Black History

COMMENTARY: ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan reeks with insensitivity

NASHVILLE PRIDE — The ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan is shown on caps and shirts worn by many of Trump’s supporters or base. Many Americans find this slogan to be offensive and racist, referring to a time of history of great wealth, prosperity and power for some White Americans made possible by the exploitation of African Americans. The displaying of the slogan is seen as a slap in the face to many African Americans, depicting times in history when Blacks were subjected to slavery.

Published

5 years ago

March 25, 2019

Oakland Post

By William T. Robinson

The ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan is shown on caps and shirts worn by many of Trump’s supporters or base. Many Americans find this slogan to be offensive and racist, referring to a time of history of great wealth, prosperity and power for some White Americans made possible by the exploitation of African Americans. The displaying of the slogan is seen as a slap in the face to many African Americans, depicting times in history when Blacks were subjected to slavery.

Slaves were considered as chattel property; therefore, they provided free labor for slave owners, making slaves paramount in generating White wealth. It was on the back of Black slaves, unpaid free labor that built this country and made it possible for many Whites to prosper. The wealth of White slave-owning families was bequeathed on to future generations of Whites. Thus you have Whites who inherently enjoy privileges and entitlements they have not earned or deserved. These benefits are merely granted because of the color of their skin. Through no fault on their own, younger generations are not cognizant of the weight of slavery and discrimination in our country’s history, a history of alienating and dehumanizing people because of the color of their skin.

Many Whites are quick to rationalize about the economical, social and political power this country may have enjoyed on a global stage during different times of history. But Blacks and people of color have always been on the back burner and could not boast about the gains so many of their White counterparts enjoy. Generally speaking, good times for Whites in this country were not shared by African Americans. Blacks look back at the sweat, blood, and tears their ancestors contributed to building this country’s wealth and subconsciously feel conflicted that they were left out. But many of our White counterparts refer to these times of unbridled wealth off the backs of an enslaved people as great times for America. It is just a matter of great for whom?

Whether White America cares or truly wants to acknowledge the truth, there has never been a time in America’s history when African Americans totally felt included. Once slavery was supposed to be abolished, America found a way to continue their brutal and inhumane practice of trivializing the humanity of former slaves. While many Whites can boast of the economic legacy inherited and made possible by their ancestors, this is not true for Blacks.

Forgive African Americans if they adamantly refuse to embrace the mantra of Make America Great Again. When White America rallies about good times and unbridled prosperity, Blacks think about slavery, the raping of their women, sharecropping, lynchings, Jim Crow, Black Codes, segregation, and blatant discrimination. Make no mistake, the psychological damage of hundreds of years of slavery followed by continuing years of unmitigated and debilitating abuse and discrimination is still permeating and embedded in the psyche of many African Americans minds.

I am sorry if those who are so quick to showcase the Make America Great Again slogan don’t understand the outcry by other Americans. I can only assume they just don’t care or are just cold-blooded White supremacists. I say this because if they really cared how African Americans feel about this slogan, they wouldn’t flaunt it out of empathy and respect for African Americans feelings. But because you have Whites (and a few African American ‘props’ who should know better) continue to display the Make America Great Again slogan seen by most as disrespectful, painful and hurtful—there is a disconnect or hate that continues to divide this country.

If those so adamantly supportive of the Make America Again slogan put themselves in the shoes of African Americans and saw things from their lenses, I think they would understand the disrespect, pain, hurt and disdain felt by some Blacks.

Better yet, do you think it would be respectful for people to display a ‘Long Live Hitler’ slogan? I think not. That would understandably cause an incendiary response. People (especially Jews) would be enraged of the insensitivity of those displaying the slogan.If the wearers of the slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ had any empathy for the history and feeling of African Americans in this country, they would not display the slogan out of deference and respect for their Black counterparts. But for many, it is their intent to use the slogan to rally their racist base.

Don’t feel vilified and spurned if you willingly and adamantly wear the slogan Make America Great Again. Many Americans will decry you as a racist or White nationalist. Everyone wants their feelings to be respected, but what about Black feelings? Thanks to the courageous and morally conscious Whites who have always stood up and fought against the injustices hurled and imposed against African Americans throughout our tumultuous history in this country.

It is easy to conclude why Make America Great Again solidifies Blacks who are so adamantly into the Black Lives Matter Movement. America needs to stop enacting actions or movements trivializing African Americans’ worth—acting as if their feelings are inconsequential. I hope defenders of the Make America Great Again slogan do not continue to insult African Americans by rationalizing and trying to legitimize the slogan.

Hopefully, changes will occur and African Americans, as well as all Americans, can honestly and proudly proclaim that this country is great for all.

This article originally appeared in the Nashville Pride.

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Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024

Published

4 days ago

April 19, 2024

Oakland Post

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Black History

Matthew Henson: Explorer Extraordinaire

Matthew Henson, a trailblazing explorer who overcame countless obstacles to leave an incredible mark on history. Born on August 8, 1866, in Charles County, Maryland, his journey is a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of adventure.

Published

6 days ago

April 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Matthew Henson (File Photo)

By Tamara Shiloh

Henson’s life began amidst the backdrop of post-Civil War America, where opportunities for African Americans were scarce. From a young age, he possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond his small town. At the age of 12, he embarked on a journey that would change the course of his life forever when he joined a merchant ship as a cabin boy.

His most famous expedition was his journey to the Arctic with renowned explorer Robert E. Peary. In 1887, Henson joined Peary’s crew as a seaman and quickly proved himself to be invaluable with his skills as a navigator and craftsman. Over the course of several expeditions, Matthew endured extreme cold, treacherous terrain, and grueling conditions as he and Peary sought to reach the elusive North Pole.

In 1908–09, Peary set out on his eighth attempt to reach the North Pole. It was a big expedition, with Peary planning to leave supplies along the way. When he and Henson boarded their ship, the Roosevelt, leaving Greenland on August 18, 1909, they were joined by a large group. This included 22 Inuit men, 17 Inuit women, 10 children, 246 dogs, 70 tons of whale meat, blubber from 50 walruses, hunting gear, and tons of coal.

In February, Henson and Peary left their anchored ship at Ellesmere Island’s Cape Sheridan, along with the Inuit men and 130 dogs. They worked together to set up a trail and supplies along the way to the Pole.

Peary picked Henson and four Inuit people to join him in the final push to the Pole. However, before they reached their destination, Peary couldn’t walk anymore and had to ride in a dog sled. He sent Henson ahead to scout the way. In a later interview with a newspaper, Henson recalled being in the lead and realizing they had gone too far. The group turned back, and Henson noticed his footprints helped guide them to their destination. At that location, Henson planted the American flag.

Henson’s legacy extends far beyond his expeditions to the Arctic. He shattered racial barriers in the world of exploration and inspired countless individuals, regardless of race, to dream big and pursue their passions. In 1937, he was finally recognized for his achievements when he was inducted into The Explorers Club, an organization dedicated to promoting scientific exploration and field research.

Matthew Henson died in the Bronx, New York, on March 9, 1955, at the age of 88.

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Art

Marin County: A Snapshot of California’s Black History Is on Display

The Marin County Office of Education, located at 1111 Las Gallinas Ave in San Rafael, will host the extraordinary exhibit, “The Legacy of Marin City: A California Black History Story (1942-1960),” from Feb. 1 to May 31, 2024. The interactive, historical, and immersive exhibit featuring memorabilia from Black shipyard workers who migrated from the South to the West Coast to work at the Marinship shipyard will provide an enriching experience for students and school staff. Community organizations will also be invited to tour the exhibit.

Published

1 week ago

April 16, 2024

Oakland Post

Early photo of Marin City in the exhibit showing the first department store, barber shop, and liquor store. (Photo by Godfrey Lee)

By Post Staff

The interactive, historical, and immersive exhibit featuring memorabilia from Black shipyard workers who migrated from the South to the West Coast to work at the Marinship shipyard will provide an enriching experience for students and school staff. Community organizations will also be invited to tour the exhibit.

All will have the opportunity to visit and be guided by its curator Felecia Gaston.

The exhibit will include photographs, articles and artifacts about the Black experience in Marin City from 1942 to 1960 from the Felecia Gaston Collection, the Anne T. Kent California Room Collection, The Ruth Marion and Pirkle Jones Collection, The Bancroft Library, and the Daniel Ruark Collection.

It also features contemporary original artwork by Chuck D of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Public Enemy, clay sculptures by San Francisco-based artist Kaytea Petro, and art pieces made by Marin City youth in collaboration with Lynn Sondag, Associate Professor of Art at Dominican University of California.

The exhibit explores how Marin City residents endured housing inequities over the years and captures the history of plans to remove Black residents from the area after World War II. Throughout, it embodies the spirit of survival and endurance that emboldened the people who made Marin City home.

Felecia Gaston is the author of the commemorative book, ‘A Brand New Start…This is Home: The Story of World War II Marinship and the Legacy of Marin City.’ Thanks to the generous contribution of benefactors, a set of Felecia’s book will be placed in every public elementary, middle, and high school library in Marin.

In addition, educators and librarians at each school will have the opportunity to engage with Felecia in a review of best practices for utilizing the valuable primary sources within the book.

“Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to learn from these significant and historical contributions to Marin County, California, and the United States,” said John Carroll, Marin County Superintendent of Schools.

“By engaging with Felecia’s book and then visiting the exhibit, students will be able to further connect their knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of this significant historical period,” Carroll continued.

Felecia Gaston adds, “The Marin County Office of Education’s decision to bring the Marin City Historical Traveling Exhibit and publication, ‘A Brand New Start…This is Home’ to young students is intentional and plays a substantial role in the educational world. It is imperative that our community knows the contributions of Marin City Black residents to Marin County. Our youth are best placed to lead this transformation.”

The Marin County Office of Education will host an Open House Reception of the exhibit’s debut on Feb. 1 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.. All school staff, educators, librarians, and community members are encouraged to attend to preview the exhibit and connect with Felecia Gaston. To contact Gaston, email MarinCityLegacy@marinschools.org