Guest Post: Juneteenth in Tanzania

By Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Hello All/Habari Gani Rafiki!!

A friend of  mine forwarded this to me, and  I thought it would be of interest to those of us who celebrate Juneteenth and don't know that there are brothers and sisters in Africa who are also celebrating JUNETEENTH:

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria DULAN-Wilson

Tanzania Kicks China Out - Sort Of

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

This is very interesting - it seems that Tanzania is leading the way again!! Julius Nyerere had to do something similar decades ago when he nationalized the economy and put out East Indians who had almost literally taken over the country after having been brought in by the British as a buffer to keep Africans from learning skills Brits felt would be used against them.

Now, Tanzanian President John Magufuli is doing the same thing.  EXCELLENT!! It is so overdue!! I truly hope the rest of the continent follows his example and begins to do the same.  This is the time for AFRICA RISING!!  (see link to youtube video below)

I must say that I am disappointed to learn  that former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete was the one who made the horrific deal with the Chinese and literally sold the soul of the country.  I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing him when he visited the US in the 90s.  He appeared to be a very positive, progressive leader.  Unfortunately, he's not the only one - the invasion of Africa has literally inundated the continent - by stealth, predatory loans, false promises and conspiracy. 

Africa did not invite China in to the country.  There was no big "come in and exploit us" sign or advertisement on Africa.  No!  What had happened was...Back during the late 80s and early 90s, there was a lot of buzz about the emerging Chinese economy and how it would rival and dwarf the US economy.  There was also buzz about how the US needed to deal with the Chinese economy.  Somewhere in there, there were negotiations and outreaches from the US to China - and a deal was made, wherein the US, who at the time was having major financial difficulties, sold the so called "African debt" to China in order to bring massive funds to the treasury.  

Most people were not aware of the transaction - certainly not Africa - but suddenly, all the conversation, threats and negotiations to collect the bogus debt went away.  Sadly, no one in Africa asked why.  They were just glad to not have to deal with that, and not have to tiptoe around the US whenever they needed aid or assistance.

Then, China suddenly began making overtures to African countries.  They started showing up as though they were there to "help" - and Africa, not knowing what had transpired, or if they did, not grasping the seriousness of the situation - viewed the initial interactions as friendly and positive.  

They came like Greeks, bearing gifts - but did not see the Trojan horse of invasion and take over that was attached to the offer.

The deals were almost too good to be true.  After years of poverty, and stingy aid from the US, Africa was finally going to be able to get what they needed to develop their continent and help their people gain a better standard of living.  Sadly, before they knew it, Chinese workers were brought in to do the labor - no Africans were hired' Chinese were brought in to do the management - no Africans were hired.  Deals on the table where the interest rate started of as favorable, were later found to have an escalation clause that most leaders did not understand - neither did their prime ministers.  Africa looked up to find that they had sold their souls and country to the devil.  

Now is the time to cut bait, and kick out the perpetrators and do a massive reboot of the country - and take over the factories, buildings, bases using Home Grown African Intelligence and labor. The training and expertise necessary to do so are obtainable via other sources.  In law - possession is 9/10th - meaning what was built in AFRICA stays in Africa.  Especially when the deals that were struck were predatory to begin with.  

The only recommendation that I would make to President Magufuli, is put them all out - and like your esteemed predecessor, they leave with only what they can carry on their backs or in their hands.  Likewise, I would hope that the rest of Africa would take a cue from him and begin to rid themselves of the pariahs from China.  In fact, it would be the perfect time for all of the African Union to band together and eject them from all the countries - assisting each other in doing so - making a unified front.  This is the time for and African renaissance - what you don't know, you will learn; what you don't have, you will build. 

As the great Marcus Garvey, a man who truly believed in the intelligence and primacy of Black people, once said: 

 UP YOU MIGHTY RACE! YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU WILL!

Please watch the video:  So proud of President Magufuli:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om5zFUDXY3c&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR33jtcRO-0TLP83mvm3VujpMFmzuQF0WDhKma0KBTGJFRFc5HtRZQC0SXg

NOW THAT YOU KNOW

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed, Woke, Healthy, Well, Safe, Empowered &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK &

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

 

COFFEE - GOOD FOR WHAT AILS YOU

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

And now for something completely different -- A friend of mine who regularly communicates with me via email, sent me this fascinating body of information on coffee.  Since I, for one, love a strong, solid cup of coffee, I read everything with interest.  There have been so many pros and cons about coffee over the years - basically via the meanstream media, I thought it might be of interest to you as well.

I will start off by saying that while I do hit Starbucks once in a while, I really like brewing my own. Notice I said BREW - not those weaker than water pod things that have become popular recently.  I want to TASTE THE COFFEE - not just coffee flavored water.  I unabashedly love BUSTELO - which my brothers and sisters from Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo will tell you is some really strong coffee!

I am peripherally aware of the health benefits of coffee, which is why I continue to drink and enjoy it - but didn't know how really significantly it impacts your system across the board.  So, I'm importing the information he sent me to my blog.  Hope it helps clear up some of the mystery and controversy surrounding - and helps in selecting quality coffee, not just the stuff on the shelf.    

A good friend, David Robinson, the son of the great baseball player, Jackie Robinson, expatriated to Tanzania in the 80's to start his own coffee plantation.  He has one of the most robust, flavorful coffee products ever - but it's not readily available here in the US.  Most people don't know that coffee originated in Africa and then spread to other parts of the world, such as Brazil, Cuba, etc.  - not the other way around.  Coffee and coffee berries have been known for eons for their beneficial uses - but are just beginning to be "discovered" here.  Kind of like they just "discovered" that coconuts are also beneficial.
In Ethiopia's Lallibella there are Coffee Rituals that date back 3,000 years - which are still going on today.  They have the most beautiful, ornate vessels for coffee brewing and cups and dishes that are especially designed for enjoying the substance.  I had tried to get the ambassador from Ethiopia to feature it as part of their rich cultural heritage - however he didn't think Americans would be interested.  Clearly he doesn't watch the TV commercials, where practically every other ad is about somebody's coffee. And if you're in Haiti, you can wake up early in the morning to the fragrance of raw coffee beans being roasted over open coals before being beaten into coffee grounds, and made into some of the best coffee on the planet.  Speaking of grounds - they now can use coffee grounds to exfoliate your skin - wow! Gotta try that one.

So kudos to my friend Carl Prather and to Natural Blaze for providing this comprehensive overview of coffee.  And, oh yes, the word styling is unique to Carl - I take no responsibility for the color of the text or the size.  I think he works hard to make it look that way -

STAY BLESSED &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria

Health Benefits of Coffee

Sunday, April 27, 2014 | 

by Natural Blaze

Coffee might seem to have become the premier symbol of our modern fast-paced lifestyle. Often used as a quick wake-up, midday pick-me-up, or to get through a late-night cram session for school or work, coffee as a beverage is only increasing in popularity.

Coffee's history as a beverage that made its way from  Africa to the Arabian peninsula into Europe and beyond is indeed an interesting one. However, the use of coffee in its entirety is being studied more closely and could place coffee in a whole new context as a beneficial component to human health and the environment.
Let's look at the comprehensive health benefits that coffee can impart, whether ingested or applied.

1. Energy booster: We might as well start with the most obvious. This is no doubt the #1 reason why most of us race for our coffee each morning. But unlike sugary drinks, potentially dangerous "energy drinks" or even a large glass of morning juice, the boost from coffee is normally longer lasting (1 hour peak, lingering in the system for 3-8 hours) without any of the cliff-like energy crash associated with artificial concoctions of sugar and caffeine. So long as we are not adding heaps of processed sugar, or over imbibing, coffee is a great way to get started, or to offset the mid-day fatigue many people encounter.

2. Memory enhancer: Coffee's connection to the mind was immediately apparent to the Arabs who first began to cultivate and process coffee for consumption. The National Coffee Association succinctly summarizes this part of coffee's history:

 The popularity of the coffee houses was unequaled and people frequented them for all kinds of social activity. Not only did they drink coffee and engage in conversation, but they also listened to music, watched performers, played chess and kept current on the news of the day. In fact, they quickly became such an important center for the exchange of information that the coffee houses were often referred to as 'Schools of the Wise.'

This was echoed by nearly every new culture that subsequently encountered their first cup of coffee. For an entertaining and informative account of the impact of coffee amid a historical backdrop with fictionalized characters, we have to recommend David Liss's book The Coffee Trader.

Modern-day science is confirming these early observations. Research into caffeine at Johns Hopkins University highlights the positive impact on long-term memory:

 Their research, published by the journal Nature Neuroscience, shows that caffeine enhances certain memories at least up to 24 hours after it is consumed. 

 "We've always known that caffeine has cognitive-enhancing effects, but its particular effects on strengthening memories and making them resistant to forgetting has never been examined in detail in humans," said (Michael)Yassa,  senior author of the paper. "We report for the first time a specific effect of caffeine on reducing forgetting over 24 hours." (Source)

3. Positive effect on Alzheimer's - The same properties which offer memory enhancement to a normally functioning brain also have been proven to reverse and even cure the full-blown memory loss of Alzheimer's. It is now thought by scientists that a main characteristic of Alzheimer's are deposits known as tau deposits which disrupt nerve cell communication in the brain and lead to eventual degeneration. Alzheimer's remains one of our most tragic diseases as there is currently no drug on the market to prevent this degeneration. However, in a recent study into the effects of caffeine's receptor-blocking potential, researchers used mice with tau deposits and found the following stunning results:

 In comparison to a control group which only received a placebo, the treated animals achieved significantly better results on memory tests. The A2A antagonist displayed positive effects in particular on spatial memory. Also, an amelioration of the pathogenic processes was demonstrated in the hippocampus, which is the site of memory in rodents. 

 "We have taken a good step forward," says Prof. Müller. "The results of the study are truly promising, since we were able to show for the first time that A2A adenosine receptor antagonists actually have very positive effects in an animal model simulating hallmark characteristics and progression of the disease. And the adverse effects are minor." (Source)

Other studies have shown that coffee also can protect against the onset of Alzheimer's, which is even more exciting. One study published in the Journal For Alzheimer's Disease titled,"Caffeine as a Protective Factor in Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease" cites up to a 65% potential reduction in the chance for the onset of Alzheimer's, and they cite coffee specifically as the most positive source for obtaining your caffeine intake:

 For tea drinking, protective effects against cognitive decline/dementia are still less evident. In the CAIDE study, coffee drinking of 3–5 cups per day at midlife was associated with a decreased risk of dementia/AD by about 65% at late-life. (emphasis added)

4. Improved liver function: Many people might think of liver disease as primarily an inherent outcome of severe alcoholism. However, modern-day processed foods and drinks are loaded with toxins that can stress the liver. Combined with water treatment, pesticides, pollution, and obesity it is harder than ever to maintain a healthy liver.

 An international team of researchers led by Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School (Duke-NUS) and the Duke University School of Medicine suggest that increased caffeine intake may reduce fatty liver in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). (Source)

The researchers went on to conclude that the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee would be extremely beneficial to liver function.

Another study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology  concluded that coffee consumption reduces risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, by about 40 percent, and that three cups of coffee per day reduce liver cancer risk by more than 50 percent. (Source)

5. Skin care: And speaking of skin, coffee is a well-known and beloved exfoliant that when used in all-natural coffee soap is guaranteed to produce healthier looking, softer skin. Other studies point to topical benefits for reducing dark circles under the eyes, reducing inflammation and skin redness, even as a cream to reduce cellulite.
But a study from Rutgers University really demonstrated coffee's extra-topical power, so much so that one might consider a full coffee bath from time to time to prevent skin cancer.

 The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, supports the theory that caffeine guards against certain skin cancers at the molecular level by inhibiting a protein enzyme in the skin known as ATR. Based on lab experiments on mice, scientists think caffeine applied directly to the skin might help prevent damaging UV light from causing skin cancer. (Source)

Coffee contains an extremely high level of antioxidants, which is thought to give it the ultimate power when combined internally and externally.

6. Reduces risk of type-2 diabetes:  Diabetes has truly become an epidemic; and, once again, many are pointing the blame at the typical modern diet and a sedentary lifestyle as more people find themselves at desk jobs during the day and seated in front of a television at night.

The number of people with type-2 diabetes who are under 40 years old has tripled over the last 20 years. 25.8 million children and adults in the United States -- 8.3% of the population -- have diabetes. 79 million people are in a prediabetic state. And the complications from type-2 diabetes are too long to mention. These statistics are why it is so exciting to read the following information - follow the numbered links to read the full scientific reports.

 The studies show that people who drink the most coffee have a 23-50% lower risk of getting this disease, one study showing a reduction as high as 67% (23, 24, 25,26, 27). 

 According to a massive review that looked at data from 18 studies with a total of 457,922 individuals, each daily cup of coffee was associated with a 7% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes (28). (Source)

Now, imagine getting your diet in line, exercising moderately, and consuming coffee.
7. Reduces likelihood and effects of Parkinson's: Similar to Alzheimer's, there is no current cure for this degenerative condition. And, here again, caffeine is being shown to prevent and/or ameliorate the effects. One study was conducted administering decaffeinated coffee and caffeinated to subjects. The results are startling. However, it is important to note that in this case it appears that men had a far increased rate of health benefits than women, which has spurred further study into the role of specific hormones in Parkinson's and a potential negative consequence of hormone replacement therapy:

 After adjustment for age, smoking, and alcohol intake, coffee consumption was inversely associated with Parkinson’s disease mortality in men (ptrend = 0.01) but not in women (p = 0.6). In women, this association was dependent on postmenopausal estrogen use; the relative risk for women drinking 4 or more cups (600 ml) of coffee per day compared with nondrinkers was 0.47 (95% confidence interval: 0.27, 0.80; p = 0.006) among never users and 1.31 (95% confidence interval: 0.75, 2.30; p = 0.34) among users. These results suggest that caffeine reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease but that this hypothetical beneficial effect may be prevented by use of estrogen replacement therapy. (Source) [emphasis added]

The restorative effect of caffeine was cited in another study:

 Altogether, the studies reviewed provide strong evidence that caffeine may represent a promising therapeutic tool in PD, thus being the first compound to restore both motor and non-motor early symptoms of PD together with its neuroprotective potential. (Source) [emphasis added]

The combination of a lowered risk and alleviating the onset of symptoms further shows the comprehensive power of coffee. 

8. Fat burner/Performance enhancer: The energy boost we feel shortly after our first gulp of coffee is not just a neurological side-effect. According to several studies, there is a marked increase in metabolic rate, which is the cornerstone of fat burning. When we combine these findings with others that show the anti-inflammatory nature of caffeine, we can find ourselves in an optimal position to feel energized and with a reduction in the pain associated with exercise. It's an unbeatable natural combo that should make us look to coffee instead of costly fat burning supplements which have as their core component ... you guessed it: caffeine.
9. Eases depression: Many people experience a heightened mood following a nice cup of hot coffee. Energy boost, additional clarity, and a sense of optimism are frequently reported. It turns out that science once again backs up this general feeling of euphoria.

 In a Harvard study published in 2011, women who drank 4 or more cups per day had a 20% lower risk of becoming depressed (42). 

 Another study with 208,424 individuals found that those who drank 4 or more cups per day were 53% less likely to commit suicide (43). (Source) [emphasis added]

That is a very large pool of people, and consequently a great number of lives that can be saved with this low-cost natural product when extrapolated out to a global population.

10. Life extension: When we look at all of the factors above, we can conclude simply that you will extend your life through the moderate consumption of coffee-based caffeine. Interestingly, one study highlighted a specific coffee that appears to be supercharged even compared to the rest: Greek coffee. Researchers went to the Greek Island of Ikaria to observe residents who have the highest rates of longevity in the world.

 1% of the island's isolated, rurally based residents live to be over 90, whereas only 0.1% of Europeans reach this age. 

 Selecting 71 men and 71 women from a group of 673 Ikarian islanders aged 65+, medics collected medical health data and information on lifestyle (including coffee drinking), and tested endothelial function. 

 87%+ of the participants drank boiled Greek coffee daily, and the scientists found that those who drank mainly boiled Greek coffee had a better endothelial function that those drinking other types of coffee.  (Source) [emphasis added]

Wider studies also show trends in longevity based on the overall health benefits of coffee use:

 Between 1995 and 2008, male participants drinking even just one daily cup reduced their risk of death by 6%. Drinking either two to three cups or six or more cups reduced the risk by 10% during the timeframe of the study. The greatest reduction of death risk was 12% in the group drinking four to five cups. (Source) [emphasis added]

_____________________

As we can see, there is no question why coffee is a glorious creation of nature. While it continues to be popularized by chain outlets as a diverse beverage - and it is - it is the list above which really shows off its comprehensive value to human beings from any day and at any age.

Have you discovered other personal health benefits of coffee? Can you personally confirm any of the above benefits from your own life or anyone close to you? We would love to hear about your experiences in the comment section below.

Bonus: 

For those who are die-hard coffee drinkers, we'd like to present you with 25 Yummy and Non-Toxic Coffee Recipes from Daisy Luther at Organic Prepper. Feel free to add your own unique creation to this list.
http://www.theorganicprepper.ca/true-brew-25-yummy-and-non-toxic-coffee-recipes-04222013

Bonus #2:

There are some exciting coffee products coming on the market which offer enhanced health, as well as a contribution to the environment.

CoffeeBerry™  Extract:
Whole coffee fruit is loaded with high concentrations of beneficial antioxidants and nutrients.
whole coffee fruit products have significantly higher levels of important nutrients than conventional coffee. Coffee polyphenols, for example:

• Neutralize toxic free radicals.
• Help protect against systemic oxidative stress.
• Help reduce the incidence of oxidative pathologies such as coronary heart disease, inflammation and possibly even certain cancers.
• Provide health benefits associated with glucose management, Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, depression and anxiety and oral health.

http://www.coffeeberry.org/getcoffeeberry.htm

Priori Coffeeberry Dietary Supplements Capsules, 60 Count

Coffee Flour™

This might be the most exciting new product we have come across in some time. While it is not slated for a full marketing roll-out until 2015, it has been introduced to several areas. In answer to the question, what is coffee flour, their site states:

 Each year the billions of coffee beans that eventually make their way into the Americanos, lattes, and no-foam, extra-hot, triple-shot cappuccinos of the world are harvested by milling and extracting them from the coffee plant. The surrounding pulp, known as the coffee cherry, is discarded. It often gets dumped into rivers or left to rot in heaps. So we invented something better to do with it. Something that’s better for everyone.

Nutritionally, it has some amazing properties:

• 5x more fiber than whole grain wheat flour.
• 84% less fat and 42% more fiber than coconut flour.
• 3x more protein per gram than fresh kale.
• 3x more iron than fresh spinach, and more iron than any grain or cereal in the U.S.D.A. database.
• Contains less caffeine than brewed coffee. The amount per serving is dependent on the varietal, concentration and particular recipes.
• 1oz of coffee flour™ has 2x the potassium of a banana.

• http://www.coffeeberry.org/getcoffeeberry.htm

 If you're interested in following up on any of the information presented above, log on to the links provided for you.  

As for me, I'm getting ready to heat up a gigantic cup of coffee because I've got a lot of writing to do - I've been on a "meeting treadmill" for the past two weeks, and now I've got to sit down and share this with you via my blog - it's gonna take a lot of coffee to get it done.

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
Gloria

-->

BLACK AND PROUD IN 2010

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

This is BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2010, and I freely admit to being an unrepentant Black elitist of the first and highest order.

There are some days that I'm so proud to be Black (with a capital "B" thank you); to be a Black woman of African heritage; the descendant of survivors who knew how to make a way out of no way; and made sure to make a way for me to have a way.
 
I am proud of the fact that each and every one of us is still standing as a repudiation to the onslaught of racism and tribulations launched (lynched?) aganst us over the past 400 years.

I'm Proud of us for the ground we've gained and the progress we made over these past 60 years as well; and the fact that we move forward more and more each year.

I am proud of being a Black mother who brought three beautiful Black and proud children into the world so that they could in turn bring more Black and proud children into the world and so on and so on.

I'm proud to have had two wonderful Black parents who instilled in us the necessity of being proud of who we are, and knowing and respecting out heritage and history. I am proud of a father who taught me People First, Then Things. And that Black people came before anyone. And a great grand father who defended his land against the KKK and kept it intact for his family.

I'm proud of our rich, beautiful skin tones from the patina of Ebony to the vanilla tones -- all the way through caramel, cocoa, chocolate, peanut butter, bubble gum and tawny in between. Who but us could take the genetic alterations brought about by rape and transform it into such beautiful people. We are the true transformers. (when I was a kid I used to sit and look in the mirror just loving the color of my skin and my brown eyes - totally ego tripping -- always wishing I was darker chocolate like my mother, though - my mom's gorgeous! By the way, my daddy was a fine Black man, too.)

When we Black people get together to party and play our ever soulful, groovy music, we take over the dance floor with a synchopation no choreographer could ever have planned, I feel like I'm in a privileged space.

I am proud of my African DNA. I give that birthplace only to us. (Sorry Leaky, know you made the discovery in the Oduvai Gorge, of Tanzania, but Africa belongs to the BLACK MAN & WOMAN).

I always tease my African brothers and sisters about our residual African heritage. I tell them we can't help it, and it's their fault that we've got all this rhythm in our DNA. I comes out in our pores. Our Caribbean brothers and sisters, the Latino branch of our family, our South American Brothers and sisters have likewise benefitted from our Motherland's DNA. We all exude the rhythm and spirit we inherited from them. They love it. We know we're one!

I'm proud of the magic melanin that keeps us young and beautiful. Good Black don't crack - remember? The Blacker the berry the sweeter the juice. Our men are fine, we women are finer. We don't age or deteriorate, we mature. I mean, have you seen Diana Ross, or Ruby Dee, or Billy Dee Williams, or Harry Belafonte, or Sidney Portier, or my uncle (another fine Black man).

And when we sing -- regardless of whether we're singing a'capella, harmony, jazz, blues, soul, scatting, or gospel and spirituals; we ascend.  When we take our African heritage out on those keyboards, drums, congas, saxophones, trumpet -- we are unparalleled. 

And when we compete in sports -- we are agile and accurate, poetry in motion.

I am so proud of our beautiful little chocolate drop doll-babies. We need to understand that the term gifted and talented encompasses all our children. Our kids learn to dance in the crib! They can imitate us from day one (so make sure that what you do in front of them is positive and watch your mouth!) They are way ahead of most kids in their abilities and agilities. (My baby daughter, Adiya, could snap her fingers and say her name at 6 months). Most of our kids can read at three if we would just teach them. They are born special, precious, creative, talented and smart. They are supposed to do what they do! It's natural. All our Black kids are gifted and talented -- no exceptions. And I am the world's number one bragging parent. Ask my friends. They keep asking me how many kids I have, because it seems I must have ten -- surely three kids can't be doing that much stuff at one time (still bragging!)

We are the most creative people on the planet:  our brains, our minds, our intelligence, our wit, our wisdom, often imitated, never duplicated, (usually confiscated, if you get my drift); we invent; we design, we refine. We conceive, we believe, we achieve; we be masters of rap; we make debating look like childsplay; we see through sham, debunk scam; we are family no matter where we be.

When we do our art, we make colors jump off the canvass.   And when I look around at the colors and styles and shapes and sizes and accents; I just love being BLACK!!! I thank God for the privilege and the pleasure of being able to say "Only the strong survive, and we are indeed the fittest -- because no other group has endured what we have, and still stand and walk with a rhythm and a pace that says: "CAN'T TOUCH THIS!" (duh, I told you I was an elitist!)

We have so much to be proud of this Black History Month; and so many who have done so much to pave the way for us to be here: Cinque, Carter G. Woodson, Booker T. Washington, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Langston Hughes, Toussaint L'Overture, Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamde Azikewe, Leopold Sedar Senghor, Sekou Toure, Frederick Douglass, Madame C. J. Walker, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Percy E. Sutton, George Washington Carver, Shirley Chisolm, Denmark Vesey, Harriet Tubman, Marcus Garvey, Paul Robeson, Lena Horne, Billie Holliday, and of course President Barack Hussein Obama, and beautiful First Lady Michelle!!

I could keep going on; but there are also those unsung s/heroes in our neighborhood, family, schools, churches who have kept on keeping on despite it all -- who may not have  made headlines, but definitely made a difference. I am ever amazed at the organizations and programs our brothers and sisters formulate in order to help their people. If we linked up and coordinated with each other locally and nationally, we would be in the forefront of resolving our own problems, setting our own standards, developing our own economic base, starting and sustaining our education systems, and becoming genuine Blacks, not imitations of others concepts of who we should be (that was diplomatically put, wasn't it? I'm not anti other races, I'm just pro-us! To that end, though, I am definitely anti-racism).

So celebrate our local heroes, and community leaders who are trying to make a difference (not just TV and video celebs). And make sure you celebrate yourselves and teach your children to do the same. The education, the love and the support we give ourselves and each other must be based on the highest and best "we" that we can be. 

Our heritage is so rich, if we could bottle it and sell it we'd all be billionaires! Now that would take care of the reparations issue, wouldn't it?

So HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE!
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK (and Proud)
Gloria Dulan-Wilson