Harvey B. Gantt – Charlotte, NC

Welcome to my home town, my old stomping grounds, the city that raised me! Charlotte aka CharLit, home of the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture. Before we dive into the center's exhibits I wanted to share some facts about the center. "The Gantt Center is located in the heart of …

(The Slavery Series) Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo”

Excerpt p. 131 "Others like Kossola, who never learned to read or write, utilized the as-told-to mode of narration." If this work had been published in his lifetime, he wouldn't have even been capable of reading his own story. One of many examples of the deprivations of slavery. Excerpt p. 132 "It cannot be to …

(The Panther Series) In Search Of Common Ground: Conversations with Erik H. Erikson & Huey P. Newton

Excerpt pg. 27 “You do not believe in the conclusions of one person but in the validity of a mode of thought.” - Huey P. Newton We must ask ourselves the validity of any mode of thinking, critique it for its value, and capitalize on the benefits rather than allow the shortcomings of the person …

California African American Museum

So I took a trip to Cali For Ni Yaaaaae! Sorry, if you haven't noticed yet, I'm corny! But while there I of course had to visit the California African American Museum because it's my goal to visit every museum, monument, and site of black history on EARTH! I call it, "My Black History Bucket …

Black History Month: Still Relevant, Still Important

To all the critics and advocates, Black history month is still important and it is still relevant if for no other reason than its potential. If no other time, people will use this time of the year to celebrate and learn. I know from personal experience how one newly learned fact can spark a magnificent …

(The Panther Series) The Assassination of Fred Hampton: How the FBI and Chicago Police Murdered a Black Panther by Jeffrey Haas

“Fred never really woke up. We were sleeping. I woke up hearing shots from the front and back. I shook Fred but he didn’t open his eyes.” “Then she described two police officers going into their bedroom, hearing one of them fire two shots, followed by, “He’s good and dead now.” -Deborah Johnson Excerpt pg. …

Nappily Ever After

First and foremost the writers came out the gate swinging when Violet, played by Sanaa Lathan, explains an upbringing that included respectability politics. As the movie begins with a flashback to the character’s childhood, Violet describes the different levels of pressure felt by white and black children. “Like most black mothers, mine was consumed by …

Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America by Mamie Till Mobley

What I Have Seen This book was so much more for me than I ever could have imagined. It has shown me so many things. Its shown me a mother's love. Its shown me how to love. How to be a better daughter. How to show my mother the care and respect that she deserves …