The Truth About Integration The Black Community – Part VIII.
By Roy Douglas Malonson
“The legal battle against segregation is won, but the community battle goes on.”
– Dorothy Day
In this final piece dealing with the Truth About Integration, I want to address one of the most crucial elements within the Black culture that integration had the most impact on. The Black community as it was known prior to integration has never been the same. While WE gained the right to be able to function and co-mingle with our counterparts, it came with a cost.
We MUST Understand, everything our ancestors worked so hard to build, was destroyed when integration came. When integration came into effect many people do not realize that WE as Blacks just gave it (OUR hard work and sacrifice) away, to our counterparts.
We MUST Understand, when integration came in, it closed all of OUR schools. You see… OUR schools wasn’t good enough for White folks to attend and WE lost many them and many of their schools became OURS and they ended up leaving, once we got there.
During the times of segregation, Black folks were only allowed to be around Black folks, unless they were working for White folks. That was of course, about the only exception.
We MUST Understand, before integration Black folks were dependent on themselves and the Black community. WE did not go out supporting and buying from other races, simply because we couldn’t. There was a time, if a Black person went into certain stores or other segments of the city, they faced the danger of being locked up or killed. I write these statements with no exaggeration either.
Back when I was coming up, there was no need to encourage Blacks to support Blacks because that was damn near the only people WE could support. WE didn’t have any choice but to support the local “mom and pop” stores because WE couldn’t go to nobody else’s stores. WE had no choice but to patronage OUR Black seamstresses, because wasn’t nobody going to sew clothes for Negroes. WE even had our own banks and I’m sure you can figure out why.
My point in stating all of this is because we just threw OUR Black communities into the path of destruction when integration came in. I guess many people were just so excited to finally be included amongst the majority, that they forgot they were still the minority. As a result, our communities have suffered the cost and the loss. I will conclude with the words of Ed Smith who said, “One of the prices that we pay for integration was the disintegration of the Black community.”
Photo credit: opendemocracy.net
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.
