By Roy Douglas Malonson, Publisher

American Sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author and editor, W.E.B. Dubois informed of how, “One is astonished in the study of history at the recurrence of the idea that evil must be forgotten, distorted, skimmed over. We must not remember that Daniel Webster got drunk, but only that he was a splendid constitutional lawyer. We must forget that George Washington was a slave owner… and simply remember the things we regard as creditable and inspiring. The difficulty, of course, with this philosophy is that history loses its value as an incentive and example; it paints perfect man and noble nations, but it does not tell the truth.”

I agree with Dubois, which is one of the primary reasons why I religiously tell my staff to write your own history. As the years continue to fade away, the history of our ancestors and progenitors appears to have lost its potency in the lives of some members of the African-American communities. But We Must Understand, that a grave price has been paid for us to enjoy the privileges that are so hastily forgotten by many. However, African-AmericanNews&Issues, remains dedicated to reporting current and historical realities affecting our community which is why I chose to write on this issue.

I often remind my staff that when we refer to books written by people who do not look like us and definitely do not have a complete and comprehensive knowledge of the trials that Blacks went through generations ago even until now; we allow them to tell His-story. By doing so this, it is not an adequate reflection of the true recollection of Black History.

For, Webster declares that history is, “a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes”. So who better to explain our cause and tell our story than us?

We Must Understand that, each person that is born into this world makes history in some shape, form or fashion. Therefore, I encourage the faithful and loyal readers of African-AmericanNews&Issues to take out time to speak with the elders of your family, church and communities and allow them to inform you of the true history of the Black race.

There are people that travel abroad and research folks from all over the nation to constitute Black History. But when you look at your grandparents, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters even the local minister, politician, community activist and more importantly yourself you are looking directly at Black history.

Continuing, I just have to add that, if we don’t learn to start uplifting, respecting and appreciating one another within our own society and communities then how can we expect anyone else to?

Legendary leaders and activists such as: Mrs. Ruby Mosley, Rev. F.N. Williams,Mrs. Jewell Simpson-Houston, Dr. Bill Lawson, Coach Charlie Brown, the Honorable Zinetta Burney, are among a few of the individuals who have contributed to the Black community on an enormous scale. I highlight these individuals who I personally have knowledge of their works and efforts because I believe they are truly worthy of honor.

So in this particular edition of African-American News&Issues we are honoring and paying homage to Acres Homes’ community activist, educator and beloved leader, Mrs. Ruby Mosley. Mrs. Ruby Mosley was very instrumental in the establishing of: the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, Beulah Shepard – Acres Homes Neighborhood Library (formerly the Acres Homes Branch Library) and the Police Command Station in Acres Homes. She truly is a woman that exhibits a sincere love and a desire to better the Black community, and I have always admired the strength and added virtue that she has brought to the Acres Homes community and onward.

Mrs. Mosley will always hold a special place in my heart because we share a common bond. I was diagnosed with Polio in my early years and Mrs. Mosley experienced a round of the vices of Polio through the diagnosis and loss of her two sisters in 1949. Accordingly, she has stated to me on various occasions of how she understood all of the ills associated with Polio. Thus, I appreciate the concern that she has shown me.

Concluding, I have to concur with Marcus Garvey who stated that, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

I have stated it once and I will state it again, “If you don’t know where you come from, you will never know where you are going!”