...Tonight I witnessed a murder. Troy Davis, that name sounded familiar but not special to me, I was fine with not knowing till I saw the link in that retweet, It said “you still don’t know who Troy Davis is?” click here, I sat in my office with barely a signal as I read with no tears, But why tho… a text interrupted my my reading, I responded back and carried on the convo but still my ears were ringing, I gotta get back to that article, who is this man to have 4 pages in print, I know I’m at work but I’m only shaving 15, 038 cents, The words enveloped my awareness so on I read, WTF, you mean at 7 THIS NIGHT this man will be dead, Less evidence than the Anthony case yet execution is 4th time planned, When did Fox cover this story with lead correspondent the Invisible MAN?? Snap back, im at work there is nothing I can do but retweet a few of my friends, But something still bothers me, this mans life is about to END I am about to witness a murder…. Honestly, I don’t know if Mr. Davis did it or not, The system is flawed and that’s the ONLY reason for my Soap Box, Cause if this was my son, my father, my dumb ass brother or even me, I would want more than twitter to start a trend to retweet, I think life is more than a status, update or pic, Injustice is more than wrong, its indelibleness is a trick, Yes I pine for the mother of the deceased as well, Air Borne Ranger Air Borne Ranger on plenty Road Marches I too would yell, Indeed a selfless servant if on title...
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...Michael Estes Professor Wallace English 101 17 July 2012 Feminist Criticism Literary criticism is an analysis, interpretation, or evaluation of any literary work that can be applied to novels, poetry, essays, and various other forms of literature. There are numerous types of literary criticism including archetypal, Marxist, and readers-response. The theory of feminism criticism, another type of literary criticism, originated in France and the Netherlands and emphasizes on gender inequality and female's social roles. Feminism criticism can be seen as many forms of literary expressions such as poetry, essays, short stories, and novels. Feminism can also be examined through current events, fictional, and how those two are correlated. W.E.B. DuBois was an author who wrote the essay, "Double Consciousness." One can interpret feminism criticism from his text. "After the Egyptian an Indian, the Greek and Roman, the Teuton and Mongolian, the Negro is a sort of seventh-son..." This can be interpreted as females come after everybody else. In other words, society puts all others -- Caucasians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians -- ahead of females. For example, as terrible as they were treated, African-Americans received the privilege to vote in 1868, fifty years previous to the women receiving similar rights. As seen above, feminism is not always directly displayed so one must interpret it from the text. "Karintha," written by Jean Toomer, is a fictional story about a young...
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...Blacks World Spotlight: on the International Stage in the 1920s During World War I the United States bought nearly 200,000 African-American soldiers to France. Majority of the African American soldiers were from the southern region of the United States of America. Many Blacks stayed after the war, generating a permanent Black population in France. The ending of the First World War also marked the beginning of the New Negro Movement or Harlem Renaissance in the United States. During this time African Americans emerged as talented, creative intellectuals leaving their footprint on 1920s America. While much focus of the New Negro Movement is centered in the United States, it indeed was an international affair. The purpose of this research is to examine how a number of African Americans launched their creative debut from the international stage of Paris, France. Additional focus will center on black artists turning to Africa as a source and facture in the art. Last but not least, the effort of Author Schomburg to collect and house international works about blacks will be addressed. Utterly intrigued by African Americans and thoroughly consumed with their talents, the French displayed a respect for Blacks unseen in the United States. While a great number of African-American soldiers remain in Paris, many journeyed back to the United States. Those soldiers certainly were not greeted by change. The United States remained the same racially tensed nation. If there was any change, it...
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...Line, part of the Back-to-Africa movement, which promoted the return of the African Migration to their ancestral lands (BBC History). William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was born February 23rd, 1868 and died August 27th, 1963. He was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, and editor. Born in western Massachusetts, Du Bois grew up in a tolerant community and experienced little racism as a child. After graduating from Harvard, where he was the first African American to earn a doctorate, he became a professor of history, sociology, and economics at Atlanta University. Du Bois was one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909 (Bibliography.com). Booker T. Washington was born April 5th, 1856 and died November 14th, 1915. Booker Taliaferro Washington was the foremost black educator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also had a major influence on southern race relations and was the dominant figure in black public affairs from 1895 until his death in 1915 (PBS.Org). Marcus Garvey was right in wanting the Negro people of the world to concentrate upon building up for themselves a great nation in Africa but, I feel that better opportunities for advancement presented themselves in the western hemisphere. W.E.B Du Bois...
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...Jim Crow Law Steven Godfrey HIS/125 12/4/11 Mr. Terry J. Bovinet, D.Min. Jim Crows’ laws began taking effect in 1896 at the end of the civil war partially becouse the people of the south didn’t feel that blacks should be treated equal to them. They acted as if the blacks or coloreds had some sort of disease that they might catch from sitting next to them eating, or on the bus. These laws emerged at the end of the civil war by Southerner to help maintain the superiority and dominance over the freed slaves. The Jim Crow laws had quite a few affects on African Americans from only being allowed to eat in certain parts of restaurants and dinners, that is the dinners and restaurant that would allow them to eat there. There was also white only trolly cars and busses that only allowed african americans to ride in the back if there was room. Other establishments and business also had specific seating and service areas for African Americans to keep them separate in the business. The lack of rights had a profound on the African American life for those with jobs not being able to get on the buss or trolly slowed them down and at times cased them to loose there jobs due to being late. Meals at dinners were slower due to the service mainly being aimed at the white customers, and the limited space given for African American customers for lunches and dinners. Entertainment was also confined and the conditions they were expected to sit in. A black male was not allowed to offer his...
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...During this discussion I will be discussing W.E.B. Du Bois and Little Rock Nine and how each topic he shaped African American History. W.E.B. Du Bois William Burghardt Du Bois; better known as W.E.B. Du Bois, was born on September 23, 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts in a community which was predominately white. There were about 5,000 whites to 50 blacks. Born to Mary and Alfred Du Bois, he was raised to believe that hard work was the key to success. In 1884, he graduated from high school at the top of his class, made up of thirteen people with him being the only African American. Even though Du Bois could not attend Harvard as he always dreamed was excited to be accepted into Fisk University. It was an all-black university located in Nashville, Tennessee. His response to being accepted into Fisk was, “I was going into the South; the South of slavery, rebellion, and black folk; above all, I was going to meet colored people of my own age and education, of my own ambitions.” (Himan, 2005) Attending Fisk was a risk for Du Bois. He was not exposed to this sort of treatment and was shocked at how unrestricted whites were on how they treated African Americans. The more he discovered about the injustices African Americans suffered, the prouder he became of his own heritage. He graduated from Fisk with honors and received a scholarship to attend Harvard. During his years at Harvard he developed the theory racism was caused by ignorance. In 1895, he was the first...
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...Jeff Fonou Professor Shearin English 101 24 October 2014 The Negro Education W.E.B Dubois and Booker T. Washington were great leaders to the African American population during their time. Although they both agreed on the progression of black communities and the Negro education; they strongly disagreed on the type of education blacks should receive, strategies to achieve economic prosperity, and the blacks’ social standing in society. Both Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Dubois advocated for the advancement of education in black communities but they had different theories. Washington preached a philosophy of self-help, racial solidarity and accommodation. Washington’s theory of education developed as a result of the path he took in acquiring an education. He believed blacks should get an industrial education based on their living conditions and economic needs. On the other hand W.E.B Dubois focused on a more liberal; intellectual based style of education. DuBois believed in the "the talented tenth" of the black population who, through their intellectual accomplishments, would rise up in society and lead the black masses. Dubois stated Washington's strategy would serve only to perpetuate white oppression. According to Washington, blacks had to start from the bottom and work their way up in society. He postulated that through industrial education blacks would not only be able to work for themselves but also know how to properly perform the tasks needed. Through this they...
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...Langston Hughes was a famous American Writer, Poet, and Novelist he was mostly known for his impact during the Harlem Renaissances. Langston Hughes career took off in 1921 when his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” was published in The Crisis.” This became Hughes signature poem. Hughes works were more than just words they were hugely influential throughout this time period known as the Harlem Renaissance. Langston and many other writers in that time worked together to create the short lived magazine called “Fire” that was devoted to young negro writers. His first novel “Not Without Laughter” won the Harmon Gold Medal for literature. At this period of time before the spread of Grants, Hughes gained the support of a few private investors two years before the novel was published. Hughe wanted young black writers to be objective about their race, but not be afraid or scared to express their opinion about it. Langston set a tone throughout that era that emphasized the meaning of equality mostly throughout the Negro Race. I chose Langston Hughes as a writer for the Harlem Renaissances because he was a very influential person and leader throughout this era. He was a very famous writer and poet that wrote not only about the time but also about the emotion and deep thought that was going on in this era. I think that he is a very strong willed person and he did a lot in his life that made an impact on the world that we live in today. Citations http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langston_Hughes ...
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...Bob Jim English Composition II 4/22/2014 A Society Divided Life in America was tense for African Americans in the 1950’s or 1960’s. They were not treated the same way as white people were and this created many conflicts in society. Lorraine Hansberry wrote the play, “A Raisin in the Sun” to depict the story of a black family living under these circumstances who are trying to find a way to be happy. The Younger family, including Beneatha, Lena, and Walter Younger, all had positive dreams that were taken away by the negative encironment that were surrounding them. The image of these characters created by Hansberry reflects with the history and culture focusing on African American events. From the beginning, Lena Younger or Mama is seen flowering her plant. She treats the plant as a way she would to her kids. It symbolizes a way to nurture dreams and keep them thriving such as a plant. Everybody has dreams, and Mama’s dream is to live in a nice house. She has “been thinking that we maybe could meet the notes on a little old two- story somewhere, with a yard where Travis could play in the summertime” (989). In addition to her dream, she describes her house with a nice backyard for the kids to play in and “a little garden in the back” (990). She would also help pitch in some money by “take on a little work again, few days a week” (990). She just hopes this one dream would bring the family together under one roof. Her dream cannot be reached because she still...
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...Maria Romero ENGL 101 Jessica Melendy 5 March 2015 Hvistendahl v. Appiah Traditions are a big part of what shapes one’s ideas. Mara Hvistendahl explains in, ‘Missing: 163 Million Women’ that traditions have caused in a decrease in the amount of children that are born each year in girls, while the boy population grows. Kwame Anthony Appiah explains in, ‘Making Conversation’ and ‘The Primacy of Practice’, that through conversing and accepting others even though they may not agree with the traditions or norms of others, and there will be peace in the world. Appiah’s response to Hvistendahl’s article is to inform the public about how traditions will cause an extinction in women and ultimately, the entire human race will be wiped out from the face of the Earth. In order to let them know, we cannot tell them what to do because we will be telling them that their traditions are wrong and we are right. Mara Hvistendahl explains in her article that due to affordable medical tech, ultrasound, allows the women in Asia to find out whether they will have a girl a boy. Their tradition favors having boys, and will have an abortion if are expecting a girl. Naturally, 105 boys are born for every 100 girls, but now there is a gender imbalance because there are 126 boys born per every 100 girls. Appiah would say that it is in fact a taboo to have an abortion in many countries, especially developing ones, but having and maintaining tradition is much more important to them. Appiah would...
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...Harlem Renaissance Poets Vanica McCormick-Williams Robert Henry World Cultures II May 22, 2015 Beginning in the 1920s until the mid-1930s, the Harlem Renaissance was a well read, creative, and intelligent development that ignited a unique black cultural existence. Its significance was summed up by expert reviewer and Professor Alain Locke in 1926 where he stated that through art, “Negro life is capturing its first opportunities for group expression and self assurance.” Harlem became the center of a “spiritual coming of age” in which Locke’s “New Negro” transformed “social disillusionment to racial pride.” Ralph Ellison was born on March 1, 1914 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He died of pancreatic cancer on April 16, 1994 in New York City. (Ralph Ellison, 2015) Richard Wright was born on September 4, 1908, in Roxie, Mississippi. Richard died from experiencing a heart attack on November 28, 1960, in Paris, France. (Richard Wright, 2015) Both of the authors made a major impact on society during their lifespan. According to Biography.com, Ralph Ellison was a 20th Century African American writer and scholar best known for his renowned, award winning novel “Invisible Man”. Ellison’s role in the Harlem Renaissance is his reputation as a deeply ingrained writer and a philanthropist that exceeded even the most esteemed circles of the American History. In addition, according to Biography.com, pioneering African American writer...
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...Professor Spivey The Souls of Black Folk Analysis II The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois is a powerful literary piece that expresses what consequences hatred and segregation can have on the black population living in the south. Du Bois makes it clear what profuse determination and inner power black people must have in order to overcome and resist the “Veil” of oppression. This Veil contributes greatly to Du Bois sense of resentment towards white society and the strong schism that exists between white and black lives in America. The power of education is a prevalent theme and message to fellow blacks throughout The Souls of Black Folk. Over time the “Negro ideal” shifts from simply desiring freedom, to a political demand for voting equality with the 15th amendment, and ultimately graduating to the push for education. “Slowly but steadily, in the following years, a new vision began gradually to replace the dream of political power, ---a powerful movement, the rise of another ideal to guide the unguided…it was the ideal of book learning.” In Du Bois’ mind, blacks educating themselves is an absolute necessity if they wished complete with the oppressive white society on an intellectual level. Education and book learning to him is far more important and effective even the Emancipation law itself. Education would help black ultimate lift “the Veil” of oppression. Blacks for Du Bois should not be taught merely to earn money and simply make a living for their family. A balance...
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...A. Philip Randolph Daneka Ruiz Born on April 15, 1889 in Crescent City, Florida, Reverend James W. and Elizabeth Randolph gave birth to their second son, Asa Philip Randolph. James worked as a tailor and minister, while Elizabeth worked as a seamstress. Both of his parents were supporters of equality for African Americans as well as general human rights. Being black during that era meant having to live through difficult circumstances while striving to survive. Through the guidance and nurture from his parents, Asa inherited his compassion and drive towards racial inequality. In 1891, the Randolph’s moved to Jacksonville, Florida, which had a positive, and well-established African American community. Asa and his brother were superior students. Their parents always made sure that the boys had many books to read. The collection of books was small, but powerful. They were exposed to Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Darwin, and many more of the greats. They attended the Cookman institute, one of the first schools of higher education for African Americans. Throughout his high school career Asa excelled in many subjects and was noticed for his articulate and confident voice, which he had inherited from his father. Reverend James continuously supported him by letting him know that he was gifted. With those gifts, Asa went on to pursue public speaking, drama, and singing. He graduated as class valedictorian. James and Elizabeth instilled many important values...
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...W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington were both black right activists. They both had received an education, they also believed in the importance of education and moving their race forward. Both being born in the U.S. they had both faced segregation and discrimination, but both had different approaches on how to go about fixing these problems. Washington was born as a slave in Virginia. Although he had worked as a slave, he was determined to receive and education. Later in life, he was one of the most influential men for black rights and had founded Tuskegee University in Alabama. He believed that black people had to accomodate to the white people to receive respect and rights for his race; to be an accommodationist. His most famous speech "The Atlanta Compromise" had been a staple of his beliefs; 'Cast down your bucket where you are,' work behind the scenes, adjust to segregation, and abondon agitation. "It was about black people working but on white peoples terms" (Rivalry, 1:42). One of those ways to 'accomodate' was for African Americans to get an education in agricultural farming. To learn normal farming skills rather than trying to become a doctor or lawyer. When Plessy V. Ferguson had deemed segregation constitutional the ruling "reinforced Washington's view that African Americans had best concentrate on economic progress, not legal and political equality. Frugality, intergrity, and job skills... would bring success in the only areas in which black Americans...
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...Ruston Christian Professor Smith English 2020 25 November 2014 Du Bois’ and Washington: The Rivalry Both W.E.B Dubois and Booker T. Washington were great African American leaders and writers during the beginning of the 20th century. Booker T. Washington’s “Up from Slavery” provides a great depiction of his experience with slavery and he also expresses his views on education and ways to enhance the citizenship of blacks in society. W.E.B Dubois’ Souls of Black Folk exemplifies the contradictions of the South during that time and he also criticizes Booker T. Washington’s views on racial uplifting and education concept. Now the question stands as follows: Was W.E.B Dubois’ criticism towards Washington unfair or accurate? Well, Dubois’ criticisms towards Washington was both accurate and unfair, but mostly accurate. Up From Slavery depicts Booker T. Washington as both an accommodationist and a realist whom tries to strategize ways for blacks to make it out the struggle even though race relations were at its lowest point at the time. The autobiography also describes in detail his gradual and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the trials and tribulations he had to conquer to attain an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools such as the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, and to helping black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up out of the...
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