"It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and ther is strength. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter their color."-Maya Angelou
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
#WordsofWisdom
"There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of whom you call a friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer your depression, despair, and disrespect".-Nikki Giovani
Thoughts to Consider
An interview with the enigmatic Morgan Freeman and his opinion on Black History Month. Every one has their own point-of-view. And whether you agree or not, here's a lesson in understanding and accepting the views of others.
Morgan Freeman: Ridiculous.
Interviewer: Why?
Morgan Freeman: You're going to relegate my history to a month?
Interviewer: Oh, come on.
Morgan Freeman: What do you do with yours? Which month is white history month?
Interviewer: (pause) Well, I'm Jewish.
Morgan Freeman: Okay. Which month is jewish history month?
Interviewer: There isn't one.
Morgan Freeman: Oh, oh. Why not? Do you want one?
Interviewer: No.
Morgan Freeman: Right. I don't either. I don't want a black history month. Black history is American history.
Interviewer: How are we going to get rid of racism?
Morgan Freeman: Stop talking about it?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The Sound of Music
"Music is well said to be the speech of angels."-Thomas Carlyle
If this is the case, Heaven just got three more. Since the time of the slave trade, music has been an inspiration in the black community. Rhythmic melodies soothed the soul, and calmed the heart delivering messages of determination, strength, faith, and hope during a time of struggle and strife. The words in songs like "Wade in the Water" and "The Drinking Gourd" narrated secret messages of escape and deliverance from slavery in the Deep South. These songs can still be heard today, and carry the same resonance. And were songs both heard and sung by many African American music legends.
Etta James, Don Cornelius, and Whitney Houston all lived through music, sharing it with the world, in much the same way as their ancestors. To have lost them all, so close together, and two ironically in the month of February, will have a profound effect on music history, and black history just the same. These legends may have passed on, but will live forever, through the sound of music.
Etta James (January 25, 1938-January 20, 2012)-Recognized mostly in the genres of blues, soul, gospel, and jazz, Etta James epitomized legendary. Her smashing 1960 hit "At Last" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Singers Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, and many others have covered this song calling her a true inspiration to classic blues. Her music has surpassed the test of time encouraging talented artists generations over, to follow their dreams.
Don Cornelius (September 27, 1936-February 1, 2012)-Two words describe what brought Don Cornelius music fame: Soul Train! Recognizing in the late 60s that there was no television venue for soul music, Don help to create, produce, and host Soul Train, which aired in syndication in 1971. He helped bring fame to music greats such as James Brown and The Jackson 5, and became a Saturday morning staple for the young and old in the black community. With the words many of us heard so often over the years, Don Cornelius, we wish you peace, love, and soul.
Whitney Houston (August 9, 1963-February 11, 2012)-Whitney Houston's recent death rocked many the world over, a day before the Grammy's. An award she's won many times over, she was set to attend this year's ceremony. Given the out-pouring of love, and the heart-felt tribute she received, it's safe to say her music is cemented in history and will continue to be motivation and instill hope in future generations. Her iconic rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" made her legendary, and she became a role model for young women in the music industry. Singers Brandy Norwood, Jennifer Hudson, Cece Winans, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, and Robin Thicke (to name a few on the never-ending list) all credit Whitney for influencing their careers. Her music was food for the soul, even now as many grieve through her passing. Her message, like that of her ancestors, will always be a lesson in hope, striving for greatness, and the guidance of love.
We've learned of the power of music throughout black history. It sustains, heals, fights, praises, and delivers. I learned of the profound impact of music at an early age, as many children should. It has the power to do good, and bring people together. It has been a bridge between black history and American history, helping to shape the country we live in today, and it's future.
If this is the case, Heaven just got three more. Since the time of the slave trade, music has been an inspiration in the black community. Rhythmic melodies soothed the soul, and calmed the heart delivering messages of determination, strength, faith, and hope during a time of struggle and strife. The words in songs like "Wade in the Water" and "The Drinking Gourd" narrated secret messages of escape and deliverance from slavery in the Deep South. These songs can still be heard today, and carry the same resonance. And were songs both heard and sung by many African American music legends.
Etta James, Don Cornelius, and Whitney Houston all lived through music, sharing it with the world, in much the same way as their ancestors. To have lost them all, so close together, and two ironically in the month of February, will have a profound effect on music history, and black history just the same. These legends may have passed on, but will live forever, through the sound of music.
Etta James (January 25, 1938-January 20, 2012)-Recognized mostly in the genres of blues, soul, gospel, and jazz, Etta James epitomized legendary. Her smashing 1960 hit "At Last" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Singers Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, and many others have covered this song calling her a true inspiration to classic blues. Her music has surpassed the test of time encouraging talented artists generations over, to follow their dreams.
Don Cornelius (September 27, 1936-February 1, 2012)-Two words describe what brought Don Cornelius music fame: Soul Train! Recognizing in the late 60s that there was no television venue for soul music, Don help to create, produce, and host Soul Train, which aired in syndication in 1971. He helped bring fame to music greats such as James Brown and The Jackson 5, and became a Saturday morning staple for the young and old in the black community. With the words many of us heard so often over the years, Don Cornelius, we wish you peace, love, and soul.
Whitney Houston (August 9, 1963-February 11, 2012)-Whitney Houston's recent death rocked many the world over, a day before the Grammy's. An award she's won many times over, she was set to attend this year's ceremony. Given the out-pouring of love, and the heart-felt tribute she received, it's safe to say her music is cemented in history and will continue to be motivation and instill hope in future generations. Her iconic rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" made her legendary, and she became a role model for young women in the music industry. Singers Brandy Norwood, Jennifer Hudson, Cece Winans, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, and Robin Thicke (to name a few on the never-ending list) all credit Whitney for influencing their careers. Her music was food for the soul, even now as many grieve through her passing. Her message, like that of her ancestors, will always be a lesson in hope, striving for greatness, and the guidance of love.
We've learned of the power of music throughout black history. It sustains, heals, fights, praises, and delivers. I learned of the profound impact of music at an early age, as many children should. It has the power to do good, and bring people together. It has been a bridge between black history and American history, helping to shape the country we live in today, and it's future.
#WordsofWisdom
"I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadow. If I fail if I succeed, at least I did as I believe."-Whitney Houston (1963-2012)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
#WordsofWisdom
"We should emphasize not Negro History, but the negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice."-Carter G. Woodson.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Let's Get Black History Trending!
Twitter is a great tool to let the world know what you are thinking, and find others who agree with your views. We at Healthy Start Academy want to get Black History trending on Twitter and we need your help! Below we've created a list inventions most people don't know were invented by African Americans. Take one, post it on Twitter and follow it with #BHM. Let's see how quickly we can get the world focused on Black History Month!
1. George Crum (1853) The potato chip
2. Philip B. Downing (1891) The street letter drop mailbox
3. Dr. Charles Richard Drew (1904) The idea of the blood bank
4. Lewis H. Latimer (1881) Carbon Filament-for incandescent light bulb
5. Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877-193) The traffic light
6. Mark Dean, PhD. (1957-) Computer Inventions
7. Lonnie G. Johnson (1991) The Supersoaker
8. Elijah McCoy (1872) Oil-dripping cup for trains
9. Issac R. Johnson (N/A) Bicycle Frame
10. W. M. Harwell (N/A) Space shuttle retrieval arm
1. George Crum (1853) The potato chip
2. Philip B. Downing (1891) The street letter drop mailbox
3. Dr. Charles Richard Drew (1904) The idea of the blood bank
4. Lewis H. Latimer (1881) Carbon Filament-for incandescent light bulb
5. Garrett Augustus Morgan (1877-193) The traffic light
6. Mark Dean, PhD. (1957-) Computer Inventions
7. Lonnie G. Johnson (1991) The Supersoaker
8. Elijah McCoy (1872) Oil-dripping cup for trains
9. Issac R. Johnson (N/A) Bicycle Frame
10. W. M. Harwell (N/A) Space shuttle retrieval arm
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Black History Heroes
A new take on an epic story. The retelling of the courageous Tuskegee Airmen is a Black History norm, but never have we seen it told quite like this. Looking for a way to spend quality time with your kids this weekend? Taking them to see Red Tails is a great way to show them history isn't just something you read in old textbooks.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Did You Know?
Right on the heels of an impressive win by the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will conduct a seminar in honor of Black History Month. Offered both in house to a live audience of students, the seminar is also available as a video-conference to any schools looking to participate in the event.
The seminar addresses the African American experience in pro football. This year's guest speakers are Len Dawson and Bobby Bell who played for the Kansas Chiefs, and won Super Bowl VI. Fun Fact? The Chiefs were the first pro football team to fill more than half its roster with African American players.
Click the link and find out more about this awesome endeavor to teach students that the heroes of black history are more than just shadows of the past.
http://www.profootballhof.com/education/black-history-program.aspx
The seminar addresses the African American experience in pro football. This year's guest speakers are Len Dawson and Bobby Bell who played for the Kansas Chiefs, and won Super Bowl VI. Fun Fact? The Chiefs were the first pro football team to fill more than half its roster with African American players.
Click the link and find out more about this awesome endeavor to teach students that the heroes of black history are more than just shadows of the past.
http://www.profootballhof.com/education/black-history-program.aspx
#WordsofWisdom
"There is no negro problem. The problem is whether the American people have loyalty enough, honor enough, patriotism enough, to live up to their own constitution..."-Frederick Douglass
Thursday, February 2, 2012
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