November 7th, 2024

 

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb, M.Ed.

(Becoming Part II)

Through my education, I didn’t just develop skills, I didn’t just develop the ability to learn, but I developed confidence.

– Michelle Obama

In the book Becoming by Michelle Obama, she talks about a time when she was talking with some girls her age. One of the girls asked, “How come you talk like a White girl?” When I read this, it immediately resonated with me. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told, “You sound like a White girl.”

For the longest, I didn’t know how to take it, or even understood what it meant. I would just shake it off and say, ‘no I don’t.’ I didn’t know whether I should be offended about it, laugh about it, but mostly, I was confused about it. Here I was a Black girl being called White. What did this mean?

After being called this a few times, I eventually told my parents. I needed answers. More importantly, I just wanted to understand. My parents told me that it’s because of how I talk and articulate when speaking. To others, I sounded proper just how the “White people sounded.”

Just like Michelle Obama’s parents, mine taught me how to enunciate my words and to avoid slang talk. My parents always had us reading and learning new things. We also traveled to different places during family vacations. This helped us gain experience and become well-diverse and knowledgeable about different cultures and aspects of life.

Today, I know I don’t sound like a White girl, I just articulate what I am saying. I speak English, point blank. I believe as a Black person, there is a certain stereotype we have to continuously fight against and one is that Black people talk “ghetto” or speak “Ebonics,” which is broken American English also known as “African-American English.”

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, scholars think, “Ebonics, like several English Creoles developed from contacts between nonstandard varieties of colonial English and African languages.” The source further adds that this language is typically used by those who have a low level of education. More information about Ebonics includes, “the emergence of Ebonics as a separate dialect may be correlated with the emergence of African-American traditions in music, religious practices, and cooking styles, all of which developed separately from the practices of White Americans.”

Separate practices means separate languages and in that result, it means separate races. So how can we break this stigma of not being able to speak properly? Apparently by “talking and sounding White.” Michelle Obama further talked about how her parents wanted them to succeed in life and one way to do this was how they talked. She states, “The idea was we were to transcend, to get ourselves further…we were expected not just to be smart but to own our smartness-to inhabit it with pride-and this filtered down to how we spoke.”

I am proud of who I am, how I talk and the education I’ve received. I don’t talk White, I just speak English. And if someone else says, I sound like a White girl… I’ll say, ‘Thank You!’

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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