I’m baaaaaack! Unfortunately, my beach vacation is over. I am, however, nestled in the cozy confines of my mother’s serenity garden in her backyard. The lawn tchotchke, metal and ceramic frogs, owls and peacocks are patiently awaiting my next writing opus. It’s not sand and surf, folks, but it’s nice. It’s also great place for me to write my next Abantu Audio audiobook sexy, must-read blog entry, which I am more than excited about. Yes, reading is sexy, and Abantu Audio provides more than enough cerebral satisfaction. If you haven’t subscribed, join The Tribe. We are cool people, but I digress.
I am still enthralled with The American Negro Academy Occasional Papers. Please read my first entry for the background information on the American Negro Academy and why these essays are so important (however you are cool people, so I’m sure that you are up-to-speed on all things Tribal 😉). I chose to read No. 2, written by W.E.B. Dubois in 1897 entitled “The Conservation of Race”. I am an eternal fan of all things related to or by W.E.B. Dubois for the following reasons: .1) he was the first African-American to earn a PhD from Harvard University, 2.) Dr. Dubois was the premier writer and speaker for African-American rights in the beginning of the 20th century and 3.) he was a co-founder of the NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Those accomplishments alone deem him more that qualified to tackle the sensitive topic of race and this essay is a straight-shooter. I listened to this essay several times (Luc’s soothing voice does it for me, what can I say?) and determined that the following should be my Abantu Audio-Read Appetizer, as society is still pondering this question: Is race still the determining factor in success or failure?
The esteemed Dubois makes the point of defining, identifying and categorizing the different races before tapping the metaphorical shoulder of every African-American and asking if the questions that rang out among many of the civil rights organizations: “What have you done to lift your people up today?” As Dubois so eloquently said:
“There is no power under God’s high heaven that can stop the advancement of eight thousand thousand honest, earnest, inspired and united people. But-and here’s the rub-they must be honest, fearlessly criticizing their own faults, zealously correcting them; they must be earnest.”
Is what we identify as race the factor that is breaking our culture’s forward-movement or is it the fact that we will not unite in the interest of that said movement. Listen to this essay and then decide. As Shakespeare once wrote, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” In other words, to continue to support the weak position of separateness is the reason why African-American communities are not thriving. It is the year 2019-we’re still not there-yet. As I take in my tranquil surroundings, the cool breeze ruffling the leaves on the trees, I am hopeful. This blog begins my journey on contributing to our greater good. It is a call-to-action from the past to the future. The Abantu Audio Tribe is waiting for you. Rise up. ✊
Another great entry! Keep us thinking!
Cerebral Stimulation!!!
Thank you!
Kirby
Great job as usual. I agree that our community is split. I don’t think it’s a weak position however, I think that’s just how it happens to be. Too many of our people aren’t educated about who they are as a black person. Sankofa, they don’t know our history. When you don’t know your history, you will continue to repeat it. Race will continue to impact ones’ success because of the institution that racism is built on. We have much work to do and I am inspired by your blogs and hope you reach the masses. The works of the great W.E.B. Dubois are must reads for everyone, so folks-please accept Kirbrina’s challenge to read, listen and to definitely RISE UP!! Keep’em coming….
Thank you!
Very candid and wonderfully written contribition! I love the humorous commentary it speaks volumes about your personality and wit to boot -you naturally appeal to the masses! Keep posting, I look forward to hearing more from you!
Thank you!
Love the use of imagery to capture the reader. Interesting points for ALL people to consider. Can’t wait to read the next!!
Thank you!