October 15th, 2024

By Roy Douglas Malonson

Nelson Mandela once said, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. We must learn to hate, and if we can learn to hate, then we can be taught to love, because love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”

A Ball of Confusion

This ideology is the same with nearly every aspect of human life and behavior. Many concepts and misconceptions are formed from fundamental teachings and trainings. Anytime an individual’s mind is trained, controlled and molded to think and believe a certain way, the behavior of a person will reflect those teachings. Many Africans living in America have already been systematically programmed to believe that the Black race is inferior to all others. Just as there has been a misconception that any associated with the color “White” is a representation of all things, pure, clean, immaculate and exceptional. Adjectives and insinuations such as: “free from spot or blemish (moral impurity), not intended to cause harm and notably ardent (passionate),” are just a few descriptions listed by Webster as the definition of White.

On the contrary, the shade of “Black” has always been paralleled to, wickedness, darkness and or a portrait of unclean things. So, what does Webster has to say about Blackness? “Dirty, soiled, thoroughly sinister or evil, indicative of condemnation or discredit, connected with or invoking the supernatural and especially the devil; very sad or gloomy and characterized by hostility or angry discontent,” all representations of the color.

It is one thing for other races and society to paint a certain picture of the way they envision, but why must we continue on in a ball of confusion that others have created? Did not St. John 8:32 say, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free”? Well, the truth according to biblical teachings reveals that Jesus was not a White man! With that being stated, I must ask, ‘Why are some of the Black religious facilities continuing on in the tradition of promoting a lie… IN THE NAME OF THE LORD?’

In the Name of the Lord

Over the years, the “church house” in the Black community has been one of the most influential teaching institutions to exist. Primarily because, there was a time when it was illegal for a Negro to be taught anything in terms of reading and writing. During the period when Blacks were segregated, it was the “church house” that served as the “school house”. It was at the church that many of our parents, grandparents and other ancestors first received any type of formal education, if they were allowed to receive it all. Furthermore, majority of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities were first established in the church.

This truth regarding Our History, further adds to the dire need of our people knowing the truth about who they serve. Because, for too long the authentic shade of the Savior of the world has been hidden and downplayed throughout these United States. While Jesus Christ may not have been a full-blooded Negro as we would define it, his complexion still would reflect the shade of one closer to a person of African descent than it would our White counterparts. Realistically, how could a long-haired, white-skinned, blue-eyed person reside in the Middle Eastern region and not have a tan, at least… Yet, these mis-representations are displayed throughout local churches and they are envisionments of lies – but it’s all being done in the Name of the Lord.

Joan E. Taylor noted several factors in her book titled, What did Jesus look like? She writes, “In the Gospels, he is not described, either as tall or short, good-looking or plain, muscular or frail. We are told his age, as “about 30 years of age” (Luke 3:23), but there is nothing that dramatically distinguishes him, at least at first sight. We do not notice this omission of any description of Jesus, because we “know” what he looked like thanks to all the images we have. But the Jesus we recognise so easily is the result of cultural history. The early depictions of Jesus that set the template for the way he continues to be depicted today were based on the image of an enthroned emperor and influenced by presentations of pagan gods. The long hair and beard are imported specifically from the iconography of the Graeco-Roman world. Some of the oldest surviving depictions of Jesus portray him as essentially a younger version of Jupiter, Neptune or Serapis. As time went on the halo from the sun god Apollo was added to Jesus’s head to show his heavenly nature. In early Christian art, he often had the big, curly hair of Dionysus.”

Continuing she documents, “As for Jesus’s body, I’ve consulted experts on ancient skeletons in Israel. What I have learnt is that Judaeans of this time were closest biologically to Iraqi Jews of the contemporary world. In terms of a colour palette then, think dark-brown to black hair, deep brown eyes, olive-brown skin. Jesus would have been a man of Middle Eastern appearance. In terms of height, an average man of this time stood 5 ft 5 inches tall.”

Concluding, as we enter this holiday season, we should be inclined to remember that conventional knowledge and depictions are not always right. In certain cases, even some aspects of religion as we know it must be challenged, lest we find ourselves in a Ball of Confusion, In the Name of the Lord.

 

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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