The ‘Mis-education of the Negro’ remains in full effect today

Letter from Publisher Roy Douglas Malonson:

 

We have been overwhelmed with support from the community in response to my last editorial in regard to the backlash received on the decision to remove two racist statues in Houston public areas, and place one of them — The Spirit of The Confederacy – in the Houston Museum of African American Culture.

HMACC CEO Emeritus John Guess said placing the statues in the museum will help discuss the “difficult conversations” about race and culture. We don’t need to preserve them; we need to destroy them as what they stood for have destroyed Blacks for generations. Enough is enough!

And for anyone who is in favor of placing the Confederate statue in HMAAC, I feel you need to read the “Mis-Education of the Negro,” by Carter G. Woodson. If you did, you would see just how many of us are still trapped in a slave mentality.

In “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” which was published in 1933, Woodson was teaching us how Blacks were historically brainwashed into accepting white ideologies, which still governs how many of us live today. Uncle Tom-ism is just as alive today as it was then.

Blacks, back then, were taught to be dependent on Whites, rather than learning how to do for themselves. It was all a matter of control, dating back to the “House nigger” mentality and loyalty to “Massa.”

Woodson said, “When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.”

Do you understand what Woodson was saying? He was explaining how some Blacks were “kept in their place” so much, that even if they had a taste of freedom or free will, they would still not get out of line. They would “find” a way to still follow the White Man’s rules. This kind of thinking will forever keep us in a place of servitude or inferiority when it comes to Blacks and Whites. This kind of thinking will always allow White people to think that they can BEAT us for whatever they want, and we will THANK them for it later.

That’s what preserving those statues mean to me! It says we are THANKING Whites for BEATING AND KILLING US! When will we stand up for ourselves?

Like I said last week, Houston has been checkmating Black folks and ‘keeping us in our place’ ever since the Camp Logan riots.

Do you even know what happened then?

The Camp Logan Mutiny (also called the Houston Riot of 1917), historically shook race relations in the city and created conditions that helped to spark a statewide surge of wartime racial activism.

It came about after 156 soldiers of the Third Battalion of the all-black Twenty-fourth United States Infantry Regiment were brought to Houston’s Camp Logan, which is now the Memorial Park area. Those soldiers became bothered after seeing members of the Houston Police Department constantly harass members of the local black community, and the black soldiers attempted to intervene. That led to a bloody night, which resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians, five policemen, and four soldiers. The remaining soldiers were tried at three courts-martial for mutiny. Nineteen were executed, and 41 were sentenced to life imprisonment.

After that, the city of Houston has made sure that it’s kept a tight leash around the necks of Blacks it felt were a threat. The protests in our city do not resemble whatsoever the protests we are seeing across the nation right now.

Back to our miseducation….

Woodson spoke about how African Americans are often influenced to become a “good negro” in order to become successful, and this ideology urges them to downplay their “blackness” to advance in the social ladder. Woodson also discussed how Blacks are separated from the truth of their actual contributions to history due to it being “white-washed.” White people have historically taken credit for important contributions from Black people, making themselves feel more superior.

When it comes to education, Woodson said, “The program for the uplift of the negro in this country must be based upon a scientific study of the negro from within to develop in him the power to do for himself what his oppressors will never do for him.” But Blacks seeking higher education were often told there would be no job opportunities, or they were “not fit” for certain fields, should they choose to study them. Just another way to keep us in our place.

Woodson felt some Blacks had lost sight of a common goal. He said in “our so-called democracy, we are accustomed to give the majority what they want rather than educate them to understand what is best for them. We do not show the Negro to overcome segregation, but we teach them how to accept it as final and just.”

Woodson emphasized the importance of Blacks knowing their history and embracing their culture. He believed that Blacks have come to hate their history due to slavery and being treated unfairly, but are strongly taught to learn and respect other cultures’ history.

So, when it comes to those racist statues, it seems to me that we are trying to embrace and excuse the White man’s past – which was rooted in these instances of hate — and making it a part of our “pride” in survival. We have overcome a lot, and as you can see, we have a much longer way to go, so placing that statue in our museum is not the right thing to do. Blacks should not stand behind that decision. Have more respect for your ancestors, and yourselves.

I won’t stop fighting on the side of right when it comes to our people. End the silence. Demand respect.

 

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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