This is not only a clarion call to wake that best within us--our evolving awareness, call it 'soul', but is in many respects a set of markers by which we can adjudge our progress as we go forward in remaking our country, which started with genocide and moved on to enslavement of our fellow human beings, illegal land grabs, incarcerations and the many, many other violent and dehumanizing aspects of our karma as the descendants of white European usurpers and brutal aggressors. I remember years ago, when I sat and watched Little Big Man, as well as Roots, being struck dumb with grief about not only all we are to blame for, as those white folk, but all we have lost by choosing not to embrace and learn from our differences with the peoples we encounter. Some, many even, among my peers could not understand my inability to speak at the time. Maybe I should have torn my hair out and worn sackcloth. Bless you for continuing to hold up your lamp of difficult wisdom, Dr. Glaude. I don't like contemplating all this, but some greater part of me loves it.
Thank you professor. Your words are a warning and a vision. We certainly are at a moment of transformation. May we choose well. The history of Black America is the future you desire. Out of lies, oppression, violence and denial, Black America has risen, loved, contributed, built, maintained and improved our world, with humanity, concern and forgiveness, while consistently calling for Justice. This is the story we need to embrace. May America heed the call...
As many readers of this post know, Professor Glaude’s book, Begin Again, is unbelievably good. One of my very favorites. If you ever listen to books, his narration is great. For those who haven’t read it, I highly recommend.
to be honest, i am running out of words about america.....and i am just [indicat's a inch between forefinger and thumb] "this" close to just writing off america as just a lost cause.....because of the apathy of the people and the corruption of the government[both sides] , its just some inspiring odd videos where i see some compassion and positive action[and this substack group amongst others] that is keeping me afloat from calling it a day on the american dream :(
Hi Jon. Try and hold on a little longer. The truest test of who we are - isn't when things are easy, but when things are hard. And goodness, things are truly hard right now! It's hard to see that "shinning City on a hill" that Reagan talked about -- though, if I'm being honest, I'd never seen it, but hoped to one day. Still do. I want to believe we can get through this and walk on over to the other side... I still have hope. I still have hope. Sending you a hug and a hand. We really can only do this together. 🤗
Ahh. Baldwin and Fredrick Douglass. You are our North Stars. I bow my head and want to say sorry, but know they have no trouble with the truth that we haven’t moved forward. How can it be? How can it be that the KKK now wears military uniforms, wears weapons of war and wears masks to hide their faces. They are anonymous faces disappearing people they say don’t belong. Eddie, I hope with all my heart that from the horror of today we will emerge and be able to begin a better future. Big sigh 😔
I loved that book and go back to it often. Seeing this piece in this context breaks my heart as well. Count me among those who will begin and begin and begin again. Thanks for this.
Yes! Exactly what I was thinking as I wrote my latest post: Sometimes Freedom Comes As Flame: Let it Burn. It feels risky, to say it, to write it. I'd love to know what you think.
This breaks my heart also, Professor. The struggle continues. Your voice and your work give me hope. Thank you!
This is not only a clarion call to wake that best within us--our evolving awareness, call it 'soul', but is in many respects a set of markers by which we can adjudge our progress as we go forward in remaking our country, which started with genocide and moved on to enslavement of our fellow human beings, illegal land grabs, incarcerations and the many, many other violent and dehumanizing aspects of our karma as the descendants of white European usurpers and brutal aggressors. I remember years ago, when I sat and watched Little Big Man, as well as Roots, being struck dumb with grief about not only all we are to blame for, as those white folk, but all we have lost by choosing not to embrace and learn from our differences with the peoples we encounter. Some, many even, among my peers could not understand my inability to speak at the time. Maybe I should have torn my hair out and worn sackcloth. Bless you for continuing to hold up your lamp of difficult wisdom, Dr. Glaude. I don't like contemplating all this, but some greater part of me loves it.
Thank you professor. Your words are a warning and a vision. We certainly are at a moment of transformation. May we choose well. The history of Black America is the future you desire. Out of lies, oppression, violence and denial, Black America has risen, loved, contributed, built, maintained and improved our world, with humanity, concern and forgiveness, while consistently calling for Justice. This is the story we need to embrace. May America heed the call...
As many readers of this post know, Professor Glaude’s book, Begin Again, is unbelievably good. One of my very favorites. If you ever listen to books, his narration is great. For those who haven’t read it, I highly recommend.
to be honest, i am running out of words about america.....and i am just [indicat's a inch between forefinger and thumb] "this" close to just writing off america as just a lost cause.....because of the apathy of the people and the corruption of the government[both sides] , its just some inspiring odd videos where i see some compassion and positive action[and this substack group amongst others] that is keeping me afloat from calling it a day on the american dream :(
Hi Jon. Try and hold on a little longer. The truest test of who we are - isn't when things are easy, but when things are hard. And goodness, things are truly hard right now! It's hard to see that "shinning City on a hill" that Reagan talked about -- though, if I'm being honest, I'd never seen it, but hoped to one day. Still do. I want to believe we can get through this and walk on over to the other side... I still have hope. I still have hope. Sending you a hug and a hand. We really can only do this together. 🤗
You have no idea how this made me cry. I can only hope and pray. John Lennon also had it right… “Imagine” indeed.
Ahh. Baldwin and Fredrick Douglass. You are our North Stars. I bow my head and want to say sorry, but know they have no trouble with the truth that we haven’t moved forward. How can it be? How can it be that the KKK now wears military uniforms, wears weapons of war and wears masks to hide their faces. They are anonymous faces disappearing people they say don’t belong. Eddie, I hope with all my heart that from the horror of today we will emerge and be able to begin a better future. Big sigh 😔
I loved that book and go back to it often. Seeing this piece in this context breaks my heart as well. Count me among those who will begin and begin and begin again. Thanks for this.
We definitely need a NEW America.
Yes! Exactly what I was thinking as I wrote my latest post: Sometimes Freedom Comes As Flame: Let it Burn. It feels risky, to say it, to write it. I'd love to know what you think.