage. In the joining of two souls attracted by love (which is how I believe all marriaqges should start out) there is an immediate need to figure out how to lovingly come together and work out sharing space, thoughts, maybe even toothbrushes occassionally. The need to find comfort and acceptance with another's differences in style, music taste, food preferences, communication nuances, etc. is so daily present that each becomes less selfish, less ego-centric, more patient, more giving (if they really want it to work). Don't all those actions seem to be good ways to eliminate the false barrier of the differences in skin color? Don't they give the possibility of a blending of cultures into a new culture based on love and respect. This is my understanding of why Baha'is are encouraged to intermarry. And when they produce beautiful children who have inherited the best of both we see a new race of humankind.
Love in the struggle,
Anne"
response to above question: July 18,
"Dear .......,
Your thoughts are very much on target! I would like to comment on your comments on intermarriage. In the joining of two souls attracted by love (which is how I believe all marriaqges should start out) there is an immediate need to figure out how to lovingly come together and work out sharing space, thoughts, maybe even toothbrushes occassionally. The need to find comfort and acceptance with another's differences in style, music taste, food preferences, communication nuances, etc. is so daily present that each becomes less selfish, less ego-centric, more patient, more giving (if they really want it to work). Don't all those actions seem to be good ways to eliminate the false barrier of the differences in skin color? Don't they give the possibility of a blending of cultures into a new culture based on love and respect. This is my understanding of why Baha'is are encouraged to intermarry. And when they produce beautiful children who have inherited the best of both we see a new race of humankind.
Love in the struggle,
Anne"
Saturday, July 23, 2011
TRIBAL DANCING
excerpt from CHEROKEE DIARY(see Aug 31, 2010)
Tribal dancing is passed on from one generation to another. I was glad to have been able to see many such dances both in powwows and community life, in Chicago, Illinois, Florida and Cherokee, North Carolina. One such time was a presentation by the American Indian Dance Theatre. This group has been entertaining and educating audiences all over the world since May 1987. It has achieved a unique position in both the international dance world and in the American Indian world. It includes dancers and musicians from many tirbes thoughout the US and Canada. The program not only announced the dances and dancers but gave a short description of the story behind each dance. I will attempt in a small way to convey some of the meaning in some of the most common of the dances seen. Many of the traditional dances recreate the old myths, tell stories of the hunt and battles and often incorporate animal movements.
The grass dance movements convey the story of the young men preparing a field for the community to have a community dance. The motion is a sweeping gesture to smooth and mash the prairie grass flat. The dancer's movements and their outfits simulate the grass rippling in the wind.
Many animals are honored by being represented in dance motions. For example:
The buffalo is honored for the sacrifice of their lives to provide the tribe with food for nutrition, skins for warm in clothing, blankets, and hide for the teepees. The bones were used to make tools.
The eagle is sacred to all tribes and is a symbol of wisdom, strength and power. It is believed that eagles are messengers between Man and the Creator.
Old style War Dance and Fancy Dance - The steps of the modern Fancy Dance are based on the older Warrior Society dances. Modern warriors challenge one another using their most intricate footwork, spins, leaps and brilliant plumage.
Traditinal and Modern Hoop Dances -Throughout the eastern woodlands socials are held in the Long Houses. The Smoke Dancer helps fan the smoke from the center fire out through the roof smoke hole.
Fancy Shawl Dance - Women rarely entered the dance circle as soloists until recently. The dance traces it's beginnings to the Butterfly Dance. After her mate is killed, the female butterfly mourns her loss by retreating into her cocoon, represented by the shawl. Her emergence celebrates freedom and her new life.
I hope this small attempt to familiarize those of you who don't have an Indian background with what I feel is the poetry in motion of a people maintaining their culture in a beautiful way. Those of you blessed to have this be your culture, please be forgiving of my feeble efforts to honor you.
Tribal dancing is passed on from one generation to another. I was glad to have been able to see many such dances both in powwows and community life, in Chicago, Illinois, Florida and Cherokee, North Carolina. One such time was a presentation by the American Indian Dance Theatre. This group has been entertaining and educating audiences all over the world since May 1987. It has achieved a unique position in both the international dance world and in the American Indian world. It includes dancers and musicians from many tirbes thoughout the US and Canada. The program not only announced the dances and dancers but gave a short description of the story behind each dance. I will attempt in a small way to convey some of the meaning in some of the most common of the dances seen. Many of the traditional dances recreate the old myths, tell stories of the hunt and battles and often incorporate animal movements.
The grass dance movements convey the story of the young men preparing a field for the community to have a community dance. The motion is a sweeping gesture to smooth and mash the prairie grass flat. The dancer's movements and their outfits simulate the grass rippling in the wind.
Many animals are honored by being represented in dance motions. For example:
The buffalo is honored for the sacrifice of their lives to provide the tribe with food for nutrition, skins for warm in clothing, blankets, and hide for the teepees. The bones were used to make tools.
The eagle is sacred to all tribes and is a symbol of wisdom, strength and power. It is believed that eagles are messengers between Man and the Creator.
Old style War Dance and Fancy Dance - The steps of the modern Fancy Dance are based on the older Warrior Society dances. Modern warriors challenge one another using their most intricate footwork, spins, leaps and brilliant plumage.
Traditinal and Modern Hoop Dances -Throughout the eastern woodlands socials are held in the Long Houses. The Smoke Dancer helps fan the smoke from the center fire out through the roof smoke hole.
Fancy Shawl Dance - Women rarely entered the dance circle as soloists until recently. The dance traces it's beginnings to the Butterfly Dance. After her mate is killed, the female butterfly mourns her loss by retreating into her cocoon, represented by the shawl. Her emergence celebrates freedom and her new life.
I hope this small attempt to familiarize those of you who don't have an Indian background with what I feel is the poetry in motion of a people maintaining their culture in a beautiful way. Those of you blessed to have this be your culture, please be forgiving of my feeble efforts to honor you.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
ALL OUR RELATIONS
Excerpt from ONLY BY YOUR TOUCH, by Catherine Anderson
"Jeremy (six year old) asked, 'Did God make those baby chipmunks, Ben?'
"' He did ', said Ben (Shosone veterinarian).
"' Are all of them my brothers and sisters, too?'
"'They are,' Ben said in that same oddly quiet way. 'And if you remember that when you become a man, Jeremy, you will be extraordinary.'
"'What's 'strodinary mean?'
"Ben thought for a moment. 'It means you may have to walk through life alone, that few will come behind you and only a very special person will chose to walk beside you.'
"Won't that be lonesome?'
"Ben fllicked Chloe (Jeremy's mother) a searching look. ' Sometimes, yes. But if you know you're walking the right way, you grow to accept the loneliness'"
"Jeremy (six year old) asked, 'Did God make those baby chipmunks, Ben?'
"' He did ', said Ben (Shosone veterinarian).
"' Are all of them my brothers and sisters, too?'
"'They are,' Ben said in that same oddly quiet way. 'And if you remember that when you become a man, Jeremy, you will be extraordinary.'
"'What's 'strodinary mean?'
"Ben thought for a moment. 'It means you may have to walk through life alone, that few will come behind you and only a very special person will chose to walk beside you.'
"Won't that be lonesome?'
"Ben fllicked Chloe (Jeremy's mother) a searching look. ' Sometimes, yes. But if you know you're walking the right way, you grow to accept the loneliness'"
Friday, July 8, 2011
ORGANIC UNITY-WORLD IN NEED
excerpt from RACE UNITY@ (see Aug. 31, 2010)
My understanding of organic unity can be best illustrated with the example of the human body. It has many parts, some less important than others as far as being life sustaining and some so vital that without them we die. Our organs, such as the heart, the liver, lungs, stomach, skin, brain, intestines cannot be removed and the human body still live. If they all are healthy and work together as they should the body is in a state of unity.
If our society's vital organs, such as our families, our workplace, our community life, our government have a unity of spirit (oneness of love and support for all) this is what I think organic unity means. We are working on it in fits and starts but we have made some progress. We have a long way to go though. Sometimes, as in the birth of a child, it is very painful, inconvenient and time consuming but the end result of the sweet baby is worth it. We are in the throes of giving birth to a new world and as long as we hold on to the vision of what we can be we will stay energized and continue in our efforts.
Love in the struggle,
Anne
Dec. 11, 2000
My understanding of organic unity can be best illustrated with the example of the human body. It has many parts, some less important than others as far as being life sustaining and some so vital that without them we die. Our organs, such as the heart, the liver, lungs, stomach, skin, brain, intestines cannot be removed and the human body still live. If they all are healthy and work together as they should the body is in a state of unity.
If our society's vital organs, such as our families, our workplace, our community life, our government have a unity of spirit (oneness of love and support for all) this is what I think organic unity means. We are working on it in fits and starts but we have made some progress. We have a long way to go though. Sometimes, as in the birth of a child, it is very painful, inconvenient and time consuming but the end result of the sweet baby is worth it. We are in the throes of giving birth to a new world and as long as we hold on to the vision of what we can be we will stay energized and continue in our efforts.
Love in the struggle,
Anne
Dec. 11, 2000
Friday, July 1, 2011
A PLACE IN THE SUNLIGHT
excerpt from CHEROKEE FEAST OF DAYS, DAILY MEDITATIONS, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
"Speak to me of serenity, of treasures yet to be found, of peace that flows like a river. Tell me of tranquil places that no hand has marred, no storm has scarred. Give me visions of standing in sunlight or the feeling of spring mist against my cheek as I live and move and breathe. Show me paths that wind through wild lilies and beds of buttercups. Sing me songs like the mingled voices of wrens and meadowlarks, the lowing of gentle cows, the soft mother-call of a mare to her colt. Lead me past a glass-smooth pond where frogs croak of coming-out parties, their graduation from frisky tadpoles to squat green frogs. Find me a place in the sunlight to sit and think and listen to the sweet inner voice that says so quietly, 'Peace, be still.'"
"Speak to me of serenity, of treasures yet to be found, of peace that flows like a river. Tell me of tranquil places that no hand has marred, no storm has scarred. Give me visions of standing in sunlight or the feeling of spring mist against my cheek as I live and move and breathe. Show me paths that wind through wild lilies and beds of buttercups. Sing me songs like the mingled voices of wrens and meadowlarks, the lowing of gentle cows, the soft mother-call of a mare to her colt. Lead me past a glass-smooth pond where frogs croak of coming-out parties, their graduation from frisky tadpoles to squat green frogs. Find me a place in the sunlight to sit and think and listen to the sweet inner voice that says so quietly, 'Peace, be still.'"
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
ABRAHAM - FUGITIVE SLAVE,ADVOCATE FOR INDIANS
excerpt from A SALUTE TO BLACK PIONEERS, AN EMPAK "BLACK HISTORY" PUBLICATION SERIES, VOL III
Abraham, 1790-1870, was a fugitive slave, adopted by the Seminole Indians in 1826. Although uneducated, he was a persuasive and gifted speaker. He was spokesman for Chief Micanopy during the period when the United States was relocating the Indians from Florida to Oklahoma and Kansas. He was referred to by the Indians as the "prophet, high chancellor, and keeper of the King's conscience."
...born to slavery in Pensacola, Florida about 1790...was reported to be a full-blooded Negro of large and powerful stature....No parental information is recorded, records do indicate that Abraham was married and fathered a daughter and two sons. In the early 1820s, he ran away and took shelter with the Seminole Indians. Abraham played a key role in both the Seminole Indian War and in their peace negotiations with the U.S. Government.... He feared that, while traveling across southern terrritory, many fugitives would be recaptured by their former masters. During the peace negotiations, he wanted a guarantee that his people would not be returned to slavery once they left the Indian territory.
In 1826, as prime minister and privy counselor to Chief Micanopy, Abraham accompanied the Chief to
Washington, D.C to negotiate relocation plans. In 1832, as interpreter for the Seminoles, he witnessed the signing of the removal treaty. In 1833, Abraham went with the Seminole delegation to investigate the proposed site of the Indians' new home. For the next two years, he served as interpreter at all councils at which United States agents insisted on the Seminole's removal.
Relocation plans collapsed when the Indians learned they had been tricked, and hostilities borke out December 28, 1835. Abraham proved to be a cunning and brave warrior, both feared and respected by the U.S. Army....Seeing that relocation was inevitable, he and two Semonole Chiefs, Jumper and Alligator, agreed to a peace conference with Jesup in 1837. Due to Abraham's diplomatic finesse, an agreement was made for the Seminoles to relocate, accompanied by their Black allies.
Later, the assumed treaty was broken by White agents and hostilities resumed. Under the threat of hanging by government agents, Abraham continued to work for peace. Working through Chief Micanopy, he brought about the surrender and compliance of the other chiefs; and later in 1837, a second treaty was signed, with a protection clause for the Blacks."
Abraham, 1790-1870, was a fugitive slave, adopted by the Seminole Indians in 1826. Although uneducated, he was a persuasive and gifted speaker. He was spokesman for Chief Micanopy during the period when the United States was relocating the Indians from Florida to Oklahoma and Kansas. He was referred to by the Indians as the "prophet, high chancellor, and keeper of the King's conscience."
...born to slavery in Pensacola, Florida about 1790...was reported to be a full-blooded Negro of large and powerful stature....No parental information is recorded, records do indicate that Abraham was married and fathered a daughter and two sons. In the early 1820s, he ran away and took shelter with the Seminole Indians. Abraham played a key role in both the Seminole Indian War and in their peace negotiations with the U.S. Government.... He feared that, while traveling across southern terrritory, many fugitives would be recaptured by their former masters. During the peace negotiations, he wanted a guarantee that his people would not be returned to slavery once they left the Indian territory.
In 1826, as prime minister and privy counselor to Chief Micanopy, Abraham accompanied the Chief to
Washington, D.C to negotiate relocation plans. In 1832, as interpreter for the Seminoles, he witnessed the signing of the removal treaty. In 1833, Abraham went with the Seminole delegation to investigate the proposed site of the Indians' new home. For the next two years, he served as interpreter at all councils at which United States agents insisted on the Seminole's removal.
Relocation plans collapsed when the Indians learned they had been tricked, and hostilities borke out December 28, 1835. Abraham proved to be a cunning and brave warrior, both feared and respected by the U.S. Army....Seeing that relocation was inevitable, he and two Semonole Chiefs, Jumper and Alligator, agreed to a peace conference with Jesup in 1837. Due to Abraham's diplomatic finesse, an agreement was made for the Seminoles to relocate, accompanied by their Black allies.
Later, the assumed treaty was broken by White agents and hostilities resumed. Under the threat of hanging by government agents, Abraham continued to work for peace. Working through Chief Micanopy, he brought about the surrender and compliance of the other chiefs; and later in 1837, a second treaty was signed, with a protection clause for the Blacks."
Thursday, June 23, 2011
TRANSiTIONS AND GOALS
This month has been a whirlwind of change for me and I have not been able to blog as often as I would have wished but never fear, I am forever committed to oneness and this effort to encourage it.
What have I been doing? Well, trying to move back to the Cherokee Reservation, my beloved home. Unfortuantely I have been put on a waiting list for an available apartment but soon, so very soon, I will be back home where my heart yearns to be. In the interum my sweet sister and her husband have welcomed me to their home in the nearby mountains until my apartment comes open. It will be a joy to spend time with them on their mountain top and meditate on their deck as I view many miles of mountain beauty.
What have I been doing? Well, trying to move back to the Cherokee Reservation, my beloved home. Unfortuantely I have been put on a waiting list for an available apartment but soon, so very soon, I will be back home where my heart yearns to be. In the interum my sweet sister and her husband have welcomed me to their home in the nearby mountains until my apartment comes open. It will be a joy to spend time with them on their mountain top and meditate on their deck as I view many miles of mountain beauty.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
WRITING-A LEAP OF FAITH
excerpt from POT OF GOLD, by Judith Michael
this expresses much of why I write
"Writing... is a leap of faith and a declaration of love. You believe you can put on paper the ideas that are so clear and vivid in your mind; you give yourself to what you create with a kind of love that can't be duplicated even in the most passionate affair; you believe that someone will publish your work and others will read it and libraries will buy it so that future generations will discover it. You believe you can create stories that resonate with the readers of your own time and also future generations; that you can find universal themes and present them in ways that give people hope or greater understanding or the rare pleasure of an escape from the shadows of the world around them. Or all of the above! In other words, you believe in the future and in your ability to make a place for yourself in it, on your own terms."
this expresses much of why I write
"Writing... is a leap of faith and a declaration of love. You believe you can put on paper the ideas that are so clear and vivid in your mind; you give yourself to what you create with a kind of love that can't be duplicated even in the most passionate affair; you believe that someone will publish your work and others will read it and libraries will buy it so that future generations will discover it. You believe you can create stories that resonate with the readers of your own time and also future generations; that you can find universal themes and present them in ways that give people hope or greater understanding or the rare pleasure of an escape from the shadows of the world around them. Or all of the above! In other words, you believe in the future and in your ability to make a place for yourself in it, on your own terms."
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
CURIOUS ABOUT THIS BLOGS STATISTICS?
As of 6-15-11 1905 hits have read this blog since Aug, 2010.
Countries represented:
United States 1049
Russia 600
Germany 47
Slovenia 35
Canada 32
Philippines 10
United Kingdom 9
France 8
Australia 7
Croatia 7
Specific blogs top ten hits:
OVERBOARD/DOING ENOUGH?
WILLIAM WHIPPER - NONVIOLATE ADVOVATE
MIGRATION FROM AFRICA 75,000 YEARS AGO
MY OWN STORY-ANNE
MY FAVORITE BAHA'I QUOTE
HUMAN FAMILY-MAYA ANGELOU
DR. CHARLES RICHARD DREW - BLOOD BANK
OLD RICHMOND SR. CITIZENS AND ONENESS
LOUIS GREGORY-RACE AMITY WORKER
BOARDING SCHOOLS
Love in the struggle,
Anne
Countries represented:
United States 1049
Russia 600
Germany 47
Slovenia 35
Canada 32
Philippines 10
United Kingdom 9
France 8
Australia 7
Croatia 7
Specific blogs top ten hits:
OVERBOARD/DOING ENOUGH?
WILLIAM WHIPPER - NONVIOLATE ADVOVATE
MIGRATION FROM AFRICA 75,000 YEARS AGO
MY OWN STORY-ANNE
MY FAVORITE BAHA'I QUOTE
HUMAN FAMILY-MAYA ANGELOU
DR. CHARLES RICHARD DREW - BLOOD BANK
OLD RICHMOND SR. CITIZENS AND ONENESS
LOUIS GREGORY-RACE AMITY WORKER
BOARDING SCHOOLS
Love in the struggle,
Anne
Saturday, June 4, 2011
TRANSFORMATION
My favorite of all creatures save humans is the butterfly. It changes from stark roughness to amazing beauty. I have been told that it is the only creature whose total DNA changes from crysalis to butterfly.
excerpt from ONLY BY YOUR TOUCH, by Catherine Anderson
"...chrysalis...
"That's where butterflies come from," he explained, touching the fragile shell with his fingertip as he explained the metamorphosis from caterpillar to pupa and then to butterfly. "When I was about your age (6), my grandfather found one of these, and we watched it every day until the butterfly finally came out."
"You got to see it?"
"Actually, no, but there was a butterfly flitting around when we found it empty, and my grandfather believed that it had come out of it's chrysalis just before we got there. He was dying at the time, and I was very young. I think he was trying to prepare me for that final good bye. He'd been trying to teach me the difference between our bodies and our souls. You know what a soul is, don't you?"
"The part of us that goes to heaven?"
"That's right. It's the beautiful part of us that no one can see. It's how we think, and how we feel. More important, though, it's how we make other people think and feel when we're with them. When we die, they bury our bodies, but our souls aren't inside us anymore. They've flown away, just like a beautiful butterfly from it's chrysalis."
excerpt from ONLY BY YOUR TOUCH, by Catherine Anderson
"...chrysalis...
"That's where butterflies come from," he explained, touching the fragile shell with his fingertip as he explained the metamorphosis from caterpillar to pupa and then to butterfly. "When I was about your age (6), my grandfather found one of these, and we watched it every day until the butterfly finally came out."
"You got to see it?"
"Actually, no, but there was a butterfly flitting around when we found it empty, and my grandfather believed that it had come out of it's chrysalis just before we got there. He was dying at the time, and I was very young. I think he was trying to prepare me for that final good bye. He'd been trying to teach me the difference between our bodies and our souls. You know what a soul is, don't you?"
"The part of us that goes to heaven?"
"That's right. It's the beautiful part of us that no one can see. It's how we think, and how we feel. More important, though, it's how we make other people think and feel when we're with them. When we die, they bury our bodies, but our souls aren't inside us anymore. They've flown away, just like a beautiful butterfly from it's chrysalis."
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
RICHARD RODRIGUEZ-WRITER
Born in July 31, 1944 in San Francisco, he learned to speak English when he started to school. He earned his BA from Stanford University, his MA from Columbia University and was a PH D candidate at the University of California at Berkeley, He studied in London on a Fulbright scholarship.
He has been a teacher, journalist, educational consultant, televsion spokeperson. He earned the Peabody Award in 1997.
His books have been widely acclaimed and recognized for their complexity in showing some aspects of being in America with a Mexican heritage.
HUNGER OF MEMORY, THE EDUCATION OF RICHARD RODRIGUEZ 1981. "socially disadvantaged child to fully assimilated American"
DAYS OF OBLIGATION, AN ARGUMENT WITH MY MEXICAN FATHER (1992) Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize
BROWN: THE LAST DISCOVERY OF AMERICA the changing demographics inAmerica.
He is now writing THE GOD OF THE DISERT, aboutJudaism, Christianity, and Islam.
He has been a teacher, journalist, educational consultant, televsion spokeperson. He earned the Peabody Award in 1997.
His books have been widely acclaimed and recognized for their complexity in showing some aspects of being in America with a Mexican heritage.
HUNGER OF MEMORY, THE EDUCATION OF RICHARD RODRIGUEZ 1981. "socially disadvantaged child to fully assimilated American"
DAYS OF OBLIGATION, AN ARGUMENT WITH MY MEXICAN FATHER (1992) Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize
BROWN: THE LAST DISCOVERY OF AMERICA the changing demographics inAmerica.
He is now writing THE GOD OF THE DISERT, aboutJudaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
WHERE WOULD WE BE?
Don't know the original source but this came to me in an email from a friend.
This is a story of a little boy named Theo who woke up one morning and asked his mother, "Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world?" Well his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said "Son, follow me around today and let's just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world." Mom said, "now, go get dressed and we will get started."
Theo ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said, "Theo, where are your shoes, and those clothes are all wrinkled, son, I must iron them." But when she reached for the ironing board it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a black woman, invented the ironing board and Jan E Matzelinger, a black man, invented the shoe lasting machine. "Oh,. well", she said, "please go and do something to your hair." Theo ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there. You see, Walter Sammons, a blsack man, invented the comb. Theo decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. You see, Lydia O newman, a black female, invented the brush. Well, this was a sight, no shoes, wrinkled clothes, hair a mess, even Mom's hair, without the hair care inventions of Madam C. J. Walker, well, you get the picture.
Mom told Theo, "let's do our chores around the house and then take a trip to the grocery store." Theo's job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P Ray, a black man, invented the dustpan. It was not there. He then decided to mop the floor, but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a black man, invented the mop. Theo yelled to his Mom, "Mom, I am not having any luck." Well, son," she said, "let me finish washing these clothes and we will prepare a list for the grocery store. When she was finished, she went to place the clothes in the dryer but it was not there. You see, George T. Samon, a black man, invented the clothes dryer.
Mom asked Theo to go get a pencil and some paper to prepare their list for the market. So Theo ran for the paper and pencil but noticed the pencil lead was broken. Well, he was out of luck because John Love, a black man, invented the pencil sharpener . Mom reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a black man, invented the fountain pen. As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge, invented the type writing machine, and W. A Lovette, the advanced printing press.
Theo and his mother decided to head out to the market. Well, when Theo opened the door he noticed the grass was as high as he was tall. You see, the lawn mower was invented by John Burr, a black man. They made their way over to the car, and found that it just wouldn't go. You see, Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gear shift and Joseph Gammel invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines. They noticed that the few cars that were moving were running into each other and having wrecks because there were no traffice signals. You see, Garrett A Morgan, a black man, invented the traffic light.
Well, it was getting late, so they walked to the market, got their groceries and returned home. Just when they were about to put away the milk, eggs, and butter, they noticed the refrigerator was gone. You see, John Standard, a black man, invented the refrigerator. So they just left the food on the counter. By this time, Theo noticed he was getting mighty cold. Mom went to turn up the heat and what do you know. Alice Parker, a black female, invented the heating furnace. Even in the summer time they would have been out of luck because Frederick Jones, a black man, invented the air conditioner.
It was almost time for Theo's father to arrive home. He usually takes the bus. But there was no bus, because it's precursor was the electric trolley, invented by another black man, Elbert R Robinson. He usually takes the elevator from his office on the 20th floor, but there was no elevator because Alexander Miles, a black man, invented the elevator. He also usually dropped off the office mail at a near by mailbox, but it was no longer there because Philip Downing, a black man, invented the letter drop mailbox and William Barry invented the postmarking and canceling machine.
Theo and his mother sat at the kitchen table with their head in their hands. When the father arrived he asked, "Why are you sitting in the dark?" Why? Because Lewis Howard Latimer, a black man, invented the filament within the light bulb. Theo quickly learned what it would be like if there were no black people in the world. Not to mention if he were ever sick and needed blood. Charles Drew, a black scientist, found a way to preserve and store blood, which led to his starting the world's first blood bank. And what if a family member had to have heart surgery. This would not have been possible without Dr Daniel Hale Williams, a black doctor, who performed the first open-heart surgery. So, if you ever wonder, like Theo, where would we be without US? Well, it's pretty plain to see. We would still be in the dark!!!
If you gained any insight from this please pass it on, so that others may know.
This is a story of a little boy named Theo who woke up one morning and asked his mother, "Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world?" Well his mother thought about that for a moment, and then said "Son, follow me around today and let's just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world." Mom said, "now, go get dressed and we will get started."
Theo ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said, "Theo, where are your shoes, and those clothes are all wrinkled, son, I must iron them." But when she reached for the ironing board it was no longer there. You see Sarah Boone, a black woman, invented the ironing board and Jan E Matzelinger, a black man, invented the shoe lasting machine. "Oh,. well", she said, "please go and do something to your hair." Theo ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there. You see, Walter Sammons, a blsack man, invented the comb. Theo decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. You see, Lydia O newman, a black female, invented the brush. Well, this was a sight, no shoes, wrinkled clothes, hair a mess, even Mom's hair, without the hair care inventions of Madam C. J. Walker, well, you get the picture.
Mom told Theo, "let's do our chores around the house and then take a trip to the grocery store." Theo's job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P Ray, a black man, invented the dustpan. It was not there. He then decided to mop the floor, but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a black man, invented the mop. Theo yelled to his Mom, "Mom, I am not having any luck." Well, son," she said, "let me finish washing these clothes and we will prepare a list for the grocery store. When she was finished, she went to place the clothes in the dryer but it was not there. You see, George T. Samon, a black man, invented the clothes dryer.
Mom asked Theo to go get a pencil and some paper to prepare their list for the market. So Theo ran for the paper and pencil but noticed the pencil lead was broken. Well, he was out of luck because John Love, a black man, invented the pencil sharpener . Mom reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a black man, invented the fountain pen. As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge, invented the type writing machine, and W. A Lovette, the advanced printing press.
Theo and his mother decided to head out to the market. Well, when Theo opened the door he noticed the grass was as high as he was tall. You see, the lawn mower was invented by John Burr, a black man. They made their way over to the car, and found that it just wouldn't go. You see, Richard Spikes, a black man, invented the automatic gear shift and Joseph Gammel invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines. They noticed that the few cars that were moving were running into each other and having wrecks because there were no traffice signals. You see, Garrett A Morgan, a black man, invented the traffic light.
Well, it was getting late, so they walked to the market, got their groceries and returned home. Just when they were about to put away the milk, eggs, and butter, they noticed the refrigerator was gone. You see, John Standard, a black man, invented the refrigerator. So they just left the food on the counter. By this time, Theo noticed he was getting mighty cold. Mom went to turn up the heat and what do you know. Alice Parker, a black female, invented the heating furnace. Even in the summer time they would have been out of luck because Frederick Jones, a black man, invented the air conditioner.
It was almost time for Theo's father to arrive home. He usually takes the bus. But there was no bus, because it's precursor was the electric trolley, invented by another black man, Elbert R Robinson. He usually takes the elevator from his office on the 20th floor, but there was no elevator because Alexander Miles, a black man, invented the elevator. He also usually dropped off the office mail at a near by mailbox, but it was no longer there because Philip Downing, a black man, invented the letter drop mailbox and William Barry invented the postmarking and canceling machine.
Theo and his mother sat at the kitchen table with their head in their hands. When the father arrived he asked, "Why are you sitting in the dark?" Why? Because Lewis Howard Latimer, a black man, invented the filament within the light bulb. Theo quickly learned what it would be like if there were no black people in the world. Not to mention if he were ever sick and needed blood. Charles Drew, a black scientist, found a way to preserve and store blood, which led to his starting the world's first blood bank. And what if a family member had to have heart surgery. This would not have been possible without Dr Daniel Hale Williams, a black doctor, who performed the first open-heart surgery. So, if you ever wonder, like Theo, where would we be without US? Well, it's pretty plain to see. We would still be in the dark!!!
If you gained any insight from this please pass it on, so that others may know.
Monday, May 23, 2011
ALTER YOUR VISION
excerpt from CHEROKEE FEAST OF DAYS, MEDITATIONS, by Joyce Sequichie Hifler
"Nothing ever remains quite the same - but a time comes when we have to follow new guidlelines and think new thoughts and do new things. It does not take a superhuman, but it takes a believer - a worker with ears to hear and eyes to see - not just the physical but the spiritual. We cannot take for granted that any other human can have accurate perception and spell things out for us. The miracles are not all in other heads, other hands, other methods. There must be a burst of inner fire that sparks a miracle, that opens a door to a greater life, a greater calm. We are never so blind as when we close ourselves off by our critical views, our hardened hearts, our failure to perceive the greatness of gentle things. O friend, look away from lack and need and pain. Alter your vision and it will alter life.
"Nothing ever remains quite the same - but a time comes when we have to follow new guidlelines and think new thoughts and do new things. It does not take a superhuman, but it takes a believer - a worker with ears to hear and eyes to see - not just the physical but the spiritual. We cannot take for granted that any other human can have accurate perception and spell things out for us. The miracles are not all in other heads, other hands, other methods. There must be a burst of inner fire that sparks a miracle, that opens a door to a greater life, a greater calm. We are never so blind as when we close ourselves off by our critical views, our hardened hearts, our failure to perceive the greatness of gentle things. O friend, look away from lack and need and pain. Alter your vision and it will alter life.
Friday, May 20, 2011
WHY DON'T WE JUST GET ALONG?
excerpt from ANNE'S WRITINGS II, (see Aug 31, 2010)
This question was posed by Rodney King, in anguish, as he watched the violent riots swirl around in Los Angeles after the exoneration of four policemen who had brutally beaten him during a stop and search procedure in 1991.
The "why" spans almost four centuries of this country's history. We citizens of America are still feeling the residual effects of slavery which touched our country as the first slaveholding ship docked in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. Carrying 20 captive Africans this first ship started a process which reached a peak of about 6 million imported in the 18th century alone. The first organized opposition to slavery did not occur until the Quakers made their first statement against slavery in 1724 over 100 years later. It took another 100 years plus before all slaves were declared free in Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and then two more years before slavery was constitutionally abolished by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. It took yet another 100 years before full and equal rights to education and judicial process were instituted by law with the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision in 1954 and the Civil Rights Law of 1964.
Rather than go into a fuller discussion about dates and historical fact I refer you to the history books. I would like to proceed with the psychological history of why we still "don't get along".
From 1619 until 1863 there were several categories of people involved in the slave trade - first, the African kidnapper, then the ship captain and crew, the slave trader, the auctioneer, the plantation owner and his overseer, and the victim - the African slave.
In order for any of these people to function in their roles there had to be a powerful motivation of greed or fear. There also had to be the ability of those in the greed category to suspend empathetic feelings for the slave.
The African kidnapper usually reached outside of his own tribe to capture the enemy tribe. Greed and revenge eliminated the sense of empathy for the condition of the captive. But there were African kidnappers who made their fortunes in the slave trade with apparently little or no regard for revenge. Greed was the sole motive.
The captives were caged in holding pens like cattle with very little food or water, beaten and terrified, bewildered and grief-stricken over the horrendous visions of permanent separation from family and home. Some fought until death rather than acquiece. Others frantically tried to figure out ways to escape. Children approaching maturity and women were in the midst of this captivity as well.
The ship captain and crew were very brutal to the captives in the crossing from Africa to America. The slaves were stacked like cords of wood two deep, to fill the ship beyond its capacity, creating severely unhealthy conditions. Many died and were tossed callously into the sea, some jumped in desparation or suicidal despair when an opportunity presented itself. Lying in their own body waste and nausea, many became severely depressed or mentally unbalanced. Food was rationed only to the point of keeping them alive.
Meanwhile the slave trader was preparing the customers, the plantation owners and their overseers for the business of being slave owners. There were brochures and training manuals on how to break the spirit of the slave in order to maintain control and avoid insurrection. These materials advised the owners to remove all African identity by changing the captives names to American names, not allowing the native language to be spoken, forbidding observation of all religions, observance of tribal or family traditions and forcing instant, exact obedience through intimidation and pain. There was collusion in the churches as preachers taught erroneously that the Bible justified slavery. The scientific community spread the concept of "lesser creature" or "different species" with the media joining in, instigating and re-enforcing stereotypes of sub-human ape-like creatures who could rightly be treated as the mule or domesticated animal.
When the ship arrived in port the slave trader enlisted the auctioneer to entertain and entice the buyers with tales of the physical strength of the men and the desirability and breeding qualities of the women. Prodding and poking the hapless slave, stripping them to show muscles and potential work abilities, there was no respect or allowance for the dignity due a human being.
With the indoctrination of slave ownership prowess, the plantation owner turned the slave over to his overseer to house and train in the chores of the plantation. Whips, branding irons and holding pens were used as normal tools to break the spirit of the slave. The housing was sub-standard shacks or barracks and the food was basic gruel-type rationing or left over produce, the undesirable animal remains such as guts, feet, ears and tails of the animals slaughtered to feed the owners. The field hands worked from daylight to sunset with breaks seldom given during the day. Too afraid of the whip in the daytime and too tired to move at night, the slave went from day to day losing most contact with the joys and pleasures a human needs to maintain a sense of self and value. Learning to survive became paramount. Survival skills honed the ability to read and second guess the needs of the owners, to negotiate as diplomatically as possible to obtain basic needs. Gradually a culture developed among the slaves of supporting each other, protecting each other, being vigilant to avoid the ire of the owner and spotting opportunities to improve conditions. In order to keep hope alive and despair as low as possible the belief in relief in the life beyond death became a strong component of worship services. Looking to heaven for happiness kept the spirit of the slave alive and thriving. The release of emotion allowed in the singing of hymns brought forth the uniquely beautiful spirituals we now enjoy. Gospel singing became an outlet for expression and renewal of spirit. Word that some people wanted to help free slaves began filtering into the plantation grapevine, a second hope began to emerge. Freedom became a dream. Some of the negro spirituals had coded messages relaying the impending arrival of a rescuer who would lead a group through the "underground railroad" and to freedom in the north.
Meanwhile the owners, their families and the white workers and neighbors developed a strong set of beliefs in the "rightness" of this society. The clergy and media re-enforced and sanctioned this way of life so guilt was not a part of the mind set of most whites. There was no social contact to acquaint the white with the human qualities of the slave so empathy was very rare indeed. The brain-washing of children from infancy to the concept of superiority and right of ownership left no realistic possibility of seeing the slave as a fellow human being in need of sensitivity and respect.
In the mid 1700s our founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. During the consultation process while these were being written notes and journals were kept revealing the attitudes of the leaders of our country. These leaders were in large part slave owners. Their notes reflected that the slave was not considered a full man entitled to the "rights" they were including in their papers. The laws being put on the books as the judicial system of the country evolved were very specific about the lack of rights of the slave and the privilege given to the owners and to all whites.
The poorer whites developed the belief that at least someone was poorer, less qualified and therefore deserving of their scorn. A virulent animosity became commonplace among poorer whites toward the slave. Even though these whites owned no slaves there was a disdain and mistreatment when opportunity arose directed toward the slave.
Another hundred years passed with this society continuing to become more deeply entrenched in the plantation-slave way of life.
In some of the northern states there was a growing sentiment of distaste for slavery, of uneasiness about the tales of mistreatment and abuse. Some citizens became active in abolishing slavery. These ablitionists helped and encouraged escape plans for runaway slaves. Individuals began offering their homes as hideouts in a path to the north. Cellars were hidden and used to hide runaways until they could safely leave the states which had slavery. Some of these homes were Southern, it was very risky so all was done in secrecy and careful planning. Some heroes and heroines bcame well-known for their courage in assisting in freeing slaves.
Four hundred years later we are struggling in many ways to redeem this country and it's people. Unaware racism (white issue) and internalized racism (black issue) can only be healed when it is recognized and openly dealt with on an individual basis.
THE TASK IS ENORMOUS BUT THE TIME IS NOW.
This question was posed by Rodney King, in anguish, as he watched the violent riots swirl around in Los Angeles after the exoneration of four policemen who had brutally beaten him during a stop and search procedure in 1991.
The "why" spans almost four centuries of this country's history. We citizens of America are still feeling the residual effects of slavery which touched our country as the first slaveholding ship docked in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619. Carrying 20 captive Africans this first ship started a process which reached a peak of about 6 million imported in the 18th century alone. The first organized opposition to slavery did not occur until the Quakers made their first statement against slavery in 1724 over 100 years later. It took another 100 years plus before all slaves were declared free in Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and then two more years before slavery was constitutionally abolished by the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution. It took yet another 100 years before full and equal rights to education and judicial process were instituted by law with the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision in 1954 and the Civil Rights Law of 1964.
Rather than go into a fuller discussion about dates and historical fact I refer you to the history books. I would like to proceed with the psychological history of why we still "don't get along".
From 1619 until 1863 there were several categories of people involved in the slave trade - first, the African kidnapper, then the ship captain and crew, the slave trader, the auctioneer, the plantation owner and his overseer, and the victim - the African slave.
In order for any of these people to function in their roles there had to be a powerful motivation of greed or fear. There also had to be the ability of those in the greed category to suspend empathetic feelings for the slave.
The African kidnapper usually reached outside of his own tribe to capture the enemy tribe. Greed and revenge eliminated the sense of empathy for the condition of the captive. But there were African kidnappers who made their fortunes in the slave trade with apparently little or no regard for revenge. Greed was the sole motive.
The captives were caged in holding pens like cattle with very little food or water, beaten and terrified, bewildered and grief-stricken over the horrendous visions of permanent separation from family and home. Some fought until death rather than acquiece. Others frantically tried to figure out ways to escape. Children approaching maturity and women were in the midst of this captivity as well.
The ship captain and crew were very brutal to the captives in the crossing from Africa to America. The slaves were stacked like cords of wood two deep, to fill the ship beyond its capacity, creating severely unhealthy conditions. Many died and were tossed callously into the sea, some jumped in desparation or suicidal despair when an opportunity presented itself. Lying in their own body waste and nausea, many became severely depressed or mentally unbalanced. Food was rationed only to the point of keeping them alive.
Meanwhile the slave trader was preparing the customers, the plantation owners and their overseers for the business of being slave owners. There were brochures and training manuals on how to break the spirit of the slave in order to maintain control and avoid insurrection. These materials advised the owners to remove all African identity by changing the captives names to American names, not allowing the native language to be spoken, forbidding observation of all religions, observance of tribal or family traditions and forcing instant, exact obedience through intimidation and pain. There was collusion in the churches as preachers taught erroneously that the Bible justified slavery. The scientific community spread the concept of "lesser creature" or "different species" with the media joining in, instigating and re-enforcing stereotypes of sub-human ape-like creatures who could rightly be treated as the mule or domesticated animal.
When the ship arrived in port the slave trader enlisted the auctioneer to entertain and entice the buyers with tales of the physical strength of the men and the desirability and breeding qualities of the women. Prodding and poking the hapless slave, stripping them to show muscles and potential work abilities, there was no respect or allowance for the dignity due a human being.
With the indoctrination of slave ownership prowess, the plantation owner turned the slave over to his overseer to house and train in the chores of the plantation. Whips, branding irons and holding pens were used as normal tools to break the spirit of the slave. The housing was sub-standard shacks or barracks and the food was basic gruel-type rationing or left over produce, the undesirable animal remains such as guts, feet, ears and tails of the animals slaughtered to feed the owners. The field hands worked from daylight to sunset with breaks seldom given during the day. Too afraid of the whip in the daytime and too tired to move at night, the slave went from day to day losing most contact with the joys and pleasures a human needs to maintain a sense of self and value. Learning to survive became paramount. Survival skills honed the ability to read and second guess the needs of the owners, to negotiate as diplomatically as possible to obtain basic needs. Gradually a culture developed among the slaves of supporting each other, protecting each other, being vigilant to avoid the ire of the owner and spotting opportunities to improve conditions. In order to keep hope alive and despair as low as possible the belief in relief in the life beyond death became a strong component of worship services. Looking to heaven for happiness kept the spirit of the slave alive and thriving. The release of emotion allowed in the singing of hymns brought forth the uniquely beautiful spirituals we now enjoy. Gospel singing became an outlet for expression and renewal of spirit. Word that some people wanted to help free slaves began filtering into the plantation grapevine, a second hope began to emerge. Freedom became a dream. Some of the negro spirituals had coded messages relaying the impending arrival of a rescuer who would lead a group through the "underground railroad" and to freedom in the north.
Meanwhile the owners, their families and the white workers and neighbors developed a strong set of beliefs in the "rightness" of this society. The clergy and media re-enforced and sanctioned this way of life so guilt was not a part of the mind set of most whites. There was no social contact to acquaint the white with the human qualities of the slave so empathy was very rare indeed. The brain-washing of children from infancy to the concept of superiority and right of ownership left no realistic possibility of seeing the slave as a fellow human being in need of sensitivity and respect.
In the mid 1700s our founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. During the consultation process while these were being written notes and journals were kept revealing the attitudes of the leaders of our country. These leaders were in large part slave owners. Their notes reflected that the slave was not considered a full man entitled to the "rights" they were including in their papers. The laws being put on the books as the judicial system of the country evolved were very specific about the lack of rights of the slave and the privilege given to the owners and to all whites.
The poorer whites developed the belief that at least someone was poorer, less qualified and therefore deserving of their scorn. A virulent animosity became commonplace among poorer whites toward the slave. Even though these whites owned no slaves there was a disdain and mistreatment when opportunity arose directed toward the slave.
Another hundred years passed with this society continuing to become more deeply entrenched in the plantation-slave way of life.
In some of the northern states there was a growing sentiment of distaste for slavery, of uneasiness about the tales of mistreatment and abuse. Some citizens became active in abolishing slavery. These ablitionists helped and encouraged escape plans for runaway slaves. Individuals began offering their homes as hideouts in a path to the north. Cellars were hidden and used to hide runaways until they could safely leave the states which had slavery. Some of these homes were Southern, it was very risky so all was done in secrecy and careful planning. Some heroes and heroines bcame well-known for their courage in assisting in freeing slaves.
Four hundred years later we are struggling in many ways to redeem this country and it's people. Unaware racism (white issue) and internalized racism (black issue) can only be healed when it is recognized and openly dealt with on an individual basis.
THE TASK IS ENORMOUS BUT THE TIME IS NOW.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
MOTHER THERESA - SILENCE OF THE HEART
excerpt from NO GREATER LOVE, MOTHER THERESA, forward by Thomas Moore
Born in 1910 in Skopji, Albania, recipient of Nobel Peace Prize, US Medal of Freedom, UN Albert Schwetzer Prize. She went to Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham, Dublin, Ireland in 1928 and from there to India where she began her novitiate. She taught geography in St. Mary's High School in Calcutta from 1929 to 1948. Then in 1950, she started her own order, the Missionaries of Charity, to minister exclusively to the poorest of the poor.
"To be alone with Him, not with our books, thoughts, and memories but completely stripped of everything, to dwell lovingly in His presence - silent, empty, expectant, and motionless....
"We cannot find God in noise or agitation.
Nature: trees, flowers, and grass gow in silence. The stars, the moon, and the sun move in silence. What is essential is not what we say but what God tells us and what He tells others through us. In silence He listens to us, in silence He speaks to our souls. In silence we are granted the privilege of listening to His voice.
Silence of our eyes.
Silence of our ears.
Silence of our mouths.
Silence of our minds.
...in the silence of the heart God will speak.
"Silence of the heart is necessary so you can hear God everywhere - in the closing of the door, in the person who needs you, in the birds that sing, in the flowers, in the animals.."
Excerpt from MOTHER THERESA, MEDITATIONS FROM A SIMPLE PATH:
"The fruit of silence is Prayer.
The fruit of prayer is FAITH.
The fruit of faith is LOVE.
The fruit of love is SERVICE.
The fruit of service is PEACE."
Born in 1910 in Skopji, Albania, recipient of Nobel Peace Prize, US Medal of Freedom, UN Albert Schwetzer Prize. She went to Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham, Dublin, Ireland in 1928 and from there to India where she began her novitiate. She taught geography in St. Mary's High School in Calcutta from 1929 to 1948. Then in 1950, she started her own order, the Missionaries of Charity, to minister exclusively to the poorest of the poor.
"To be alone with Him, not with our books, thoughts, and memories but completely stripped of everything, to dwell lovingly in His presence - silent, empty, expectant, and motionless....
"We cannot find God in noise or agitation.
Nature: trees, flowers, and grass gow in silence. The stars, the moon, and the sun move in silence. What is essential is not what we say but what God tells us and what He tells others through us. In silence He listens to us, in silence He speaks to our souls. In silence we are granted the privilege of listening to His voice.
Silence of our eyes.
Silence of our ears.
Silence of our mouths.
Silence of our minds.
...in the silence of the heart God will speak.
"Silence of the heart is necessary so you can hear God everywhere - in the closing of the door, in the person who needs you, in the birds that sing, in the flowers, in the animals.."
Excerpt from MOTHER THERESA, MEDITATIONS FROM A SIMPLE PATH:
"The fruit of silence is Prayer.
The fruit of prayer is FAITH.
The fruit of faith is LOVE.
The fruit of love is SERVICE.
The fruit of service is PEACE."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
BOY'S DREAM - QUETZALCOATL'S PROPHECY
information and excerpt from WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW, STRANGE AND PROPHETIC DREAMS OF THE INDIAN PEOPLES, by William Willoya and Vinson Brown
When Vinson Brown was five years old, his father, who was a doctor on the Sioux Reservation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, saved the life of the chief of the Oglala Sioux and was gifted with a beautiful, beaded pipe bag. When the boy touched it he felt a sensation go up his arm and into his heart. From the age of five until the age of nine he had the following dream every few weeks:
"In my dreams I seemed to be floating in the sky looking down at a land of many round hills. On the top of each hill was a group of Indians. Some of them were lying on the dry grass, with their fingers digging into the ground despairingly. Others lifted their arms hopelessly to the sky. Women were huddled together weeping. All were wearing old, cast-off whitemen's clothing, just rags. Their faces were filled with a deep sadness, ....There seemed to be growing a strange light up in the sky. Looking up, I saw the sunlight flashing on the wings of a beautiful white bird, a dove...As the dove came near the top of one of the hills, a strange and remarkable thing happened. The Indians there suddenly sprang to their feet, gazing up at the dove. The white men's rags fell from their bodies and disappeared. Instead they now lifted their heads proudly under the handsome headresses and their bodies were covered with clean buckskin that glittered with beads....Their faces glowed with happiness and joy....They began to march up into the sky after the dove, marching with the springing steps of conquerers....Other dark-skinned peoples rose joyously from hill after hill....Drums began to mutter, lifting and rolling into thunder, and pipes shrilled.... Voices chanting ancient songs.... Slowly a bow formed in the sky, a rainbow of people marching to glory, a rainbow of unity...."
Many years followed and Vinson tried to get someone to interpret his dream. When he was an adult and travelling from New Mexico to Arizona he met an Otomi Indian. When he heard about the dream he said, "I know what the dream means.... Long ago there lived a great prophet-king of the Toltec Indians of southern Mexico, called Quetzalcoatl...
"He foretold that in time the white men would come out of the eastern sea....that the white men would be like a bird that had two different kinds of feet. One foot would be the foot of the dove and the other would be the foot of the eagle. The foot of the dove meant the religion of Christianity... a religion of love and kindness... The foot of the eagle meant the way most of the white men treated the Indians, by clawing them, killing them, enslaving them and exploiting them.
"But Quetzalcoatl promised that a few hundred years after the first coming of the white men other white men would come to the Indians with both feet the feet of the dove.... They would lead the Indians up from the earth of despair and defeat into the sky of hope, freedom and triumph....
"The fact that the Indians you saw in the sky were wearing the clothes of the ancient days meant that these white men would not make fun or laugh at the old Indian culture and religion. instead they would teach the Indians to be proud of their ancestors and get back the great spirit and knowledge the ancient people had. As true brothers, both the Indians and these white men would start to build a better world in which justice, peace and love between men would rule."
William Willoya and Vinson Brown began their search fot this "great spirit of change that is now growing in the world."
When Vinson Brown was five years old, his father, who was a doctor on the Sioux Reservation of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, saved the life of the chief of the Oglala Sioux and was gifted with a beautiful, beaded pipe bag. When the boy touched it he felt a sensation go up his arm and into his heart. From the age of five until the age of nine he had the following dream every few weeks:
"In my dreams I seemed to be floating in the sky looking down at a land of many round hills. On the top of each hill was a group of Indians. Some of them were lying on the dry grass, with their fingers digging into the ground despairingly. Others lifted their arms hopelessly to the sky. Women were huddled together weeping. All were wearing old, cast-off whitemen's clothing, just rags. Their faces were filled with a deep sadness, ....There seemed to be growing a strange light up in the sky. Looking up, I saw the sunlight flashing on the wings of a beautiful white bird, a dove...As the dove came near the top of one of the hills, a strange and remarkable thing happened. The Indians there suddenly sprang to their feet, gazing up at the dove. The white men's rags fell from their bodies and disappeared. Instead they now lifted their heads proudly under the handsome headresses and their bodies were covered with clean buckskin that glittered with beads....Their faces glowed with happiness and joy....They began to march up into the sky after the dove, marching with the springing steps of conquerers....Other dark-skinned peoples rose joyously from hill after hill....Drums began to mutter, lifting and rolling into thunder, and pipes shrilled.... Voices chanting ancient songs.... Slowly a bow formed in the sky, a rainbow of people marching to glory, a rainbow of unity...."
Many years followed and Vinson tried to get someone to interpret his dream. When he was an adult and travelling from New Mexico to Arizona he met an Otomi Indian. When he heard about the dream he said, "I know what the dream means.... Long ago there lived a great prophet-king of the Toltec Indians of southern Mexico, called Quetzalcoatl...
"He foretold that in time the white men would come out of the eastern sea....that the white men would be like a bird that had two different kinds of feet. One foot would be the foot of the dove and the other would be the foot of the eagle. The foot of the dove meant the religion of Christianity... a religion of love and kindness... The foot of the eagle meant the way most of the white men treated the Indians, by clawing them, killing them, enslaving them and exploiting them.
"But Quetzalcoatl promised that a few hundred years after the first coming of the white men other white men would come to the Indians with both feet the feet of the dove.... They would lead the Indians up from the earth of despair and defeat into the sky of hope, freedom and triumph....
"The fact that the Indians you saw in the sky were wearing the clothes of the ancient days meant that these white men would not make fun or laugh at the old Indian culture and religion. instead they would teach the Indians to be proud of their ancestors and get back the great spirit and knowledge the ancient people had. As true brothers, both the Indians and these white men would start to build a better world in which justice, peace and love between men would rule."
William Willoya and Vinson Brown began their search fot this "great spirit of change that is now growing in the world."
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
NELSON MANDELA - IN THE PRESENCE OF A GIANT
Info from wikepedia
Born July 18, 1918, in Umtata, Transkei, South Africa. Anti-apartheid activist, Leader of African National Congress, arrested in 1962, released Feb. 11, 1990, elected President of South Africa 1994-1999, winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
excerpt from article in CITIZEN-TIMES, Asheville newspaper 7-18-94, titled WITH MANDELA, IT'S ALL ABOUT ACTION, NOT ABOUT WORDS, by Bill McGoun
"Bangkok - He is gray of hair and stooped with age. He steadied himself with a cane in his right hand and was assisted by an aide on his left. He proceeded slowly up the ramp to the speaker's platform in Conference Room A of the Media Center at the IMPACT Exhibit Center....
There was no mistaking that this was a special morning.The corridors of the Exhibition Center have been a mass of humanity all week, what with 17,000 people on hand for the XV International Aids Conference. But this was different. Hundreds were lined up outside the Media Center, evidently restrained by a barrier. I had hurried inside, past a continuation of the barrier, and taken a seat in the second row.
As the guest appeared the room got nearly quiet. The spectators knew they were in the presence of a giant. This aged man endured 28 years of imprisonment to free 38 million of his countrymen from their shackles. He showed that a land once ruled with an iron hand by a white minority can transition to black rule without massive bloodshed or a continuation of oppression with the roles reversed.
Nelson Mandela. Those two words say volumes. They speak of courage few of us can even comprehend. They represent a man with every reason to be bitter and vindictive who instead led his nation into a rebirth for all its people, whether their ancestors lived in Africa, Europe or Asia.
His body may be frail but his voice isn't....he was brief and to the point Thursday morning....
He inspires with his life. When he finished, he left the stage and did not take questions. That didn't matter to me. What would I have asked? What insight could he give with his words now that he has not long ago given with his actions."
Born July 18, 1918, in Umtata, Transkei, South Africa. Anti-apartheid activist, Leader of African National Congress, arrested in 1962, released Feb. 11, 1990, elected President of South Africa 1994-1999, winner of Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
excerpt from article in CITIZEN-TIMES, Asheville newspaper 7-18-94, titled WITH MANDELA, IT'S ALL ABOUT ACTION, NOT ABOUT WORDS, by Bill McGoun
"Bangkok - He is gray of hair and stooped with age. He steadied himself with a cane in his right hand and was assisted by an aide on his left. He proceeded slowly up the ramp to the speaker's platform in Conference Room A of the Media Center at the IMPACT Exhibit Center....
There was no mistaking that this was a special morning.The corridors of the Exhibition Center have been a mass of humanity all week, what with 17,000 people on hand for the XV International Aids Conference. But this was different. Hundreds were lined up outside the Media Center, evidently restrained by a barrier. I had hurried inside, past a continuation of the barrier, and taken a seat in the second row.
As the guest appeared the room got nearly quiet. The spectators knew they were in the presence of a giant. This aged man endured 28 years of imprisonment to free 38 million of his countrymen from their shackles. He showed that a land once ruled with an iron hand by a white minority can transition to black rule without massive bloodshed or a continuation of oppression with the roles reversed.
Nelson Mandela. Those two words say volumes. They speak of courage few of us can even comprehend. They represent a man with every reason to be bitter and vindictive who instead led his nation into a rebirth for all its people, whether their ancestors lived in Africa, Europe or Asia.
His body may be frail but his voice isn't....he was brief and to the point Thursday morning....
He inspires with his life. When he finished, he left the stage and did not take questions. That didn't matter to me. What would I have asked? What insight could he give with his words now that he has not long ago given with his actions."
Friday, May 6, 2011
RETURN OF THE SPIRIT
excerpt from WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW, STRANGE AND PROPHETIC DREAMS OF THE INDIAN PEOPLE, by William Willoya and Vinson Brown
"Listen, oh my ears, listen, as the fawn listens for its mother in the forest, but listen, my ears, for the Words of the Spirit.
Watch, oh my eyes, watch, as the otter watches over his children, but watch, my eyes, for the Way of the Spirit.
Feel, oh my fingers, feel, as the lair cub feels the warm tongue of the bear, but feels my fingers, the Touch of the Spirit.
Day by day, I shall gather strength from Thee, thinking, thinking, but stilling my thoughts, as the calm of summer stills the waters of a pond.
When my heart is quiet, when my thoughts are still, when I have forgotten my pride, when I am filled with love for all Your creatures, lead me, oh Grandfather.
In Thy love I shall grow, oh Ancient One, until hatred disappears, until all envy and jealous and petty thoughts are blown away as the wind blows the fog from the valley.
I was weak, but now You make me strong; I was proud, but now I shall be humble; I was filled with bad thoughts, but now they shall be gone forever, even as the wise youth leaves the ways of childhood and becomes a man.
I am longing, oh Grandfather, for Thy spirit; into the silent places I go seeking, even as the Eagle Chief climbs toward the sun.
I will go with my mind at peace; into the darkness I shall go and fear no evil.
On the feet of my breath I shall cross the skies and the vastness of space shall be as the hollows of my hand through which I pierce as the lightning touches earth and sky.
Then will come Your spirit, oh Center of All Being; as the light of the outer world fades, the light of the inner world shall glow, and I shall be swept as on waves of glory into Thy nearness and Thy knowledge.
"Listen, oh my ears, listen, as the fawn listens for its mother in the forest, but listen, my ears, for the Words of the Spirit.
Watch, oh my eyes, watch, as the otter watches over his children, but watch, my eyes, for the Way of the Spirit.
Feel, oh my fingers, feel, as the lair cub feels the warm tongue of the bear, but feels my fingers, the Touch of the Spirit.
Day by day, I shall gather strength from Thee, thinking, thinking, but stilling my thoughts, as the calm of summer stills the waters of a pond.
When my heart is quiet, when my thoughts are still, when I have forgotten my pride, when I am filled with love for all Your creatures, lead me, oh Grandfather.
In Thy love I shall grow, oh Ancient One, until hatred disappears, until all envy and jealous and petty thoughts are blown away as the wind blows the fog from the valley.
I was weak, but now You make me strong; I was proud, but now I shall be humble; I was filled with bad thoughts, but now they shall be gone forever, even as the wise youth leaves the ways of childhood and becomes a man.
I am longing, oh Grandfather, for Thy spirit; into the silent places I go seeking, even as the Eagle Chief climbs toward the sun.
I will go with my mind at peace; into the darkness I shall go and fear no evil.
On the feet of my breath I shall cross the skies and the vastness of space shall be as the hollows of my hand through which I pierce as the lightning touches earth and sky.
Then will come Your spirit, oh Center of All Being; as the light of the outer world fades, the light of the inner world shall glow, and I shall be swept as on waves of glory into Thy nearness and Thy knowledge.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
SISTERS
DEDICATED TO FRAN AND MARZIEH; AND BETH AND AMANDA
THE STORY OF TWO VERY DIFFERENT SISTERS
One is here, one lives there. One is a little taller than the other. Two different colors of hair, two different outlooks on life, two very different views from their windows. Both have different tomorrows ahead. Each is unique in so many ways. Each has her own story, with all the busy things going on in the present. Each has different work to do, and different demands on the day. Each has a separate destination and a distinctly different path to get there. But...
For all the things that might be different and unique about them.. these two sisters will always share so much. They will always be the best of family and friends, entwined together, through all the days of their lives. Their love will always be very special; gentle and joyful when it can be, strong and giving when it needs to be, reminding them, no matter how different their stories turn out...
They share the incredibly precious gift of being "sisters". And when you think of some of the best things this world has to offer, a blessing like that is really...what it's all abut.
-Laurel Atherton, Blue Mountain Arts
THE STORY OF TWO VERY DIFFERENT SISTERS
One is here, one lives there. One is a little taller than the other. Two different colors of hair, two different outlooks on life, two very different views from their windows. Both have different tomorrows ahead. Each is unique in so many ways. Each has her own story, with all the busy things going on in the present. Each has different work to do, and different demands on the day. Each has a separate destination and a distinctly different path to get there. But...
For all the things that might be different and unique about them.. these two sisters will always share so much. They will always be the best of family and friends, entwined together, through all the days of their lives. Their love will always be very special; gentle and joyful when it can be, strong and giving when it needs to be, reminding them, no matter how different their stories turn out...
They share the incredibly precious gift of being "sisters". And when you think of some of the best things this world has to offer, a blessing like that is really...what it's all abut.
-Laurel Atherton, Blue Mountain Arts
Sunday, May 1, 2011
WORLD HARMONY IN ACTION - MAY 1, 1912
excerpt from 239 DAYS : ABDU'L-BAHA'S JOURNEY IN AMERICA, by Allan L. Ward
"They moved outside the tent and spadefuls of earth were turned by persons from Persia, Syria, Egypt, India, Japan, South Africa, England, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and by North American Indians; Abdu'l-Baha finished the effort and placed the stone."
Thus the dedication of the first Baha'i House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere set forth literally in concrete terms, a union of souls dedicated to world harmony. The nine doors of the temple are opened to peoples of all nationalities, all religions, and all colors. The words of all religions are read and heads are bowed in unity.
Over the inner nine doors you will find inspiring, welcoming words engraved on the crystal and concrete surfaces. In regular services you will hear voices raised to God in many languages, faiths and scriptures. There are no sermons, only quotes from all the major religions of the world.
"They moved outside the tent and spadefuls of earth were turned by persons from Persia, Syria, Egypt, India, Japan, South Africa, England, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and by North American Indians; Abdu'l-Baha finished the effort and placed the stone."
Thus the dedication of the first Baha'i House of Worship in the Western Hemisphere set forth literally in concrete terms, a union of souls dedicated to world harmony. The nine doors of the temple are opened to peoples of all nationalities, all religions, and all colors. The words of all religions are read and heads are bowed in unity.
Over the inner nine doors you will find inspiring, welcoming words engraved on the crystal and concrete surfaces. In regular services you will hear voices raised to God in many languages, faiths and scriptures. There are no sermons, only quotes from all the major religions of the world.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
WILLIAM WHIPPER -NON VIOLENT ADVOCATE
excerpt from A SALUTE TO BLACK PIONEERS VOL. III, An Empack "Black History" Publication Series
"William Whipper, a leading Black intellectual, was a famed abolitionist, shrewd businessman, and banker. He was also one of the earliest advocates of the non-violent movement in America, twelve years before Thoreau wrote his famous essay on civil disobedience, and a hundred years before Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, ajr. made the theory world-famous.
"He was born in 1805, the son of a Columbia, Pennsylvania White businessman. His mother was a Black domestic slave in his father's household. He was raised in his father's house and was treated much the same as his White half-brother. Early in life, he was given the opportunity to acquire sound principles of financial investment and management. His father left him a small lumberyard when he died. With his partner, Stephen Smith, Whipper built a successful wholesale business which expanded to other cities in Pennsylvania....
Smith became one of the wealthiest Blacks in America because he devoted his energies only to the business aspect of their partnership; conversely Whipper chose to share his wealth with the Black movement. In 1870, Whipper stated: "I would prefer to be penniless in the streets, rather than have withheld a single hour's labor or a dollar from the sacred cause of liberty, justice, and humanity." He gave considerable sums of money to help Black slaves and to aid the Union during the Civil War. In 1880s, Whipper devoted much of his personal time and money to the Negro Convention Movement, the first nationwide effort by Blacks to plead their cause in America.
Whipper, the forerunner of Thoreau, Ghandi and Dr. King advocated moral suasion and non-violence. He wrote a famous article, entitled An Address on Non-Resistance to Offiensive Aggression, which was published in the Colored American. In it, he claimed that non-violence "is not only consistent with reason, but the surest method of obtaining a speedy triumph of the principles of universal peace." William Whipper died in 1885, but his doctrine of non-violence is still practiced by many present-day congtemporaries."
"William Whipper, a leading Black intellectual, was a famed abolitionist, shrewd businessman, and banker. He was also one of the earliest advocates of the non-violent movement in America, twelve years before Thoreau wrote his famous essay on civil disobedience, and a hundred years before Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, ajr. made the theory world-famous.
"He was born in 1805, the son of a Columbia, Pennsylvania White businessman. His mother was a Black domestic slave in his father's household. He was raised in his father's house and was treated much the same as his White half-brother. Early in life, he was given the opportunity to acquire sound principles of financial investment and management. His father left him a small lumberyard when he died. With his partner, Stephen Smith, Whipper built a successful wholesale business which expanded to other cities in Pennsylvania....
Smith became one of the wealthiest Blacks in America because he devoted his energies only to the business aspect of their partnership; conversely Whipper chose to share his wealth with the Black movement. In 1870, Whipper stated: "I would prefer to be penniless in the streets, rather than have withheld a single hour's labor or a dollar from the sacred cause of liberty, justice, and humanity." He gave considerable sums of money to help Black slaves and to aid the Union during the Civil War. In 1880s, Whipper devoted much of his personal time and money to the Negro Convention Movement, the first nationwide effort by Blacks to plead their cause in America.
Whipper, the forerunner of Thoreau, Ghandi and Dr. King advocated moral suasion and non-violence. He wrote a famous article, entitled An Address on Non-Resistance to Offiensive Aggression, which was published in the Colored American. In it, he claimed that non-violence "is not only consistent with reason, but the surest method of obtaining a speedy triumph of the principles of universal peace." William Whipper died in 1885, but his doctrine of non-violence is still practiced by many present-day congtemporaries."
Sunday, April 24, 2011
COMES THE DAWN
excerpt from WISDOM OF OTHERS, (see Aug 31, 2010)
COMES THE DAWN
After awhile you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and you know that love doesn't mean leaning,
and company doesn't mean security,
and you begin to accept your defeats with
your head up and your eyes open,
with the grace of woman not the grief of a child,
and learn to build all your roads
on today because tomorrow's ground
is to uncertain for plans, and futures have
a way of falling down in mid-flight,
after awhile you learn that even sunshine
burns if you get too much,
so you plant your own garden and decorate
your own soul instead of waiting
for someone to bring you flowers,
and you learn that you really can endure,
that you really are strong,
and you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn....
with every goodbye you learn.
-author unknown
COMES THE DAWN
After awhile you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
and you know that love doesn't mean leaning,
and company doesn't mean security,
and you begin to accept your defeats with
your head up and your eyes open,
with the grace of woman not the grief of a child,
and learn to build all your roads
on today because tomorrow's ground
is to uncertain for plans, and futures have
a way of falling down in mid-flight,
after awhile you learn that even sunshine
burns if you get too much,
so you plant your own garden and decorate
your own soul instead of waiting
for someone to bring you flowers,
and you learn that you really can endure,
that you really are strong,
and you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn....
with every goodbye you learn.
-author unknown
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
REMEMBER THEIR NAMES - 1492-1890
information and excerpts from BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE, An Indian History of the American West ,by Dee Brown
Why do we have grave stones? Memoirs? biographies? To honor those we care about. These tribes and their leaders had families, homes, and prayed to the Great Spirit. I wish to remember them, please join me.
LOCATION TRIBE LEADER
San Salvador Tainos unknown
" Arawak decimated by 1502
Virginia Powhatans Wahunacook,Pocahontas
Massachusetts Pemaquid Samoset
" Wampansags Massasoit, Squanto, Hobamah,
Metacom renames King Philip
Northwest Chesapeake, Potomacs,
Pequots. Montauks, Nanticokes,
Machapungas, Catawbas, Hurons,
Eries, Mohawks, Senecas,
New York Mahicans, Raritans
Southwest and Southeast Five Nations of the Iroquois
Cherokees
Chickasaw
Choctaw
Creeks
Seminoles
Great Lakes Ottowas Pontiac
Midwest Shawnees Tecumseh
Ohio Miamis
Illinois and Iowa Sauks and Foxes Black Hawk
Illinois Winnebagos
" Pottawotomies
Illinois and Iowa Kickapoos
Southeast Cherokees Trail of Tears to Oklahoma,
Hundreds hid in hills of NC
Pacific Coast Modocs Kintpuiash
" Mohaves
" Paiutes Wovoka
" Shastas, Yumas
Western Plains Dakata (Sioux)
Santee Minnesota
Teton Dull Knife
Oglala Red Cloud,
Crazy Horse
Hunkpapa Sitting Bull
Brulee Spotted Tail
Colorada Cheyenne Black Kettle
Tall Bull
Roman Nose
Litttle Raven
Southwest Araphoes, Kiowas Santank,Santanta
Lone Wolf
Kicking Bird
" Apaches Mangas,Colorado
Cochise,Victorio
Delshay,Nana,Geronimo
" Comanches Ten Bears,Quanah Parker
Rockies Utes Ouray
California,Oregon,Idaho Nez-Perces Chief Joseph
"During the following thirty years (1860-1890) these leaders and many more would enter into history and legend. Their names would become as well known as those of the men who tried to destroy them. Most of them, young and old, would be driven into the ground before the symbolic end of Indian freedom at Wounded Knee in December, 1890. Now, a century later, in a age without heroes, they are perhaps the most heroic of all Americans." p.12
l
Why do we have grave stones? Memoirs? biographies? To honor those we care about. These tribes and their leaders had families, homes, and prayed to the Great Spirit. I wish to remember them, please join me.
LOCATION TRIBE LEADER
San Salvador Tainos unknown
" Arawak decimated by 1502
Virginia Powhatans Wahunacook,Pocahontas
Massachusetts Pemaquid Samoset
" Wampansags Massasoit, Squanto, Hobamah,
Metacom renames King Philip
Northwest Chesapeake, Potomacs,
Pequots. Montauks, Nanticokes,
Machapungas, Catawbas, Hurons,
Eries, Mohawks, Senecas,
New York Mahicans, Raritans
Southwest and Southeast Five Nations of the Iroquois
Cherokees
Chickasaw
Choctaw
Creeks
Seminoles
Great Lakes Ottowas Pontiac
Midwest Shawnees Tecumseh
Ohio Miamis
Illinois and Iowa Sauks and Foxes Black Hawk
Illinois Winnebagos
" Pottawotomies
Illinois and Iowa Kickapoos
Southeast Cherokees Trail of Tears to Oklahoma,
Hundreds hid in hills of NC
Pacific Coast Modocs Kintpuiash
" Mohaves
" Paiutes Wovoka
" Shastas, Yumas
Western Plains Dakata (Sioux)
Santee Minnesota
Teton Dull Knife
Oglala Red Cloud,
Crazy Horse
Hunkpapa Sitting Bull
Brulee Spotted Tail
Colorada Cheyenne Black Kettle
Tall Bull
Roman Nose
Litttle Raven
Southwest Araphoes, Kiowas Santank,Santanta
Lone Wolf
Kicking Bird
" Apaches Mangas,Colorado
Cochise,Victorio
Delshay,Nana,Geronimo
" Comanches Ten Bears,Quanah Parker
Rockies Utes Ouray
California,Oregon,Idaho Nez-Perces Chief Joseph
"During the following thirty years (1860-1890) these leaders and many more would enter into history and legend. Their names would become as well known as those of the men who tried to destroy them. Most of them, young and old, would be driven into the ground before the symbolic end of Indian freedom at Wounded Knee in December, 1890. Now, a century later, in a age without heroes, they are perhaps the most heroic of all Americans." p.12
l
Sunday, April 17, 2011
239 DAYS AND UNIVERSAL PEACE - 1912
excerpts from 239 DAYS, ABDU'L-BAHA'S JOURNEY IN AMERICA, by Allan L. Ward
excerpts from THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, by Abdu'l.Baha
On April ll, 1912, the son of Baha'u'llah, the Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith, Abdu'l-Baha arrived in New York City, to visit. He traveled across the country and gave 139 talks in churches, synagogues, learning centers, the Bowery, homes and meeting places thoughout the country. The newspaper articles and eyewitness stories of this time is relayed in 239 DAYS. The content of each talk is given in PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE.
I took as a project for the second time in my 41 years as a Baha'i to combine these two books and read on the anniversary of each day these events took place and follow His journey myself.
On April 17,2011, I read the following from April 17, 1912:
"Abdu'l Baha, the Exemplar, served these friends a meal which He prepared Himself at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney. ' It was,' Mahmud wrote, 'a magnificent supper.' Abdu'l-Baha told the friends, 'Become as waves of one sea, trees of one forest, growing in the utmost love, agreement and unity.'"
-239 DAYS, pp. 26,27
"....Day by day become more closely attracted in order that the love of God may illumine all those with whom you come in contact. Be as one spirit, one soul, leaves of one tree, flowers of one garden, waves of one ocean.
As difference in degree of capacity exists, among human souls, as difference in capability is found, therefore individualities will differ one from another. But in reality this is a reason for unity and not for discord and enmity. If the flowers of a garden were all of one color, the effect would be monotonous to the eye; but if the colors are variegated, it is most pleasing and wonderful. The difference in adornment of color and capacity of reflection among the flowers gives the garden its beauty and charm. Therefore, although we are of different individualities, different in ideas and of various fragrances, let us strive like flowers of the same divine garden to live together in harmony....
I am joyful, for I perceive the evidences of great love among you. I go to Chicago,and when I return I hope that love will have become infinite. Then will it be an eternal joy to me and the friends in the Orient."
-PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, pp. 24-25
excerpts from THE PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, by Abdu'l.Baha
On April ll, 1912, the son of Baha'u'llah, the Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith, Abdu'l-Baha arrived in New York City, to visit. He traveled across the country and gave 139 talks in churches, synagogues, learning centers, the Bowery, homes and meeting places thoughout the country. The newspaper articles and eyewitness stories of this time is relayed in 239 DAYS. The content of each talk is given in PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE.
I took as a project for the second time in my 41 years as a Baha'i to combine these two books and read on the anniversary of each day these events took place and follow His journey myself.
On April 17,2011, I read the following from April 17, 1912:
"Abdu'l Baha, the Exemplar, served these friends a meal which He prepared Himself at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney. ' It was,' Mahmud wrote, 'a magnificent supper.' Abdu'l-Baha told the friends, 'Become as waves of one sea, trees of one forest, growing in the utmost love, agreement and unity.'"
-239 DAYS, pp. 26,27
"....Day by day become more closely attracted in order that the love of God may illumine all those with whom you come in contact. Be as one spirit, one soul, leaves of one tree, flowers of one garden, waves of one ocean.
As difference in degree of capacity exists, among human souls, as difference in capability is found, therefore individualities will differ one from another. But in reality this is a reason for unity and not for discord and enmity. If the flowers of a garden were all of one color, the effect would be monotonous to the eye; but if the colors are variegated, it is most pleasing and wonderful. The difference in adornment of color and capacity of reflection among the flowers gives the garden its beauty and charm. Therefore, although we are of different individualities, different in ideas and of various fragrances, let us strive like flowers of the same divine garden to live together in harmony....
I am joyful, for I perceive the evidences of great love among you. I go to Chicago,and when I return I hope that love will have become infinite. Then will it be an eternal joy to me and the friends in the Orient."
-PROMULGATION OF UNIVERSAL PEACE, pp. 24-25
Friday, April 15, 2011
PRAISEWORTHY
excerpt from BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE, An Indian History of the American West, by Dee Brown
"It began with Christoper Columbus, who gave the people the name Indios..... As was the custom of the people when receiving strangers, the Tainos on the island of San Salvador generously presented Columbus and his men with gifts and treated them with honor.
' So tractable, so peaceable are these people,' Columbus wrote to the King and Queen of Spain, ' that I swear to your Majesties there is not in the world a better nation. They love their neighbors as themselves, and their discourse is ever sweet and gentle, and accompanied with a smile; and though it is true that they are naked, yet their manners are decorous and praiseworthy.'
All of this, of course, was taken as a sign of weakness, if not heathenism, and Columbus being a righteous European was convinced the people should be made to work, sow and do all that is necessary and to adapt our ways.' Over the next four centuries (1492-1890) several million Europeans and their descendents undertook to enforce their ways upon the people of the New World....
Arawak resistance brought on the use of guns and sabers, and whole tribes were destroyed, hundreds of thousands of people in less than a decade after Columbus set foot on the beaches of San Salvador, October 12, 1492"
When I lived in Cherokee NC, I saw a t-shirt with the words "We've known about terroism since 1492".
What is wondrous and awe-inspiring to me is the deep spirituality and nurturing present in my friends in Cherokee and other Indians I have met along my way.
"It began with Christoper Columbus, who gave the people the name Indios..... As was the custom of the people when receiving strangers, the Tainos on the island of San Salvador generously presented Columbus and his men with gifts and treated them with honor.
' So tractable, so peaceable are these people,' Columbus wrote to the King and Queen of Spain, ' that I swear to your Majesties there is not in the world a better nation. They love their neighbors as themselves, and their discourse is ever sweet and gentle, and accompanied with a smile; and though it is true that they are naked, yet their manners are decorous and praiseworthy.'
All of this, of course, was taken as a sign of weakness, if not heathenism, and Columbus being a righteous European was convinced the people should be made to work, sow and do all that is necessary and to adapt our ways.' Over the next four centuries (1492-1890) several million Europeans and their descendents undertook to enforce their ways upon the people of the New World....
Arawak resistance brought on the use of guns and sabers, and whole tribes were destroyed, hundreds of thousands of people in less than a decade after Columbus set foot on the beaches of San Salvador, October 12, 1492"
When I lived in Cherokee NC, I saw a t-shirt with the words "We've known about terroism since 1492".
What is wondrous and awe-inspiring to me is the deep spirituality and nurturing present in my friends in Cherokee and other Indians I have met along my way.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
ASA PHILIP RANDOLPH - UNION ORGANIZER - 1889-1979
excerpt from A SALUTE TO BLACK CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS, An Empak "Black History" Publication Series Vol. IV
Asa Philip Randolph, a powerful union organizer and civil rights leader, spent forty years of his life in constant battle for better working conditions and higher wages for all laborers. He founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925 and became its first president.
Randolph, born on April 15, 1889, in Crescent City, Florida, was the son of James W. Randolph, an itinerant minister of slave parentage.... After completing high school, Asa traveled to New York City and entered City College....
By 1925, the Pullman Company, builders, operators of sleeping cars and parlor cars for the nation's railroads, was the largest single employer of Blacks in the United States. It paid its 12,000 porters about $60.00 per month for 400 hours or 11,000 miles, whichever came first. Porters were required to pay for their meals and ...their own uniforms.... They also worked straight through without layover time.
Ramdolph was secretly asked to organize the porters because he was an outsider and could not be hurt buy the Pullman company. After several meetings, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was formed on August 25, 1925.... Twelve years to the day, August 25, 1937, Pullman's president announced to the Brotherhood negotiators, "Gentlemen, the Pullman company is ready to sign.".... This contract included a wage settlement of $1.25 million, and the porters' work month was reduced from 400 hours to 240 hours....
Also, between 1940 and 1948, Randolph was highly instrumental in desegrating the war industries, federal employment, and the armed forces. In 1963, he was responsible for organizing and bringing together over 250,000 people, of all races, in the historic "March on Washington" for jobs and freedom. It was at this gathering that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" address, which stirred the souls of the nation.
The greatness of Asa Philip Randolph and his contributions to Black Americans can never be forgotten, for they are recorded in the pages of history and remembered in the hearts of men. He died at age ninety in 1979.
Asa Philip Randolph, a powerful union organizer and civil rights leader, spent forty years of his life in constant battle for better working conditions and higher wages for all laborers. He founded the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925 and became its first president.
Randolph, born on April 15, 1889, in Crescent City, Florida, was the son of James W. Randolph, an itinerant minister of slave parentage.... After completing high school, Asa traveled to New York City and entered City College....
By 1925, the Pullman Company, builders, operators of sleeping cars and parlor cars for the nation's railroads, was the largest single employer of Blacks in the United States. It paid its 12,000 porters about $60.00 per month for 400 hours or 11,000 miles, whichever came first. Porters were required to pay for their meals and ...their own uniforms.... They also worked straight through without layover time.
Ramdolph was secretly asked to organize the porters because he was an outsider and could not be hurt buy the Pullman company. After several meetings, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was formed on August 25, 1925.... Twelve years to the day, August 25, 1937, Pullman's president announced to the Brotherhood negotiators, "Gentlemen, the Pullman company is ready to sign.".... This contract included a wage settlement of $1.25 million, and the porters' work month was reduced from 400 hours to 240 hours....
Also, between 1940 and 1948, Randolph was highly instrumental in desegrating the war industries, federal employment, and the armed forces. In 1963, he was responsible for organizing and bringing together over 250,000 people, of all races, in the historic "March on Washington" for jobs and freedom. It was at this gathering that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" address, which stirred the souls of the nation.
The greatness of Asa Philip Randolph and his contributions to Black Americans can never be forgotten, for they are recorded in the pages of history and remembered in the hearts of men. He died at age ninety in 1979.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
YES, I REMEMBER, EVEN AFTER 70
excerpt from ANNE'S WRITINGS (see Aug 31, 2010)
When the touch of his hand on my arm caused a spark to travel over my skin and tingle.
When he walked into the room and a butterfly beat it's wings in my chest.
When his arms came around me from behind and cocooned me I felt safe and cherished.
When the touch of his lips on mine created a hungry, seeking energy.
When the smell of his bathrobe was uniquely sweet.
When a specially chosen gift to me made a lump in my throat so painful I could hardly swallow.
When he held our hours old newborn and introduced her verbally to all his relatives, I grew warm inside.
Yes, I remember with sadness and gladness.
ahr 3-19-08
When the touch of his hand on my arm caused a spark to travel over my skin and tingle.
When he walked into the room and a butterfly beat it's wings in my chest.
When his arms came around me from behind and cocooned me I felt safe and cherished.
When the touch of his lips on mine created a hungry, seeking energy.
When the smell of his bathrobe was uniquely sweet.
When a specially chosen gift to me made a lump in my throat so painful I could hardly swallow.
When he held our hours old newborn and introduced her verbally to all his relatives, I grew warm inside.
Yes, I remember with sadness and gladness.
ahr 3-19-08
Thursday, April 7, 2011
STEVE BIKO - 1946-1976 - SOUTH AFRICA
excerpts from BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS, STEVE BIKO, edited by Millard Arnold, Biko's testimony during a trial of his supporters. The complete transcript is recorded in this book.
excerpts from NEWSWEEK, 10, 1997, REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT, by Donald Woods (South African Journalist and Biko's friend)
remembrances from CRY FREEDOM, movie in 1987, sensitively and articulately portrayed with Densel Washington as Biko.
remembrance of song called BIKO by Peter Gabriel, sung during a concert in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in 1977 and South American Amnesty International Conspiracy of Hope Concert with Sting in 1986.
-----
In February, 1997 during the South African TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION, five South African security policeman confessed to severely beating Stephen Biko, which caused his death due to a massive brain hemorrhage.
WHY the murder? To silence ...."Bantu Stephen Biko, that country's (South Africa) most important Black leader, stepped forward to testify on their behalf and thus broke the ban on his public speaking. In the late 1960s, Biko, founded the Black Consciousness movement which called for the psychological and cultural liberation of the Black mind as a precondition to political freedom....
'(Biko speaking on Black Consciousness as witness in court for some of his suppporters)....they would no longer use the term Non-White, nor allow it to be used as a description of them because they saw it as a negation of their being. They were being stated as 'non-something', which implied that the standard was something and they were not that particular standard. They felt that a positive view to life, which is commensurate with the build-up of one's dignity and confidence, should be contained in a description which you accept, and they sought to replace the term Non-White with the term Black...you tend to begin to feel that there is something imcomplete in your humanity, and that completeness goes with whiteness. This is caried through to adulthood when the Black man has got to live and work....I no more work in order to live, I live in order to work.'"
In the movie CRY FREEDOM, the dignity and efforts of this man, Biko, and his fellow countryman were impressively and sensitively portrayed. The end is tragic but the message conveyed is powerful and enlightening. Washington conveys this very effectively.
The song BIKO by Peter Gabriel moved an audience worldwide by the poignancy of Biko's life and message. I was moved as few things have ever moved me. You can hear the song if you go on internet and search for Peter Gabriel - Biko.
excerpts from NEWSWEEK, 10, 1997, REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT, by Donald Woods (South African Journalist and Biko's friend)
remembrances from CRY FREEDOM, movie in 1987, sensitively and articulately portrayed with Densel Washington as Biko.
remembrance of song called BIKO by Peter Gabriel, sung during a concert in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in 1977 and South American Amnesty International Conspiracy of Hope Concert with Sting in 1986.
-----
In February, 1997 during the South African TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION, five South African security policeman confessed to severely beating Stephen Biko, which caused his death due to a massive brain hemorrhage.
WHY the murder? To silence ...."Bantu Stephen Biko, that country's (South Africa) most important Black leader, stepped forward to testify on their behalf and thus broke the ban on his public speaking. In the late 1960s, Biko, founded the Black Consciousness movement which called for the psychological and cultural liberation of the Black mind as a precondition to political freedom....
'(Biko speaking on Black Consciousness as witness in court for some of his suppporters)....they would no longer use the term Non-White, nor allow it to be used as a description of them because they saw it as a negation of their being. They were being stated as 'non-something', which implied that the standard was something and they were not that particular standard. They felt that a positive view to life, which is commensurate with the build-up of one's dignity and confidence, should be contained in a description which you accept, and they sought to replace the term Non-White with the term Black...you tend to begin to feel that there is something imcomplete in your humanity, and that completeness goes with whiteness. This is caried through to adulthood when the Black man has got to live and work....I no more work in order to live, I live in order to work.'"
In the movie CRY FREEDOM, the dignity and efforts of this man, Biko, and his fellow countryman were impressively and sensitively portrayed. The end is tragic but the message conveyed is powerful and enlightening. Washington conveys this very effectively.
The song BIKO by Peter Gabriel moved an audience worldwide by the poignancy of Biko's life and message. I was moved as few things have ever moved me. You can hear the song if you go on internet and search for Peter Gabriel - Biko.
Monday, April 4, 2011
APACHE WEDDING PRAYER
Found this in one of my scraps of paper and was again inspired.
WEDDING BLESSING
Now you will feel no rain
For each of you will be shelter
for the other.
Now you will feel no cold
For each of you will be warmth
for the other.
Now there is no more loneliness
For each of you will be companion
for the other.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good
and long upon the earth.
-Author unknown
WEDDING BLESSING
Now you will feel no rain
For each of you will be shelter
for the other.
Now you will feel no cold
For each of you will be warmth
for the other.
Now there is no more loneliness
For each of you will be companion
for the other.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good
and long upon the earth.
-Author unknown
Sunday, March 27, 2011
MIGRATION FROM AFRICA 75,000 YEARS AGO
excerpt from FAMILYTREE DNA (history unearthed daily)
Present day theory suggests that Humans evolved from Africa and traces of these ancient genes are found in all modern day people.
75,000 years ago, humans migrated from Africa into the Middle East, later spreading into Europe and Asia.
Humans migrated to the European coast roughly around 50,000 years ago. This region endured hardships on population size during the last ice age. However, it was followed by a recovery period. Later, growth in agriculture, lead many habitants to move north cultivating new areas of this region.
Roughly 50 millinniums ago, boats were used in the migration patterns towards Australia. It is believed that one of the paths were along the southern coastline of Asia. Asians originated from two communal pedigrees, which in the modern era shows a dominance of similar lineage groups in particular regions of Asia.
20,000-30,000 years ago, migrants journeyed from Siberia across the Bering land that adjoined North America and Asia. Later, roughly 15,000 years ago, a new migration path was being carved out of the coastline. Apaches, Athabascans, and Navajos are uniquely different in the genetic leaneage of Native Americans and are believed to have migrated from the northern parts of Siberia, roughly a millenium ago. Eskimos and Aluets are the youngest of the Indians - they journeyed about 6000 years ago.
The first inhabitants of the Americas came from Siberia spreading through the Andes to Tierra del Fuego. some of these nomads migrated towards the east setling in the terrain, which is now Brazil.
Note from me: We are all one human family, with cousins all over the planet.
Present day theory suggests that Humans evolved from Africa and traces of these ancient genes are found in all modern day people.
75,000 years ago, humans migrated from Africa into the Middle East, later spreading into Europe and Asia.
Humans migrated to the European coast roughly around 50,000 years ago. This region endured hardships on population size during the last ice age. However, it was followed by a recovery period. Later, growth in agriculture, lead many habitants to move north cultivating new areas of this region.
Roughly 50 millinniums ago, boats were used in the migration patterns towards Australia. It is believed that one of the paths were along the southern coastline of Asia. Asians originated from two communal pedigrees, which in the modern era shows a dominance of similar lineage groups in particular regions of Asia.
20,000-30,000 years ago, migrants journeyed from Siberia across the Bering land that adjoined North America and Asia. Later, roughly 15,000 years ago, a new migration path was being carved out of the coastline. Apaches, Athabascans, and Navajos are uniquely different in the genetic leaneage of Native Americans and are believed to have migrated from the northern parts of Siberia, roughly a millenium ago. Eskimos and Aluets are the youngest of the Indians - they journeyed about 6000 years ago.
The first inhabitants of the Americas came from Siberia spreading through the Andes to Tierra del Fuego. some of these nomads migrated towards the east setling in the terrain, which is now Brazil.
Note from me: We are all one human family, with cousins all over the planet.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
LETTER FROM JAPAN
A letter from Sendai
3/14/2011
Things here in Sendai have been rather surreal. But I am very blessed to
have wonderful friends who are helping me a lot. Since my shack is even more
worthy of that name, I am now staying at a friend's home. We share supplies
like water, food and a kerosene heater. We sleep lined up in one room, eat
by candlelight, share stories. It is warm, friendly, and beautiful.
During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit
in their cars, looking at news on their navigation screens, or line up to
get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in
their home, they put out a sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and
buckets.
It's utterly amazingly that where I am there has been no looting, no pushing
in lines. People leave their front door open, as it is safer when an
earthquake strikes. People keep saying, "Oh, this is how it used to be in
the old days when everyone helped one another."
Quakes keep coming. Last night they struck about every 15 minutes. Sirens
are constant and helicopters pass overhead often.
We got water for a few hours in our homes last night, and now it is for half
a day. Electricity came on this afternoon. Gas has not yet come on. But all
of this is by area. Some people have these things, others do not. No one has
washed for several days. We feel grubby, but there are so much more
important concerns than that for us now. I love this peeling away of
non-essentials. Living fully on the level of instinct, of intuition, of
caring, of what is needed for survival, not just of me, but of the entire
group.
There are strange parallel universes happening. Houses a mess in some
places, yet then a house with futons or laundry out drying in the sun.
People lining up for water and food, and yet a few people out walking their
dogs. All happening at the same time.
Other unexpected touches of beauty are first, the silence at night. No cars.
No one out on the streets. And the heavens at night are scattered with
stars. I usually can see about two, but now the whole sky is filled. The
mountains are Sendai are solid and with the crisp air we can see them
silhouetted against the sky magnificently.
And the Japanese themselves are so wonderful. I come back to my shack to
check on it each day, now to send this e-mail since the electricity is on,
and I find food and water left in my entranceway. I have no idea from whom,
but it is there. Old men in green hats go from door to door checking to see
if everyone is OK. People talk to complete strangers asking if they need
help. I see no signs of fear. Resignation, yes, but fear or panic, no.
They tell us we can expect aftershocks, and even other major quakes, for
another month or more. And we are getting constant tremors, rolls, shaking,
rumbling. I am blessed in that I live in a part of Sendai that is a bit
elevated, a bit more solid than other parts. So, so far this area is better
off than others. Last night my friend's husband came in from the country,
bringing food and water. Blessed again.
Somehow at this time I realize from direct experience that there is indeed
an enormous Cosmic evolutionary step that is occurring all over the world
right at this moment. And somehow as I experience the events happening now
in Japan, I can feel my heart opening very wide. My brother asked me if I
felt so small because of all that is happening. I don't. Rather, I feel as
part of something happening that much larger than myself. This wave of
birthing (worldwide) is hard, and yet magnificent.
Thank you again for your care and Love of me.
3/14/2011
Things here in Sendai have been rather surreal. But I am very blessed to
have wonderful friends who are helping me a lot. Since my shack is even more
worthy of that name, I am now staying at a friend's home. We share supplies
like water, food and a kerosene heater. We sleep lined up in one room, eat
by candlelight, share stories. It is warm, friendly, and beautiful.
During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit
in their cars, looking at news on their navigation screens, or line up to
get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in
their home, they put out a sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and
buckets.
It's utterly amazingly that where I am there has been no looting, no pushing
in lines. People leave their front door open, as it is safer when an
earthquake strikes. People keep saying, "Oh, this is how it used to be in
the old days when everyone helped one another."
Quakes keep coming. Last night they struck about every 15 minutes. Sirens
are constant and helicopters pass overhead often.
We got water for a few hours in our homes last night, and now it is for half
a day. Electricity came on this afternoon. Gas has not yet come on. But all
of this is by area. Some people have these things, others do not. No one has
washed for several days. We feel grubby, but there are so much more
important concerns than that for us now. I love this peeling away of
non-essentials. Living fully on the level of instinct, of intuition, of
caring, of what is needed for survival, not just of me, but of the entire
group.
There are strange parallel universes happening. Houses a mess in some
places, yet then a house with futons or laundry out drying in the sun.
People lining up for water and food, and yet a few people out walking their
dogs. All happening at the same time.
Other unexpected touches of beauty are first, the silence at night. No cars.
No one out on the streets. And the heavens at night are scattered with
stars. I usually can see about two, but now the whole sky is filled. The
mountains are Sendai are solid and with the crisp air we can see them
silhouetted against the sky magnificently.
And the Japanese themselves are so wonderful. I come back to my shack to
check on it each day, now to send this e-mail since the electricity is on,
and I find food and water left in my entranceway. I have no idea from whom,
but it is there. Old men in green hats go from door to door checking to see
if everyone is OK. People talk to complete strangers asking if they need
help. I see no signs of fear. Resignation, yes, but fear or panic, no.
They tell us we can expect aftershocks, and even other major quakes, for
another month or more. And we are getting constant tremors, rolls, shaking,
rumbling. I am blessed in that I live in a part of Sendai that is a bit
elevated, a bit more solid than other parts. So, so far this area is better
off than others. Last night my friend's husband came in from the country,
bringing food and water. Blessed again.
Somehow at this time I realize from direct experience that there is indeed
an enormous Cosmic evolutionary step that is occurring all over the world
right at this moment. And somehow as I experience the events happening now
in Japan, I can feel my heart opening very wide. My brother asked me if I
felt so small because of all that is happening. I don't. Rather, I feel as
part of something happening that much larger than myself. This wave of
birthing (worldwide) is hard, and yet magnificent.
Thank you again for your care and Love of me.
Friday, March 18, 2011
EMMA MOORE-ELIMINATION OF PREJUDICE WORKSHOP
excerpt from COLORS OF MY WORLD (see Aug 31, 2010)
In the early 80s I found a kindred soul, a retired, older African American school teacher, who felt the need to heal, reveal, and kneel to make a difference. We spent a weekend retreat consulting, sharing our stories and organizing our workshop. We collaborated and co-facilitated an Elimination of Prejudice Workshop in 1983 at theBaha'i Summer School in North Carolina.
We had a musical presentation before each session, which set the tone of energy and commitment. The beginning session started with an anonymous survey of the demographics of the attendants. This survey became the starting point of getting to know each other. Stories were told, specific erroneous informaton we had been exposed to in childhood were shared, inspirational quotes were studied, historical and anthropological facts were expounded then a dialogue began which involved everyone. It was intense, emotional and effective. Awarenesses were heightened, hearts were touched, feelings of anger and pain were shared. Some whites came away with bafflement and "what was the big deal" changing to "MyGod, I'm beginning to get a glimpse." Some dark-skinned were able to share anger without retaliation, pain without excuses in response and left with a little more hope and trust.
In the early 80s I found a kindred soul, a retired, older African American school teacher, who felt the need to heal, reveal, and kneel to make a difference. We spent a weekend retreat consulting, sharing our stories and organizing our workshop. We collaborated and co-facilitated an Elimination of Prejudice Workshop in 1983 at theBaha'i Summer School in North Carolina.
We had a musical presentation before each session, which set the tone of energy and commitment. The beginning session started with an anonymous survey of the demographics of the attendants. This survey became the starting point of getting to know each other. Stories were told, specific erroneous informaton we had been exposed to in childhood were shared, inspirational quotes were studied, historical and anthropological facts were expounded then a dialogue began which involved everyone. It was intense, emotional and effective. Awarenesses were heightened, hearts were touched, feelings of anger and pain were shared. Some whites came away with bafflement and "what was the big deal" changing to "MyGod, I'm beginning to get a glimpse." Some dark-skinned were able to share anger without retaliation, pain without excuses in response and left with a little more hope and trust.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
HISTORICAL CHEROKEE
excerpts from HISTORICAL CHEROKEE, NORTH CAROLINA, Visitors Guide & Directory
Long before Columbus discovered the "New World" or Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto first set foot in the Great Smoky Mountains (1540), 25,000 Cherokee ruled over 135,000 square miles covering parts of what are now eight states.
Their vast territorial holdings have long since disappeared, but today, an agressive initiative to revitalize the Cherokee language, culture and heritage is being kept alive through the efforts of Tribal Government.
Unique among the many tribes inhabiting North America, the Cherokee have a written language created by Sequoyah in the 1820s.
By 1827, a Cherokee newspaper, "The Phoenix" was being circulated throughout the territory.
Not long ago, Cherokee students were not permitted to speak their native language in schools, but today, not only is it a required subject, but it's not uncommon for young and old to converse in Cherokee. The language, almost lost just a generation ago, is now a part of mainstream Cherokee society again.
Unlike the Plains Indians depicted in Western movies, the Cherokee lived in log cabins, wore turbans and adopted European clothes.
Of all the injustices done to Native Americans, none equals the cruelty and betrayal culminating in the tragic "Trail of Tears", when the Cherokee Nation was forcefully driven out of the mountains and marched 1,200 miles to Oklahoma.
Those who survived the journey to Oklahoma are known as the Cherokee Nation. Descendants of those who hid in the Great Smoky Mountains to avoid removal are known as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
Today, there are nearly 12,000 members of the Eastern Band and many live in the Yellowhill, Birdtown, Painttown, Snowbird, Big cove and Wolftown communities on the Qualla Boundary - the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Many books have been written about the history and culture of the Cherokee, but the best way to find out more is to visit all the cultural attractions on the Reservation.
I lived on the Reservation from 2004 until 2007. I hope to move back there this summer. Wish me luck!
Long before Columbus discovered the "New World" or Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto first set foot in the Great Smoky Mountains (1540), 25,000 Cherokee ruled over 135,000 square miles covering parts of what are now eight states.
Their vast territorial holdings have long since disappeared, but today, an agressive initiative to revitalize the Cherokee language, culture and heritage is being kept alive through the efforts of Tribal Government.
Unique among the many tribes inhabiting North America, the Cherokee have a written language created by Sequoyah in the 1820s.
By 1827, a Cherokee newspaper, "The Phoenix" was being circulated throughout the territory.
Not long ago, Cherokee students were not permitted to speak their native language in schools, but today, not only is it a required subject, but it's not uncommon for young and old to converse in Cherokee. The language, almost lost just a generation ago, is now a part of mainstream Cherokee society again.
Unlike the Plains Indians depicted in Western movies, the Cherokee lived in log cabins, wore turbans and adopted European clothes.
Of all the injustices done to Native Americans, none equals the cruelty and betrayal culminating in the tragic "Trail of Tears", when the Cherokee Nation was forcefully driven out of the mountains and marched 1,200 miles to Oklahoma.
Those who survived the journey to Oklahoma are known as the Cherokee Nation. Descendants of those who hid in the Great Smoky Mountains to avoid removal are known as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.
Today, there are nearly 12,000 members of the Eastern Band and many live in the Yellowhill, Birdtown, Painttown, Snowbird, Big cove and Wolftown communities on the Qualla Boundary - the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
Many books have been written about the history and culture of the Cherokee, but the best way to find out more is to visit all the cultural attractions on the Reservation.
I lived on the Reservation from 2004 until 2007. I hope to move back there this summer. Wish me luck!
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