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My History Education…

JusMee

David Walker (September 28, 1796 – August 6, 1830) was an influential American abolitionist, writer, and anti-slavery activist. Born to a free mother and an enslaved father, he was free himself due to the principle of partus sequitur ventrem. 

In 1829, while residing in Boston, he published “An Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World,” which called for black unity and resistance against slavery. 

His work highlighted the injustices of slavery and urged individuals to act according to their religious and political beliefs. 

The pamphlet caused significant controversy, particularly in the South, leading to laws restricting the circulation of “seditious publications.” Walker’s advocacy for the rights of black individuals made him a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement.

His legacy continued through his son, Edward G. Walker, who became one of the first two black men elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature in 1866. 

David Walker’s literary contributions were instrumental in forming the early abolitionist movement in the United States. 

His passionate appeal for unity among black individuals and defiance against slavery struck a chord with many, including both black and white citizens, who opposed this institution. 

Despite facing significant criticism and censorship, Walker remained a determined advocate for the rights and liberation of African Americans. 

His legacy serves as both a reminder and a source of motivation for activists, as his writings poignantly highlight the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice today.

While slavery may no longer be overtly visible in contemporary society, its remnants can still be detected within the MAGA movement. 

This movement is actively working to reverse the significant advancements in the civil rights struggle throughout American history, jeopardizing the hard-won progress toward equality and justice.

The MAGA movement is actively trying to alter and reframe historical narratives by engaging in book banning, enacting legislation that undermines fundamental rights, and promoting an agenda that fosters deep divisions within the country—more pronounced than those experienced during the antebellum period. 

For example, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has been a vocal proponent of embracing Confederate ideals over those of democracy. 

Meanwhile, President-Elect 47 appears to be working towards implementing policies that echo the principles of the Confederacy and or a dictatorship challenging the very foundations of democratic governance.

I would like to share a heartfelt appeal to our nation’s colored citizens. David Walker’s powerful words resonate deeply, emphasizing the crucial need to raise our voices against injustice and advocate for what is just and fair, even when confronted with significant challenges and opposition. 

We should never allow ourselves to be muted by fear or indifference; instead, we must gather our courage, stand together as a united force, and passionately vocalize our convictions, ensuring that our messages resonate clearly and powerfully in the world around us.

Walker’s bold and unwavering actions in confronting his era’s entrenched social and political norms ignited essential conversations about the need for change. They carved a lasting and powerful legacy in American history. 

His dedication to justice and equality resonated with others, inspiring future generations to challenge the status quo and work toward a more equitable society.

His steadfast commitment to racial equality is a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward justice and the relentless fight that continues today.

I don’t recall ever encountering the name David Walker in any history books or during my school years. Despite his significant contributions and impact, he has been overlooked in the narrative of our past. 

Walker was a prominent abolitionist and a passionate advocate for African Americans’ rights, yet his story is often absent from discussions about the fight for freedom and equality. 

It’s essential to recognize figures like him, who played a vital role in shaping history, rather than allowing their legacies to be buried and forgotten. 

It’s very perplexing. You want to shield your children from the harsh realities of history by prohibiting any literature that reveals the painful and tragic events that were inflicted upon a marginalized group. 

This includes banning books that discuss the systemic injustices, discrimination, and violence that shaped their experiences. You don’t want it taught in classrooms.

By restricting access, you aim to create a protective bubble, believing that ignorance will preserve their innocence and spare them from the weight of such brutal truths. 

Truth be told… by doing so, you inadvertently deny them the opportunity to learn about the past, understand the complexities of human behavior, and empathize with others’ struggles.

In addition to shielding your children…you are complaining about rising food prices and inflation. You blame the current administration, which has done more for you than you may realize.

This attitude is a part of the problem. You need to take the time to think, educate yourself, or take responsibility for your actions and inactions. 

The bottom line is that the atrocities of the incoming administration coming to you will be well-deserved.  

I want to convey my frustration regarding your apparent lack of awareness. Your ignorance created an environment that subjects the rest of us to challenging and distressing situations, which we don’t deserve. 

Your insensitivity has consequences for you, and it profoundly affects our lives as well. Your actions will create situations leading to unfair and unjust experiences for those around you. 

I wish you were more mindful of how your actions impact others. A bit of insight could help prevent the unnecessary difficulties that will be inflicted upon us by the incoming want-to-be dictator you voted for. 

In fact, the rest of us who didn’t vote for the dictatorship cannot afford to remain silent about the disturbing actions the incoming administration will take. 

We must raise our voices and take a decisive stand against any injustices that may arise in our communities and beyond. 

We must not allow these wrongs to go unchallenged. Our words and actions should resonate with conviction, reflecting our unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Standing together, we can ensure that our collective determination illuminates the issues at hand and inspires change.

I want positive change, not a return to a time of unrest.

These beliefs shape my values and worldview. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and perspectives, and I respect that you may hold different views. 

However, I would appreciate it if you could take a moment to reflect on my perspective. I intend not to persuade you to agree; I hope to foster understanding and meaningful dialogue.

Because…

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

Barack Obama

JusMee Talkin

Water fountain
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The Juxtaposition of Water Fountain in America!

JusMee

The civil rights movement of the 1960s was when African Americans fought for equality and fairness. One way they did this was through protests, sit-ins, and marches. 

And while these are all important aspects of the civil rights movement, there is one that is often overlooked: water fountains.

Water fountains have long been a symbol of the civil rights movement and the fight against discrimination and racism. In the 1960s, water fountains were often segregated, with “Whites Only” and “Blacks Only” signs clearly visible.

 This was a stark reminder of the different treatment that blacks and whites received in society.

The water fountain became a powerful symbol of the fight against racism and segregation.

Yes, water fountains. You may be thinking, how could something so simple symbolize such a momentous and important period? 

But it did. And here’s how: during the civil rights movement, African Americans were discriminated against when trying to drink from water fountains. 

They were made to drink from separate “colored” water fountains, which were often dirty and had less water than the “white” water fountains.

So, when African Americans began to drink from the “white” water fountains, it was a powerful statement that said we were just as good as anyone else – and deserved to be treated as such.

 Water fountains symbolize the 1960s civil rights movement

By Ed Worley February 22, 2018

Water fountainBIRMINGHAM, Ala.–Two water fountains stood side-by-side. One was a modern machine capable of delivering cool water. 

The other is a sink with a water fountain attached to deliver tap water, its basin showing the stains of the hard water flowing through the plumbing. 

The modern water fountain had a sign over it: “Whites”; the other “Colored.” 

There they stood, symbols of the racial divide that gripped the South in the days leading up to the civil rights movement.

 Today they stand in the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, reminding people of the civil rights struggles of the 1960s. 

About 35 Soldiers and civilians from the Army Contracting Command headquarters staff at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., visited the institute on Feb.1. Mike Weitzel, ACC historian, used the trip to educate participants on the history of the U.S. Army as it dealt with segregation and desegregation, and the Army’s influence on the civil rights movement.

“The Army’s history, like the history presented at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, is not pretty,” Weitzel said.

 “There were actions that we should rightfully be shocked about. The histories are also stories of positive change. Ultimately, I hope the experience leaves participants with both a feeling of pride in accomplishment on where the Army and the nation have come, and the resolve to stand up for American equality.

According to the institute’s website, its mission is to “enlighten each generation about civil and human rights by exploring our common past and working together in the present to build a better future.

“Its photographs, artwork, video displays, and statues remind visitors of the civil rights movement and “the nonviolent protest against racial discrimination and injustice that ultimately led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

In conclusion, 

Racial injustice will never cease as long as people like Majorie Taylor Green can speak about and refuse to back down from the ‘national divorce’ proposal.

This proposal signifies going back to a CIVIL WAR. RED STATES AGAINST BLUE STATES DIVIDED NATIONALLY, WHEREAS THE RED STATES WANTED TO KEEP SLAVERY ALIVE, AND THE BLUE STATES WANTED TO ABOLISH IT!

Needless to say…Taylor-Green is mentally twisted and should be committed to St. Elizabeth Mental Hospital in Washington, DC.

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JusMee Talkin 2023

Notable resident patient

Well-known patients of St. Elizabeths have included would-be presidential assassin John Hinckley Jr., who shot Ronald Reagan. 

 

Another Blatant Act of Racism

BLACK HISTORY
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The Tragic Reality: America’s Ban On Black History!

JusMee

Black History Month
Children with teacher preparing for Black History Month

It is nothing new that America–a country founded on the principles of equality and justice–has a history of banning books. 

In fact, a quick Google search will reveal that this practice is alive and well in the 21st century. 

More often than not, banned books deal with difficult topics such as race, gender, and sexuality.

One would think there would be no need to ban books in a country where library shelves are lined with books on these topics. However, the reality is that these books are often banned to silence voices that need to be heard.

This blog will explore the tragic reality of America’s ban on black history and its impact on the country.

The long, sad history of America’s ban on black history

Black History Month at school
Black History Month at school

In the early 1800s, America was a young nation struggling to find its identity. One of the things that made America unique was its diversity. 

People from all over the world had come to America in search of a better life. This included people of African descent who were forcibly brought to America as slaves. ‘

Despite the contributions of black Americans to the country, they were treated as second-class citizens. They were denied basic rights and were subjected to racial discrimination. 

This was especially true during the Jim Crow era when black Americans were discriminated against in every aspect of life.

It wasn’t until the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s that black Americans began to gain some of the rights they deserved. 

Even so, black America continues to face challenges today. Racism is still a problem in America, and black Americans are still disproportionately affected by it.

 In 2018, black Americans were 3.5 times more likely than white Americans to be killed by police. And black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to be unemployed.

Many factors contribute to these disparities, including a lack of access to education and resources, discrimination in the workplace, and a history of racism and discrimination. 

But the fact remains that racism is still a very real problem in America, and black Americans are still bearing the brunt of it.

Racism is still a problem in America, and black Americans are still disproportionately affected by it. Despite the progress made in recent years, racism is still a very real problem in our country. African Americans are still more likely to be stopped and searched by the police, sentenced to longer prison terms, and live in poverty.

This is not to say that all black Americans experience these things, but it is still a fact that racism is a very real problem in our country. To truly move forward as a nation, we must first acknowledge the problem and then work together to find a solution.

Why is black history still banned in America?

In America, black history is often relegated to a single month of celebration. While it is important to celebrate the accomplishments of black Americans, this limited focus does not allow for a comprehensive understanding of the role that black Americans have played in the history of the United States.

Black history is still banned in America because the history of the United States is still largely told from a white perspective. 

This is evident in how American history is taught in schools, how mainstream media sources cover black history, and how monuments and statues are erected to honor white historical figures.

Banning black history in America perpetuates the idea that black Americans are lesser than their white counterparts. This is not only false, but it is also dangerous. It is time for black history to be given the attention it deserves so that all Americans can benefit

The tragic reality of black history in America today

Sadly, the history of black Americans is one of violence, oppression, and struggle. For centuries, blacks have been subjected to racism, slavery, and discrimination. Even today, black Americans face educational, employment, and income disparities.

The tragic reality of black history in America today is that it is often forgotten, misunderstood, and misrepresented. African American history is often taught as a series of important dates and events without any context or understanding of the lived experiences of black people in America.

This is the tragic reality of black history in America today. 

But despite all the challenges, black Americans have made significant progress. We have overcome adversity to become strong and resilient people. And we will continue to fight for equality and justice for all.

 This lack of knowledge leads to many misconceptions about black history, which in turn contributes to the systemic racism that continues to plague our country today.

We must learn and teach the true history of black America to better understand what it means to be black in America today. Only then can we begin to dismantle the racism that has been so deeply ingrained in our society for so many centuries.

We must speak out and demand that black history be taught in our schools. We need to show our elected officials that we will not tolerate a country that tries to erase our history.

Let them know we are proud of our black Heritage and will fight for it. If we don’t do something now, our children and grandchildren will never know the struggles and sacrifices that were made for them. We must show them that we are strong and will not give up.

The time is now. We have to stand up and be heard. We have to fight for what is right. We must let them know that we are proud of our black Heritage and will fight for it.

Conclusion

BLACK HISTORY

While it is understandable that people would want to protect their children from the struggles of other groups, banning books does not solve the problem. It only perpetuates the cycle of ignorance and discrimination. 

To create a truly inclusive society, we must start by acknowledging the struggles of those different from us. The Minority 

Additionally, banning books is a serious issue because it goes against the freedom of speech. 

People should be able to read whatever they want, and books should not be banned because they highlight the struggles of a group of people who are different from you… the white people. 

If you agree, please like, follow, comment, and subscribe to this blog.

 

JUSMEE TALKIN IN 2023

 

Mae Mallory
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Mae Mallory: Civil Rights Activist -N-Self-Defense Advocate!

JusMee

Mae mallory


Mae Mallory (June 9, 1927 – 2007)

Mae Mallory was a civil rights activist supporting armed self-defense and school integration.

Generally, she participated in demonstrations against the Vietnam War and the U.S. occupation of the Dominican. 

And believed Black people are masters of their fate – militant forms of Black Power often associated with men.

To That end, she was a persistent advocate for self-defense and the voices of working-class black women in the fight for civil rights.

She became a civil rights activist early in her life and is best known for her involvement in the armed self-defense of African Americans. 

Also, she argued that despite the ruling of Brown vs. Board of Education, the zoning policies of the NYC Board of Education essentially ensured that segregation in the city was still very much in place.

The Harlem  Nine

More importantly, she was the founder of the “Harlem 9,” a group of nine Black mothers formed to protest the inferior conditions of schools in New York City during the 1950s.

Consequently, Harlem nine was formed in 1956; their goal was to advocate for “open transfer” for their children, which would allow them to attend schools outside of their district.

For the most part, schools that weren’t suffering from overcrowding, dilapidating building, and inexperienced teachers.

As a result, the Harlem 9 took action against racism and discrimination in New York. Although they faced much opposition, these brave people made their voices heard: 

  • They filed lawsuits against both city officials as well as state legislation for unfair treatment based on race or ethnic background; 
  •  
  • And boycotted businesses that refused service because it would cause too much trouble (such as restaurants).

Nonetheless, in the end, with a victory in the courts in 1960, Mae Mallory and the Harlem 9 won the right to transfer their children into white schools.

However, this was not enough for the NYC Board of Education, which admitted they had perpetuated “de facto” segregation in their boroughs, a huge step forward for education across all races.

Ms. Mallory supported numerous other civil rights initiatives, including work with Robert F. Williams and the NAACP during Freedom Rides in 1961.”

There she hosted SNCC student riders participating in Monroe, North Carolina.

Accusations of kidnapping 

Despite allowing a white couple to hide out in her home to avoid danger from armed protestors, who had gathered in response to the Freedom Riders; 

Mallory was accused of kidnapping the white couple.

Afterward… 

Due in part to the fear of retaliation from the KKK, Mallory fled from North Carolina to Cleveland, Ohio, where she was captured after six weeks in hiding.

Conversely, while in prison, she worked to publicize her case and shed light on Black women’s experiences in America.

She advocated for separatism, socialism, and self-defense through speeches, letters, and press releases.

In 1964, she was deported back to North Carolina to stand trial for the kidnapping charge.

Although an all-white jury sentenced her to 16-20 years in prison, she was later acquitted in 1965 due to racial discrimination during the jury selection.

Conclusion

Mae Mallory was an incredible woman who fought for change until her last breath. 

She is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we unite and fight for what’s right.

 Mae Mallory continued her activism until she died in 2007. 

We should all strive to be more like Mae Mallory and continue her legacy of activism and self-defense. 

What do you think? Comment below, subscribe to, and share this post with your friends.

 Let’s keep Mae Mallory’s memory alive!

Thanks for reading!

 

Social Networks and Archival Context – Mae Mallory

https://jusmeetwo.com/baby-tinslee-and-life-support/

Sojouner Truth
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Sojourner Truth…Is What They Call Her 2

JusMee

Sojourner Truth 


They called her Sojourner Truth, but in actuality, her name was Isabella Baumfree. She was born in 1797 in Ulster County, New York, to James and Elizabethan Baumfree.

Along with her parents, she spent her life on the Johannesburg estate as a slave.

Sojouner Truth

Dutch was her first language since Dutch people enslaved her.

Despite everything, when she turned nine years old, she was sold away from her family to a man near Kingston, New York, named John Neely; He purchased her and some sheep for one hundred dollars.

For the most part, Sojourner was held by John Neely’s until 1808;

then, he sold her to Martinus Schryver of Port Ewen, New York, where she stayed for only 18 months.

Next, she was sold again to John Dumont of West Park, New York. There she remained his property until 1826. As a result of being sold over and over, she decided to escape.

All the more reasons to escape while at the Dumonts, Sojourner was not liked by John Dumont’s wife Elizabeth, experienced tension and harassment from her, and was raped by John.

What is more, through all of the turmoil, Sojourner met and fell in love with an enslaved man named Robert from a neighboring farm in 1815. Simply put, Robert’s owner beat him to death for meeting her against his wishes.

Sojourner Truth…It was Frightening and Horrific.

Sojourner had the pleasure of meeting another enslaved man named Thomas Years later, she had three children, Peter, Elizabeth, and Sophia, with Thomas.

Besides, before Thomas – her first child, James, died as a child. Her second, Diana, was the child of rape by John Dumont.

Shameful…they were still enslaved until adulthood. That law was useless.

That said, New York State passed a law for the gradual abolition of slavery. After July 4, 1799, children born to enslaved women were, by legal definition, free but required to work for their mother’s owner until they were in their twenties (28 for males and 25 for females).

Meanwhile, according to the law, those born before July 4, 1799, were considered indentured servants. The Truth is, in reality, they continued to be enslaved for life.

John Dumont promised to free Sojourner before the final emancipation date of the 1817 law in which all slaves in the State born before July 4, 1799 would become free on July 4, 1827.

Nonetheless, in 1826, before the date, Dumont had a change of mind. To that end, Sojourner freed herself by running away with her infant daughter Sophia.

She would later work to emancipate Peter after Dumont sold him to someone in Alabama in defiance of the law. Read More

Meanwhile, Isaac and Maria Van Wagenen’s in New Paltz, New York, gave Sojourner and Sophia refuge in their home and paid Dumont $20 for her labor until the emancipation day, July 4, 1827.

Straightaway, while staying with the Van Wagenen’s, Sojourner focused her attention on finding her son Peter; with her hosts’ assistance, she filed a court case for a legal hearing to get her son back to New York.

Amazingly, in 1828 the court ruled in her favor for Peter to get him back home to New York. Afterward, in 1829, she and Peter left New Paltz and moved to New York City.

There, Sojourner found a job as a housekeeper, but once again, there was trouble. She was accused of poisoning and stealing from her employers.

In due time she was acquitted of both charges.

Finally, in 1843, Sojourner became a Methodist, called by God, left the city and “testified across the countryside spreading her Truth; took the name Sojourner Truth; touring the country, speaking against slavery.

In 1844, she moved to Northampton, Massachusetts, joined the Northampton Association of Education and Industry, and wrote a book, named The Narrative of Sojourner Truth: a Northern Slave, which Garrison published.

Eventually, she bought a house in Northampton. She paid off her home three years later by selling photographs of herself captioned, “I sell the shadow to support the substance.”

At the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron,
in May 1851, she spoke “Ain’t I a Woman?”, one of the most famous lessons on African American and women’s rights.

Sojourner Truth travels the United States speaking on matters relating to African Americans and women’s rights and the right to vote.

During the Civil War, Sojourner recruited African American men for the Union Army.

In 1864, while working at the National Freedmen’s Relief Association in Washington, D.C., she met President Abraham Lincoln; and rode on public streetcars in support of desegregation.

Soujourner Truth African Americans’ needs continued to travel and speak as her health declined. Sadly, She passed away in Battle, Michigan, at her home on November 26, 1883, at 86. She was laid to rest in Battle Creek’s Oak Hill Cemetery.

In her life, she tirelessly advocated for African Americans’ rights, women, and numerous reform causes, including prison reform and against capital punishment.

Source of Information
Sojourner Truth (U.S. National Park Service)

 

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