IS MINISTER FARRAKHAN THE "NEW" AFRICAN AMERICAN VOICE?

"The force that surrounds power, is the real power." Minister Farrakhan

As I watched the "We Count" forum that Tavis Smiley orchestrated so well, I came away feeling that Min. Farrakhan is the strongest voice in the African American movement of America. Many have said that he is polarizing for his controversial stances on various issues, but I say within a whole, every part will not see every specific the same, but that whole must be rooted in one central premise of justice draped with love. Polarizing Farrakhan may be, he speaks and lives love and justice. Many get hung up on a religious difference, but we know that every religion promotes love and justice in its scriptures and if we look at the brother's body of work, we see he embodies those traits. They said Martin, Jesus, Gandhi, and Malcolm were polarizing. "They", whomever they are, throughout history have blurted out many invalid assertions that we now characterize as idiotic. Often we can deem unabashed courage for being "polarizing". Polarizing figures help to evoke and promote real, authentic thought to our social miseries whether you agree with those figures or not. Without these people, we would be too comfortable in our box of silence and inactivity.

Tell me how YOU feel.

Damien Thaddeus Jones (Damien Speaks) is an independent blogger, student, activist, veteran, and a motivator of our youth fighting to promote effective literacy for our children.


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Honoring Trailblazers from March 4, 1960

I was honored to attend a panel discussion/dedication of the brave men and women who literally sat down as a way to stand up for equality. On March 4, 1960, TSU students Earl Allen, John Bland, Deanna Lott Burrell, Eddye Ridgsby Hamilton, Holly Hogrobrooks, Otis King, Bill Lawson, Halcyon Sadberry Watkins, Eldrewey Stearns, and Harold L. Stovall participated in a sit-in at Weingarten's grocery store in Houston and ignited a local movement that opened many doors and helped to expose and eradicate prejudicial treatment of minorities. The event was a true blessing in itself. To be among such civil rights royalty was spine-chilling. Also to see a plethora of students and alumni there to show there genuine support was very fulfilling. I have to note that I was running a bit late and had to sneak in the back door! There was a extensive panel discussion along with Q & A from the masses followed by a symbolic march from the campus of TSU to the very spot that the movement began. The former grocery store is now a post office in the local community. The post office was the setting for an official outside gala attended by many city dignitaries. As we marched to the gala, I was fortunate to catch up with two individuals closely linked to this movement: Dr. James Ward (Dean of Communications at TSU) and the dear brother Marcus Davis (President of TSU National Alumni Association/Owner of Breakfast Klub/Radio Personality 102.1 FM). And also let me note that Dr. Ward is very proud of his New Orleans Saints and not bashful to let you know he is! Who Dat!

Damien Speaks: Dr. Ward, thank you for taking time to speak with me on such a grandiose day. What did this movement mean to you?

Dr. Ward:It meant that people fought for our freedom. It meant that people had the goodwill to say "We no longer will sit in the back of the bus" and it started other movements. I feel that the greatest movement was the civil rights movement of the 60's because it opened so many doors and people just simply said "I want my piece of the pie now, I don't want to wait to get these rightful freedoms". Today is just remembering what happened 50 years ago.

DS: Now, Dr. Ward, how have you seen this movement directly affect your life?

Dr. Ward: Well, I grew up in an era of segregation and I had a chance to have an opportunity to do the things that I wanted to do, as well as things my parents and grandparents could not do, so it affected me in a great way. Have you ever heard the phrase "I don't want anyone to do nothing for me; I'll get it myself?"

DS: Yes sir.

Dr. Ward: So, it allowed me to come out of that mode of thinking.

DS: Dr. Ward, thank you for your insight.

Dr. Ward: Thank you.

Damien Speaks: Brother Davis, how does this movement resonate with you on a personal level?

Marcus Davis: Brother this movement means everything. This is what Texas Southern is about. Texas Southern is historic, not only because of this particular act, or its affect on the 3rd Ward or African Americans, but this movement changed the landscape of the City of Houston. It was a major part of the Civil Rights Movement as a whole. So, it means a great deal to me to be able to take part in the liberties I have today because of the courage of these men and women that came out to share with us today.

DS: As the newly elected President of TSU Alumni Association, what will you do to energize the alumni to continue to be of service to their community?

MD: Remind them that this was and is the nature of TSU; this is the DNA of Texas Southern. And hopefully they will be able to draw energy from it. You know its the idea of if you don't know who you are, then you don't know where you're going. We have to acknowledge that this is who we are and this is what we do. You talk about the Mickey Lelands, the Barbara Jordans, the Otis Kings, the Eldrewey Stearns, well we have to be those people today in order to have the significant impact on this city, this state, this country, this world.






Damien Thaddeus Jones (Damien Speaks) is an independent blogger, student, activist, veteran, and a motivator of our youth.

Follow me at http://twitter.com/damien_thaddeus

or www.facebook.com/damien.thaddeus

damienthaddeus@yahoo.com