Godfrey DROPS BOMBS On His Nigerian Co Host About Black American History: A Response to Persistent Misconceptions and Ignorance
Once again, this conversation is necessitated for those of you out there who perpetuate and actually believe the damaging, utterly false, and historically illiterate stereotypes that black people are inherently lazy, lack initiative, or have no discernible culture beyond shallow, modern trends.
The recent exchange between Godfrey and his Nigerian co-host was a critical, unfiltered moment that shone a harsh light on a pervasive issue: the misunderstanding and often outright dismissal of the unique, complex, and profound history of Black Americans, not just by people of other races, but often, jarringly, by individuals from the African diaspora themselves.
Godfrey’s passionate “bombs” were directed at correcting the record, specifically challenging the notion that the struggles and achievements of Black Americans can be glossed over or equated simplistically with the experiences of recent African immigrants or those still on the continent. He meticulously laid out the foundational trauma of chattel slavery, the systematic dismantling of family structures, the enforced illiteracy, and the centuries of post-slavery oppression—Jim Crow, segregation, systemic redlining, and disenfranchisement—that fundamentally shaped the Black American experience.
To suggest that a community subjected to such profound, government-sanctioned oppression has “no culture” or is “lazy” is not only deeply insulting but ignores the monumental feats of resilience and creativity born out of that struggle. Black American culture—which birthed Rock and Roll, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Hip-Hop, profoundly influenced global cuisine, shaped American English, and drove the most significant civil rights movements in the nation’s history—is one of the most dominant and influential cultural forces in the world.
This wasn’t just a simple disagreement; it was a necessary confrontation designed to educate and remind listeners that the legacy of Black America is not one of failure, but one of triumph over insurmountable odds, creating a civilization of unique richness and contribution under the most hostile conditions imaginable.
Once again, February arrives, marking Black History Month in the United States—a time dedicated to celebrating the profound history, rich culture, and invaluable contributions of Black people across America. It is a period of national recognition where people of all racial backgrounds and communities come together to reflect on the past, acknowledge the struggles, and honor the enduring legacy that has shaped the nation.
This annual observance serves as a vital reminder to delve deeper into the stories, achievements, and continuing journey of Black Americans. It is a moment to amplify voices that have historically been marginalized and to appreciate the indelible mark Black culture has left on every facet of American life, from science and arts to politics and social justice.
Here at Jogo de Corpo Fechado, our commitment to the celebration of Black history, culture, and excellence transcends a single month, extending far beyond the traditional confines of February. This post serves as a firm, year-round reminder of our unwavering dedication to acknowledging, honoring, and promoting the profound and dynamic heritage of the Black diaspora. We believe that true recognition is not a seasonal observance but an ongoing process requiring continuous learning, active engagement, and persistent elevation.
This daily commitment is fundamentally intertwined with the very essence of Capoeira Angola, a living, breathing testament to Black resilience, ingenuity, and cultural synthesis. We see our practice as a direct continuation of a cultural tradition forged in resistance and steeped in history. Therefore, every roda (capoeira circle), every toque (musical rhythm), and every lesson on the art’s historical roots is an act of honoring Black excellence. We are dedicated to exploring and illuminating the intricate social, political, and spiritual context from which Capoeira Angola emerged, ensuring its legacy as a powerful force for freedom and cultural preservation is never diminished.
We strive to create an environment where the achievements of Black ancestors, artists, leaders, and thinkers are not just mentioned but are central to our shared educational experience. By adopting this year-round perspective, we ensure that the narratives of struggle, triumph, and cultural richness become an integral part of our community’s identity. Our goal is to move beyond passive acknowledgment to active advocacy, supporting initiatives, artists, and scholars who champion Black culture, both within the global Capoeira community and the wider world. This is our promise: to celebrate Black history, culture, and excellence not just during one month, but profoundly and actively, every single day of the year.
Every Friday morning, PROFESSOR BLACK TRUTH hosts “The Friday Crime Report,” which examines systemic racism, economic inequality, and police brutality in the black community through expert interviews and personal stories. The show aims to raise awareness and foster dialogue that leads to meaningful change, presenting facts alongside relatable experiences. It emphasizes active community engagement and proposes actionable steps for grassroots advocacy, ultimately motivating the audience to unite against injustices and positively impact their communities.
In Today’s installment…
The appalling actions of David McPartlan, a man whose blatant racism led him to believe he held dominion over a public lake, have been brought to light, exposing a disturbing act of racial violence and harassment. This egregious incident began when McPartlan encountered a Black father and his young daughter enjoying a peaceful day of fishing at the lake, a public space meant for all citizens to enjoy.
Rather than simply minding his own business and respecting the rights of others, McPartlan aggressively confronted them. Driven by a sense of racial superiority and entitlement, he spewed a torrent of vicious racial slurs, immediately transforming a serene outing into a nightmare of verbal abuse. As the confrontation escalated, McPartlan moved beyond mere hateful speech and committed an act of physical assault, violently attacking the father and daughter by throwing rocks at them. This cowardly and unprovoked assault was a clear manifestation of his deep-seated prejudice and determination to intimidate and drive the Black family away from the public lake.
However, the initial confrontation, as horrifying and racially motivated as it was, was only the precursor to a more shocking and consequential development that speaks volumes about McPartlan’s audacity and the systemic issues that sometimes embolden such behavior. The full scope of what transpired next highlights the severe injustice of McPartlan’s actions and reveals the extent of his contempt for law, order, and the basic human rights of his victims. His unrepentant behavior following the assault and the subsequent legal or community response further cemented the outrage surrounding the incident, drawing attention to the urgent need for accountability in cases of racial violence.
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January 15th marks the revered birthday of the foundational figure in the struggle for Foundational Black Americans (FBA) empowerment, the iconic Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this profoundly significant day, we are compelled to redirect the national discourse and emphatically remind the public of the true, uncompromised tenets of his mission—specifically, his unwavering commitment to securing tangible economic and political resources for the Black community. This focus on “black tangibles and empowerment” is the core of his legacy that has been systemically obscured, deliberately replaced by a sanitized, easily digestible, and ultimately toothless narrative.
Dr. King’s final years were defined by a radical shift in focus from the fight for legal desegregation to a deep, systemic critique of American capitalism and white supremacy. He understood that the mere right to sit at a lunch counter or cast a ballot was meaningless without the corresponding economic power to purchase a home, secure a stable income, and build generational wealth. The “Dream” he spoke of evolved from a vision of integration into a demand for restitution and redistribution. His mission was not simply to integrate Black people into a flawed system, but to fundamentally reconstruct that system to ensure justice, equity, and material prosperity for the descendants of American chattel slavery.
We at jogo corpo fechado are committed to unveiling the actual words and arguments of Dr. King, providing the essential context and compelling quotations that have been intentionally marginalized or outright suppressed by what we define as the white-dominated mainstream media. These are the truths that illuminate his later, more radicalized focus on economic justice, reparations, and the need for structural change that would deliver concrete, material benefits to Black Americans, moving beyond the often-simplified narrative of mere racial integration. He called for a Poor People’s Campaign, demanding an Economic Bill of Rights for all disadvantaged Americans, with a clear focus on the specific plight and historical debt owed to Black Americans. His critique of the Vietnam War was inextricably linked to his condemnation of domestic economic neglect, arguing that the resources squandered overseas should be invested in rectifying the endemic poverty faced by the FBA community. This later, powerful, and challenging Dr. King—the one who spoke of a “guaranteed annual income” and the “radical restructuring of the whole of American society”—is the one whose legacy must be centered on his birthday, ensuring that the commemoration serves as a call to action for economic equity, not just a celebration of a historical figure stripped of his radical demands.
Shoutout to the professor for making and posting this video.
Support the Movement for Truth and Empowerment:
To continue this vital work of historical correction, disseminating authentic information, and advocating for the tangible empowerment of Foundational Black Americans, your financial support is invaluable.
Viola Ford Fletcher, affectionately known as “Mother Fletcher,” was a true icon and a powerful voice for justice, known globally as the oldest living survivor of the horrific Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Her life spanned over a century, a period during which she bore witness to immense change and persistent struggle for civil rights in America.
The devastating two-day massacre, which saw the destruction of the prosperous Black neighborhood of Greenwood—often called “Black Wall Street”—was a trauma etched into her memory from the time she was a young girl. For decades, the tragedy was largely absent from history books, and survivors like Mother Fletcher carried their pain in silence.
However, in the later years of her extraordinary life, she chose to break that silence, stepping into the national and international spotlight as an unwavering advocate for recognition and reparations. At the remarkable age of 107, she made international headlines when she testified before the U.S. Congress on May 19, 2021, just weeks before the massacre’s 100th anniversary.
Her testimony, delivered with clarity and profound emotional weight, was a stark reminder of the atrocity. “I have lived through the massacre every day,” she stated, recounting the terror of watching her community burn and her family flee for their lives. She stood as the human embodiment of the historical injustice, asserting, “We are asking for justice. We are asking you to help us.”
Mother Fletcher, alongside her younger brother Hughes Van Ellis and fellow survivor Lessie Benningfield Randle, became a leading plaintiff in a historic lawsuit seeking reparations from the city of Tulsa and other entities for the wealth, lives, and property lost during the attack.
Upon her passing, Viola Ford Fletcher transitioned to take her rightful place among the ancestors—a title of profound respect in African and African American culture. Her death is a call to action, reminding the world that the fight she so courageously waged for accountability, historical accuracy, and economic justice is far from over. Her legacy compels the current and future generations to take up the torch and continue the pursuit of the justice and healing she so desperately sought for her community.
We extend our sincere and deepest gratitude to the professor for generously sharing this exceptionally helpful and insightful video. The quality of the content is truly outstanding, and it serves as a testament to their profound expertise and dedication.
The professor’s unwavering commitment to the noble cause of education—specifically, the free and open dissemination of knowledge to a broad public audience—is truly admirable and sets a high standard for academic outreach.
For those who found this video valuable and wish to explore the full breadth of the professor’s important work, we strongly encourage you to visit their official YouTube channel. You can easily access it by clicking on the link provided HERE.
The channel is a rich repository of valuable information, featuring a diverse collection of videos that go into great depth on complex social issues and critical historical contexts. Engaging with this material is an excellent way to continue your learning journey and significantly deepen your comprehensive understanding of these essential topics.
This is for those of you who actually think we Black Americans don’t have a culture… You know who you are!
Now family, if you don’t want to read this long article, just watch the video below from the YouTube Channel Foundational Black American History. It basically says the same thing.
Click HERE if you want to watch a longer version of this video.
The video is an excellent visual resource that summarizes the key concepts discussed in this article, providing a more engaging and easily digestible format. Watching it can offer valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the historical context, and it allows you to absorb the information while multitasking or relaxing.
Black American culture, alternatively recognized as African American culture, is an extraordinarily rich, dynamic, and fundamental component of the broader American society, and an immense force in shaping global culture. It is a profound cultural tradition that emerged from the unique and often brutal experiences of African descendants in the United States, representing a powerful synthesis of ancestral African heritage—preserved and adapted under duress—and the transformative, often oppositional, American environment. This culture is deeply forged by the historical crucible of chattel slavery, the persistent, multi-generational reality of systemic oppression, and the enduring, monumental struggle for fundamental freedom, equality, and dignity. This historical context has fostered an unparalleled collective spirit characterized by resilience, unbreakable community bonds, deep pride, and a constantly evolving, distinctive identity that finds creative expression across every facet of human endeavor.
—–Core Elements and Enduring Contributions: Transformative Influence
The contributions of Black American culture are not merely additive; they are transformative, profoundly shaping the core character of the nation and influencing global trends across numerous domains.Music: The Global Soundtrack and Revolutionary Art Forms
African American culture has exerted a pervasive, revolutionary, and foundational influence on global musical forms. Genres born from the Black experience are the undisputed bedrock of much of modern popular music, driving innovation in melody, rhythm, harmony, and performance worldwide:
Blues: Originating in the Deep South post-emancipation, the Blues served as a vital emotional and narrative outlet, utilizing a distinct 12-bar structure and “call-and-response” patterns to express the existential hardships, hopes, and spiritual strength of the community. It is the direct ancestor of multiple subsequent genres, carrying a foundational emotional gravitas.
Jazz: A uniquely American art form that developed in the vibrant, multicultural setting of New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century. Jazz—with its complexity, polyrhythms, improvisation, and syncopated rhythms—swiftly became recognized as America’s classical music, demanding high artistry and influencing musicians and composers across all continents.
Gospel: Evolving from spirituals—the coded songs of enslaved people—Gospel music is the uplifting, powerful, and deeply emotional voice of the Black church. It provides both profound religious inspiration and a crucial, technical foundation for R&B, Soul, and eventually, Pop music, emphasizing vocal dexterity and powerful, communal harmony.
R&B (Rhythm and Blues), Rock and Roll, and Funk: These genres further expanded the landscape, bridging the gap between sacred and secular music. R&B and Rock and Roll pioneers synthesized the structures of Blues and the energy of Gospel, while Funk, rooted in deep, syncopated basslines and percussive horns, utilized infectious rhythms and raw, passionate delivery to create a distinct sound that influenced disco, pop, and dance music globally.
Hip-Hop and Rap: Emerging from the urban centers of the late 20th century, particularly the Bronx, New York, Hip-Hop culture is a potent, multifaceted global phenomenon. Encompassing MCing (rapping), DJing, breakdancing (B-Boying), and graffiti art, it serves as a powerful and unfiltered medium for storytelling, political commentary, social critique, linguistic innovation, and entrepreneurship, constantly redefining the global popular music landscape.
Oral Tradition and Language: The Spoken Legacy
The maintenance of a strong oral tradition was critically important for cultural and historical preservation during the era of slavery, when literacy was often forbidden by law. This tradition continues to thrive, shaping communication and artistic expression:
Storytelling and Proverbs: These were and remain vital tools for teaching history, preserving cultural memory, communicating ethical principles, and transmitting cultural values across generations, often through stylized and highly dramatic performance.
African American Vernacular English (AAVE): Far from being mere slang, AAVE is a complex, structured, and linguistically rich form of English with its own consistent grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and expressive nuances. It is a powerful cultural identifier and a source of continuous linguistic innovation that profoundly shapes not only literature but also mainstream American speech and global communication via music and media.
Spoken-Word Poetry and Rap: These modern forms are direct and powerful descendants of the traditional oral legacy, emphasizing rhythmic language, sophisticated wordplay, rhetorical flourish, and often containing piercing social and political commentary.
Family, Church, and Community: The Social and Political Foundation
In the face of systemic adversity and the systematic destruction of biological family units during slavery, the Black community built robust, resourceful institutions that served as vital centers of survival, support, and activism:
The Black Church: Historically and contemporarily, the church has been more than a spiritual sanctuary; it has been the single most central social, educational, economic, and political hub for the community. It provided essential leadership, organized the monumental Civil Rights Movement, and continues to foster a critical sense of collective purpose and hope.
Extended Family and Kinship Networks: Strong, often non-biological, extended family structures and “fictive kinship” (treating close friends as relatives) have been essential. This network ensures the care of children, the support of the vulnerable, and the preservation of values, creating a safety net where traditional institutional support was lacking.
Core Values: Central values emphasize deep respect for elders as carriers of history and wisdom, a high degree of community inter-dependency (often summarized by the concept of Ubuntu—”I am because we are”), and a commitment to “giving back” for the collective upliftment of the race.
Cuisine: Soul, Sustenance, and Cultural Ingenuity
The development of “Soul food” and distinct Southern Black cooking traditions is a profound testament to cultural creativity and ingenuity, transforming limited, often poor-quality resources into flavorful, communal, and spiritually resonant meals.
Origins: These food ways were developed by enslaved Africans, blending West African staples (like rice, okra, and black-eyed peas) and traditional cooking techniques (like deep frying and long stewing) with the ingredients available in the Americas, often using overlooked or discarded animal parts and vegetables.
Key Dishes: Signature dishes include staples like fried chicken, richly seasoned macaroni and cheese, collard and other seasoned greens, black-eyed peas, candied yams, and red beans and rice. Soul food is a vital, symbolic part of celebrations, weekly family gatherings, and the preservation of cultural memory.
Art and Literature: Resistance, Identity, and A Declaration of Self
African American art, literature, and performance arts have consistently served as both a detailed record of struggle and a powerful declaration of self-worth, identity, and beauty in a society that often denied all three.
The Harlem Renaissance (1920s-1930s): This period marked an explosive cultural flowering in which writers (like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston), artists, and musicians celebrated Black life, asserted their intellectual and creative identity, and powerfully challenged racist narratives both domestically and internationally.
Themes: Contemporary expressions continue to explore universal themes—love, loss, morality—through the highly nuanced lens of the Black experience: identity formation, the persistent struggle for justice, the celebration of Black joy, and the complex, intersectional nature of Black American life.
Fashion and Aesthetics: Style, Statement, and Global Influence
Black American fashion is a dynamic force that constantly innovates and influences global trends, often turning necessity into high style:
African Aesthetics: Traditional African elements, such as the use of vibrant, expressive colors, intricate textiles (like kente cloth), and symbolic motifs (like Adinkra), are frequently incorporated and adapted into contemporary styles.
Modern Trends: Modern styles, exemplified by hip-hop fashion (e.g., oversized clothing, high-top fades, visible luxury branding) and the global impact of athletic wear (like iconic Air Jordan sneakers), not only originated in but were fiercely driven and popularized by Black American culture.
Cultural Practices: The tradition of elaborate, highly decorative “Sunday hats” worn by women in Black churches is a notable sartorial expression of dignity, status, and artistry that connects back to African head-wrapping traditions.
Holidays and Commemorations: Honoring History and Collective Memory
Several observances are central to acknowledging and celebrating the history, endurance, and achievements of the culture, ensuring collective memory is maintained:
Black History Month (February): Founded as “Negro History Week” by historian Carter G. Woodson, this month is dedicated to honoring the monumental contributions, history, and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. and global history.
Juneteenth (June 19): Now a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally received the news of their freedom, marking the effective, though delayed, end of slavery in the United States. It is a celebration of freedom and persistence.
Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1): A cultural, non-religious holiday established in 1966 that celebrates African heritage, unity, and culture, based on seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles).
Resilience and Activism: The Ongoing Fight for Justice
A shared history of enduring extreme circumstances—from chattel slavery to Jim Crow segregation and modern systemic inequality—has cultivated an extraordinary, deep-seated sense of resilience, collective pride, and unwavering hope against all odds.
Social and Political Engagement: This foundation is the engine for ongoing social and political activism, most famously embodied by the Civil Rights Movement and continuing through modern movements for social justice. This commitment ensures the culture remains active, engaged, and focused on collective advancement, constantly demanding that America live up to its stated ideals.
—–The Profound Diversity and Non-Monolithic Nature of Black American Culture
Black American culture is an extraordinarily complex, dynamic, and fundamentally diverse phenomenon that defies a single, simple definition. It is emphatically non-monolithic, meaning it cannot be treated as a uniform entity but rather as a vast, rich tapestry woven from countless threads of heritage, environment, class, region, and religious experience.
This immense richness is manifested through a broad spectrum of variations, including:
Regional Specificity: Distinct cultural ecosystems have emerged across different American landscapes.
Gullah/Geechee Culture: The unique, isolated culture of the Sea Islands (South Carolina, Georgia, Florida), which has preserved a deep linguistic, artisanal (e.g., basket weaving), and spiritual connection to West Africa that is unparalleled in the continental U.S.
Louisiana Creole and Cajun Traditions: Vibrant, syncretic cultures that blend African, French, Spanish, and Native American influences, giving rise to unique music (Zydeco) and cuisine.
Urban Cultures: The diverse, fast-paced urban cultures of Northern and Midwestern cities like New York, Chicago, and Detroit, which fostered landmark movements in Jazz, Blues, Motown, and Hip-Hop, and developed distinct local dialects and style.
Socioeconomic and Class Stratifications: Experiences within the Black community are also shaped by economic status and social class. Different socioeconomic groups often have distinct cultural markers, traditions, educational priorities, and leisure activities, further fragmenting the idea of a singular “Black experience” while still sharing the overarching legacy of the struggle for racial equality.
Religious and Spiritual Practices: A wide array of spiritual traditions contribute to the culture, from the historically central Black Christian denominations (Baptist, AME, CME) that served as cultural and political anchors, to the significant presence of Islam (including the Nation of Islam and Sunni communities), African indigenous religions, and non-theistic belief systems.
Crucially, the dynamism of Black American culture is continuously enhanced by the growing population of Black immigrants from the Caribbean and the continent of Africa. This ongoing infusion acts as a profound catalyst for cultural evolution, deepening and broadening the overall Black experience in the United States. Each incoming group contributes invaluable, unique elements:
Caribbean Contributions: Immigrants from nations like Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad, and Barbados introduce distinct English, French, and Spanish-based creole languages, influential musical forms (e.g., Reggae, Soca, Zouk), rich political traditions, and diverse culinary staples (e.g., jerk seasoning, roti, patties).
African Contributions: New arrivals from West, East, and South Africa bring a multitude of national languages (e.g., Yoruba, Amharic, Swahili), diverse cuisines, and specific cultural practices, enriching the community’s connection to the global African diaspora.
The rich tapestry of Black American culture is a dynamic and ever-evolving mosaic, continuously enriched by a multitude of influences. These influences, particularly the recent cultural contributions from the African diaspora—including immigrants from the Caribbean, various African nations, and elsewhere—interact with and often hybridize established Black American traditions. This makes the culture a living, breathing entity that is perpetually redefining itself.
This continuous process of synthesis and cross-pollination is visible across all facets of Black American life. In music, the sounds of Afrobeats and Caribbean dancehall blend seamlessly with the foundational genres of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and gospel, creating new, globally infectious rhythms and styles. In cuisine, new spices, cooking techniques, and ingredients from West Africa and the islands are being incorporated into and expanding the scope of traditional Southern and soul food, leading to a culinary renaissance. Fashion, language, and artistic expression also reflect this vibrant fusion, with distinctive accents, sartorial choices, and narrative perspectives adding layers of complexity to the broader cultural narrative.
The vibrant tapestry of Black American culture is a dynamic and ever-evolving phenomenon, rooted in the profound history of the descendants of enslaved Africans, whose resilience, ingenuity, and cultural contributions form the indispensable bedrock of the American experience. This deep historical foundation, marked by both struggle and triumph, acts as the primary source of its unique character, artistic forms, and community structures.
Yet, this culture is not a static relic of the past; it is a constantly shifting, self-renewing mosaic, significantly enriched by the ongoing cultural dialogue with recent Black immigrants from the Caribbean, Africa, and other parts of the global Black diaspora. The interplay between these two powerful streams—the established Black American heritage and the expansive, diverse traditions brought by new arrivals—creates a cultural entity that is more complex, resilient, inventive, and globally connected than ever before. This convergence is a powerful demonstration that Black culture in the United States is fundamentally not monolithic. Instead, it is an integrated network of local, national, and transnational identities, each drawing strength from its deep historical roots while simultaneously expanding its scope through global connections.
This ongoing cultural dialogue manifests across every facet of American life. In music, for example, the foundational genres of jazz, blues, gospel, and hip-hop, created by the descendants of the enslaved, continually absorb and integrate new rhythms and sonic textures from Afrobeats, Dancehall, and Zouk, propelling Black music to the forefront of global innovation. In cuisine, new spices, cooking techniques, and ingredients from West Africa and the Caribbean blend with established soul food and Creole traditions, creating a fusion that is both nostalgic and avant-garde. In language and fashion, the infusion of global Black perspectives keeps the culture at the cutting edge of identity expression.
This continual cross-pollination ensures that Black American culture remains a potent engine of American creativity and global soft power. It is an enduring testament to the power of cultural synthesis, demonstrating how the retention of a painful, yet ultimately powerful, heritage can coexist and thrive alongside a radical, expansive embrace of the new. It is this unique ability to draw strength from both deep history and expansive global input that guarantees Black American culture will remain at the very forefront of global innovation, social discourse, and identity formation for generations to come.
Greetings! Although this website is about the beautiful way of life called Capoeira Angola, throughout this website, I do share articles, personal reflections, and diverse content exploring the multifaceted experiences of Black men, both here in the United States and in Brazil.
For those who genuinely question the fundamental premise behind the “Black Lives Matter” movement, I urge you to watch this video, and immerse yourself in the lived realities and historical injustices that necessitate such a declaration.
This is not merely a slogan; it is a plea for recognition, equality, and an end to systemic discrimination that continues to affect Black communities worldwide.
The narratives presented on this site delve into the daily triumphs and tribulations, the joys and the pains, the resilience and the resistance that define our journeys. From the casual microaggressions that chip away at our sense of belonging, to the more overt forms of discrimination that can have life-altering consequences, we aim to shed light on the pervasive nature of racial bias.
In the United States, the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and ongoing racial disparities in areas such as criminal justice, education, and healthcare continue to shape the lives of Black men. The fear of being unfairly targeted, the burden of proving one’s innocence, and the constant battle against stereotypes are realities that many of us face daily.
Similarly, in Brazil, a nation with the largest population of people of African descent outside of Africa, Black men grapple with a unique set of challenges rooted in a complex history of slavery and entrenched racial inequality. Despite the vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture, systemic racism manifests in economic disparities, police brutality, and a lack of representation in positions of power.
Through personal stories, analytical essays, and a curated selection of resources, this website seeks to:
Amplify the voices of Black men: Providing a space for authentic self-expression and shared experiences.
Educate and inform: Offering insights into the historical, social, and cultural contexts that shape our lives.
Challenge stereotypes: Dismantling harmful misconceptions and promoting a more nuanced understanding of Black masculinity.
Advocate for change: Inspiring dialogue and action towards a more just and equitable society for all.
Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of Black manhood, celebrating our strengths, confronting our struggles, and collectively striving for a future where our lives are not just acknowledged, but truly valued.
Youtube features numerous videos discussing “The history they didn’t tell you,” particularly focusing on African and Afro-diasporic culture. These videos uncover neglected narratives that highlight the struggles, achievements, and contributions of these communities to global culture, showcasing their resilience and creativity. By delving deep into historical contexts, they shed light on the vibrant traditions, artistic expressions, and significant events that have shaped these cultures over centuries. The aim is to educate and inspire by revealing a rich tapestry of history often overlooked in mainstream discussions, thus fostering a deeper understanding of the past and its influence on the present. Each video serves as a powerful reminder of the diverse perspectives that play a critical role in shaping our collective identity, urging viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of cultures and the importance of inclusivity in our understanding of history. In doing so, these narratives not only honor the past but also encourage a dialogue about cultural heritage and its relevance in today’s society, ultimately striving to empower future generations with knowledge and appreciation for the myriad contributions of African and Afro-diasporic peoples.
In today’s installment…
Today marks the 105th anniversary of a tragic and pivotal event in American history: the Ocoee Massacre. Beginning on November 2, 1920, this horrific atrocity in the rural settlement of Ocoee, Florida, stands as a stark and painful reminder of the depths of racial violence and its devastating, long-lasting consequences. Fueled by deeply ingrained racial tensions and a pervasive culture of white supremacy, the violence escalated with terrifying rapidity, leading to the deaths of an untold number of Black and white individuals.
One of the most poignant and brutal outcomes of the massacre was the lynching of Julius ‘July’ Perry. Perry was not merely a resident of Ocoee, but a successful Black businessman and a respected community leader. His murder in downtown Orlando was a calculated act of terror, explicitly intended to intimidate and suppress the burgeoning aspirations of the Black community. It was a stark message of the dangers faced by those who dared to challenge the established racial hierarchy.
Historians have rightly described the Ocoee Massacre as the “single bloodiest day in modern American political history.” Its impact reverberated far beyond the immediate violence, leading to the forced displacement of hundreds of Black citizens from Ocoee. These families, stripped of their homes, their livelihoods, and everything they had painstakingly built, were driven out of the town in a brutal act of racial cleansing. For decades, Ocoee remained an almost exclusively white town, a chilling testament to the power of racial violence to reshape communities and erase Black presence.
The events of November 2, 1920, and the days that followed, lay bare a dark chapter in American history where Black citizens were systematically denied their fundamental rights, most notably the right to vote. The spark that ignited the massacre was the courageous attempts by Black residents to exercise their suffrage, a right guaranteed by the 15th Amendment, but violently resisted by white mobs. This tragic episode serves as a powerful and painful illustration of the systemic racism and pervasive voter suppression that characterized the Jim Crow era, highlighting the lengths to which white supremacists would go to maintain their power and control.
For a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of this critical historical event, further details can be found HERE. The Ocoee Massacre is not merely an isolated incident; it serves as a crucial case study for examining the historical roots of racial inequality, the enduring legacy of white supremacy, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and justice in the United States. Its lessons remain profoundly relevant as we continue to grapple with issues of racial injustice and the fight for true equality.
Youtube is full of videos that talk about “The history they didn’t tell you,” especially it seems, when they’re about African and Afro-diasporic culture. These videos delve deep into the rich and often overlooked narratives that have shaped these communities, providing insights into their struggles, achievements, and contributions to global culture. From the powerful resistance movements to the vibrant artistic expressions that have emerged, these stories highlight the resilience and creativity of the African diaspora. Well here, we’re gonna highlight some of these stories that not only educate but also inspire, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of history that is often sidelined in mainstream discussions. By exploring these narratives, we hope to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the past and its impact on the present.
In this first installment…
The British government vowed freedom to enslaved people if they could escape and take up arms against their Patriot enslavers. This promise, however, was not just a mere obligation; it represented a beacon of hope for many who yearned for liberation from the shackles of bondage. But when the British failed to deliver the promised land in Nova Scotia, leaving the Black Loyalists disillusioned and without the support they were led to expect, they found themselves at a crossroads. The Black Loyalists needed a leader to step up, someone courageous enough to sail across the ocean and demand a solution to their plight.
That man would be Thomas Peters, a former prince who escaped enslavement in North Carolina and embarked on a brave journey toward freedom. Having experienced the brutality of slavery firsthand, Peters understood the gravity of their situation and was determined to advocate for the rights and dignity of his fellow Black Loyalists, whose stories were often overshadowed by the dominant narratives of history. With his noble background and unwavering resolve, he emerged as a pivotal figure in the quest for justice and equality, tirelessly rallying others to join his cause and speaking out against the injustices they faced.
Through his unwavering efforts, Peters not only sought to uplift his community but also aimed to forge a path toward a more equitable society, one that recognized the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. His transformative leadership inspired a renewed sense of hope within a community desperately seeking a way forward in a land that had promised them freedom but delivered only uncertainty and despair. As he worked tirelessly to unite their voices, he championed their struggles against a backdrop of systemic oppression, advocating for justice and equality in every forum available. Peters understood the power of collective action and dedicated himself to educating others about their rights and the importance of standing together, rallying support from neighboring communities and forming coalitions that transcended social and economic barriers. In this way, he not only addressed immediate issues but also planted the seeds for long-term change, fostering a spirit of resilience and empowerment that would resonate for generations to come.
Earlier this year, the African Union declared that “reparations” would be the “theme” for this year, highlighting the long-standing conversation surrounding the impact of colonialism and slavery on the African continent and its people. However, they have also declared that they will speak for the “diaspora” (read: American Blacks) on this issue, claiming to represent the interests and voices of those who have been affected by these historical injustices.
This stance raises important questions about the authenticity of their representation and the potential implications for funding, as they intend to take the money too! It is crucial to consider whether this approach truly reflects the desires and needs of the diaspora or if it serves more as a political maneuver to gain access to financial resources that could be better utilized in direct support of communities in need. Furthermore, one must examine the broader context in which these representations are made, probing deeper into the motivations of those involved and the potential conflicts of interest that may arise.
Are these representatives genuinely engaging with the community voices they claim to prioritize, or are they more focused on their own agendas? This complexity highlights a vital need for transparency and accountability in the processes that govern funding distributions, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups within the diaspora are not only heard but actively shape the policies that affect their lives and futures. Only then can we ascertain whether the funds will truly contribute to meaningful development or if they risk being squandered on superficial projects that fail to address the root issues facing these communities.
Shout out to the professor for creating and posting this insightful video.
The Professor creates engaging videos on black empowerment, addressing historical and current issues to promote critical thinking and reflection among his audience. Click HERE to check out his YouTube channel, which fosters a community focused on significant black topics, facilitating diverse viewpoints and dialogue. By featuring guest speakers and multimedia elements, he enhances learning and encourages discussion of important narratives, cultivating belonging and respect while driving positive change in the community.
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