Comments for The Defenders Online | A Civil Rights Blog

Comment on Obama, Race and Representation by MelPreslar

MelPreslar — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:17:01 +0000

The gift of forgiveness is happy, joyous, and free! Sound familiar!

Comment on Obama, Race and Representation by MelPreslar

MelPreslar — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:00:53 +0000

The diversity of America is its vast array of skills, traits, and talents and abilities. The differences in religions, races, nationalities, politics, etc. are just that “differences”. We need to stop battling over our differences and focus on “Unity”. United we can accomplish anything we as a nation will accept as a common goal for ourselves and our country, if we have a commonness of purpose, a common language; and,”Unity”.

Change our paradigm that race does not represent diversity. It is just a difference and not important. Things that are not important to us are not protected. Our skills, traits, talents and abilities are demonstrated and recognized by all and given importance. In a given situation, a mechanic can be more important that a physician, etc. It will not be an easy task, yet the seed can take root and grow. Maybe?

Stop the fighting! It is not accomplishing anything, other than some personal agendas to continue the recognition or importance game! If you think about it, the media or certain individuals make money keeping the fight alive!

Comment on Genius Burning Brightly: The Unraveling of Gil Scott-Heron by Debbie Williams

Debbie Williams — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:37:10 +0000

Mad props to G-SH. I celebrate his music, his struggle, and his life. His new album is up there with Winter in America. I am not writing him off. I don’t think he is near death. I don’t care if he is HIV positive. He is the most thought-provoking writer, poet and beautiful mind I have ever come across. I saw him at Bimbos in the late 80s and sat front and center. I felt like I had my own private showing. Lilly Scott must have been one hell of a woman. I hope my son feels the same way about me one day; more importantly, I hope he can express his feelings. Our respective journeys are….I hope Gil’s includes much more music….

Comment on Who Dat? Walking to New Orleans by R.L. Frazier

R.L. Frazier — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 05:51:31 +0000

I’ve always rooted for the underdog, I’m not sure if that will ever change. First, I would like to commend Mr. Lassiter on this timely piece. Second, my hat goes off to any man who can take responsibility of a 9 month old baby girl/or boy for that matter and relocate to an area so unfamiliar. Third, BIG PROPS and much respect goes to Buddy-D and the men who stood up to honor him by wearing dresses and high heels; Being a Director of Stage Plays I know how difficult it is to teach men how to dress in drag and walk in high heels. In my opinion, The New Orleans Saints have overcome so much in their franchise history that I wouldn’t consider going with another team; Unless it was the Falcons playing, only because I’m a very loyal person. This write up is truly a fine piece of art Mr. Lassiter. I’ve been writing for 23 years, so I can recognize a true genius in this field. Thanks for giving me insight on the Saints.

R.L. Frazier

Comment on Genius Burning Brightly: The Unraveling of Gil Scott-Heron by Leasa Fortune

Leasa Fortune — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:22:28 +0000

TaRessa – Great article. In the early 80s I saw Gil Scott-Heron at the New Morning Jazz Club in Paris’s 10th Arrondissement. The club was full of tres’ chic African Americans and hyper-cool Parisians, heavy Gauloises cigarette smoke swirled around us mingling with our Kir Royals and rich red wines. We were so on! This was a momentous event with an iconic artist and we all knew it. The air crackled with anticipation. On to the stage he walked to our cheers and crazy applause. Though his drug problem was evident even then, Gil still had his take-no-prisoners swagger and he proceeded to blow our righteous minds with his unrelenting brilliance and artistry.

Now I sit listening to the npr interview with him. I can breath now. His voice resonates with the wear and tear of years of abuse but the force of his personality is in tact on new music being released next week. Thanks to Richard Russell, British record producer, who in 2007 ushered Gil from his incarceration directly into the studio (you gotta’ love those Brits). Their combined efforts has given birth to “I’m New Here.” Raw, gritty, experimental, visionary, forever relevant – Gil Scott-Heron.

Comment on Allah at the Apollo: Islamic Cultural Renaissance Finds Roots at Harlem’s Apollo Theater by Rasul Nasir

Rasul Nasir — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 23:04:52 +0000

We have many talented Muslims.We need to create a music catorgory for their unique music. This is a beginning.

Comment on Calvin Willis by Yolanda Legate

Yolanda Legate — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:32:39 +0000

I thank my Lord for your release, for the wonderful people he put in your path, to help and pray, when everyone else had given up on you. Thank you Jesus! My husband was given a 99 year sentence for a murder he didn’t commit, has served 11 years to date. There was no blood, or gun shot residue on his hands or clothing. The state prosecutor misled the jury to believe that the Gun Shot Residue test was “indeterminate” when it was in fact “negative.” She stated that because it was indeterminate, they would not admit it into evidence. My husband didn’t find out until after his sentencing that the test had come back “negative” eventhough he knew it had to have been because he did not commit this crime. The state prosecutor hid a key witness that could have proved my husband’s innocence and didn’t allow the testimony of his alibi witness. My husband was at the crime scene, looking for a lady to repossess a vehicle, the lady was interviewed by the district attorney’s investigator and upon seeing my husbands name on the subpoena, she said “he didn’t do it.” The memo the PI gave to the prosecutor, was never presented to the defense, but was later found in the DA’s file when my husband hired his appellant attorney to investigate the prosecutors file. We consider both the GSR test and the memo to be exculpatory evidence, but since this was a high profile case , we can’t seem to get anyone to help us out. It seems that people are afraid to expose those that maliciously, wrongfully convicted my husband. I pray you read this story of ours and contact me if you know of anyone that will help. May the Lord continue blessing your life, with all of His goodness.

Comment on Calvin Willis by Michelle Dalessio

Michelle Dalessio — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:57:13 +0000

Calvin I am so sorry for what happen to you.. I feel those that did not do there jobs to the fullest to prove you inocent should spend time behind bars and live what you endured for 22yrs! or at least be out of a job and stand in the bread line. I have a brother in Josephine County Grants Pass Oregon who had an unfair trial won his appeal after nearly 4 1/2yrs now he is having another trial in the same court house with the same prossecuter who is dirty and has a 97% conviction rate. The Dirty DA is Stephen Campbell.. it is a long storey and I need your help I can not fight this DA on my own. Please contact me and help me.. I am so happy for you and I would like to leave you with a quote from Doctor King: Where ever there is an injustice anywhere, It is a threat to justice everywhere… I don’t know you but I love you and I am so happy for you Calvin.

Comment on A Black Immigrant’s Experience with Coming to Terms with Race Relations in America by McPope

McPope — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:17:47 +0000

Nicole Y. Dennis:
I read your history of coming to terms with the way we live in America…I honor your insights and perceptions because as you know many West Indians, Africans,
East Indians go thru decades based on some white person’s praise that they are superior to the local Blacks. East Indians forget that for over 100years they were called “Blacks” by the white British colonialist society. West Indians should know that African Americans stationed in England were constantly whispered to by whites that we are “superior” to their british blacks from the Indies: our
music,sports, education, even our lighter color and grooming is “superior” Sadly many US blacks stationed in England are naive and believe the insinuations, they avoid contact with dark Britons and similar bad feelings develop.
Divide and conquer has always been an inborn tactic of “the other”
The trap of being chosen to be an “Honorary White” snaps shut the instant the naive person “misbehaves: moves into a white neighborhood, acts like OJ Simpson, Tiger Woods, Michael Jackson, etc.
Nicole, read the first chapters of Colin Powell’s biography, you’ll see how his biographer (white female)thickly praises his Jamaican origins, his parents aversion to US Blacks,dark people,and slyly insults the millions of us by suggesting he is superior by virtue of Jamaican blood.
I’ve found the best way to put down the divide and conquer racist is to advise that modern science proves that the white race and all others are environmental mutations from African peoples migrations.

Comment on A Black Immigrant’s Experience with Coming to Terms with Race Relations in America by Kam

Kam — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:15:05 +0000

Thanks for your reply. I was raised in New York to West Indian parents so I see both sides as well. In terms of what to be called. Many might not like terms such as Black or Black American because they see these as cultural terms associated with being American, which they do not feel culturally. It has nothing to do with race since it’s obvious what race they are since they look in the mirror. While there is a larger West Indian identity, each island has it’s own unique history and culture. So a Trinidadian might see themselves as different to someone from Grenada.

I know the racist sentiments you are talking about but look at it from the other side. My dad comes from a country where Black people run things. They run everything. Still he grew up very very poor. At one point he was eating one meal a day, a lunch at school that was given through U.S. aid. His mother instilled in him the notion that in order for him to succeed he needed to be educated and work hard throughout all the hardships. Arriving in the United States, he saw racism as simply just one of those hardships that you had to overcome, the same as not having anything to eat. He filed racism in the “stuff that sucks about life” folder in his head and worked ways to get around it just like any other problem. It’s not that he’s not aware of it, in fact he is very much so, but he sees it as problem that can be tangibly overcome. So to him instead of being angry about racism, just find another way.

I can’t say I agree with all his views but I do recognize his views as a legitimate and one that many West Indians have in terms of racism. I find that in these discussions between Black Americans and West Indians, the experiences that we have in our own countries aren’t even considered. I hope we can include that in these conversations now.

Comment on A Black Immigrant’s Experience with Coming to Terms with Race Relations in America by Ella R.

Ella R. — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:15:19 +0000

Kam, you’re right. I shouldn’t speak in generalizations. In my own personal experiences interacting with a lot of West Indians I find that many of them don’t want to be called black Americans or be associated with black Americans. Some turn their noses up at us. Sometimes they say some of the same kinds of racist things about black Americans that white people say. They make these statements without trying to understand the experiences of black Americans who have been here longer and made it possible for West Indians and other black immigrants to be here and enjoy the liberties they have. So that’s why Ms. Dennis’s piece is so refreshing. She gets it. The reality is that this society is still so racist in the end it really doesn’t matter if you are from Africa, the West Indies or Mississippi. You are still a second class citizen, no better and no worse than the black Americans who have been despised the longest.

Comment on A Black Immigrant’s Experience with Coming to Terms with Race Relations in America by Kam

Kam — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:27:12 +0000

I would like to respond Ella R’s comment, because I don’t want this to spiral into a sparring match where it’s African Americans versus West Indian American’s. The West Indian immigrant community is diverse in many ways including thought, just as the African American community is. To say things like “They don’t want to be called black” ignores the many experiences that shape the views of immigrant Blacks when they come to the United States. Perhaps you should try to understand their experiences more. I will leave it at that and hope others contribute more to the discussion.

Comment on David Ruggles: Frederick Douglass’ First Professor of Abolitionism by Ann J.

Ann J. — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:21:33 +0000

Nice piece. Had never heard of Mr. Ruggles. I plan to share this with my students for black history month.

Comment on A Black Immigrant’s Experience with Coming to Terms with Race Relations in America by EKTB

EKTB — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:55:14 +0000

Thank you so much for your honesty Nicole. As an African American with exposure to sooo many people of the African diaspora, I have come to an understanding that coming to the US doesn’t automatically equate with a full comprehension of the African American experience. I think I got frustrated in the past, but I believe your article speaks to why that is. However, you bring up a very strong and crucial point, that although they may not understand what it is like to be an African American, it is important to begin to identify the structural barriers (racism, classism, many other -isms, and even internalized -isms) that African Americans encounter on a daily basis. Once they identify these -isms, then no longer should their “naivete,” as you refer to it, prevail.

Comment on A Black Immigrant’s Experience with Coming to Terms with Race Relations in America by Ella R.

Ella R. — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:50:41 +0000

Finally a West Indian who gets it. I have had this fight with so many of them about racism and black people. I’ve had too many of them spew the same kind of racism against Afro Americans that whites say about us. They are black just like us! Some of them don’t want to be called black but they are sadly mistaken in this society. Africans too. Just look at what happened to Diallo.

Comment on ‘If You Learned It, Then You Should Have Got an A On It’ by Donna G

Donna G — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:53:47 +0000

I absolutely love this! I will be playing it for my two young sons. My oldest likely will try to copy it and my youngest will dance – but I think both will get the message from their “contemporaries.” TaRessa, thanks for sharing (again)!

Comment on The Princess and the Frog: What’s Wrong with this Picture by Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:09:34 +0000

I’m concerned to be frank.
Reading the comments, it is amazing how people can so easily discount these issues. Because of the liniage of his parents, I am not concern about his proclamation of being a prince but I was immediately outraged as I watched the first 20 minutes of the film to find out that he is seeking someone rich. He being a womanizer and lazy came later, but these attributes destroyed the movie. Prince Naveen does not have any of the attributes or nobility of a traditional GOOD Disney royal, but more importantly this story speaks about the princess and how she is limited enough to fall for such a carector.

I don’t want to harp on my feelings of the movie, but do not think that this is completely harmless.

Comment on Winter in America: The First Morning of a New Day by davidjosephgibbons

davidjosephgibbons — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:21:21 +0000

You know, I think Obama should be evaluated on his actions; not his protestations, his blaming, and/or his racial identity. Obama scares me; not because he is black – but, because of his actions; and, if the black community would look at him objectively – and not in a haze of adoration – I think that they would realize that this administration is not doing the right thing for America and Americans of all shapes, sizes and ethic background. For instance, the terror trials in NYC – sure while people don’t have jobs, hospitals are closing down in NYC, the feds should spend $200 million dollars on this stupid trial. Job creation – what both white and black people need are jobs – is this Administration focused on job creation? Citibank, where the government is a major shareholder – is sending its customer service jobs to the Phillipines? Why aren’t those jobs here? Health care insurance – yes, we need to do something about health care in this country – it is too expensive and too unavailable – but the insurance proposed is not going to do the job for Americans – Americans need health care – not necessarily health insurance. Lots of black americans are in the armed forces and serving overseas – yet, the VA hospitals are a national disgrace – why not put some money into making them good hospitals – and, moreover put some public clinics in them? Why not have the government help people with insurance when they are unemployed? If you have unemployment insurance, maybe you could be on Medicare? Why cut benefits for the elderly now….. What did Obama and his ilk actually do for Chicago? Did they create jobs? There are a million ways that this government could create jobs – from buying its computer chips from the USA; to working on our infrastructure; to building hospitals in poor communities – has any of that been done? And, what about the poor in foreclosure – why isn’t the government helping the poor in foreclosure? There hasn’t been any help. Complaining about Wall Street is not the answer. Meanwhile, Obama M lives a life of luxury – don’t kid yourself – The administration should be supporting people in obtaining jobs, education, and helping small businesses –

And, the black community and its families need jobs …. without work – families suffer, men don’t want to be married because they can’t support a family. Don’t kid yourself, members of the NAACP – this man is not your friend – he secretly looks down on the black community – he thinks himself above it all. When has he been poor? When was he worried about whether his mother had food on the table or not having the money to take a child to the doctor? He went to private school; private colleges…..

Comment on ‘If You Learned It, Then You Should Have Got an A On It’ by Mist

Mist — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:40:37 +0000

Cool, and i also agree with Michael. She should see this, the kids, did put alot of work, into this.

Comment on What Chris Matthews Forgot by Darrel Williams

Darrel Williams — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:33:56 +0000

Hey Arclight69, you need to learn how to spell. Your gibberish makes absolutely no sense! I think you are offended by black intelligence. Your insecurity is apparent.

Comment on My Top 10 African-American TV Shows of All Time by Darrel Williams

Darrel Williams — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:30:47 +0000

What about:

The Soul Train
Amen
What’s Happening

It such a shame that we have so FEW to mention. It’s not like there’s so many to rank.

Comment on ‘If You Learned It, Then You Should Have Got an A On It’ by Michelle Osborne

Michelle Osborne — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:47:45 +0000

This is wonderful, thanking you for sending a wonderful message. No one should be ridiculed for being educated and smart, our young people have to stop thinking that having good communication skills, striving to do good, an wanting education is “acting white”!

Comment on What Chris Matthews Forgot by Bruce Baxter

Bruce Baxter — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:16:32 +0000

Well I think the end of this readers statements sums up where their anger comes from. That has been [t]he design from the very beginning from these Caucasoid race. There mission has been to destroy strength and unity of our race. It’s very obvious that we African Americans will never fit in this rat race of a society designed and build with bloody hands. Yes Chris Mathews, another fine example of the true ignorance.

Comment on What Chris Matthews Forgot by John

John — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:20:22 +0000

Dear Arcangel

I am what our society would call a white person. Being labeled as white or black I believe is not racist. The writer did not write the article about being called African-American. It was just strange how Mathews said “I forgot he was black for an hour”. What does that mean? I didn’t see any venomous words in the author’s tone…frustration? Yes. But just for the record, I have had the privelege of meeting, speaking with, and befriending many black people during my short time on this planet, and I just wanted to say that I couldn’t disagree more with your statement. I work at a social services organization that serves many homeless and low-income people, the majority of whom are black. Most of my co-workers are black. In fact, I’d say 80% of my time spent during the week is with a person of color. Many of my good friends are black and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and guidance. I can only speak from my experiences, but black people are some of the kindest, humble, most compassionate, funny, curious, intelligent, genuine people I know. Also, through my experiences, I have observed that it is not black people, but our very own white brothers and sisters who, in your words, “spew their venom” toward the black race. I cannot count how many times a white person has used the N word in front of me. It’s disgusting. I do believe that if the author had the choice, he would instantly extinguish racism (and this website) from the planet and focus his time on something like cricket or a game of squash. To think that black people want others to continue hating them is a little far-fetched, don’t you think? However, It is precisely because of people like you that this website, and the race debate must continue. Do you listen youself speak? Do you read your words? They are frightening to say the least. Please try to soften your heart. The world isn’t getting any bigger. Also, please read The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, as well as Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. They are great works from great minds documenting the struggles of the black population as recently as 40 years ago…

Comment on My Top 10 African-American TV Shows of All Time by My Top 10 African-American TV Shows of All Time | The Defenders … - Classic British Sitcom Videos

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:17:15 +0000

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