Saturday, January 24, 2009
Science, Ancient Wisdom and Self Consciousness
'The paradox of our times is that we have guided missiles but misguided men'The passages of history are filled with fragments of information about the human race's attempts to understand itself and the universe. Thousands of years ago, deep in Africa, indigenous dark skinned- kinky haired Africans attained a high level of self-awareness, as a result of observing and understanding nature. This was reflected in the more equitable social processes that governed ancient indigenous societies. This self-understanding culminated in the glorious achievements of the Nile Valley civilizations, which continue to amaze and baffle modern scientists, who though they have the benefit of modern technology, have not been able to reach the self- understanding achieved by our ancient ancestors. Western science, far from propelling mankind to higher moral and spiritual development, has instead created illusions of grandeur, reinforced notions of European/male superiority, and gone against the principles of nature with disastrous consequences for mankind and nature. The mass pollution of the environment, the wanton destruction of flora and fauna, and the complete disregard for human life and dignity is a direct result of the false values and standards that have limited human progress. The farce of 'scientific objectivity' that fails to acknowledge inevitable biases has also contributed towards this.Western science has made some important and impressive discoveries, but the intentions that has propelled this, has been tainted by male arrogance, racism, greed and ego (insecurities), which has severely retarded its ability to holistically bring about any real development. Schwaller de Lubicz called this 'research without illumination.' This retardation of Western science can be traced back to the many early Greeks who though they were beneficiaries of African knowledge in the fields of astronomy, mathematics, science, medicine, architecture, engineering and philosophy, claimed it as their creations, never acknowledging the source of their information. This is true of Aristotle, Plato, Archimedes, Thales and Pythagoras and many others, who studied in African universities, more than 2000 years ago. Mountains of evidence exposed by eminent scholars such as George M James, Yosef Ben Jochannan, Cheik Anta Diop, and Martin Bernal have clearly shown this.Written on many temple walls in the Nile Valley is the eternal saying 'know thyself'. This emphasizes that self knowledge is the basis of all knowledge. Naim Akbar said, "Man was viewed as the fundamental metaphor for all higher truth. The gods (neters) and most importantly the Pharaoh all stood as symbols of profound truth. So clearly, the understanding of man (mind) was viewed as paramount in the science, the wisdom and theology of Ancient Egypt." Human beings' pursuit of self knowledge was seen as the pursuit of knowledge of all things. I was conversing with a young lady who was studying university-level biology and chemistry, and she was not aware that all matter including her vibrates continually (is in constant motion). This illustrates the disconnectedness of much of Western science from any sense of self. In modern science, how can there be scientific integrity when individual integrity (self knowledge) is so lacking?The human body is a mass of vibrating particles (atoms) -consisting of and receptive to electric, magnetic, and nuclear energy. Most humans because they are ignorant about the essence of themselves, do not behave in a manner consistent with their inherent divinity and thus are unable to reach their full potential. Such people are generally ruled by their animal instincts, fears and passion that stifle their higher self. Our ancient ancestors believed that the aim of life was to become Godlike (one with God), and that to do this our lower self, fears, passion, and instincts, needed to be subordinated to our higher self which is our reasoning capacity. Given that the societal structures and processes including the (mis) education system do not facilitate self-actualization, it should not be surprising that people are so unconscious and that so many problems continue to plague society despite the impressive scientific accomplishments. The mass of ignorance impacting upon the individual through the mechanisms of the family, media, education system etc, result in an individual that is not the master or mistress of his/her destiny, but an individual who is disconnected insecure, and who acts on impulses, ego and on the scripts that have been given to him/her to act out. The deep unconscious feeling of disconnection and inadequacy pushes the individual to seek connectedness/wholeness, often in ways that are temporary and very detrimental, not only to themselves but to those in their environment.Richard King a psychiatrist, postulates that, "Just as there are written and geological records of humanities' past there are biological and mental records of humanities origin. The collective is that part of the human mind which contains the mental records of one's ancestors and accumulated over millions of years. The libraries of our mind are infinite, and contain the wisdom of all man's past, present, and even the future unity of universal knowledge, universal life."Human beings are walking repositories of history; millions of years of biological, physical, linguistic and mental (spiritual) evolutionary data is contained in their bodies. All the essential elements and secrets of the universe are within, and we possess an infinite potential to ourselves that has yet to be properly conceptualized or understood in the mainstream. We are the universe- a microcosm of the macrocosm. In this context, western science is now uncovering fragments of knowledge that has been contained in ancient African wisdom for thousands of years.In what was called the scientific breakthrough of the year in a science journal, is the discovery that 73% of the universe is composed of 'dark matter', with another 23% being composed of a mysterious dark energy. Scientists are now discovering what the ancients knew: that the universe and indeed all human beings are rooted in a cosmic blackness. Black is the state of carbon, the key atom found in all living matter. The chemical key to life and the brain is neuromelanin, which is composed of carbon atoms. On a cosmic level, blackness is the source of life, and also in terms of the development of humanity, Blackness as represented by the African continent has been proven to be the source of humanity. This information may be hard for some to stomach, given the deep paranoid fear of blackness that permeates all levels of society.Despite the massive digital divide that exists, information technology is slowly allowing more and more people to gain access to critical information that previously was unavailable. Information that was previously being accepting wholesale is being challenged. It is only by seeing the limitations of certain ideals and concepts, and the abuse that results, that individuals will be aware of the need for urgent. People can start to realize and work on social corruption and decay, by realizing and working on their own individual corruption.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Slaves built the White House and Capitol
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In January, President-elect Barack Obama and his family will make history, becoming the first African-American first family to move into the White House -- a house with a history of slavery. In fact, the legacy of American presidents owning slaves goes all the way back to George Washington.
A wood engraving of handcuffed and shackled slaves passing the U.S. Capitol, depicts a scene circa 1819.
Twelve American presidents owned slaves and eight of them, starting with Washington, owned slaves while in office. Almost from the very start, slaves were a common sight in the executive mansion. A list of construction workers building the White House in 1795 includes five slaves - named Tom, Peter, Ben, Harry and Daniel -- all put to work as carpenters. Other slaves worked as masons in the government quarries, cutting the stone for early government buildings, including the White House and U.S. Capitol. According to records kept by the White House Historical Association, slaves often worked seven days a week -- even in the hot and humid Washington summers.
In 1800, John Adams was the first president to live in the White House, moving in before it was finished. Adams was a staunch opponent of slavery, and kept no slaves. Future presidents, however, didn't follow his lead. Thomas Jefferson, who succeeded Adams, wrote that slavery was an "assemblage of horrors" and yet he brought his slaves with him. Early presidents were expected to pay their household expenses themselves, and many who came from the so-called "slave states" simply brought their slaves with them.
Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant all owned slaves but not during their time in office. James Madison, Jefferson's successor, held slaves all of his life including while he was in office. During the war of 1812 Madison's slaves helped remove material from the White House shortly before the British burned the building. Michelle Obama uncovers slaves in her family »
Don't Miss
In 1865 one of Madison's former slaves, Paul Jennings, wrote the first White House memoir: "A Colored Man's Reminiscences of Life in the White House." In the book, Jennings called Madison "one of the best men that ever lived" and said Madison "never would strike a slave, although he had over one hundred; neither would he allow an overseer to do it."
There were other presidents who treated their slaves less kindly.
James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, John Tyler, James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor all owned slaves while they were in office. The last of these, President Taylor, said owning slaves was a Constitutional right and he said slave-owners like himself would "appeal to the sword if necessary" to keep them. The Civil War, of course, put that opinion to the test.
Now, the Obamas are moving into the White House.
"The apple cart has been turned over here when you have the Obamas -- the first African-American couple -- now actually management and you are having in some cases white Americans serving them," says presidential historian Doug Brinkley.
Michelle Obama learned this year that one of her great-great grandfathers was a slave who worked on a rice plantation in South Carolina. She says finding that part of her past uncovered both shame and pride and what she calls the tangled history of this country.
For many, the historic election on November 4 marked a new beginning.
Though Michelle Obama's ancestors had to come through the ordeal of slavery, "Her children are sleeping in the room of presidents," said Brinkley. "It's a very great and hopeful sign."
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/02/slaves.white.house/index.html
A wood engraving of handcuffed and shackled slaves passing the U.S. Capitol, depicts a scene circa 1819.
Twelve American presidents owned slaves and eight of them, starting with Washington, owned slaves while in office. Almost from the very start, slaves were a common sight in the executive mansion. A list of construction workers building the White House in 1795 includes five slaves - named Tom, Peter, Ben, Harry and Daniel -- all put to work as carpenters. Other slaves worked as masons in the government quarries, cutting the stone for early government buildings, including the White House and U.S. Capitol. According to records kept by the White House Historical Association, slaves often worked seven days a week -- even in the hot and humid Washington summers.
In 1800, John Adams was the first president to live in the White House, moving in before it was finished. Adams was a staunch opponent of slavery, and kept no slaves. Future presidents, however, didn't follow his lead. Thomas Jefferson, who succeeded Adams, wrote that slavery was an "assemblage of horrors" and yet he brought his slaves with him. Early presidents were expected to pay their household expenses themselves, and many who came from the so-called "slave states" simply brought their slaves with them.
Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant all owned slaves but not during their time in office. James Madison, Jefferson's successor, held slaves all of his life including while he was in office. During the war of 1812 Madison's slaves helped remove material from the White House shortly before the British burned the building. Michelle Obama uncovers slaves in her family »
Don't Miss
In 1865 one of Madison's former slaves, Paul Jennings, wrote the first White House memoir: "A Colored Man's Reminiscences of Life in the White House." In the book, Jennings called Madison "one of the best men that ever lived" and said Madison "never would strike a slave, although he had over one hundred; neither would he allow an overseer to do it."
There were other presidents who treated their slaves less kindly.
James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, John Tyler, James K. Polk and Zachary Taylor all owned slaves while they were in office. The last of these, President Taylor, said owning slaves was a Constitutional right and he said slave-owners like himself would "appeal to the sword if necessary" to keep them. The Civil War, of course, put that opinion to the test.
Now, the Obamas are moving into the White House.
"The apple cart has been turned over here when you have the Obamas -- the first African-American couple -- now actually management and you are having in some cases white Americans serving them," says presidential historian Doug Brinkley.
Michelle Obama learned this year that one of her great-great grandfathers was a slave who worked on a rice plantation in South Carolina. She says finding that part of her past uncovered both shame and pride and what she calls the tangled history of this country.
For many, the historic election on November 4 marked a new beginning.
Though Michelle Obama's ancestors had to come through the ordeal of slavery, "Her children are sleeping in the room of presidents," said Brinkley. "It's a very great and hopeful sign."
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/02/slaves.white.house/index.html
John Hanson on the two-dollar bill*
A "Black" Man, A Moor, John Hanson President of the United States
A "Black" Man, A Moor, John Hanson By: Cyril Innis Jr. Deputy Director Discretionary Department Of Youth and Program Operations -Discretionary
What is on the Back of the Two Dollar Bill?
The back of the $2 bill has an engraving of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the image is a man who has dark skin and wearing a powdered wig while sitting at the table just to the left of the men standing in the center of the engraving. This dark skinned man is John Hanson in his position as president of the continental congress. In the original painting hanging in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, the dark skinned man does not appear!!!
A "Black" Man, A Moor, John Hanson
Was the First President of the United States! 1781-1782 A.D.??? George Washington was really the 8th President of the United States! George Washington was not the first President of the United States. In fact, the first President of the United States was one John Hanson. Don't go checking the encyclopedia for this guy's name - he is one of those great men that are lost to history. If you're extremely lucky, you may actually find a brief mention of his name. The new country was actually formed on March 1, 1781 with the adoption of The Articles of Confederation. This document was actually proposed on June 11, 1776, but not agreed upon by Congress until November 15, 1777. Maryland refused to sign this document until Virginia and New York ceded their western lands (Maryland was afraid that these states would gain too much power in the new government from such large amounts of land). Once the signing took place in 1781, a President was needed to run the country. John Hanson was chosen unanimously by Congress (which included George Washington). In fact, all the other potential candidates refused to run against him, as he was a major player in the revolution and an extremely influential member of Congress. As the first President, Hanson had quite the shoes to fill. No one had ever been President and the role was poorly defined. His actions in office would set precedent for all future Presidents. He took office just as the Revolutionary War ended. Almost immediately, the troops demanded to be paid. As would be expected after any long war, there were no funds to meet the salaries. As a result, the soldiers threatened to overthrow the new government and put Washington on the throne as a monarch. All the members of Congress ran for their lives, leaving Hanson as the only guy left running the government. He somehow managed to calm the troops down and hold the country together. If he had failed, the government would have fallen almost immediately and everyone would have been bowing to King Washington. In fact, Hanson sent 800 pounds of sterling silver by his brother Samuel Hanson to George Washington to provide the troops with shoes. Hanson, as President, ordered all foreign troops off American soil, as well as the removal of all foreign flags. This was quite the feat, considering the fact that so many European countries had a stake in the United States since the days following Columbus. Hanson established the Great Seal of the United States, which all Presidents have since been required to use on all official documents. President Hanson also established the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, and the first Foreign Affairs Department. Lastly, he declared that the fourth Thursday of every November was to be Thanksgiving Day, which is still true today. The Articles of Confederation only allowed a President to serve a one year term during any three year period, so Hanson actually accomplished quite a bit in such little time. Six other presidents were elected after him - Elias Boudinot (1783), Thomas Mifflin (1784), Richard Henry Lee (1785), Nathan Gorman (1786), Arthur St. Clair (1787), and Cyrus Griffin (1788) - all prior to Washington taking office. So what happened? Why don't we ever hear about the first seven Presidents of the United States? It's quite simple - The Articles of Confederation didn't work well. The individual states had too much power and nothing could be agreed upon. A new doctrine needed to be written - something we know as the Constitution. And that leads us to the end of our story. George Washington was definitely not the first President of the United States. He was the first President of the United States under the Constitution we follow today. And the first seven Presidents are forgotten in history
END RESEARCH BY Innis
Review of the evidence that John Hanson was a Moor:
The picture on the $2 Bill is of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. John Hancock was the President of the Continental Congress not John Hanson in 1776.
In fact, John Hanson was never a member of the Continental Congress. He didn't serve as a Delegate until 1781 after the Continental Congress was replaced with the United States in Congress Assembled formed by the ratified Articles of Confederation.
Image Courtesy of the National Archives
The picture of the Moor, John Hanson, is actually a Sixth-plate daguerreotype, ca. 1856 (http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trr033.html). There was no photography in 1783 when President Hanson died.
Additionally, President Hanson was the 3rd President of the United States in Congress Assembled, not the first. He was preceded by Samuel Huntington (1st) and Thomas McKean (2nd). On my website, johnhanson.net, I have an image of the letter signed by Hanson as President thanking Thomas McKean for serving as President. The picture I have on the website is John Hanson.
http://blackhomeschoolers.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=992310%3ABlogPost%3A19865
A "Black" Man, A Moor, John Hanson By: Cyril Innis Jr. Deputy Director Discretionary Department Of Youth and Program Operations -Discretionary
What is on the Back of the Two Dollar Bill?
The back of the $2 bill has an engraving of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the image is a man who has dark skin and wearing a powdered wig while sitting at the table just to the left of the men standing in the center of the engraving. This dark skinned man is John Hanson in his position as president of the continental congress. In the original painting hanging in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, the dark skinned man does not appear!!!
A "Black" Man, A Moor, John Hanson
Was the First President of the United States! 1781-1782 A.D.??? George Washington was really the 8th President of the United States! George Washington was not the first President of the United States. In fact, the first President of the United States was one John Hanson. Don't go checking the encyclopedia for this guy's name - he is one of those great men that are lost to history. If you're extremely lucky, you may actually find a brief mention of his name. The new country was actually formed on March 1, 1781 with the adoption of The Articles of Confederation. This document was actually proposed on June 11, 1776, but not agreed upon by Congress until November 15, 1777. Maryland refused to sign this document until Virginia and New York ceded their western lands (Maryland was afraid that these states would gain too much power in the new government from such large amounts of land). Once the signing took place in 1781, a President was needed to run the country. John Hanson was chosen unanimously by Congress (which included George Washington). In fact, all the other potential candidates refused to run against him, as he was a major player in the revolution and an extremely influential member of Congress. As the first President, Hanson had quite the shoes to fill. No one had ever been President and the role was poorly defined. His actions in office would set precedent for all future Presidents. He took office just as the Revolutionary War ended. Almost immediately, the troops demanded to be paid. As would be expected after any long war, there were no funds to meet the salaries. As a result, the soldiers threatened to overthrow the new government and put Washington on the throne as a monarch. All the members of Congress ran for their lives, leaving Hanson as the only guy left running the government. He somehow managed to calm the troops down and hold the country together. If he had failed, the government would have fallen almost immediately and everyone would have been bowing to King Washington. In fact, Hanson sent 800 pounds of sterling silver by his brother Samuel Hanson to George Washington to provide the troops with shoes. Hanson, as President, ordered all foreign troops off American soil, as well as the removal of all foreign flags. This was quite the feat, considering the fact that so many European countries had a stake in the United States since the days following Columbus. Hanson established the Great Seal of the United States, which all Presidents have since been required to use on all official documents. President Hanson also established the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, and the first Foreign Affairs Department. Lastly, he declared that the fourth Thursday of every November was to be Thanksgiving Day, which is still true today. The Articles of Confederation only allowed a President to serve a one year term during any three year period, so Hanson actually accomplished quite a bit in such little time. Six other presidents were elected after him - Elias Boudinot (1783), Thomas Mifflin (1784), Richard Henry Lee (1785), Nathan Gorman (1786), Arthur St. Clair (1787), and Cyrus Griffin (1788) - all prior to Washington taking office. So what happened? Why don't we ever hear about the first seven Presidents of the United States? It's quite simple - The Articles of Confederation didn't work well. The individual states had too much power and nothing could be agreed upon. A new doctrine needed to be written - something we know as the Constitution. And that leads us to the end of our story. George Washington was definitely not the first President of the United States. He was the first President of the United States under the Constitution we follow today. And the first seven Presidents are forgotten in history
END RESEARCH BY Innis
Review of the evidence that John Hanson was a Moor:
The picture on the $2 Bill is of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776. John Hancock was the President of the Continental Congress not John Hanson in 1776.
In fact, John Hanson was never a member of the Continental Congress. He didn't serve as a Delegate until 1781 after the Continental Congress was replaced with the United States in Congress Assembled formed by the ratified Articles of Confederation.
Image Courtesy of the National Archives
The picture of the Moor, John Hanson, is actually a Sixth-plate daguerreotype, ca. 1856 (http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trr033.html). There was no photography in 1783 when President Hanson died.
Additionally, President Hanson was the 3rd President of the United States in Congress Assembled, not the first. He was preceded by Samuel Huntington (1st) and Thomas McKean (2nd). On my website, johnhanson.net, I have an image of the letter signed by Hanson as President thanking Thomas McKean for serving as President. The picture I have on the website is John Hanson.
http://blackhomeschoolers.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=992310%3ABlogPost%3A19865
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Will the Real John Hanson Please Stand Up!!!
Spirit of Sankofa expresses:
There seems to be alot of discrepancies about the fact that John Hanson was indeed the 3rd President of America under the confederation...
John Hanson (1721-1783) (Titled "President of the United States in Congress Assembled," John Hanson is considered by some the first U.S. president because he was the first to serve under the Articles of Confederation.
What is the the American Colonization Society Records?
LETS RUN DOWN SOME FACTS
FACT: President John Hanson Was Born in 1721 and died in 1783.
His is featured on American currency as one that was signing a document.
I believe as always ...history has been distorted to confuse and send false messages to the American people and the world at large.
You decide!!!!
Peace*
There seems to be alot of discrepancies about the fact that John Hanson was indeed the 3rd President of America under the confederation...
John Hanson (1721-1783) (Titled "President of the United States in Congress Assembled," John Hanson is considered by some the first U.S. president because he was the first to serve under the Articles of Confederation.
What is the the American Colonization Society Records?
LETS RUN DOWN SOME FACTS
FACT: President John Hanson Was Born in 1721 and died in 1783.
His is featured on American currency as one that was signing a document.
I believe as always ...history has been distorted to confuse and send false messages to the American people and the world at large.You decide!!!!
Peace*
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Dr. Marimba Ani- Afrikan Rebirth*
I've had the pleasure to listen to this great sister of indept knowledge. She has several video highlighting the plight of the African nation....
Be sure to click the google link to some of her video's!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8625802119936217906
Be sure to click the google link to some of her video's!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8625802119936217906
Look At This Brother Here.. BARACK OBAMA*
It is my unique pleasure to showcase a real brother, dropping true knowledge*
After listening to the sister doing poetry at Obama Inauguration; I've read this poem that simply knocked my socks off!!!!
Look at this brother here! BARACK OBAMA! Not, look at this Nigga here, in disgrace or shame, But look... at this PROUD BLACK MAN here. Standing before a nation, that might not have Served him at a lunch counter at one time,Having to sit in the back of the bus. in disgust; Now, he is sitting in the most powerful seat in the nation!
Yeah, ...look at this brother here. As he looks out at a sea of rainbow faces of all hues, a tidal wave of hands Waving to and fro, in approval of his message of hope, and change. Perhaps.. they thought they would never see the day, as I That one Brotherman would receive his RIGHTFUL due,
To show the world that a Black man is more than just shucking and jiving. He is living his dream, And doing more than just surviving. Now is the time for change , is his marathon mantra; Maybe his skin, is not Black as a panthers, but Black enough today To say, WE have to make change all around admist chaos, within this nation, And throughout the world, peace will not come over night,But don't give up the fight, we will overcome someday, some how, some way. As a Gluttonous economic ogre even stops to burp, and listens to this brother We still have a long way to go, but we got to keep it moving. Because we still have many miles before we sleep. So I keep my third eye WIDE open, as some others weep in happiness,Today, history was made, today, tears rolled down my Grandmas face--Because she had to live in a segregated place, and now....
She and her generation feels a little vindicated for their sacrifice. And I can only do my part, as we all must do, he's just one man; America is a chameleon, I know this, but right now, I'm enjoying its color. I now it's color may change tomorrow, but it's color suffices for now And w/ all the vices that permanent this society, now an old worm metamorphizes Into a new being w/ a changed face of hope, to replace a pale white mule,
A New Black stallion rides on, my Brother ride on ,RIGHT ON!
Decipherx1
After listening to the sister doing poetry at Obama Inauguration; I've read this poem that simply knocked my socks off!!!!
Look at this brother here! BARACK OBAMA! Not, look at this Nigga here, in disgrace or shame, But look... at this PROUD BLACK MAN here. Standing before a nation, that might not have Served him at a lunch counter at one time,Having to sit in the back of the bus. in disgust; Now, he is sitting in the most powerful seat in the nation!
Yeah, ...look at this brother here. As he looks out at a sea of rainbow faces of all hues, a tidal wave of hands Waving to and fro, in approval of his message of hope, and change. Perhaps.. they thought they would never see the day, as I That one Brotherman would receive his RIGHTFUL due,
To show the world that a Black man is more than just shucking and jiving. He is living his dream, And doing more than just surviving. Now is the time for change , is his marathon mantra; Maybe his skin, is not Black as a panthers, but Black enough today To say, WE have to make change all around admist chaos, within this nation, And throughout the world, peace will not come over night,But don't give up the fight, we will overcome someday, some how, some way. As a Gluttonous economic ogre even stops to burp, and listens to this brother We still have a long way to go, but we got to keep it moving. Because we still have many miles before we sleep. So I keep my third eye WIDE open, as some others weep in happiness,Today, history was made, today, tears rolled down my Grandmas face--Because she had to live in a segregated place, and now....
She and her generation feels a little vindicated for their sacrifice. And I can only do my part, as we all must do, he's just one man; America is a chameleon, I know this, but right now, I'm enjoying its color. I now it's color may change tomorrow, but it's color suffices for now And w/ all the vices that permanent this society, now an old worm metamorphizes Into a new being w/ a changed face of hope, to replace a pale white mule,
A New Black stallion rides on, my Brother ride on ,RIGHT ON!
Decipherx1
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Black Wall Street
he "Black (Negro) Wall Street" was the name given to Greenwood Avenue of North Tulsa, Oklahoma during the early 1900’s. Because of strict segregation, Blacks were only allowed to shop, spend, and live in a 35 square block area called the Greenwood district. The "circulation of Black dollars" only in the Black community produced a tremendously prosperous Black business district that was admired and envied by the whole country.
Oklahoma’s first African-American settlers were Indian slaves of the so-called "Five Civilized Tribes": Chickasaws, Choctaws, Cherokees, Creeks, and Seminoles. These tribes were forced to leave the Southeastern United States and resettle in Oklahoma in mid-winter over the infamous "Trail of Tears." After the Civil War, U.S.-Indian treaties provided for slave liberation and land allotments ranging from 40-100 acres, which helps explain why over 6000 African-Americans lived in the Oklahoma territory by 1870. Oklahoma boasted of more All-Black towns and communities than any other state in the land, and these communities opened their arms to freed slaves from all across the country. Remarkably, at one time, there were over 30 African-American newspapers in Oklahoma.
Tulsa began as an outpost of the Creek Indians and as late as 1910, Walter White of the NAACP, described Tulsa as "the dead and hopeless home of 18,182 souls." Suddenly, oil was discovered and Tulsa rapidly grew into a thriving, bustling, enormously wealthy town of 73,000 by 1920 with bank deposits totaling over $65 million. However, Tulsa was a "tale of two cities isolated and insular", one Black and one White. Tulsa was so racist and segregated that it was the only city in America that boasted of segregated telephone booths.
Since African Americans could neither live among Whites as equals nor patronize White businesses in Tulsa, Blacks had to develop a completely separate business district and community, which soon became prosperous and legendary. Black dollars invested in the Black community also produced self-pride, self-sufficiency, and self-determination. The business district, beginning at the intersection of Greenwood Avenue and Archer Street, became so successful and vibrant that Booker T. Washington during his visit bestowed the moniker: "Negro Wall Street." By 1921, Tulsa’s African-American population of 11,000 had its own bus line, two high schools, one hospital, two newspapers, two theaters, three drug stores, four hotels, a public library, and thirteen churches. In addition, there were over 150 two and three story brick commercial buildings that housed clothing and grocery stores, cafes, rooming houses, nightclubs, and a large number of professional offices including doctors, lawyers, and dentists. Tulsa’s progressive African American community boasted some of the city’s most elegant brick homes, well furnished with china, fine linens, beautiful furniture, and grand pianos. Mary Elizabeth Parrish from Rochester, New York wrote: "In the residential section there were homes of beauty and splendor which would please the most critical eye." Well known African American personalities often visited the Greenwood district including: educators Mary McCloud Bethune and W.E.B. DuBois, scientist George Washington Carver, opera singer Marian Anderson, blues singer Dinah Washington, and noted Chicago chemist Percy Julian.
T.P. Scott wrote in "Negro City Directory": "Early African American business leaders in Tulsa patterned the development of Tulsa’s thriving Greenwood district after the successful African American entrepreneurial activity in Durham, North Carolina."
After the Civil War, former slaves moved to Durham from the neighboring farmlands and found employment in tobacco processing plants. By 1900, a large Black middle class had developed which began businesses that soon grew into phenomenally successful corporations, especially North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. Charles Clinton Spaulding was so successful with the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company that he was able to create a real estate company, a textile and hosiery mill, and the "Durham Negro Observer" newspaper. Durham Blacks also created a hospital, Mechanics and Farmers Bank (1908), North Carolina Training College (1910), Banker’s Fire Insurance Company (1920), and the National Negro Finance Company (1922). However, living conditions in Durham were so substandard and working conditions so poor that the 1920 mortality rate among Blacks in Durham was three times higher than the White rate. As of 1926, 64% of all African Americans in Durham died before the age of 40. These perilous working and living conditions were not present in Tulsa.
Burning BlackWall Street
Art bySherwood Akuna
On May 31, 1921,the successfulBlack Greenwood districtwas completely destroyedby one of the worse race riotsin U.S. history.
A 19 year old Black male accidentally stumbled on a jerky elevator and bumped the 17-year-old White elevator operator who screamed. The frightened young fellow was seen running from the elevator by a group of Whites and by late afternoon the "Tulsa Tribune" reported that the girl had been raped. Despite the girl’s denial of any wrongdoing, the boy was arrested and a large mob of 2000 White men came to the jail to lynch the prisoner.
About 75 armed African Americans came to the jail to offer assistance to the sheriff to protect the prisoner. The sheriff not only refused the assistance but also deputized the White mob to disarm the Blacks. With a defenseless Black community before them, the White mob advanced to the Greenwood district where they first looted and then burned all Black businesses, homes, and churches. Any Black resisters were shot and thrown into the fires. When the National Guard arrived, they assisted the others by arresting all Black men, women, and children, and herding them into detention centers at the Baseball Park and Convention Hall. As many as 4,000 Blacks were held under armed guard in detention.
Dr. Arthur C. Jackson, a nationally renowned surgeon and called by the Mayo brothers (of Mayo Clinic fame) "the most able Negro surgeon in America", was shot at the Convention Hall and allowed to bleed to death.
(click graphic above for Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 Slide Show)(Bombing Black Wall Street by Sherwood Akuna)
CLICK HERE TO READ FREE REVIEW E-BOOKThe "Chicago Tribute" Newspaper reported that Whites also used private airplanes to drop kerosene and dynamite on Black homes. By the next morning the entire Greenwood district was reduced to ashes and not one White was even accused of any wrongdoing, much less arrested.
The race riot of Tulsa, Oklahoma was not an isolated event in American history. On May 28, 1917 a White mob in East St. Louis, Illinois of over l3,000, ravaged African American stores, homes, and churches. Eyewitnesses reported that over 100 Blacks were gunned down as they left their burning homes including a small Black child who was shot and thrown back into the burning building to die. Seven white police officers charged with murder by the Illinois Attorney General were collectively fined $150. During the "Red Summer" of 1919, over 25 race riots were recorded (white mobs attacking black neighborhoods). In the 1919 race riot at Elaine, Arkansas, White mobs killed over 200 African Americans and burned their homes and businesses. Federal troops arrested hundreds of Blacks trying to protect their possessions and forcibly held them in basements of the city’s public schools. Twelve Blacks were indicted (no Whites) and convicted of inciting violence and sentenced to die. The NAACP persuaded the U.S. Supreme Count for the first time in history to reverse a racially biased southern court. Director John Singleton exposed the horror of the Rosewood, Florida massacre of 1922 in his film entitled "Rosewood". A White mob burned down the entire town and tried to kill all of its Black inhabitants. In April 1994, the Florida legislature passed the "Rosewood Bill", which awarded $150,000 to each of the riot’s nine eligible Black survivors.
After the Tulsa riot, the White inhabitants tried to buy the Black property and force Black people out of town. No Tulsa bank or lending institution would make loans in the riot-marred Greenwood district, and the city refused all outside assistance. However, racial pride and self-determination would not permit the Greenwood owners to sell, and they doggedly spend the entire winter in tents donated by the American Red Cross. Rebuilding was a testament to the courage and stamina of Tulsa’s pioneers in their struggle for freedom.
Photo BySherwood Akuna
Most of the buildings along the first block of Greenwood Avenue were rebuilt within one year. Henry Whitlow wrote: "A little over a decade after the riot, everything was more prosperous than before." In 1926, W. E. B. DuBois visited Tulsa and wrote: "Black Tulsa is a happy city. It has new clothes. It is young and gay and strong. Five little years ago, fire and blood and robbery leveled it to the ground. Scars are there, but the city is impudent and noisy. It believes in itself. Thank God for the grit of Black Tulsa."
Like Black Tulsa, African Americans can continue to survive by self-pride, self-help, and self-determination.
I’m Dr. Leroy Vaughn and that’s my view.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE E-BOOKTHAT TELLS THE TRUTH ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE AND THEIR PLACE IN WORLD HISTORYBy Dr. Leroy VaughnFOR FREE ON LINE
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READING
BLACK (NEGRO) WALL STREET
Brown, R. (1975) Strain of Violence: Historical Studies of American Violence and Virgilantism. New York: Oxford University Press.
Butler, W. (1974) Tulsa 75: A History of Tulsa. Tulsa: Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.
Debo, A. (1982) Tulsa: From Creek Town to Oil Capital. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
Ellsworth, S. (1943) Death in a Promised Land: The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.
Franklin, J. (1974) From Slavery to Freedom: A History of Negro Americans. New York: Alfred Knopf.
Franklin, J. (1980) The Blacks in Oklahoma. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
Gates, E. (1997) They Came Searching - How Blacks Sought the Promised Land in Tulsa. Austin, Texas: Eakin Press.
Johnson, H. (1998) Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District. Austin, Texas: Eakin Press.
Teall, K. (1971) Black History in Oklahoma: A Resource Book. Oklahoma City: Oklahoma City Public Schools.
Waskow, A. (1967) From Race Riot to Sit-In. 1919 and the 1960’s: A Study in the Connections Between Conflict and Violence. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
Williams, L. (1972) Anatomy of Four Race Riots - Racial Conflict in Knoxville, Elaine (Arkansas), Tulsa and Chicago. The University and College Press of Mississippi.
Oklahoma’s first African-American settlers were Indian slaves of the so-called "Five Civilized Tribes": Chickasaws, Choctaws, Cherokees, Creeks, and Seminoles. These tribes were forced to leave the Southeastern United States and resettle in Oklahoma in mid-winter over the infamous "Trail of Tears." After the Civil War, U.S.-Indian treaties provided for slave liberation and land allotments ranging from 40-100 acres, which helps explain why over 6000 African-Americans lived in the Oklahoma territory by 1870. Oklahoma boasted of more All-Black towns and communities than any other state in the land, and these communities opened their arms to freed slaves from all across the country. Remarkably, at one time, there were over 30 African-American newspapers in Oklahoma.
Tulsa began as an outpost of the Creek Indians and as late as 1910, Walter White of the NAACP, described Tulsa as "the dead and hopeless home of 18,182 souls." Suddenly, oil was discovered and Tulsa rapidly grew into a thriving, bustling, enormously wealthy town of 73,000 by 1920 with bank deposits totaling over $65 million. However, Tulsa was a "tale of two cities isolated and insular", one Black and one White. Tulsa was so racist and segregated that it was the only city in America that boasted of segregated telephone booths.
Since African Americans could neither live among Whites as equals nor patronize White businesses in Tulsa, Blacks had to develop a completely separate business district and community, which soon became prosperous and legendary. Black dollars invested in the Black community also produced self-pride, self-sufficiency, and self-determination. The business district, beginning at the intersection of Greenwood Avenue and Archer Street, became so successful and vibrant that Booker T. Washington during his visit bestowed the moniker: "Negro Wall Street." By 1921, Tulsa’s African-American population of 11,000 had its own bus line, two high schools, one hospital, two newspapers, two theaters, three drug stores, four hotels, a public library, and thirteen churches. In addition, there were over 150 two and three story brick commercial buildings that housed clothing and grocery stores, cafes, rooming houses, nightclubs, and a large number of professional offices including doctors, lawyers, and dentists. Tulsa’s progressive African American community boasted some of the city’s most elegant brick homes, well furnished with china, fine linens, beautiful furniture, and grand pianos. Mary Elizabeth Parrish from Rochester, New York wrote: "In the residential section there were homes of beauty and splendor which would please the most critical eye." Well known African American personalities often visited the Greenwood district including: educators Mary McCloud Bethune and W.E.B. DuBois, scientist George Washington Carver, opera singer Marian Anderson, blues singer Dinah Washington, and noted Chicago chemist Percy Julian.
T.P. Scott wrote in "Negro City Directory": "Early African American business leaders in Tulsa patterned the development of Tulsa’s thriving Greenwood district after the successful African American entrepreneurial activity in Durham, North Carolina."
After the Civil War, former slaves moved to Durham from the neighboring farmlands and found employment in tobacco processing plants. By 1900, a large Black middle class had developed which began businesses that soon grew into phenomenally successful corporations, especially North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. Charles Clinton Spaulding was so successful with the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company that he was able to create a real estate company, a textile and hosiery mill, and the "Durham Negro Observer" newspaper. Durham Blacks also created a hospital, Mechanics and Farmers Bank (1908), North Carolina Training College (1910), Banker’s Fire Insurance Company (1920), and the National Negro Finance Company (1922). However, living conditions in Durham were so substandard and working conditions so poor that the 1920 mortality rate among Blacks in Durham was three times higher than the White rate. As of 1926, 64% of all African Americans in Durham died before the age of 40. These perilous working and living conditions were not present in Tulsa.
Burning BlackWall Street
Art bySherwood Akuna
On May 31, 1921,the successfulBlack Greenwood districtwas completely destroyedby one of the worse race riotsin U.S. history.
A 19 year old Black male accidentally stumbled on a jerky elevator and bumped the 17-year-old White elevator operator who screamed. The frightened young fellow was seen running from the elevator by a group of Whites and by late afternoon the "Tulsa Tribune" reported that the girl had been raped. Despite the girl’s denial of any wrongdoing, the boy was arrested and a large mob of 2000 White men came to the jail to lynch the prisoner.
About 75 armed African Americans came to the jail to offer assistance to the sheriff to protect the prisoner. The sheriff not only refused the assistance but also deputized the White mob to disarm the Blacks. With a defenseless Black community before them, the White mob advanced to the Greenwood district where they first looted and then burned all Black businesses, homes, and churches. Any Black resisters were shot and thrown into the fires. When the National Guard arrived, they assisted the others by arresting all Black men, women, and children, and herding them into detention centers at the Baseball Park and Convention Hall. As many as 4,000 Blacks were held under armed guard in detention.
Dr. Arthur C. Jackson, a nationally renowned surgeon and called by the Mayo brothers (of Mayo Clinic fame) "the most able Negro surgeon in America", was shot at the Convention Hall and allowed to bleed to death.
(click graphic above for Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 Slide Show)(Bombing Black Wall Street by Sherwood Akuna)
CLICK HERE TO READ FREE REVIEW E-BOOKThe "Chicago Tribute" Newspaper reported that Whites also used private airplanes to drop kerosene and dynamite on Black homes. By the next morning the entire Greenwood district was reduced to ashes and not one White was even accused of any wrongdoing, much less arrested.
The race riot of Tulsa, Oklahoma was not an isolated event in American history. On May 28, 1917 a White mob in East St. Louis, Illinois of over l3,000, ravaged African American stores, homes, and churches. Eyewitnesses reported that over 100 Blacks were gunned down as they left their burning homes including a small Black child who was shot and thrown back into the burning building to die. Seven white police officers charged with murder by the Illinois Attorney General were collectively fined $150. During the "Red Summer" of 1919, over 25 race riots were recorded (white mobs attacking black neighborhoods). In the 1919 race riot at Elaine, Arkansas, White mobs killed over 200 African Americans and burned their homes and businesses. Federal troops arrested hundreds of Blacks trying to protect their possessions and forcibly held them in basements of the city’s public schools. Twelve Blacks were indicted (no Whites) and convicted of inciting violence and sentenced to die. The NAACP persuaded the U.S. Supreme Count for the first time in history to reverse a racially biased southern court. Director John Singleton exposed the horror of the Rosewood, Florida massacre of 1922 in his film entitled "Rosewood". A White mob burned down the entire town and tried to kill all of its Black inhabitants. In April 1994, the Florida legislature passed the "Rosewood Bill", which awarded $150,000 to each of the riot’s nine eligible Black survivors.
After the Tulsa riot, the White inhabitants tried to buy the Black property and force Black people out of town. No Tulsa bank or lending institution would make loans in the riot-marred Greenwood district, and the city refused all outside assistance. However, racial pride and self-determination would not permit the Greenwood owners to sell, and they doggedly spend the entire winter in tents donated by the American Red Cross. Rebuilding was a testament to the courage and stamina of Tulsa’s pioneers in their struggle for freedom.
Photo BySherwood Akuna
Most of the buildings along the first block of Greenwood Avenue were rebuilt within one year. Henry Whitlow wrote: "A little over a decade after the riot, everything was more prosperous than before." In 1926, W. E. B. DuBois visited Tulsa and wrote: "Black Tulsa is a happy city. It has new clothes. It is young and gay and strong. Five little years ago, fire and blood and robbery leveled it to the ground. Scars are there, but the city is impudent and noisy. It believes in itself. Thank God for the grit of Black Tulsa."
Like Black Tulsa, African Americans can continue to survive by self-pride, self-help, and self-determination.
I’m Dr. Leroy Vaughn and that’s my view.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE E-BOOKTHAT TELLS THE TRUTH ABOUT BLACK PEOPLE AND THEIR PLACE IN WORLD HISTORYBy Dr. Leroy VaughnFOR FREE ON LINE
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL READING
BLACK (NEGRO) WALL STREET
Brown, R. (1975) Strain of Violence: Historical Studies of American Violence and Virgilantism. New York: Oxford University Press.
Butler, W. (1974) Tulsa 75: A History of Tulsa. Tulsa: Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.
Debo, A. (1982) Tulsa: From Creek Town to Oil Capital. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
Ellsworth, S. (1943) Death in a Promised Land: The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press.
Franklin, J. (1974) From Slavery to Freedom: A History of Negro Americans. New York: Alfred Knopf.
Franklin, J. (1980) The Blacks in Oklahoma. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
Gates, E. (1997) They Came Searching - How Blacks Sought the Promised Land in Tulsa. Austin, Texas: Eakin Press.
Johnson, H. (1998) Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District. Austin, Texas: Eakin Press.
Teall, K. (1971) Black History in Oklahoma: A Resource Book. Oklahoma City: Oklahoma City Public Schools.
Waskow, A. (1967) From Race Riot to Sit-In. 1919 and the 1960’s: A Study in the Connections Between Conflict and Violence. Garden City, NY: Doubleday.
Williams, L. (1972) Anatomy of Four Race Riots - Racial Conflict in Knoxville, Elaine (Arkansas), Tulsa and Chicago. The University and College Press of Mississippi.
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