7 posts tagged “black youth”
When Rev. Jeremiah Wright (Barak Obama's Pastor) spoke of AIDS being put in the Black community in his much ballyhooed sermon this is why. There is precedence for this kind of action in America. Is this fear mongering? Or is this acknowledging (very real) possibilities? This (Tuskegee) experiment garnered an apology from the President twenty-five years later.
The United States government did something that was wrong—deeply, profoundly, morally wrong. It was an outrage to our commitment to integrity and equality for all our citizens. . . . clearly racist.
Apologies only begin the healing process. It does not cure the hurt. Germany has apologized (for the Holocaust) but the Jews still feel the pain and recognize the significance of never forgetting nor letting the world forget their struggle. Neither shall Black Americans forget; so when you hear the endless loop of Rev. Wright's petition to GOD damning America it stems from this experience along with, slavery, racism, discrimination and injustice that seeks to understand WHY? And how long do we have to suffer this kind of deception? And is their still this kind of government sanctioned racism going on now?
When (non-Black) Americans hear the horror of the Black experience they want to put it in the past, tag it as "what once was", say "it's not like that anymore" until the next event that tears the scab off a wound that will ultimately leave a scar at best. So here is a reminder of why you (America) will from time to time get the vitriolic rhetoric from our gatherings at churches, rallies and demonstrations. Please pardon the anger, hurt and distrust that Black Americans have for some of America's worst offenders, bad actors and racists. It is natural to cry in pain when your healing; to be in discomfort when you've been handicapped. We are in repair.
Your (test) subject,
Bycha Buxton
It hurts my heart to watch the pain of a people ("my" people) fight for the right to exist…again. I started college (Grambling State University) in Louisiana in 1987, I lived in New Orleans in 1989-90. My son was born in New Orleans; I became a better man because of my experiences there. It is a city of vibrant living, social injustice, epicurean delight (I learned how to eat in Louisiana) and endless entertainment. Now I watch as a spectator from my comfortable arm chair with all my creature comforts as "my" people fight for the right to exist in thier community, the only one they know. The culture there is like no other in the U.S. (the world for that matter), the energetic Second-line funeral procession, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Reggae Sun Splash, the Mardi Gras, the blending of French and African culture, Cajun and Creole. "The Big Easy” it’s called for good reason; Jazz was born there, the sports traditions of the Bayou Classic and the Super Bowl are played there, the great college institutions; black (Dillard University and Xavier University) and traditional universities (Loyola University and Tulane University) are part of the culture.
The celebrated Chefs of our time, Paul Prudhomme who introduced us (the broader U.S.) to Gumbo and Blackened Redfish, Emeril Lagasse whose '“BAM!” has been heard ‘round the world, and the many mothers and grandmothers that have been feeding the generations with the "love" that makes New Orleans cuisine so great. New Orleanians live to express their unique culture with love for their heritage that's deep and genuine. Every "Black American" born in New Orleans can trace someone in their family to one of the Low Income Housing Projects in and around the Crescent City, not that it's a bragging right ; but a rite of passage from who they were to what they've become. There is a systematic plan to rid New Orleans of this rich history and these particular inhabitants. First the natural disaster (hurricane Katrina) played a key part in putting the city in distress. We (Black Americans) cried out “Injustice!!” at how we were unfairly treated when the FEMA and other disaster relief agencies came to the “supposed” rescue of New Orleanians (a selective rescue at best). Then redevelopment by way of failing to rebuild in certain “black areas” that were deemed a flood risk in the event of a second “Katrina like storm.” Now they propose demolition of the last vestige of “real” Black History; “living” Black History is being erased. There is a better way than this.
I predict that New Orleans, for my youngest child’s (4 yrs old) generation and my grand-kids (none yet…I hope) will be homogenized like much of the U.S. The language, traditions, the food and culture washed away and the “real” history demolished and replaced with the “new American standard”. It is a sad day when this systematic removal of the “color” of New Orleans is razed to the ground.
Feeling the pain with New Orleanians,
Bycha Buxton
buxtonbycha@aol.com
Young brotha being young is a requirement; getting old is a privilege. Young brotha I've tried to be an example of a "Strong Black Man" for you; but life can get in the way at times. Young brotha no matter your circumstance never give up, if it (life) knocks you down, get up, dust off and get going. I'm here; I will help you young brotha. I've tried to clear a path for you; so follow me, but not too close cause I've stepped in some traps along the way. It truly is a jungle and you are the prey. Yes my young lion the [lion]keeper is closing in; but I'm here to help you.
Young brotha you can't do it alone, don't even try it. I'm here; I will help you. Even when you can't see me young brotha, cause the brush is too thick, believe me when I tell you I'm making a way through this madness. I love you, I'm here; I will help you young brotha. Don't tell me I don't understand; I just cut the path your going through. They say "when your going through hell don't stop...keep going". I'm clearing the way. I'm here; I will help you, just keep going.
Someone is helping me young brotha; he's just up ahead, clearing the path. And when he tires you'll pass by where he rests; give him respect he loves you too. And young brotha when it's time, you'll know...stand tall and make us all proud. We've been cut and beat and bruised trying to make a way through this jungle. Don't let us down were counting on you...and the young brotha behind you is too.
a Brotha, a Father, a Son;
Bycha Buxton
buxtonbycha@aol.com
You may ask yourself why did I waste my time, energy and blog space to promote these two clowns?
Answer: So you can help me change America.
I came across these two subjects Jenna (the video) and Will (his response to the video) while researching the "Jena 6" trials . These trials and protests stem from racist reactions to prejudice that we all have. "Racism is an instinct; prejudice is rooted to the bone." -Clincey Franklin (my grandmother "Granny"). Those Louisiana students are the leaders of tomorrow (Jena High School), these two (Jenna and Will) are the link between them and the future. The 'proud' examples of Caucasian adulthood (Jenna's a kid). The answer to this problem I do not have. But you can help by sending a message to Jenna and Will. Because of the "age of the internet" not only are you speaking to them you send a message to all that surf these pages ... Americans don't think this way!
Name: Jenna
Age: 30
City: hgfd
Hometown: 65654
Country: Barbados
Companies: jenna, jeff production
Interests and Hobbies: none
Joined: April 30, 2006
www.youtube.com/Blackstitches23
Name: Will
Age: 35
Country: United States
Occupation: Business Owner
"the negro always blames others for his poor situation.
-www.youtube.com/Willbackbone
An Angry Black Man,
Bycha Buxton
buxtonbycha@aol.com
The poem "Nya's Snow Song" was result of feelings, that I had to express upon leaving and not being able to be present in my daughters life due to the failed attempt at reconciliation between my ex-wife and I. I was on a Greyhound bus to Atlanta, GA from Camden, NJ in the dead of winter; snow, ice and the chill of leaving my precious child in the over-sized bus window is all I could see and feel. I have a son "My Boy" I love with equal emotion but he is now in college at Clark Atlanta University; but this moment of ubiquity was for the loss of time with my baby.
The "snow song" is actually a Marvin Gaye classic from the "Trouble Man"
soundtrack and movie (the 'bio' to part of my life); its title is" 'T' plays it cool". When ever we would ride together she would always want to hear this melodic, trance inducing composition. At four years old she is a very special girl. We would ride the turnpikes of New Jersey and listen. So one trip Nya asked me " Daddy,what the name of that song? " I affectionately replied, "the snow song," since we would both commute and gaze out of the windows at the crystallizing snow pushed to the side of the road and covering everything in our midst. From that point on it has forever been the "snow song"
in her ears and my heart.
A loving Dad,
Bycha Buxton
buxtonbycha@aol.com
NYA'S SNOW SONG (The Love For My Daughter)
So now I exit.
The
long road to the future.
Where will I go? What will I encounter? What will I remember?
The snow song. My Nya's favorite.
Our tribute to the time we spent together.
I will miss the time we shared, My young accomplice.
We learned together how difficult love can be. I love you my child.
Listen to the soft winds of change. How subtle.
It wont be to long. Just long enough.
To say goodbye. Before I see you again.
