December 7th, 2024

It is no secret that the United States of America is a melting pot comprised of many different shades and colors. It encompasses a wide range of races, ethnicities, religions and cultural norms. Considering that Indians were the original inhabitants on the land that Christopher Columbus sailed across the sea to rest on, in October of 1492, all races outside of the Indian heritage could reflectively be referred to as “foreigners.” That is to state that not many Americans would truly inherit the term of “Native Americans” outside of the Indians.

In a recent edition published by African-American News&Issues the “one-drop” rule was defined in correlation to Black presidents that lead the United States of America decades before President Barack Obama. With an understanding of the“one-drop” rule in perspective it opens the flood gates for individuals all over the country as to who really would be labeled a Black person.

The rule simply means that any person having a single drop of Black in their blood defines that person as “Black.” Additionally, with the inclusion of rules such as these, authors and researchers alike have found that most Southerners are related.

For years, light-skinned African-Americans have been able to“pass for White” because of distinct features such as: shade, tone and hair textures. This is no new element to society. However, what makes this feat possible is due to the fact that these two races in the South have mixed and mingled and produced children for centuries. Some have a tendency to misrepresent their races due to the stigmas and stereotypes that have been associated with that particular race or group, but the fact still remains.

During the enslavement period of African-Americans in the United States of America, though undisclosed by many slave owners, it was not covert that many White women had their way with their Black slaves, oftentimes producing mixed and interracial children. On the other hand, just as White men had a tendency to become intimately involved with their Black slaves, some of the White women would procreate with their Black male slaves as well. One will find that elements such as these were more prevalent amongst residents of the southern states of America, but not limited to only that region. It is because of acts such as these that studies have determined that most Southerners are related kinship-wise.

Several authors have studied this element and numerous researchers have connected the dots in American history that have been covered in previous years. John C. Inscoe recorded his insight on the subject matter in his book entitled, Georgia in Black and White.

In it, he states the following: “Very probably, most southerners, White and Black, had unrecognized biological kin on both sides of the race line, which might range from children to unknown distant cousins. It is a truism that in small towns and rural areas everyone is related to everyone else. In the South, the unspoken (and false) conceptual limitation on this maxim has been the division of ‘White’ and ‘Black’ people into neatly separate ‘everyones.’ In actuality, the lines of kinship were spun out wildly in all directions, especially during the colonial period, until a great web of biological belonging tied nearly all southerners together. Usually, the descendants of interracial unions became socially ‘Black,’ although thousands of light-skinned individuals chose to become ‘White.’ Socially meaningful interracial kinship obviously made up only a few strands of this great web of belonging.”

To add validity to this claim the American Journal of Human Genetics recently devised a study based off of a genetic testing company, 23 and Me. In the study conducted, it was found that many White Southerners who profess to be ‘White’ have highly concentrated forms of African DNA. The study was so in depth that it was even able to trace back almost exclusively, to the historical time periods of when the mixing of African and European ancestry occurred. Unsurprisingly, it was found that the mixture took place during slavery.

Daniel Jabocy, a writer with the Independent Review generated a review of James N. Gregory’s book entitled The Southern Diaspora: How the Great Migrations of Black and White Southerners Transformed America. The book goes into detail and explains how “a century-long regional migration involving at least 28 million individuals in a nation whose population rose from 76 million in 1900 to 282 million in 2000.”

The review further reveals that Gregory“carefully documents the people’s movements from the southern to the northern United States, their adjustments to a new environment, and how these phenomena reconstructed the country’s social and political landscape.”

Thus, documentation and discoveries such as these serve to show, that not only are many Southerners related but residents elsewhere throughout the United States may be as well.

With the incorporation of many Southerners traveling to other states over varying generations, the odds are endless as to who may or who may not be biologically linked to one another.

Concluding, members of Black and White communities alike would be wise to be careful how we treat and look at each other, especially in the South. With the dismantling of history down throughout the years, many things have been hidden. But, as presented in this article one can easily infer that history is not always the most reputable source.

Nonetheless, researchers that have genetically linked various individuals by hereditary linkages such as blood. Therefore, this evidence is more likely to be true and accurate as there is no way to manipulate one’s blood in testing matters such as these.

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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.

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