October 15th, 2024

By: Oscar Blayton

It is not news to Americans of color that we live in a social environment that is greatly hostile to our very existence.

We do not need to go all the way back to 1619 to find numerous examples of hate-driven obstacles being put in our paths, and then that same hate fueling our demonization for not overcoming those obstacles.

The lynchings of yesteryear with rope and torch have given way to state-sanctioned murders by uniformed assassins euphemistically referred to as “law enforcement officers” in the execution of “no-knock” police raids – often into the wrong home of an unsuspecting and innocent victim.

These atrocities do not flourish without the social foundations that provide the fertile soil of hatred and being constantly revitalized with torrential downpours of malignancy.

Despite the protestations of many whites, blind to these injustices and who proclaimed the election of Barack Obama to the U.S. presidency as evidence that America had entered into a “post-racial” era, the hatred towards people of color that gave us lynching is still here, and it keeps on giving.

One need not even scratch the surface of America’s bigotry to expose this hate; it is all around us and in plain sight.

When the feature film “The Hunger Games” was released in 2012, some white fans of the trilogy that was published in book form four years earlier vociferously objected to the fact that one of the major characters in the film was a young girl of color.

The book and the film tell a tale of heroic youths struggling against the rulers of an evil and dystopian society. Many white readers of “The Hunger Games” envisioned the character Rue as a young white girl, even though the author of the book, Suzanne Collins, made it clear that Rue was a young girl of color from a geographical area known as “District 11,” which was inhabited predominantly by people with “dark hair” and “dark skin.”

Being confronted with the visual image on screen of a young biracial actress, Amandla Stenberg, representing Rue, these white fans began to spew their vitriol. Some argued that the filmmakers had misinterpreted Suzanne Collins’ characterization of Rue. One fan went so far as to state publicly that if he had known that Rue was Black, he would not have found her death in the story to have been sad. Yes, this bigot admitted to having been sad when Rue died in the novel, but when he realized that Rue was Black, he “wasn’t as sad.” Can there be a more honest testament by a white person that Black lives do not matter?

Given the murderous behavior by white Americans towards people of color, denial of the hatred those white Americans have for us borders on being a mental disorder and threatens not only our safety but our very existence.

While we are drowning in a mire of racial hatred extending back more than 400 years, we are now faced with feverish attempts to erase the evidence of the offenses against us. White supremacists and racially motivated bigots have demonized a high-level academic exercise known as “critical race theory” to create a boogeyman to rally their followers in opposition to equality and justice in America. These bigots, in their zealous efforts to obliterate history and the evidence of this country’s racism, have begun banning books from schools and public libraries that provide a true account of the racial hatred that has been given over the centuries.

One of the most banned books in the past few years is “The Hate U Give.” This novel was published in 2017 and released as a movie in 2018. It deals with the unwarranted police shooting of an unarmed Black youth during a traffic stop and the impact of that tragedy on the city where it happens. “The Hate U Give” portrays the various perspectives about the event and the disparity between the degree of concern displayed by the locale’s white and Black populations.

The film version also starred Amandla Stenberg, this time portraying Starr Carter, the friend of a Black youth who witnesses his murder by the police. She is also a Black student at a predominantly white high school trying to code switch between her white schoolmates and her Black neighborhood.

In the responses of bigoted whites to Amandla Stenberg’s portrayal of Rue in “The Hunger Games” and the vehement response by bigots to the book “The Hate U Give,” we have a synthesis of the hate white America gives to people of color. And the performances by Amandla Sternberg puts them side by side. In the one instance, she is condemned by white bigots for trespassing into the white space of heroic “white” youth fighting against oppression. In the other, the narrative of Black youth fighting against their oppression is declared to be inappropriate for the eyes of young people.

To many fans of “The Hunger Games,” the narrative was a white space, and Blacks are rarely allowed to appear in portrayals of the struggles for justice. Social media posts made it very clear that Amandla Stenberg was not welcome in this narrative.

On the other hand, white bigots do not want people of color to tell our own stories of heroic struggle against oppression. This is because our struggle against oppression in America has been mostly against white supremacy. These bigots argue that their children are too fragile to know of the injustices our children suffered at the hands of those who oppress us.

The hate white bigots have given us over the years keeps on giving. It must be recognized as hate, and it must be called out as hate. This hatred will never be overcome unless we deal with it for what it is.

 

 

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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