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"Sorry Bill, but I'd rather kiss my new boss." Some things just Wrong!

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Join the International Campaign to

Fight Against these Effigies of Racial Hatred!

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presidents' day presidential humor

http://sojournersplace.blogspot.com/2009/02/presidents-day-presidential-humor.html

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presidents' day presidential humor

http://sojournersplace.blogspot.com/2009/02/presidents-day-presidential-humor.html

A few days ago, my good blog friend from Bent Society, left the following comment:

We have a big news story in the UK regarding Carol Thatcher (daughter of ex-UK Prime Minister) and the peculiar phenomenon of the Golliwog - which often raises its head over here. We'd very much appreciate a US response to the debate. I'm not sure if this is peculiarly a UK and Australian thing...Be warned...some of the debate may make you angry - but its not generally of the Far Right White Supremacist.

If you are like me, and not as familiar with terms and customs of the UK, I asked myself "what the hell is a Golliwog and why are folks seemingly up in arms?" So, I did some checking and what I learned was truly disgusting.

What is a Golliwog? Until recently, these creatures were sold at the Royal Gift Shop are are considered by some as the #1 most racist toy ever made. You can read about the history of the Golliwog here. But here is a brief description:

The Golliwog (originally spelled Golliwogg) is the least known of the major anti Black caricatures in the United States. Golliwogs are grotesque creatures, with very dark, often jet black skin, large white-rimmed eyes, red or white clown lips, and wild, frizzy hair.

Apparently, the daughter of former UK Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, used the term golliwog to describe a male tennis player taking part in the Australian Open tournament in Melbourne. According to CNN and the British media, Carol Thatcher used the term back stage during the filming of The One Show last week. Dismissing her comments as a "joke", the BBC fired Thatcher stating that"any language of a racist nature wholly unacceptable" while urging her to issue an unconditional apology which she declined.

Boris Johnson - the Mayor of London - came to Thatcher's defense stating that instead of being fired she should have been taken to the side and told "Listen you'e got to watch what you say and you'e got to be sensitive". Sound advise coming from a man who was forced to apologize references to "piccanninies" and "watermelon smiles" during the mayoral election last year.

The debate is raging in the UK with similar outrage we've seen in the States over racial slurs and innuendos. And then you have the all too familiar "it was a joke" and "don't be so sensitive" refutes. You can read them here, here, and here. But, one post I read put a very different spin on this issue that will surely effect all athletes of African descent who will be converging upon London for the 2012 Olympics.

In a post entitled, Boris thinks casual racism about 2012 London Olympic athletes will be OK, provided you are 'sensitive' about it, by Martin Belam writes:

In August last year Johnson accepted the Olympic flag on behalf of London.

The Olympics might often be a focus for political dissent, but they also allow people of all states, creeds, faiths and colours to participate.

Sadly, yesterday, Boris Johnson came out to say that as far as he is concerned, Londoners will be perfectly entitled during 2012 in the workplace to compare any black-skinned athletes at the games to golliwogs, just as Carol Thatcher did to a tennis player, as long as afterwards they are taken to one side and told to be a bit more 'sensitive'.

I am urging all Sojourners, if you are so inclined, to our collective voice be heard across the waters in protest and solidarity with our sisters and brothers. You can do so by writing a post about these controversial and racist creatures or by leaving a comment at anyone of the UK blogs and electronic venues discussing this issue. We know there is strength in numbers and change can come even when the status quo tries to stop it.

H/T Bent Society for the 411! I'm sounding the alarm and am encouraged that the "Americans are coming!"

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Oh Yeah! It's FRIDAY!!! And that means it's time for some old school jamming and par-taying in the blogosphere! This week's theme is "The Blues". Now when I think about The Blues, I'm always reminded about parties at my Aunt and Uncle's house. My Uncle loved The Blues. And we could always tell when the party was winding down - cause that's when BB and Muddy could be heard throughout the house.

My Aunt, who is not really a Blues fan, really liked the cut I'm presenting here today. Guess I did too because this was the first song that came into my mind. This artist has been featured here at SjP's before and she took many of you by storm. I have a feeling that she's going to do it again today.

I think Big Momma Thornton had a reason for singing the blues with that rat in her house, don't you? LOL

Mrs. Grapevine and Ms. Marvalus are the creators of this bloggie meme. Click here for more info and join the fun.

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Jewel Strong

Missing since May 28, 2006

For more information go here.

Sojourner's Place supports the efforts of the Black and Missing but Not Forgotten blog and Black & Missing, Inc.**When you see a blank picture on my Wordless Wednesdays Black and Missing posts it means that the featured missing individual(s) has been located. Updated information will be provide if/when available.


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The post below this one by the same title, provides the impetus for today's Sunday Inspiration. Sometimes when we are at our darkest hour, we must believe that God will always there for us. He will make a way out of no way. He will be there...we just - we must - believe that He will. The darkest hour is just before dawn, but JOY ALWAYS COMES IN THE MORNING!

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More lay-offs...Stock market down another 100 points...Another plant closes...House values plummet, again...Economy is done...Utility costs up...We're in the worst recession of our time...

Each day we wake up to the dismal news of our fledgling economy. Each day we wake up to news of this company or that company laying off tens of thousands of workers with more lay offs on the horizon. We hear the numbers and wonder where the bottom is. We wonder when are things going to get better. We wonder how long we, as individuals, can hold out or for that matter - hold on. But, how often do we wonder or even realize that behind the news there are people just like you and me. People with hopes and dreams. People with families and responsibilities. People for whom the American dream is not only deferred - but a dream whose ashes now blow in the wind. People for whom there appears to be no shining light at the end of a tunnel.

People for whom there is only a tunnel that seems to have no end in sight. And because there is seemingly no where to turn, people like Erwin and Ana Lupoe of California and Mark and Jennifer Meeks of Ohio find an unthinkable way out. They kill themselves and their children. The stories of the Lupoes and Meeks have haunted me for several days now. But, as I listen to the debating and arguing over President Obama's stimulus plan, I wonder if their stories are haunting those we have elected to govern in the best interest of our citizenry. I wonder if their stories are haunting state officials who would choose to "wait" on "their share" of federal tax dollars rather than to look at potential revenue streams within their own borders.

So, while our local, state, and federal officials argue over taxes and pork, families with names like Lupoe and Meeks do the unthinkable because the American Dream has failed them at the hands of greed, self-centeredness, and self-preservation. No doubt, these families and other like them, were at the depths of despair and cared not about our officials proving that they "have a pair" by voting against increased taxes or the stimulus plan. I am not arguing the merits of the plan, in fact right now I could really care less.

What I am arguing is that Americans are hurting. And we are hurting to the point of no return. We are taking our lives and the lives of our children because we don't have jobs, we can't keep a roof over our children's heads or food in our children's stomachs. Theirs are not isolated cases and according to Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, such incidents have become "an all too common story in the last few months.

Many will say that they were crazy. That there was something they could have done. They should have saved their money. They should have this or the should have that. Well, I don't know what they should have done - but, I know that they should not have had to resort to this way out in the richest country in the world. A country that espouses human rights. A country whose basic premise lies on the words "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". I pass no judgement on the Lupoes or Meekes because I know that "There but for the Grace of God, go I".

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Let me be the first to say that I was wrong. Completely wrong. The RNC has selected Richard Steele to head the Republican Party into the furture. Only time will tell, if Steele will be the true leader of the RNC and not just another Judas Goat as we saw with the Palin candidacy of the party to garner African-American support.

Steele already finds himself on an uphill climb to garner the support of his own party. After finally emerging the winner after six rounds of voting, it appears that Steele's staunchest opponent was Katon Dawson, chairman of the South Carolina GOP who had secured very strong support from party insiders.

After five rounds of balloting, the race for the chairmanship came down to a choice between Steele and Katon Dawson, the South Carolina GOP chairman who secured strong support from party insiders after former chairman Mike Duncan dropped out of the race after the third round of votes. (Source)

The former Lt. Governor of Maryland won the RNC seat with 91 votes from the 168-member committee to be named chair. A simple majority of 85 was all that was needed to win the honors.

The RNC seems to have a "monkey see - monkey do" mentality here that I hope does not back-fire in their faces. It will take more that putting an African-American at their helm to "prove" that they are diverse and willing to listen to and act on diverse thinking leading to action. They can't simply lean on the laurels of former Republicans deemed great in the eyes of many or contradictory in the eyes of a few. Billboards espousing membership in the RNC by renowned and revered civil rights leaders is in itself, a divisive recruiting technique that will fall on death ears. And as long as the mantra of the party remains "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" while they pull themselves "up by the my bootstraps and on my back", the Party will continue to look the way it does currently regardless of its leadership. It will take much more than rhetoric and much more than putting a black face at their helm.

I hope the RNC is truly wanting to turn the corner leaving behind their policies, strategies, and foundation that has divided the citizenry of this country for decades. I pray that they now realize as President Obama continues to say "There is no red America. There is no blue America. There is only the United States of America!" I hope they realize that this is much more than winning or loosing a political seat or 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This is about our survival as a Country, as Americans.

I congratulate you, Mr. Steele. Now convince me why I - an African-American wife, mother, and professional should support all-things Republican. I'll be waiting...

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Here's the original: "For the Love of You" by the Isley Brothers.

And now for the remake by Whitney Houston.

You be the judge: Ronald or Whitney?

Mrs. Grapevine and Ms. Marvalus are the creators of this bloggie meme. Click here for more info and join the fun.

Check out the rest of the "old schoolers":

AJ - Believer 1964 - BklynQueen’86 - Bria - CC Groovy - Chocl8t - Cooper - Shawn - Danielle Vyas - Dee - DP - Fresh and Fab - Hagar’s Daughters – Invisible Woman - John - Keith -Kevin - Kim - LaKeisha - LaShonda - Lil Creole Pimp - Lisa C - Mahogany - Malcolm - Marcus - MarvalusOne - Mike - Mrs. Grapevine - MsLadyDeborah - Pjazzypar - Pop Art Diva - Quick - Regina - Revvy Rev - Shae-Shae - Sharon - Staci - Tha Connoisseur - Thembi -Villager - Vivrant Thang - Zenobia

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Eeny meeny miny mo. Catch a tiger by his toe. If he hollers let him go. Eeny meeny miny mo. My mother told me to pick the very best one and that one is not you.

I'm sure that you all remember this little ditty used by children of all ages to determine who would be in or out in some school yard game. When I was in about the 3rd grade I learned, however, that my white classmates learned a very different variation to this little ditty. There I was reciting along, but as I said "tiger" they said something entirely different. Stopped me dead in my tracks as I wondered why their parents did not teach them the correct way to say this rhyme and just what did it mean to catch a "nigger" by the toe. Oh well, I said to myself and was realized at that moment that it was not my classmates who didn't want me to come to the birthday party but their parents. A pretty hard pill to swallow for 9 year old who attended a "Christian" elementary school.

When I read an article today entitled,African Americans Vie to Lead Republicans, I immediately remembered this incident from my youth. As the Republicans finalize plans to determine who will be the new "face" of their party next weekend, I wonder if they will opt to catch a "tiger" or "nigger" by the toe as they make their final decision. To say the least, it will be very interesting to see how Michael Steele and Kenneth Blackwell fare in the selection process. The "who" they select, whether it be Steele, Blackwell, or someone else, is far less important than the "why" they selected the "who". Unless and until the RNC is willing to recognize and resolve to the fact that this Country is comprised of those who are poor, those who are infirmed, and those who are well beyond middle-age, and those who do not share their experiences or frames of references it will matter not who is placed at their helm. In addition, and regardless of who is at their helm, if the RNC wishes to be more inclusive they will have to come up with much more of a committed and dedicated strategy that simply adding a bit of color to their team. One only needs to look at the Illinois Senate race in which Alan Keyes was beaten badly by the current President of the United States.

Frankly, I would be hard pressed to consider anything coming from the RNC if either Steele or Blackwell were selected. The billboards erected by National Black Republican Association during the Democratic National Convention as well as the literature distributed proclaiming Martin Luther King, Jr. to have been a Republican for me is testimony that the RNC just doesn't get it. And what is even worse is that the NBRA doesn't get it either. I am assuming that both Steele and Blackwell are members of the Association, but even if they are not they are surely recognized leaders of the party in some capacity and as such should have spoken against such a tactic to garner the support of African-Americans. In addition, I have never heard either of them provide a cogent argument or evidence that the Republican Party is interested in anything other than my vote.

But, I suspect that the RNC is not willing to take the "leap of faith" that would be required of them by choosing either one. After all, the Black voices of the RNC were relegated to non-primetime slots during their convention last summer. What better time to show inclusion than at that time, but instead they opted not to do so. I just don't see the Joe the Plumbers and the Hockey Moms allowing an African American to formulate their agenda. But, if they do, I hope that the African American selected refuses to merely play the role. As Hattie McDaniel said "it is better to play a maid [in the movies] than to be one [in real life]".

So, we'll learn next weekend who the RNC will select as their new leader. I just have a feeling that after after a real and in depth investigation of who would best server the Party that Steele nor Blackwell will emerge the victor. Just have a feeling that they, too, will remember the rhyme taught to them by their parents: Eeny meeny miny mo. Catch a nigger by his toe. If he hollers let him go. Eeny meeny miny mo. My mother told me to pick the very best one and that one is not you.

Note:
Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele is considered a leading candidate to chair the RNC. Steele has repeatedly argued to his fellow Republicans that the party should expand its base to include more people of color. In 2002, Steele became the first African American to win statewide office in Maryland. Four years later, he lost a bid for the U.S. Senate to Benjamin Cardin, a Democrat. Steele currently heads GOPAC, a political action committee that recruits and grooms Republicans for political office.

The other African American hoping to lead the Republican Party is Kenneth Blackwell, the former secretary of state of Ohio. A staunch conservative who believes that the party should stand its ground whether Blacks are attracted to it or not, Blackwell is vice chair of the RNC's platform committee and was the party's 2006 nominee for governor in Ohio.

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Oh Yeah! It's FRIDAY!!! And that means it's time for some old school jamming and par-taying in the blogosphere! This week's "Too Hot for Radio". Now, I predicting that Prince will rule today and I must admit that I do have a favorite Prince cut that I've never heard on the radio cause it is truly x-rated. But, I didn't even try to see if there was even a clean version - because you know how hard it is to post anything by "The Artist".

So, I've decided to go with another jam, that I never heard on the radio. While the words are 'clean' the context is definitely not rated PG. Besides, I've been waiting to post this one and I think it fits perfectly with this week's theme - "Too Hot for Radio". Enjoy!

Surprise! Surprise! LOL!!!

Mrs. Grapevine and Ms. Marvalus are the creators of this bloggie meme. Click here for more info and join the fun.

Check out the rest of the "old schoolers":

AJ - Believer 1964 - BklynQueen’86 - Bria - CC Groovy - Chocl8t - Cooper - Shawn - Danielle Vyas - Dee - DP - Fresh and Fab - Hagar’s Daughters – Invisible Woman - John - Keith -Kevin - Kim - LaKeisha - LaShonda - Lil Creole Pimp - Lisa C - Mahogany - Malcolm - Marcus - MarvalusOne - Mike - Mrs. Grapevine - MsLadyDeborah - Pjazzypar - Pop Art Diva - Quick - Regina - Revvy Rev - Shae-Shae - Sharon - Staci - Tha Connoisseur - Thembi -Villager - Vivrant Thang - Zenobia

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On this day, the day after the entire world stood in awe with the dawning of a new chapter in American history, please do not forget about those who are missing but no less loved and certainly not forgotten.

Sojourner's Place will resume posting notices of the innocent next week, but until then feel free to go here for updates or reminders of those who's pictures have not disappeared.

Sojourner's Place supports the efforts of the Black and Missing but Not Forgotten blog and Black & Missing, Inc.

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I'm sure we all remember when poet, author, playwright and civil rights activist, Dr. Maya Angelou, endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for POTUS. While her endorsement of HRC did not surprise me, the backlash she endured for doing so, did. Seems that many had forgotten when her genius was introduced to many Americans (non-Oprah watchers) by Bill Clinton during his first inauguration. It seemed that it was no longer a "Good Morning" for Maya because of that endorsement.In an article appearing in Sunday's Washington Post (1/18/09), however, Maya Angelou may find herself back in the good graces of at least some of her most ardent opponents. The article entitled: At Long Last, Ready for the Real Deal, Maya describes her encounter with Michelle Obama during an event in Greensboro, NC where she was to introduce Mrs. Obama. Calling her good friend Oprah, Maya asked What is your take on Michelle Obama?" To which Oprah is said to have promptly replied, "She is the real deal."

Having only 45 minutes to "get to know" the woman she was to introduce, these two women of grace, character, and substance talked about "family, the economy, youth obesity, television, music, cooking and men". May says

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Oh Yeah! It's FRIDAY!!! And that means it's time for some old school jamming and par-taying in the blogosphere! This week's theme is TV Themes. Now, many of you might think my choice this week doesn't qualify as Old School because it was the theme for one of the most celebrated TV shows in recent history. But, since it was a big hit back in 1997 - its all good. And besides - I loved this theme almost as much as I love the show. Can you guess? Click here to find out.

Now ya'll know that I'm into the greatest mafia trilogy ever to hit the silver screen, so it's no wonder that the theme I'd pick for this week would be from the Sopranos - "Woke Up this Morning" by Alabama.

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I have recently learned of the "home-going" of a Soror, a child of college friends, a spouse of a former colleague. Although my heart, and certainly the hearts of everyone who knew these fine and wonderful individuals, are heavy - I've learned not to question God's Will. I know that both life and death are part of His Plan. A plan that is perfect, as God does not make any mistakes. In acknowledgement of His Perfect Wisdom, I can only pray that He continues to carry us all through times such as these.

To my Sorors, my Friends, and my Colleague, let us all remember that God never puts more on us than we can handle. Let us all remember that the footprints we see behind us are those of our Lord carrying us during this time of our bereavement.

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