This black history month, I want to do something a little different. I think one of the problems in our country is that Black history is synonymous with the past and with slavery to most. I really want to go into a more personal level and highlight people making a difference everyday. People I've met, talked to, and been inspired by. So, this year for my daily spotlights I want to brag on y'all. FYI: if I don't post about you, it's not because you aren't awesome, it's because there's only 29 days in February, and I'm a graduate student so I can't just post until run out of friends and family...
My black history month hero this year (and every year really) is a pair: Howard Hughes (not that Howard Hughes) and Iella Dewitt Hughes, also known as Papa and Granny to me and my cousins. Born in 1903 and 1915, respectively, they lived through some of the most dangerous eras of Southern history. Despite their circumstances and without being afforded any of the opportunities I have today (such as the option to complete high school) they were able to employ hard work to get farm land, a house (2 houses actually), and raise 5 kids. All 5 kids grew up to be strong, successful, and loving, despite also growing up the Jim Crow era. I'm proud of my grandparents (aunts and uncles, too) because they beat the odds. The heart of black history isn't about slavery or racism, but about strength and survival. When I look at what the people who came before me accomplished in the face of blatant adversity, I know that I have no excuse. #NotAshamed #MyAncestorsWereSlavesButTheyStillCameOutOnTop #BlackHistoryMonth2016 #OhSnapWeGet29Days #MakeItCount
Children are the Future
Legends of Africa
One thing I've noticed during my years attending predominately white schools and having circles of friends that are more diverse, is that the major factor in racism and prejudice is ignorance. There is a lot about black culture that many non-blacks just don't know. Often this lack of awareness rears its head in the form of ignorant assumptions and awkward questions. The Legends of Africa series touches on topics that may be extremely familiar to blacks, but may not be familiar to non-blacks.
Religion & Theology
Circus of Words
Surviving in the Early 1900's
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Categories:
BHM2016
,
Black History
,
Family
,
JugglingClowns
,
Perseverance
,
Ring 3: Blog
Surviving in the Early 1900's
By:
Ree Hughes
Eillya-Marí Kocumba
I love to write. Sometimes its graceful and classic--like a trapeze act--or bold and brave--like a lion tamer--perhaps a little humorous--like a clown. This is my circus of words.
Right now, my blog is mostly poetry (which naturally covers a wide range of topics). Everyone says great blogs have a niche, a specific topic they hone in to write about. I'm still working that out, I guess. In the mean time, you can use the menu in archive page to narrow down the topics you wish to see.
Welcome to the site. Feel free to comment and I hope you enjoy.
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