By Gloria DULAN-Wilson
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| Gloria DULAN-Wilson |
Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog/ ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS
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Showing posts with label Gil Scott-Heron. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gil Scott-Heron. Show all posts
4.01.2021
1.07.2015
Tribute to Lou Wilson on the Second Anniversary of His Passing - With Love
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Hello All:
Today, January 7, 2015, marks a sad anniversary for me and my family. It's the day that Lou Wilson, Love of My Life, made his transition to the realm of ancestor/angel.
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| Lou Wilson Love of My Life: October 25, 1941 - January 7, 2013 - That light to the right looks kind of like an oddly shaped halo, doesn't it? |
I know that everyone in the entire Wilson Klan - Ric, Carlos, Wilfredo - are also stopping, holding their collective breaths and remembering all the wonderful, crazy, zany things that went to make up their amazing brother - his sense of humor, his love of children - especially our children and grand children; his love of and respect for education; his musicality (he oozed music from every pore); his uncanny ability to come up with lyrics, or a concept for a song off the top of his head just by having a lightweight conversation with someone, or hearing a tone, or a sound.
His wisdom, knowledge and understanding that he shared with our children - Kira, Rais and Adiya - is something they have never forgotten. It's amazing what an impact a person can have on young minds, even when you thought it went over their heads. Lou was that kind of person. He was a natural born educator! To hear our daughter quote things she remembered learning from him as a child, that she now teaches our grands, is awesome.
It's interesting to see certain positive (and, yes, negative) traits in our kids and know that they came by them honestly - (okay, some of those bad traits are from me, too).
I spoke with my friend Cathy Jones earlier and thanked her for pulling me through the most devastating period of my life - had it not been for her, and my homegirl Brenda Neal. I would have been a basket case. Well, actually I was a basket case, but they kept me from crawling under a rock and never coming back out again. And special thanks to brother/minister/friend Michael Beckwith and Rickie Byars Beckwith, of AGAPE Center, for being there for me, as well as presiding over Lou's homegoing ceremony in California.
Thank goodness for his wonderful legacy of music via Mandrill, Inc., the great lyrics with so many messages of joy, love, life, that he shared with the world. I can just see him and Gil Scott Heron collaborating on a concept to both blow people's minds and wake them up at the same time. They used to kick ideas around in our living room - now they're doing it non-stop in the Fourth Dimension.
I thank God the Living Spirit Almighty for the time we spent together - the good, the not so good, the great - times we shared. And I thank Him for making it possible for me to look back on all those times and truly smile - realizing that I will always treasure them as I move forward.
Of course I can't help it when I hear a trumpet, a conga player, or some great calypso music (his favorite) and not hear him somewhere in there playing along. Or hear some really romantic crooner and think of how excited he would get about the lyrics and the phrasing (he loved Joe Williams and Jerry Butler's voice).
The only sadness I have is that our wonderful Grand People will not have the privilege of growing up knowing this gentle giant that was their granddad - It's up to us - to share with them the great memories we each have and of how much he loved and delighted in each and every one of them. His spirit is resident in each one of them, just waiting to manifest through their own sets of unique talent.
I'm keeping this short, sweet and simple: Peace Be Unto You Tall, Dark & Chocolate: Lou Wilson - Mimi Nikupenda Sana!! Much Love and Fond Memories from your Glo
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
January 7, 2015
8.20.2014
ATAC TO HOLD A GRIM MEMORIAL ON THE 395 "anniversary" of Chattel Slavery on August 20
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
You know, you can really never know enough about our history as Black people in this world. The reason for this is that so much of it was obscured, distorted and destroyed by those who kidnapped us from our Motherland, forced us into chattel slavery, then during modern times either tried to cover it up and pretend it never existed; blame the victims by saying that Africans sold themselves into slavery, to a half a million other lies and cover ups.
But ATAC - Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, of Philadelphia, PA - has not only been keeping the records straight, notifying us of these events, that have been plowed under with our ancestors; but they've also made a concerted effort to commemorate these events as much as possible.
Below is an excerpt from an email notification I received from them earlier on August 19:
For the uninitiated, I'm sharing ATAC's website:
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You know, you can really never know enough about our history as Black people in this world. The reason for this is that so much of it was obscured, distorted and destroyed by those who kidnapped us from our Motherland, forced us into chattel slavery, then during modern times either tried to cover it up and pretend it never existed; blame the victims by saying that Africans sold themselves into slavery, to a half a million other lies and cover ups.
But ATAC - Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, of Philadelphia, PA - has not only been keeping the records straight, notifying us of these events, that have been plowed under with our ancestors; but they've also made a concerted effort to commemorate these events as much as possible.
Below is an excerpt from an email notification I received from them earlier on August 19:
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"To
All, American slavery was born 395 years ago on August 20, 1619.
Accordingly, The Ancestors Coalition (ATAC) will hold a "Silent
Mourning & Libational Trek" on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.,
beginning at the Sixth and Market site of the President's House/Slavery
Memorial and ending at the Front and Market site of the London Coffee
House/Slave Auction historical marker. Sincerely, Avenging The Ancestors
Coalition (ATAC) 215-552-8751 www.avengingtheancestors.com"
395 years ago!! In Virginia, where the "aristocratic Brits" were either too lazy or too dumb to realize that they had to work or they would not eat, some even more greedy, lazy group, who had not been able to coerce or threaten the Indian population into slavery, brought the first ships of African men and women over on the Middle Passage to be forced to do the work these ignoramuses couldn't and wouldn't do. And, unfortunately, the rest is history ( more often his-story, than ours).
Interestingly enough, Philadelphia still has these commemorative sites here. What better time to show our ancestors our gratitude for their sacrifices than to participate in this Trek today, August 20. Bring your children, friends, associates, loved ones. Show that not only have we not forgotten, that moving forward we will honor their drive to make life better for us as well.
"Silent
Mourning & Libational Trek" on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.,
For the uninitiated, I'm sharing ATAC's website:
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In the News...
Not guilty! No charge! (JOSEPH SLOBODZIAN, philly.com)
Violent Arrest Caught On Video (foxphilly.com, video) What Everyone Should Know About Trayvon Martin (Judd legum, ThinkProgress.org) Faulty video screens at President's House being replaced (Stephan Salisbury, Philadelphia Inquirer) PHA revises development plans to honor historic Germantown burial ground (Kristen Mosbruckeri, NewsWorks) Resources
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Bid 'Em In Video Videos and Radio
ATAC (Avenging the Ancestors Coalition)ATAC is a broad-based coalition of historians, activists, attorneys, elected officials, religious leaders, media personalities, and other tax-paying voters — descendants of the victims of the greatest holocaust in the history of humankind. ATAC has the active support of Black (and other) elected officials throughout Pennsylvania.What Have We Done?
This website is the primary reason that ATAC made history so quickly. And Doug Heller- our original and remarkably ingenious webmaster and now one of our most beloved spiritual ancestors- was the brains behind it. We therefore dedicate this website to him. We also thank and acknowledge Zion Baptist Church (Broad and Venango Streets) for allowing us to gather there for our meetings, to organize, and to honor the ancestors. ### NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson |
PRESIDENT WASHINGTON ENSLAVED 316 BLACK MEN, WOMEN, & CHILDREN IN
VIRGINIA & TRANSPORTED 9 OF THEM TO AMERICA’S FIRST “WHITE HOUSE” IN
PHILADELPHIA AT THE CURRENT SITE OF THE NEW LIBERTY BELL CENTER AT 6TH
& MARKET.
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12.23.2013
Lincoln University Celebrates 160 Years - Sign our Heritage Initiative Petition & Save our Historical Structures
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Hello All:
We are on the eve of the 160th Anniversary of The Lincoln University, in Lincoln University, PA. That's right, it is the first Degree Granting HBCU in the USA - or anywhere for that matter - founded 11 years before the beginning of the Civil War, on April 29, 1854. It was originally called Ashmun Hall, but was renamed Lincoln University in 1866, in honor of President Abraham Lincoln following his assassination.
I just want to insert a quick note, for our brothers and sisters at Cheyney State University, who maintain Cheyney was the first College. Cheyney was founded in 1837 as Institute for Colored Youth in Pennsulvania. And it has the distinction of being the first of its kind. However, it did not become a degree granting institution until 1914. They are both great schools; and Pennsylvania has the distinction of being the state where the first two Black HBCU's were founded - you'd think they'd buy a clue and capitalize on this distinction, instead of trying to undermine these great institutes of learning.
You hear me brag about Lincoln all the time. It's my Alma Mater - along with such greats as Cab Calloway, Thurgood Marshall (the Only Black Supreme Court Justice); Kwame Nkrumah, first President of Ghana; Nnamdi Azikewe, first President of Nigeria; Peter Ndiege, brother of Tom Mboya, Minister of Finance of Kenya; Langston Hughes, Judge Bruce Wright (a/ka/a Turn em loose Bruce); Gil Scott-Heron, Randy Cain of the Delphonics; Philadelphia Representative Cherrelle Parker; John Jay professor Dwight Murph; Temple University Professor Anthony Montiero; activist/author/professor Sam Anderson; - but enough of the name dropping.
Okay, just one more fact: Lincoln University is the Only HBCU to have given Africa two Presidents: Nkrumah and Azikewe. And its' the college Philadelphia native Bill Cosby sent his TV daughter, Vanessa, to when she went away to school, on his award winning TV SitCom, The Cosby Show.
Lincoln University has nurtured some of the greatest Black minds on the planet. And continues to do so, despite the fact that there has been a reduction in financial assistance via the State of Pennyslvania. There are time honored traditions that has made it one of the most outstanding HBCUs in history. Our Alumni Association is the first African American Alumni Association in the US, and dates back to 1872. And while there are many who would try to say otherwise, the importance and viability of Lincoln University, and other HBUs throughout the US is more crucial and significant than ever before.
At issue is the fate of the original buildings on Lincoln University's campus that have been there pretty close to its inception. As with any other college or university - Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton - these structures are hallowed halls, and go to make up the character and history, the very nature of the environment itself.
It has come to our attention that there is a threat to demolish these buildings to make way for more "modern" edifices. One building in particular, named for African Presidents Azikewe and Nkrumah, and the oldest structure on the campus, built in 1865, was announced to be scheduled for demolition!!! Something that is unthinkable under any circumstance.
There historical structures on Lincoln's campus should have long ago been part of the National Register of Historical Buildings. Architects have studied the properties and identified the ones that have distinct historical relevance - however, as far as I'm concerned, none of the older buildings should be demolished - but I can't say the same for some of the newer ones that were constructed under substandard conditions.
We, the Alumni Association of Lincoln University are rallying to make sure that these buildings are not to be demolished. To that end we are circulating petitions, and would appreciate it if you would kindly sign it and return them to the email address below. They will be presented to the State of Pennsylvania Historical and Landmarking society, and other entities to preserve these buildings, not just because they are a part of Lincoln University, but because they are a part of Our Black Heritage as a people. It's part of the mosaic that we are still piecing together that tells the complete story of who we were, who we are, and how far we've come.
And while it's important for Alumni to sign this petition, we are not limiting the circulation to Alumni alone. We are asking everybody who honors Black history, and who feels that our contribution as a people is just as viable, if not moreso, than any one else's in this country, to sign to send a clear signal that our history, our story has value and is to be preserved, honored and respected.
Please read the following message, and sign the petition to Save and Preserve the Historical Buildings on the Campus of Lincoln University, PA.
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Hello All:
We are on the eve of the 160th Anniversary of The Lincoln University, in Lincoln University, PA. That's right, it is the first Degree Granting HBCU in the USA - or anywhere for that matter - founded 11 years before the beginning of the Civil War, on April 29, 1854. It was originally called Ashmun Hall, but was renamed Lincoln University in 1866, in honor of President Abraham Lincoln following his assassination.
I just want to insert a quick note, for our brothers and sisters at Cheyney State University, who maintain Cheyney was the first College. Cheyney was founded in 1837 as Institute for Colored Youth in Pennsulvania. And it has the distinction of being the first of its kind. However, it did not become a degree granting institution until 1914. They are both great schools; and Pennsylvania has the distinction of being the state where the first two Black HBCU's were founded - you'd think they'd buy a clue and capitalize on this distinction, instead of trying to undermine these great institutes of learning.
You hear me brag about Lincoln all the time. It's my Alma Mater - along with such greats as Cab Calloway, Thurgood Marshall (the Only Black Supreme Court Justice); Kwame Nkrumah, first President of Ghana; Nnamdi Azikewe, first President of Nigeria; Peter Ndiege, brother of Tom Mboya, Minister of Finance of Kenya; Langston Hughes, Judge Bruce Wright (a/ka/a Turn em loose Bruce); Gil Scott-Heron, Randy Cain of the Delphonics; Philadelphia Representative Cherrelle Parker; John Jay professor Dwight Murph; Temple University Professor Anthony Montiero; activist/author/professor Sam Anderson; - but enough of the name dropping.
Okay, just one more fact: Lincoln University is the Only HBCU to have given Africa two Presidents: Nkrumah and Azikewe. And its' the college Philadelphia native Bill Cosby sent his TV daughter, Vanessa, to when she went away to school, on his award winning TV SitCom, The Cosby Show.
Lincoln University has nurtured some of the greatest Black minds on the planet. And continues to do so, despite the fact that there has been a reduction in financial assistance via the State of Pennyslvania. There are time honored traditions that has made it one of the most outstanding HBCUs in history. Our Alumni Association is the first African American Alumni Association in the US, and dates back to 1872. And while there are many who would try to say otherwise, the importance and viability of Lincoln University, and other HBUs throughout the US is more crucial and significant than ever before.
At issue is the fate of the original buildings on Lincoln University's campus that have been there pretty close to its inception. As with any other college or university - Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Princeton - these structures are hallowed halls, and go to make up the character and history, the very nature of the environment itself.
It has come to our attention that there is a threat to demolish these buildings to make way for more "modern" edifices. One building in particular, named for African Presidents Azikewe and Nkrumah, and the oldest structure on the campus, built in 1865, was announced to be scheduled for demolition!!! Something that is unthinkable under any circumstance.
There historical structures on Lincoln's campus should have long ago been part of the National Register of Historical Buildings. Architects have studied the properties and identified the ones that have distinct historical relevance - however, as far as I'm concerned, none of the older buildings should be demolished - but I can't say the same for some of the newer ones that were constructed under substandard conditions.
We, the Alumni Association of Lincoln University are rallying to make sure that these buildings are not to be demolished. To that end we are circulating petitions, and would appreciate it if you would kindly sign it and return them to the email address below. They will be presented to the State of Pennsylvania Historical and Landmarking society, and other entities to preserve these buildings, not just because they are a part of Lincoln University, but because they are a part of Our Black Heritage as a people. It's part of the mosaic that we are still piecing together that tells the complete story of who we were, who we are, and how far we've come.
And while it's important for Alumni to sign this petition, we are not limiting the circulation to Alumni alone. We are asking everybody who honors Black history, and who feels that our contribution as a people is just as viable, if not moreso, than any one else's in this country, to sign to send a clear signal that our history, our story has value and is to be preserved, honored and respected.
Please read the following message, and sign the petition to Save and Preserve the Historical Buildings on the Campus of Lincoln University, PA.
New
York alumni and Friends of Lincoln University, we are just a few
signatures away from the goal of 10,000 signatures on the petitions to
save Azkikwe-Nkrumah Hall and to tell the Board of Trustees to consider
the alumni proposal to create a Lincoln University Historic District
that will save all 15 historic buildings. So proud of all students,
alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have signed. If you have not
done so, please sign today to let them know that these buildings are
monuments to all past, present and future students and far too valuable
as part of Pennsylvania's history, African-American history and the
nation's history to be destroyed. Let's go beyond goal by forwarding to
family and friends! You’ll find the petitions on our website: http://www.luheritage.org/ God bless you all!
www.luheritage.org
Save historic buildings at Lincoln University
 |
Azikiwe-Nkrumah Hall,
built in 1865, is the oldest building on the campus. It was built
during the Civil War when the university was originally known as Ashmun
Institute. Initially a residence for professors, the building later
became the African Center and is currently used as campus security
offices. It is named for two distinguished alumni, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
'30, the first president of Nigeria and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah '39, the first
president of Ghana. Lincoln University has the distinction of being the only Black College to have given Africa two Presidents.
Houston Hall,
built as a Seminary in 1881, is named for its benefactor, Henry Howard
Houston, a prominent Philadelphia businessman and philanthropist. The
Seminary was the first Presbyterian Seminary in the United States to
become completely integrated. After the Seminary was closed in 1959, the
building was converted to a men's dormitory and received a new heating
system, renovated bathrooms and a replaced roof. The building is
currently vacant.
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 Bond House,
built in 1891, is named for Dr. Horace Mann Bond, '23, the first
African-American and alumni president of the university. Dr. Bond (father of the great activist Julian Bond, who was raised at Lincoln) was a
leading sociologist who provided research for the landmark Brown v. Board of Education
case, is also the father of Julian Bond, noted civil rights leader.
Originally a residence for professors, the home was converted to a
dormitory for women in 1971. The house has been vacant for several
years.
Cresson Hall,
built in 1870, with funds secured from the Freedman's Bureau through
the efforts of General O. O. Howard, then a trustee of the university,
is the second oldest building on the campus. It is named for Sara Emlen
Cresson, the wife of the founder of Lincoln University, Rev. Dr. John
Miller Dickey. The entire building was used as a residence hall until
1965 when a Health Center was added. Cresson Hall became the first
residence for women students in 1969. The building is currently vacant.
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12.13.2013
Gil Scott-Heron and other anti-apartheid artists unite to Liberate Mandela
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Hello All:Just went on a Gil Scott-Heron Binge and listened to 49 selections of his work - what a great trip - I forgot how erudite my brother/friend/classmate really was, and how prophetic too.
Traditionally speaking, in Africa, Griots usually talk about the past - they recount all of our history, the history of the village, the kings, their conquests, etc. - their memories go back centuries. Gil was definitely much more than a Griot - because he also could see where we were headed. He could look at where we are currently and put the finger on the pulse in such a way that it became palpable for others as well. For example, he did a piece called "We Almost Lost Detroit," way before Detroit's declaration of "bankruptcy." His piece on "the Nation's Capitol, Washington DC" is still relevant today - actually even moreso.
Intermixed with his 49 pieces (Youtube selections) were some great pieces of work by other artists on President Mandela and South Africa that I wanted to share with you. I think, given the fact that we are honoring the memory of the great Nelson Mandela, it's important to note that his liberation was an effort that took decades, sacrifices of lives, and people having to escape South Africa to avoid persecution. Many went to Kenya, Tanzania, and other countries, where they received assistance to be able to go back and fight again. Many others had to leave the country entirely, some came to the US; many were students at Lincoln University, who had an entire division for students of Non-independent African nations, which included South Africa, Southwest Africa (Namibia), Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Angola, Mozambique, the Congo, Basutoland (Lesotho), and other countries tangential to South Africa, and therefore, in very real measure, under her oppression as well.
It may well have been from these classmates that Gil first became aware of the horrors in South Africa. Goodness knows we spent many a day talking about how to liberate South Africans and to take back the land during our Lincoln U days. We even went to the UN to protest Ian Smith's Unilateral Declaration of Independence, an effort to keep Rhodesia white and continue oppressing the Black people. (that's another story for another day) Most of my classmates returned home to continue the fight to liberate their country, while others became part of the United Nations, and began working from that standpoint to dismantle the heinous regime.
So, when the meanstream media tries to "whitewash" the participation and culpability of the US, Great Britain and other countries in keeping Mandela incarcerated; or tries to take credit for his liberation, these will serve to set the record straight. To the US's credit, after having finally seen the handwriting on the wall, they did come through and support the boycott of South Africa, which served, finally, to topple the apartheid regime. Overturning Reagan's veto was an act of defiance, and definitely has to be given credit for spelling the deathknell in apartheid.
Hope you can listen to, and enjoy these pieces I selected for you. If not, you can definitely log on to Youtube - Gil Scott-Heron/Johannesburg - it's a great way to spend an evening.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACKGloria Dulan-Wilson
N'Kosi Sikeleli (Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black... by miracleshaven
Salif KEITA - Mandela by maddiallo
Hugh Masekela - Mandela (Bring Him Back Home) by boricuajazzz8
Artists United Against Apartheid - Sun City
Uploaded on Jan 25, 2009 (Youtube)
Not long after Band Aid and We Are The World focused musical attention on poverty and famine, a collection of artists took a similar approach in the struggle against apartheid. The initiator was Steven van Zandt - erstwhile guitarist in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band - who whipped up dozens of musicians to work on the project. They included Peter Gabriel, members of U2, Springsteen himself, Hall and Oates, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Run DMC, Lou Reed, Jackson Browne and Keith Richards. Van Zandt wrote and produced the song and it reached the top 40 in several European nations, though not in the US.
Sun City is a large casino resort in the north-west of South Africa. During the apartheid years it was located in 'independent' state of Bophuthatswana, a phoney political entity that enabled white South Africans to visit a casino, gamble and attend strip shows, even though these activities were illegal within South Africa itself. The United Nations placed a cultural ban on artists touring or performing in South Africa - however many notable American and European acts ignored this and received large sums to perform at Sun City's massive auditorium. Amongst those to defy the ban included Linda Ronstadt, Queen, Laura Branigan, Rod Stewart, Julio Iglesias - and, ironically, black singers like Ray Charles, Dionne Warwick and Boney M. As a result, Van Zandt's song continually insists that "I ain't gonna play Sun City":
Twenty-three million can't vote 'cause they're black
We're stabbing our brothers and sisters in the back
I wanna say I, I, I ain't gonna play Sun City
I, I, I ain't gonna play Sun City
Boputhuswana is so far away
But we know it's in South Africa
No matter what they say
You can't buy me, I don't care what you pay
Don't ask me Sun City because I ain't gonna play
The Music in History channel is operated by Alpha History. Visit our website at http://alphahistory.com for great history teaching and learning resource.
Stay Blessed
7:37
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12.08.2013
Celebrating Madiba: Honoring the Memory of President Nelson Mandela- Now President of the Ancestors
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
While the world is mourning the loss of President Nelson Mandela, I want to raise a voice in celebration for this wonderful, stalwart, genteel, dedicated, brave, courageous, cunning, and noble example of Black Manhood. Amandla!!! It's not enough to say "job well done." We really do owe him a vote of thanks, because what he did took us to a whole other level of the contrast between Black and white.
While others are talking about equality, Mandela exemplified superiority. His values were superior to those of the mundane white racists of South Africa and the United States and Great Britain, who conspired to keep him incarcerated. They truly found out, once and for all, that "iron bars do not a prison make," when they were dealing with the fine mind of Mandela. His mind was and is free from the oppressive, hateful, heinous things they obviously tried to heap upon him during his 27 years of incarceration. He came out clear minded, and just as set on purpose as the day they shut the bars.
Making his transition at the age of 95, and not dying in prison, which I am sure was their mission, is another testimony to the strength, endurance and intrepid fortitude of Nelson Mandela. How happy they would have been had he succumbed to the rigors of incarceration; had he made an attempt to break out, so they could dispatch with him. But, no. He managed to not only live, but continue to be a vital part of the ANC anti-Apartheid movement via his wife, Winnie Mandela - who kept things going and kept his memory alive, in spite of, and because of, the machinations of a racist regime gone mad with its own vapid whiteness.
He can truly be called the "President of the Ancestors," for having come through the fire, and walked out, head held high, smiling always, in the faces of those who would have cheerfully walked down his spine. This in no way takes away for all that has been contributed by all of our other heroes and heroines. We have a pantheon of exemplary Black men and women, African, African American, African-Caribbean; Africa-South American; African-Central American - but realize that there is no such thing as a Black person who is not of BLACK AFRICAN HERITAGE. So the honor goes across the board for this wonderful man - from all of us who know that our ancestry, cradle to grave starts in the Continent for which he so nobly fought, and of which South Africa is only a part. MANDELA STOOD FOR ALL OF US.
President Nelson "Madiba" Mandela has been a personal hero of mine since I was a student in Fredrick Douglass High School, in Oklahoma City, OK. We had been studying the Apartheid racist pass laws instigated under Voervood (don't know if it's spelled right, and don't care), and the efforts to fight against it on the part of the South African people, when he was first incarcerated by the racist apartheid regime. It paralleled our own civil rights struggle, with sit ins, being hosed by police, having dogs set upon us - all to keep us from having a part in the so-called American rights to freedom. We learned about his incarceration, the kidnap/murder of Patrice Lumumba, and so many other atrocities taking place against African brothers and sisters, who were trying to throw off the colonizers oppressive yoke, from our teachers, Mr. Buford and Mr. Harris - who I am sure are sitting up there right now comparing what they taught us in class with the facts, now that they have him there to get the info directly from him. Jomo Kenyatta and the MauMaus were also personal heroes of mine. Our history and social science teachers kept us well informed and up to date about colonization in Africa, in much the same way they did the racism we were suffering right here in the US. They wanted us to understand that it was all related, all the same oppressors, just geographical differences. The path between Africa and Blacks in America was a two-way street. President Nelson Mandela - this powerful, yet genteel man, the first Black President, of South Africa, is also known as the father of Democracy in S.A. He suffered from a lung ailment that was stubbornly resistant to treatment, and to which he finally succumbed on Thursday, December 5, 2013. It was nearly six months after President Barack Obama had made a sojourn to South Africa in hopes of meeting his hero and fellow Nobel Peace Prize recipient. They formed a mutual admiration society, those two. However, owing to the gravity of his illness, the meeting did not take place. President Obama, however, did go to the notorious Robben Island, where Mandela had been incarcerated for 27 years, and walked with his wife and children through that tiny cell that held that giant spirit. President Barack Obama was a great admirer of President Mandela, and will be attending the services along with former Presidents Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and George Bush; as will many other dignitaries, heads of state and elected officials. These two great men possess some of the same wonderful traits of leadership and responsibility, which places them heads and shoulders above their detractors. As a student at Lincoln University, and peer counselor to brothers and sisters who were refugees from non-independent African Nations, including South Africa (Azania is the real name), Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Congo, Lesotho, and other countries under the heel of atrocious colonial imperialist oppression, my fellow classmates and I used to come up with scheme after scheme about how to free Mandela, free South Africa, reign down retribution on the oppressors, and move the country to sovereignty. The sad thing for me is that most of them did not live to see Mandela free. Many of my friends actually worked in the UN for a while, but later returned home to help with the liberation efforts. They there with the rest of the ancestors to greet him, share a mug of Skokian, and regale him with how they managed to escape, come to America and attend Lincoln University - the Alma Mater of Nkrumah and Azikewe - who are also there to welcome him to his new home. As most are aware, the legendary leader of South Africa was imprisoned in Robben Island, one of the harshest prisons in South Africa, for his defiant stand against Apartheid. What we are now learning is that it was the CIA that was instrumental in his capture. But then, who would be surprised at that? During the 27 years of his torture and incarceration, the ANC (African Nationalist Congress) and the youth of South Africa, under his then wife, Winnie Mandela, continued their resistance and assault against the racist regime started by that s.o.b. Voervord in the 1940's.
During this time, and later, in the fifties when they were made even harsher, (actually starting with the Boer and British invasions in the 1800's) South African Blacks could no longer walk or live freely in their own land. They had to walk around with "passes" or I.D. cards with their pictures on them. "Pass laws required that Africans had to carry identity documents with them at all times. These books had to contain stamps providing official proof that that the person in question had permission to be in a town at that time. According to Section 10 (1a-d) of the 1954 Native Urban Areas Act Africans could only stay in an urban area for more than 12 hours if they: a) Had been born there and had lived there ever since. b) Had worked there for ten years under one employer, or had lived there for 15 years without breaking any law (including pas laws); c) Were the child or wife of a man permitted to live in the urban area on the conditions of (a) or (b) mentioned above. d) Signed a contract to migrate from a rural reserve to a specific job for a limited period of time in an urban area after which they must return home. Contract workers' families were not allowed to join them in an urban area. If they did not have these, they would be incarcerated - detained indefinitely - or killed. They were subjected to harsh treatment, outright shootings by the so-called police in - their own country!!!
The brave Black men, women and students who rose up against this were finally victorious in having Mandela released in 1990. He became the first Black president in modern times of South Africa; however, instead of continuing the hostilities (as many of us kind of expected and wanted him to do - we kind of wanted revenge against the tyranny they had suffered - especially us Black folks here in the US), he put together a reconciliation plan which averted what surely would have been years and years of protracted blood baths. New Yorkers were especially instrumental in effecting a massive boycott of South Africa, helping bring the ANC bring the heinous regime to its knees.
The brutal massacre of innocent students at Soweto, the Sharpville-Langa Massacre (which happened on my birthday, March 21) ; the production of Sara Fina, local ANC-based New York organizations that met and raised funds on a weekly basis, orchestrated by Sandra Rivers, Lyndon Prince, Elombe Brath, Sam Anderson, Duma Ndlovu, and so many others - I mention them here, because these are names the meanstream press will never mention. They'd rather talk to whites about the heroism of this great Black man. There were so many more Black people behind the liberation efforts to free Mandela. Suffice it to say, we know who we are. Of course the support of such celebrities as Harry Belafonte - who was involved waaaay before any of the others because of his friendship and support of Miriam Makeba and Letta Mbulu - Hugh Masakela, Danny Glover, Michael Jackson, Kwame Toure` (a/k/a Stokely Carmichael), and others, all brought the message home, that South Africa ( Zimbabwe, SouthWest Africa/Namibia; Zambia, and other oppressed areas) would no longer be allowed to exist. News caster and Soror (Delta Sigma Theta) Charlayne Hunter Gualt, and her husband, producer, Ron Gualt, moved to South Africa as soon as Mandela was liberated, and have lived there ever since. Charles Moses, former press secretary to former Governor Mario Cuomo, was hired by President Mandela to head up his University of the North in South Africa - which he did for four years. And a special mention to Susan Taylor, who at that time was Editor in Chief of Essence Magazine, and who, long before Mandela had been released, honored Winnie Mandela at an Essence Awards Ceremony when they were still being held at Rockefeller Center. She literally stopped the entire program to pay homage to Winnie and Nelson Mandela, and had Winnie speak of the necessity of keeping the pressure on. African Americans, Black elected figures - including the Congressional Black Caucus - Black community leaders, were of one voice when it came to boycotting South Africa and keeping the name of Mandela befire America's consciousness. Artists and musicians were warned that if they performed in racist South Africa they would find their products boycotted by Black consumers. If you performed on the stage in South Africa, you were toast. "Oh no, we won't go to Sun City!!" was the chant of the day (unfortunately vocalist Millie Jackson didn't get the memo, and the consequences to her career were swift and dire. Not only did they refuse to buy her records, but audiences boycotted all her performances.) On the corporate side, companies that traded with South Africa found that their products were not allowed in the US. But no one was more on point and up in arms than my classmate, brother/friend Gil Scott-Heron, whose song JOHANNESBURG said it all! It brought together all the emotions we were feeling, all the pathos, horror, and determination to wipe that regime out. "What's the Word: JOHANNESBURG" was on everybody's lips. It was our anti-apartheid battle cry. Gil had a knack for bringing it all down front. Upon his release, Mayor David Dinkins, New York City's first Black mayor, honored President Mandela with a reception and a ticker tape parade through Avenue of the Americas and Harlem. It was the first (and only) time that an African head of state was given such an official honor in New York City (or anywhere else, for that matter). The streets were lined with proud Africans, African Americans and Caribbean Americans who watched as the humble man waved and smiled his way through and into the hearts of New Yorkers. We lined the streets of Harlem to greet President Mandela and hear him speak - standing for hours waiting for his arrival. It was also the first time the South African Embassy on Third Avenue opened its doors to Black people - ever. Several friends, including Maxine McCrey Montano, Shirley Scott and myself, went to a reception they reluctantly held for us. Shiela Sisulu, Max Sisulu's sister, was also present. There were several Black women from South Africa present at the time, many of whom had never been outside their village. They were making and displaying crafts that they had designed to sell via an organization called "Shared Interest," founded by Donna Katzen. The organization made micro loans to Black businesses where the white banks would not, so they could have businesses of their own. They have been one of my favorite organizations for decades. Every year they go to South Africa and help others start businesses of their own. As stated before, there were many of us who were prepared to exact punishment against the South African whites who had held our brothers and sisters down so long. And I guess I'm guilty of that. At the South African Embassy, in Manhattan, there were South African white women whose business it seemed was to exploit the new opportunities to trade with America. They had brought some work done by Black South African women and tried to sell it to us. When we asked if they had made it, they gave us a queer look, and tried to act as if it was a collaborative effort. When the Black women who actually made the crafts came forth, I offered to purchase from her, and the white woman stood between us as though to block the transaction. When I stepped around her, she made the remark that we were to deal with them because the Black woman was "indigent." It took Maxine, Shirley and two other people to keep me from knocking the bejeebers out of her. My response was, "who the "f" made her indigent." To which the white South African beat a quick retreat from the room. As a result of my standing up for her, the Black South African sister made me a lovely beaded bracelet on the spot - which I wear to this day - it's made of grey, silver and blue miniature beads - she took less than 15 minutes to make it. When I gave her $10.00 (she didn't want to be paid), I turned to the other white South African women and said, "If I find that you've touched any of this money I've given her, I'll stomp you into a mud hole." One turned beet red, and left the room. I heard the word "kaffir" in the background. So it was indeed a good thing Mandela's wisdom prevailed in the move forward to end the hostilities and atrocities that had undermined his people for centuries. There were those among us who would not have been so wise. We're the hotheads. We would have taken up arms. The fact that he averted a long and protracted struggle has been the blue print for others to follow. Hopefully they will. Much to our disappointment, President Mandela only served one term as President of South Africa. We were truly enjoying the fact that they had to deal with the very same man they tried to destroy. However, we clearly understood the need to have some time to enjoy this freedom that had so long been held away from him, and to retire his second wife, Graca Machel. He had already done the hard job. It was befitting that he pass the baton, while still living, and serve in the capacity as an advisor to those who succeeded him. He withstood rigors, hardship, challenges many half his age have not been able to stand up to. The following is a link to the funeral arrangements and order of Ceremony for President Mandela. There will be ceremonies held in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. As I receive them, I will post them on my blog for updates. In the interim, log on to the following: http://www.mandela.gov.za/funeral/index.html NB: In New York, a procession following the path of Mr. Mandela’s June 21, 1990 motorcade will follow the indoor portion of the program. Trade unions, legislative and faith based leaders along with some of the 100,000 people of New York City who witnessed this historic event unfold through the streets of Brooklyn are expected to attend. Again: My condolences and congratulations to my brothers and sisters in South Africa for having had the honor of such a wonderful, fine Black man as their leader and inspiration for so many years. May we each learn the lessons this fine man taught us through his living and carry it forward in our own lives and in the way we interact with each other. May the love, peace,respect and blessings of President Nelson Mandela reign in our hearts and in our lives. ###GDW ADDENDUM: Last year in February, 2012, my friend, producer Sparkie Martin sent me this great clip of "UMOJA"a South African musical that he was promoting. I couldn't stop playing the music over and over again. I absolutely love South African music - there is so much vibrancy, energy, rhythm, meaning - and even pathos - that you feel it right down in your very soul. I have included the YouTube clip in this blog in honor of President Nelson Mandela, and the brothers and sisters of South Africa, who are the very epitome of what that music is all about. I hope you can hear it and it leads you to go on YouTube and view all six of the acts or log on to www.umojatheshow.com. They are so fantabulous. (By the way: UMOJA is Swahili for Unity or Togetherness - Kenya and Tanzania gave refuge to those South African leaders who had to escape oppression to go back and fight again).
Sparkie Martins Africa Umoja ..42 persons cast ..wishing to bring this awesome show your country..contact: Sparkie Martin @ 404-207-8834 /email: Sparkwado@yahoo.com
Travelling on the beats of drums, from the dusty streets of Soweto
to all the corners of the worlds best and biggest stages, AFRICA UMOJA
tells the moving tale of indigenous South African music - from the
earliest rhythms to kwaito.
Marvel in the beautiful costumes & award winning, internationally acclaimed choreography. AFRICA UMOJA is a loud, colourful and jubilant celebration of life that audiences from all backgrounds have found infectiously delightful and uplifting. Twenty-six countries have embraced the traditional love songs, lullabies and other musical expressions of rural life. They have also cried along in the city streets listening to music reflecting the pain of the migrant laborers and their families. Relive the energy of Sophiatown, inf... more www.umojatheshow.com I hope you can view these clips - I play them because they are the heart of South African spirit, and the heart of Madiba's spirit as well. Enjoy and Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Rest Well Madiba - and give our greetings to Steve Biko, Miriam Makeba, Chaka Zulu, and so many others who are waiting to greet you. Gloria Dulan-Wilson Umoja - Umoja - YouTube Umoja - The Spirit of Togetherness Part 3 - YouTube
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