“We Africans in America have been socially engineered to reject our past, and far too many of us live in a state of suspended animation. We deny the historical realities confronting us daily. Too many of us mistakenly believe that the past has no bearing on the present and is unrelated to the future. Thus, we have been conditioned to live our lives disconnected from cultural values, principles, and ideals – essential for peaceful living.”- Anthony T. Browder
These words have always remained dear to my heart. For they explain in part, some of the reason my wife and I started out on the journey of educating and serving the Black community decades ago.
We MUST Understand our past has the power to dictate our present and control our future and those who deny this concept do themselves a grave injustice by not facing reality. In order to gain an understanding of what I am conveying, I think it is imperative that the terms, “socially engineered” and “state of suspended animation” are defined.
Socially engineered is defined as, “the use of centralized planning in an attempt to manage social change and regulate the future development and behavior of a society.” While, “state of suspended animation” refers to, “inducement of a temporary cessation or decay of main body functions, including the brain, to a hypo-metabolic state in order to try to preserve its mental and physiological capabilities.”
Although these elements do not apply to the Black community as a whole, the truth is it affects more of us than it ought to. A lot of people hide from who they are, not realizing you can’t change who you are or where you come from. People who know of me and know me, are aware I let nobody make me forget who I am and where I come from!
I state this because, there are so many members amongst us who are phonied carbon copies of an image and personality which does not belong to us. Too many African-Americans in today’s society are just trying to blend in with other cultures and trends of other races, just to fit in and be accepted. This creates a problem for many when they go out and try to attain positions, power and acceptance and are met with the same realization, many of us already know; there is something about this Blackness that will never be understood or accepted.
But, it goes back to Browder’s thoughts which suggest, “we have been socially engineered to reject our past,” which causes many to “live in a state of suspended animation.” Meaning, these things were all done by design.
We MUST Understand, when a culture or race of people has no knowledge of their history, or in our case, when that history has been white-washed to paint a picture that our past struggles and history in this country has no bearing on the present; then it creates a state of suspended animation. Many of us want to believe that we have overcome, and we have not. We MUST NOT forget what has been done, because what was done in the past is repeating itself in real-time today.
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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.
