October 3rd, 2024

Banning Critical Race Theory: What it means for future of Black community

By: Roy Douglas Malonson

 History is under attack. Most importantly, the attitudes, truths, and progress regarding eradicating racial inequality are under attack, and it all starts with our children. The United States is hell-bent on erasing the truths of the past and removing white people from any type of accountability and wrongdoing through banning Critical Race Theory.

Critical Race Theory by definition is so broad, that many educators where CRT is banned are struggling with what to teach and how to teach it. For those opposed to CRT, they believe that CRT villainizes all white people while portraying Black people as helpless victims. They believe systemic racism in the United States is a conspiracy theory and that it should not be taught that the United States is inherently racist. This is the direct opposite of what CRT is, aside from the belief that racism is embedded in the systems that run the United States.

CRT does not villainize or attribute racism to white people, instead, CRT is the study of how U.S. social institutions (e.g., the criminal justice system, education system, labor market, housing market, and healthcare system) are laced with racism embedded in laws, regulations, rules, and procedures that lead to differential outcomes by race.

Scholars and activists who support CRT are not saying white people today are responsible for the crimes against humanity that white people of the past have committed, but that they have a moral responsibility to use their privilege given to them by the oppression of others to dismantle racism in our country.

Anti-CRT legislation is sweeping the country, here’s an assessment of how far it has gone.

  • Eight states (Idaho, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Iowa, New Hampshire, Arizona, and South Carolina) have passed legislation.
  • None of the state bills that have passed even actually mention the words “critical race theory” explicitly, with the exception of Idaho.
  • The legislations mostly ban the discussion, training, and/or orientation that the U.S. is inherently racist as well as any discussions about conscious and unconscious bias, privilege, discrimination, and oppression. These parameters also extend beyond race to include gender lectures and discussions.
  • State actors in Montana and South Dakota have denounced teaching concepts associated with CRT. The state school boards in Florida, Georgia, Utah, and Oklahoma introduced new guidelines barring CRT-related discussions. Local school boards in Georgia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia also criticized CRT.
  • Nearly 20 additional states have introduced or plan to introduce similar legislation.

What’s most ironic is that supporters of the CRT bans (who are mostly white right-wingers) say they believe in facts over feelings, when the entire ban is about omitting facts to coddle to white feelings.

The truth is, teaching the truth about race in America has never been 100% truthful. Even before the CRT bans, many crimes, and atrocities committed against BIPOC, but especially Black people, were altered or not mentioned at all.

There has never been a point in time where teaching the truth about racism in this country has led to the oppression of white people, it hasn’t even led to taking away their privilege or any true progress in equity for all. Whites have never faced any sort of accountability or any moral responsibility to do what’s right for all.

So what is this ban really about? It’s about the hurt feelings of white, rightist, sheep-like snowflakes who are so cowardly that they would rather alter history and change the definition of the TRUTH to whatever fits their racist agenda than live up to the facts of racism like everyone else in this country. It’s also about white leftists or liberals who claim to be progressive in matters of racism but remain silent during crises such as this one because secretly they agree with and feel the same way as the right.

The United States is actively and successfully trying to reverse time to a period where the marginalized have no voice. While we as Black people should fight against these CRT bans which not only affects what our children learn about our history, but what white children learn about what is right and wrong and how they should use their privilege, we cannot depend on or trust these racist education systems and institutions to do the right thing and tell the truth. No, we have to be accountable for our own education and our own children’s future. While the truth is being banned from schools, it should be taught in the home. Our ancestors, scholars, activists have left behind so many memoirs, textbooks, literature, etc. It’s time to study them. It’s time to use them. It’s time to be proactive about our education, our history, and the future of our community. If we don’t no one else will.

 

 

 

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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