Black History Month: From Blogging to Civil Rights

For more than eight decades, African Americans have recognized Black History annually. This celebration of a rich heritage originated in 1926 as Carter G. Woodson's Negro History Week and later developed into Black History Month. Documenting black history as it is created daily, African American historians publish numerous volumes pertaining to the significant leaders from Civil Rights Movement and their contributions to African American society. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Huey P. Newton, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, and Malcolm X are among the many leaders that are recognized by historians for their lasting contributions to the African American community. The past leaders are significant because their civil rights involvement set the precedent for modern egalitarian initiatives. As modern day black history rapidly expands-the election of President Barack Obama a case in point-historians will have to include courageous black bloggers among the future African American Civil Rights Leaders.

Classic civil rights activists used to think that citizens should be out in streets to advocate for justice. But recently, (or within the past few years) black bloggers suggest that civil rights activists can accomplish their goals via online communities.

On August 2nd, 2007, the Afrosphere Bloggers Association was launched as an organization to help the black community grow and prosper. Today, there are over 1500 black bloggers in the Afrosphere. The concept of the Afrosphere started when members of the African Diaspora emphasized a need for an online community for bloggers of African descent to further discuss issues of importance to the African Diaspora in a collective manner. Concerned bloggers, including AfroNetizen, African American Political Pundit, Jack and Jill Politics, Black Commentator, Booker Rising, Prometheus 6, Mirror on America and Francis Holland, were on the forefront of the initiative to include black bloggers into the majority of blogosphere discussions on all issues impacting Americans.

Along the same lines as these candid bloggers, three women and three men created a diasporic-wide think tank type blog dedicated to discussing issues, exchanging ideas, and creating strategies with the objective of developing concrete and viable solutions to tackle the worldwide concerns relating to those of African descent.

At this point in time, Afrosphere bloggers are actively engaged in the work of their initial vision to discuss all issues impacting those of African descent. In 2007, Afrosphere bloggers played a significant role in publicizing and organizing activism in response to the 2006 Jena Six case. The issue was whether a group of six black teenagers charged with the beating of Justin Barker, a white student at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana, should be tried as adults and charged with attempted second degree murder. Barker was injured, but was released from the emergency room the same day. A number of events took place in and around Jena in the months preceding the Barker assault, which have been linked to an alleged escalation of racial tensions. These events included the hanging of nooses from a tree in the high school courtyard, two violent confrontations between white and black students, and the destruction by fire of the main building of Jena High School. The event led to numerous rallies and protest in response to the excessive charges. Protesters argued that the charges were racially discriminatory since the white Jena students involved were treated leniently. Not surprising to some, the case did not receive mainstream media coverage when the incident first occurred. However, through the organized efforts of modern civil rights activists-black bloggers-cries for justice compelled an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 citizens to march on Jena in protest. This is pivotal for Black History because the new methods of online podcasting and social networking allow black bloggers to relay the civil rights issue to a larger mass of Americans.

The Afrosphere blogging community continues to expand its online influence as additional African Americans gain access to computers and join the information revolution. In 2008, black bloggers Att. Francis L. Holland and Yobachi Boswell broke the story of the Democratic National Convention's limited inclusion of Black and Latino bloggers; only two blacks and two Latinos were given media credentials to cover the convention. This discovery had signifigant consequences because the democratic party is 30 percent black but the convention blog roll had less than 10 percent listed as black bloggers .The story first reached the Dallas Morning News, and then the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The Washington Post, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Politico joined the story as news progressed overnight. As a result of the pressure from black bloggers and pernicious publicity from the National Media, the DNC extended credentials to ten black bloggers.

These findings have important implications for the broader field of Black History. What once started in 1926 as Negro History week has become a daily impetus that continues to impact African Americans beyond the month of February. The civil rights leaders of the past laid a sturdy foundation for African Americans to build upon. For instance, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lead the march on Washington; the NAACP organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott; the Black Panther Party spearheaded the free lunch program in schools and were the first to test blacks for sickle cell; and the Nation of Islam created an uplifiting message that appealed to blacks and extended to others around the world. Ultimately, 21st Century Americans are witnessing similar events whereas the civil rights leaders have evolved from organized picket lines into unified blogging coalitions.

Bill O'Reilly Comments on "My President is Black" by Jay-Z and Young Jeezy

In recent discussion of the song, "My President", a controversial issue has been whether rappers Young Jeezy and Jay-Z were unpatriotic and divisive by celebrating a black president. The controversy surfaced during an unofficial Inaugural ball at a DC club where the two rappers performed the song "My President" in honor of President Obama. According to some spectators, the song included unfriendly comments directed towards former President Bush and comments that referenced skin color. Immediately following the incident, Bill O'Reilly jumped in, calling the performance, "a rant that offended people". During an interview with MTV, Jeezy responded, "I felt it was necessary. I never ever paid attention to any election. Not really into politics or anything like that. It never benefited us. This time around, it's not a black-or-white thing — you got somebody in there for us that's well-spoken and gonna handle their business. I just wanted to do my part and let them know we need change, we need help, it's rough out there."

My own view is that although the rappers crossed the already narrow race line, I am not surprised by their actions because rappers are infamous for explicitly expressing their thoughts. I am not saying that what they did was right but I am cognizant of the notion that rappers have explicit labels on their albums because they never sugarcoat sh**.
Here are both videos.

The Fulfillment of Hope

    On most days, I wake up, attend class, eat food, socialize with friends, and fall asleep in the library. Tuesday January 20^st, 2009 would be different. This Tuesday was the inauguration of the 44^th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Now there are some clear reasons for the significance of this event. Some may point to the racial implications; others will point to the exit of former President George W. Bush. My own view however points to the generational importance.

    Not too long ago, Barack Obama humbly appeared on the national stage unknown to the average American. Over the course of his historic rise to power, his message of change became clearer, more refined whereas one might label him as having the audacity to hope for a better future. It should not be ironic for he chose this as the title of his New York Times Bestseller, "The Audacity of Hope". Fast forward to January 20^st and it is apparent that this same audacity launched President Obama on the political arena has spread like wild fire throughout the American populace. The two million D.C. spectators that attended the inaugural are case in point. So where am I going with all this?

    By focusing on President Obama's past message along with his new inaugural address, this perspective will become clearer. If one recalls, I stated that the ultimate affect that President Obama's success had on me was the generational implications. In his inaugural address, President Obama states that, "And yet, at this moment- a moment that will define a generation- it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all". In plain terms, President Obama is basically saying that this current state of America will define a generation and a spirit of hope must inhabit all Americans. Of course, many will probably wonder what generation is he speaking of. Nevertheless, I argue it is our generation-those born between and including the years 1983 and 1990.

    I say it is our generation because President Obama can only do so much in the few years one is allowed to serve as President. In reality, while he has introduced the audacity of hope, it will ultimately be our generation-those between the ages of 18 and 25- that will reap the fruits of the fulfillment of hope. Too philosophical for you?

Here is a less profound approach for my fellow factual types. Consider for instance, President Obama's consistent supporters throughout his political campaign; 18-25 year olds. With that in mind, jump 25 years ahead and those same 18-25 year olds that elected President Obama in 2008 will be the 43-50 years olds entering the zeniths of their professional careers. This is significant because they will finally be at the age where they can successfully execute the ideals that so strongly compelled them to support President Obama. Yet what about the generation that is scheduled to take over once President Obama leave office either in 2012 or 2016. I argue that this generation will not be as significant because they were dichotomized when considering who to elect in 2008. In other words, I argue that their differences have clouded their foresight.

    The clichéd saying goes "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". In the event of our generation, we have a plethora of new tricks, including facebooking, blogging, i-chatting and hoping. These along with the professional aspects of our generation have yet to reach their full extents. As a result, it will take 25 years for the generation that elected the President who had the audacity to introduce hope, to ultimately, fulfill this monumental hope.

A New Nationalism

As I sit here with my friends, on the third Monday of the month in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday-one day prior to the inauguration of America's first Black President- I find it difficult to fully explain the extent of my joy. Forty years have passed since the loss of the great Dr. King and the discussion of skin color remained a contentious issue up until the 2008 election. Accordingly, I am cognizant of the difficulties that face Americans in the years ahead but I acknowledge these difficulties with a new air of optimism. We have begun to emerge on a national arena where the ideas or imperatives of both White and Black Americans can consolidate into a universal national initiative. This initiative includes, but is not limited to, rejuvenating the economy, finding innovative sources of energy, transparency within the government, and a better foreign relations policy. In other words, I am saying that we are witnessing a new stage of nationalism in America. Moreover, this is not to be confused with patriotism; I'll address their differences in a later post. Better yet, I'll end this conversation here and follow up after the inauguration. Feel free to weigh in and give your perspective of this historic moment.

Afrosphere Bloggers Urge End to Israel Attacks on Gaza Strip

For Immediate Release

Contact: Atty. Francis L. Holland
AfroSpear Member
http://francislholland.blogspot.com
http://democratic-afrosphere.blogspot.com
55 (73) 9992-4127

Afrosphere Bloggers Urge Israel To
End Attacks On the Gaza Strip

It's being reported all over the world that Israel, with US support, is dropping white phosphorous bombs on the Gaza Strip - the same kind of incendiary skin-burning cluster bombs that Israel previously used in Lebanon and that the US used in Falujah, Iraq. African American Political Pundit attacks "the slaughter of children and women in Gaza", while Jack and Jill Politics says, referring to Israel,

We could solve a lot of things if we did one thing: cut off the funding to our 51st State. Then, maybe they’d be in the mood to listen to reason.

The Afrosphere's Black Agenda Report says,

Israel's aerial blitzkrieg and long-standing blockade of 1.5 million people is a crime against humanity for which its sponsor and champion, the United States, is equally guilty.

The Black Politics on the Web Afrosphere blogs says,

Israel has launched the deadliest bombing campaign against Palestinians in decades . . .

The outrages of Israel in Gaza are well-documented.

Human Rights Watch said Sunday that Israel's military has fired artillery shells with the incendiary agent white phosphorus into Gaza and a doctor there said the chemical was suspected in the case of 10 burn victims who had skin peeling off their faces and bodies.

( . . . )

Israel used white phosphorus in its 34-day war with Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006. The U.S. military in Iraq used the incendiary during a November 2004 operation against insurgents in the city of Fallujah.

An AP photographer and a TV crew based in Gaza visited Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Sunday and recorded images of several burn patients. Yahoo News via Associated Press

The national newspaper O Globo from Brasilia reports that:

The United States is contracting a merchant ship to carry hundreds of tons of arms from Greece to Israel this month, according to documents divulged two nights ago, that cite dangerous materials, such as explosives and detonators . . .The Pentagon denied that these arms are related to the current Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The request for arms was made [by Israel] on December 31 (the offensive began on December 27) so that the first shipment would arrive before the 25th of January and the second before the end of this month. The shipment is to be effectuated by a German transporter, which would not reply to questions. The ship orginated in North Carolina and the documents stipulate that the ship must be capable of carrying 2.6 million kilos [5.2 million pounds] of explosive liquid.

President George W. Bush's position on Israel's offensive has been that "Israel has the right to defend itself." The President of "change", Barack Obama, has so far changed nothing in terms of the US's unbridled support for Israels military incursions into the Gaza Strip:

President-Elect Barack Obama has stayed largely silent concerning the conflict in Gaza. Whether any "change" in the American stance towards the Palestinians and Israelis begins under his administration is still highly unlikely. He himself has repeated the apologist and open-ended statement that Israel has the right to defend itself, yet the American's do not have the political will to define exactly what that entails.

At the moment Israel interprets it to mean that they can take military action, whenever, wherever and by whichever means they find suitable. Obama should help to craft some tangible guidelines for what "the defense of Israel" actually means if he hopes to make any leeway with the Arab and Muslim world. Real Clear World Blog

The United States has got to change its policy toward Israel, stop providing munitions for the complete destruction of Lebanon and now the Gaza Strip, and make it clear to Israel that there are strict limits to the US public's willingness to see Israel cluster-bomb its neighbors in the name of self-defense.

In fact, based on the US provision of intelligence and munitions to Israel on an annual basis and specifically during this war, I believe that Israel is enthusiastically doing America's bidding. It's got to stop, before seemingly powerless Palestinians turn their attacks outside the Israel/Palestinian conflict and begin killing Jews and Americans at random wherever they find us.

I am disgusted and furious over Israel's apparent determination to annihilate Palestine, and I am equally disgusted that our incoming "change" president seems no different from George W. Bush in his tacit support for Israeli outrages.

What's the purpose of the urgent US shipment of explosives to Israel? It makes the United States complicit in and supportive of the destruction of Palestine, and this has got to stop. President-elect Obama has got to stop parroting the US's pro-Israel party line with respect to this conflict, or he will fail to bridge the animosities of the past and merely preside over them, as have presidents of the Democratic and Republic parties of previous generations.

As Aaron David Miller said in Newsweek recently,

Don't get me wrong. Barack Obama—as every other U.S. president before him—will protect the special relationship with Israel. But the days of America's exclusive ties to Israel may be coming to an end. Despite efforts to sound reassuring during the campaign, the new administration will have to be tough, much tougher than either Bill Clinton or George W. Bush were, if it's serious about Arab-Israeli peacemaking. Newsweek

I am not anti-Semitic and I am not anti-American. It is not anti-Semitic or anti-American to demand that Israel stay within its national borders and stop dropping white phosphorous and other vile explosives on Palestine, with the support of the US Government.

Contact: Atty. Francis L. Holland
AfroSpear Member
http://francislholland.blogspot.com
http://democratic-afrosphere.blogspot.com
55 (73) 9992-4127

References:

http://news.search.yahoo.com/news/search?p=white+phosphorus

http://africanamericanpoliticalpundit.com/frontPage.do;jsessionid=6D2FE1A53CD78EFD777F1D978068C8E4

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1106542/Gazas-darkest-day-40-die-Israel-bombs-safe-haven-UN-school.html

http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2008/12/our-51st-state-gaza/

http://www.blackagendareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=956&Itemid=1

http://blackpoliticsontheweb.com/2008/12/30/former-ga-congresswoman-cynthia-mckinney-travels-with-gaza-protest-boat-into-lebanon/

http://oglobo.globo.com/pais/noblat/post.asp?t=eua-levam-armas-israel-em-meio-crise&cod_post=152686

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/05/bush-on-gaza-fighting-isr_n_155282.html?page=8

http://www.newsweek.com/id/177716

Young Talent

I have to recognize that this young brother has skills. Check his work out at Thelonious Thoughts.

First Post of 2009

Bonjour, 2009 is here and with it comes a new swagger. For starters, allow me to give a brief history of the blog. The concept of Fresh out the Box originated when I was approached by a close mentor, Francis L. Holland, during my junior year of High School. At the time, the idea of blogging seemed foreign to me but when Frank suggested I give it a try, it was hard to say no. My very first post was a history essay from class, in which I argued why black history should be extended beyond Black History Month. I have to admit that although my writing skills were not as refined as they are now, the very act of posting my work on a blog was a great feeling. That first essay set the tone for what Fresh out the Box would stand for in future posts.

Accordingly, it is 2009 and there have been many posts since the blog first started. I added some fun lists to blog and included links to the great Afrospear blogging group. In this New Year, my goal is bring Fresh Out the Box to a new level that is consistent with the ultimate goal that I once had for the blog-Addressing Societal Issues Through the Eyes Of the Younger Black Generation. Specifically, I am speaking of a stronger focus on the quotidian African American issues that readers can identify with. This is not to say that I look to single other groups out, but it is to say that I stride to raise awareness for issues that I can indemnify with as a young black man.

To put it bluntly, with President Obama in office, I believe more than ever that it is a great period of time to change the swagger and sincerely address African American issues. It is a new vibe so feel free to weigh in with what you plan to change in this New Year.