Gotta Love Those Questions…
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Guess Who’s Back…
Let Me Tell You About Red Tails…
First off I have to admit that I am not a regular movie goer. However, after seeing the previews I decided that I would go out and support this flick on opening weekend if for no other reason than to pay my respects to the ever worthy Tuskegee Airmen. Doing my part to make sure that this movie about such a distinguished segment of American history did not flop was my duty as a Platinum Black Card carrying woman. When we arrived at the theater Saturday night it was packed. Black and white people filled the lobby and the seats. I was surprised to see such a mixed crowd but it was a pleasant surprise. This story should be celebrated by all. So my friends and I took our seats at the front of the crowded theater and from there the pleasantries began to wane.
The movie was bland to say the least. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen is one of depth. It is a story of bravery. It is a story of skill and adversity. It’s a story of highly qualified aerial geniuses who displayed undeniable patriotism in the midst of blatant racism as well as some who simply wanted the chance to fly and all the heightened emotions that go along with such a paradoxical situation. It’s the ultimate under-dog victory story. Yet somehow Red Tails missed the mark on effectively conveying these sentiments. The characters lacked depth. The story-line was predictable and underdeveloped. About mid-movie I literally told my friend what I thought was going to happen with two of the characters and—I was right.
Dear Black Man: I Need YOU
Last week it was reinforced to me that possibly right after food, water and my family, the next thing on my list of needs is indeed YOU, the Black Man. It is dire at this point. It has surpassed a want and it has become eminent that I have YOU. But guess what? I’m not selfish. I’m traditional and futuristic at the same time so I am beyond willing to share YOU. In the immortal words of Snoop Dogg and Korupt, “It aint no fun if my homies can’t have none.” Besides, what you have to offer is much more than what I can use alone. Yet, here lies the problem. I understand the urgency of my need for YOU but so many of YOU do not understand your tremendous importance in this equation. See I’m trying to solve for x here and there is no way I can get the correct answer without YOU, the Black Man. Try as I may, but it will not add up without YOU.
See, last week quite a few things happened that made me realize that I have to make YOU realize why I need YOU so badly. I run a youth program at my job and my babies are from low-income neighborhoods. I have them a few times during the week and I notice they are lacking in many areas. They lack nowhere in potential. However, many of them do not receive enough time and attention to help cultivate their potential and bring it to fruition. After doing activities with them about setting goals I had to reprimand one of them for speaking negatively about her friends. A few minutes later I found this same little pumpkin sitting off to the side crying. When I asked her what was wrong she got up and hugged me and through teary eyes she told me that she has a problem. She said she gets angry and says bad things and she doesn’t know how to control herself. I asked this little third-grader what she believed it was that made her so angry. She told me she was mad because her father left her and it makes her act out. Now I realized
Single Assumptions
A few years back I wrote an article entitled “Over 25, Black and No Children: Are We An Endangered Species?” Well, fast forward and I could almost repost that same article except it would have one major change. At this point it would have to read “Over 30, Black and No Children: Are We An Endangered Species—and GAY?” Yes, you read it correctly. That seems to be the new assumption. I cannot even count how many times I have been asked by men, “What is wrong with you? How could you not be taken yet? You must really have a bad attitude. Are you crazy?” Aaaand, then there’s the “Do you like men?” question. Now in efforts to set the record straight yet not seem arrogant I must say that nothing is wrong with me. Has it ever crossed your mind that I may be selective? Are you aware that not everyone jumps in and out of relationships in efforts to not be alone? No I do not have a bad attitude. My disposition usually remains pretty sunny. No I am not crazy. All my exes(well maybe with the exception of one whom I never should have been involved with) have expressed they would like another chance. Oh, and ALL of these exes were indeed male.
Now that “one more chance” response was not meant to be braggadocios. It was just to clarify that I am indeed a nice, warm person and the parting of ways has always been because the other party screwed up. So no, I am not a mean, bitter, stereotypical, angry Black woman. I actually don’t know too many of those personally. Maybe it’s because I am an only child that I do not see being alone as a negative. I’m used to entertaining
MY SUGGESTED READING LIST FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN
For African-American Early & Transitional Readers
When children are provided with literature that offers a view of their cultural 
surroundings and story-lines that offer insight on themselves, research shows that reading motivation and achievement increases. Finding such literature for African-American children who are making the transition to independent readers can be a challenge. Not many schools carry a wide selection of these types of books. Therefore, I have compiled a list of books with African-American characters and story-lines with Black children in mind. These books can be purchased at your local Black-owned bookstore or on Amazon.com. Many of them can also be checked out at your local library. During this holiday season and year-round I encourage us all to purchase books for children. Please encourage your family and friends to do the same. I hope this list helps. Feel free to add to it.
Chapter Books for Elementary Age Children
Caters to Boys
Miami Jackson Sees It Through by Patricia & Fredrick McKissack (part of a series)
Julien Secret Agent by Anne Cameron (part of a series)
The Real Slam Dunk by Charisse K. Richardson
The Real Lucky Charm caters to both genders
It’s Test Day Tiger Turcotte by Pansie Flood (part of a series)
Clever Holiday Reflections
The holiday season is officially upon us and parents and loved ones are in an excited frenzy to make sure their children, nieces, nephews and little cousins wake up with bright eyes of joy and excitement on Christmas day. So many people are working over-time and stretching out their budgets to include the latest toys, gadgets and gear and to ensure the children’s shoe game is impeccable when they return to school in January. Now I must admit that my parents did the same. I’m an only child. I was spoiled. I cannot deny that. However, as I look back as an adult I look back with a realization of a few things. First of all I never knew that my parents worked hard to get me the numerous dolls, doll houses, latest toys, clothes and shoes they always made sure I had for Christmas. I never realized how angry my dad must have been when I broke Baby Heather : The Most Amazing Baby Ever during Christmas break. She didn’t even make it to the new year! I now realize that while I remember my Cabbage Patch Dolls and some of the shoes and clothes and toys, many of them are long forgotten and got old to me by the time my birthday rolled around in February. However, let me fill you in on what I never forgot and what I still feel to this day.
I never forgot how important it was to my dad, mom and granny that I was happy. I never forgot how my grandparents, aunts and uncles made sure that I was with my dad’s side of the family in Talladega Alabama every year for Christmas and each holiday. They took turns picking me up from Gadsden AL. Granny, Ma and Aunt Carrie all made sure I was packed and ready to go. They knew I would be back after the new year. I can’t remember what gifts I got each year but I reminisce with a profound realization that I was important to my family and that even if 910 North 9th Street was not on the direct path to the family gathering the adults always made sure someone came to pick up their little Starr. That is what I feel and that is what I will never forget. Yet I realize the most important thing was that this type of love transcended beyond the month of December. I was a child of divorce yet I never knew it because both sides of the family got along and now I realize their common tie was me. They loved their son/daughter/brother/sister and I was the child of their loved one and they all came together for me. What a great gift to not realize that you’re “different” or that you’re