Thanksgiving.

   My family may be the only one in America that doesn't have the traditional turkey for dinner. We all get together--sometimes less or more people and catch up on each other's lives. Normally, I spend my Thanksgiving at my grandparents house on my mothers side.As far as our culinary choices there are always a variety of vegetarian dishes, baked macaroni and cheese, and in place of the turkey-- salmon prepared to perfection! Different right?
 
  Over the years whenever my friends and I spoke about Thanksgiving dinner their reaction to what I shared always made me  laugh. It went from "what will you eat?" or "I could never have Thanksgiving without Turkey" and sometimes just "that's weird". It never bothered me and all I remember is that I always enjoy it and have plenty to eat. This year I plan to visit friends from high school who are in Jersey like me and get a taste of some non- American food. One of my closet friends is Jamaican, she constantly brags about how good her family's Jamaican dishes are for Thanksgiving.

  I think my memories of Thanksgiving dinner over the years will probably influence how I prepare my meals when I have a family. I'll just include the variety of choices I had and add my own twist.

A Racist Gathering

   Have you ever wondered what kind of life your professor has when they aren’t in front of the classroom? Have you caught yourself wondering what activities they partake in, what their beliefs may be, or how professors truly perceive us students? Well I’m sure some of the students at Georgetown, University of Utah, University of Colorado, and Elizabethtown College, would be surprised to know that there professors attended a “ Racist Gathering”.

            Almost two weeks, the radical group of the Anti-Defamation League, the H. L. Mencken Club, hosted their 4^th annual conference.  The members of the club are paleoconservatives, worshipers of Norse pantheon, and believer’s of eugenics.  This extreme right-winged group has attracted professors who believe race determines a person IQ. This conference was brought to light when Professor Patrick Dennen of Georgetown University, was invited to speak about Catholic traditions. He quickly learned after hearing the following speaker defend eugenics, that this crowd didn’t share his beliefs.

            As an African-American female student, it’s a bit startling learning that these professors have these beliefs and is still teaching. Where I agree, everyone has a right to have their beliefs, I don’t agree in racism and bias. If these professors support Eugenics, they shouldn’t be trusted to teach at universities where there are multiple races. Which is nearly every university in America. As a society we have come a long way in erasing the racist practices and belief systems, but occurrences like this remind there is still work to do. 

"A Very Important Protestor"

     Kanye West never ceases to amaze me. Just a few days ago West, accompanied by Russell Simmons, toured the Occupy Wall Street Protest. It’s interesting that a person with $70 million net worth can join a protest to vouch for average people and their societal rights. Kanye brought his poise and presence to simply observe the thousands of protestors fight for 99% of American people. 

   It was somewhat of a shock that Kanye didn’t bring his famous condescending attitude with him. You know,the comments like “ George Bush doesn’t like black people.” or drunkenly taking the shine from Taylor Swift. I understand what comes with fame but situations like this, is the perfect opportunity for West’s blunt words to make a difference. 

   On the other hand, I admire how the protesters where not blinded by his fame and Kanye didn't a fool of himself. The protesters continued on, as he became an important protester. As more issues are being raised, more celebrities who care about justice and equality ,should join Occupy Wall Protest. I think it's an effective way for real change to happen because celebrities can lend their voice to entice progressive action. 

   A month into Occupy Wall Street Protest, there are hopes of more celebrities coming out. Until then, let's just hope for a positive outcome.  

Texas Pastor is "Bowed Up" Over Benefits for Gay Texans.

 The fight for Gay Rights seems to be a never ending roller-coaster ride. Its been going up, down, backwards,and forwards for quite some time now. This past June, when New York legalized gay marriage, the height of equality was breath taking to witness. However, the fight continues in El Paso, Texas as the Pastor Tom Brown causes havoc for Gay Partners to receive receive health benefits.

 Brown, described as the "charismatic leader" of Word of Life Church, is making a vigorous attempt to banish the Mayor of El Paso, John Cook, along with council members for approving domestic partners to have benefits. This is causing quite some tension between church and state in this Texas city. The issue started in 2009 when the council stretched the budget to  cover unwed domestic partners for city employees. Shortly after, El Pasoans and Brown threatned to launch a voter referendum. Presently, the battle between local government and church leaders is still in action.

  The fortunate thing in this case is that local government is taking action so justice is met for gay couples. At the end of the day, what matters most is the law. Because El Paso is relatively gay- friendly, what homophobes think and do, doesn't matter. Domestic partners should have every right to obtain benefits for their loved ones. For the judgmental Christians in El Paso, living wrongfully through the bible, they can continue to live in the dark ages. Steve Ortega, a city council member as the fitting perspective.." When you look at cities that are thriving...those cities promote a culture of inclusiveness and openness." Having family and friends who identify as gay, lesbian, and bisexual, allows me to understand the importance for equality for their evolving community. I hope one day, all 52 states recognize them as equal.In El Paso, a Storm Over Benefits for Gay Partners








 

Civil Rights Movement: A Thing of the Past?

 It doesn't surprise me that the Civil Rights Movement is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Key figures and events, like Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King,The Montgomery Bus Boycott, or Little Rock Nine are being forgotten and leaving students ignorant to American history. This period enabled African-Americans to truly have a voice and impact, in a society that promoted prejudice and inequality. In the New York Times article "Students' Knowledge of Civil Rights History Has Deteriorated, Study Finds" explains how and why the educational systems are failing when it comes to this historic and monumental movement.In the recent report put out by the Southern Poverty Law Center,the educational systems practically ignore the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
 In my years in public education, the lessons of Civil Rights history have been brief, simplistic and truthfully--unacceptable.    One would think growing up in a diverse town, there would be more attention but sadly this wasn't the case. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks seemed to be the only figures and the events were very watered down. I just don't get it.  If it wasn't for my mother being an educator and product of the 50's, I would be borderline ignorant to my own history. Where, I think parents are key figures in the education their child receives, its necessary for students to learn from great teachers. In my opinion, no matter the racial make-up of a school district, civil rights history  needs to be taught in its entirety. This will create a less ignorant generation.
 I don't think it's necessary to be constantly reminded of the horrible treatment of African-Americans, but I do believe the Civil Rights Movement is the most relevant period in African-American History. If it wasn't for this period, African-Americans wouldnt be as socially liberated as they are today. I will close out hoping that the Civil Rights Movement and history is paid closer attention too. The link to the article is below.
  Students Knowledge of Civil Rights Movement  

Day # 1

I've always been told I'm a visionary. A visionary, who sees the problems in society and contemplates the ways change can happen. I guess this comes from my childhood because my parents raised me to appreciate and reflect on my African-American ancestry. From learning about slavery to the Civil Right's Movement, my culture is strongly embedded into my existence and I value life with liberty. Not only am I passionate about the rich history of African-Americans, but also any race of people who are oppressed because of inequality. I've always been interested by the people in society who do not have the freedom, right, or voice that gives them equal opportunities. Starting today I will share my thoughts and opinions about the injustices American citizens face today.