BHM Little Known Fact: Buffalo Soldiers

"I'm just a buffalo soldier in the heart of America. Stolen from Africa, brought to America, said he was fighting on arrival, fighting for survival...said he was a buffalo soldier win the war for America."

If you know those words, you know they come from the late, Bob Marley. I never actually listened to the lyrics of the song but reading them today let's you know the history behind the term "Buffalo Soldier".

Did you know: Buffalo Soldiers is the name given to the all-black regiments of the U.S. Army started in 1866?

More than 20 Buffalo Soldiers received the highest Medal of Honor for their service — the highest number of any U.S. military unit. The oldest living Buffalo Soldier, Mark Matthews, died at the age of 111 in 2005. Incredible!

This give's Marley's song a whole new meaning, huh?

Find out more about Buffalo Soldiers here.

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Photos: Buffalo Soldiers, MM

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BHM SpotLight: The Cosby Show

Growing up, we all have our favorite television sitcom. Although this element of television is lacking in today's generation due to reality TV, I thank God for syndication and The Cosby Show. The Cosby Show has always been a favorite of mine. Why? Because it did a lot for television and the African-American culture. The Cosbys were an African-American upper-middle class family. With a mother who was a lawyer and a father who was a doctor, it gave African Americans hope that these titles were accessible. The show gave viewers something to take from each show through serious and comedic methods. The show touched on an array different topics, like dating, drinking, sex, college, home ownership, school and much more.

Here's a little known fact: Comedian Bill Cosby's 1984 sitcom, The Cosby Show, became the highest ranking sitcom for 5 years in a row. The program aired for eight years.


Amazing! Where's this type of television now?!

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BHM Spotlight: Lady With a RedEye

This month, our EYES are on a woman who far exceeded expectations, and has allowed us to SEE in a whole new light: Patricia Bath.

Once a resident of Harlem, Bath became an ophthalmologist, and was the first African-American female doctor to patent a medical invention.

Her hard work allowed her to create a method to remove cataract lenses, which would convert eye surgery by using a laser contraption (laserphaco) instead of a drill-like machine.

In the 1970s, she was the first African-American female surgeon at UCLA Medical Center, and the first woman to be on the faculty of the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute. She is also the founder and first president of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. Because of Bath, people who could not see for over 20 years could receive their eyesight.

elleELLEeye salutes you this BLACK HISTORY MONTH Ms. Bath!

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee

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Source, Pic: NLM.nih.gov

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Black & Ugly x Denzil Porter

Black & Ugly Clothing, is a socially and politically conscious urban clothing line, founded by Sherifa Gayle. The line will go on sale to the public on February 11, 2011 via www.blacknugly.com; just in time for Black History Month. The site will have Black & Ugly's Spring/Summer 2011 unisex collection ready for purchase. The collection features designs of Pharaoh and Nefertiti in rich African inspired hues. The line will launch with t-shirts, crewneck sweaters, cardigans, hats and pins. As the weather begins to warm up in 2011, Black & Ugly Clothing will expand into jackets and more accessories.

To kick off fashion week, B&U will be hosting their launch party Friday, February 11, 2011 at Madame X Bar and Lounge located at 94 West Houston Street in New York City. Doors open at 7pm and the collection will be showcased during a fashion show beginning promptly at 8pm. The show will be followed by a performance by rapper Denzil Porter (formerly known as Young Flame), and a raffle giving participants a chance to win a Black & Ugly sweater. Guests will be able to purchase pieces from the line while mingling and celebrating the launch of the website.

The website will be linked to the non-profit organization DORCAS (Development Organization Reaching Children to Achieve Success), catering to the educational and social needs of today's youth and their families. BlacknUgly.com will also provide information on upcoming events and news within the Black community and events that lend a helping hand to the youth. Sherifa Gayle founded Black & Ugly Clothing in December 2008. Sherifa wanted to start a pro-black line with a message representing her people's past struggles, present accomplishments and their future endeavors; an Afro-centric inspired line that caters to the urban sense and beyond.

For more information please visit:
www.blacknugly.com
"Make a Statement. BU."

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BHM SPOTLiGHT: The Love Sharpener

What's one thing you need when you're taking a test? Sure, the answers may be nice, but if you're using a Scantron, or taking a math exam, a pencil would be ideal. Which leads me to John Lee Love, our Black History Month Spotlight Inventor. Love invented the pencil sharpener in 1897. Pretty cool huh?! Still don't think it's a big deal? Well, for all of those who use a sharpener to when applying makeup, you can thank Mr. Love for that. Johm Lee Love's pencil sharpener was patented on November 23, 1897 (U.S. Patent # 594,114).

Click here for more information on The Love Sharpener!

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BHM: Black Entertainment Television

BET launched on January 25, 1980 (same date as us Jan. 25, 2009)! BET Networks inspires its audiences to make a difference in their lives and communities with a broad and impactful pro-social agenda. BET Networks’ pro-social initiatives help raise awareness about AIDS and obesity and shed light on the legendary contributions African Americans have made to this world. Programs include Touch BET, Rap-It-Up, BE HEARD, the BET Foundation and A Healthy BET.

CORPORATE MISSION: BET Networks is the pre-eminent entertainment brand serving African Americans and consumers of Black culture globally

BET was the first African-American controlled company to sell shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

Criticism: In a 2010 interview, BET co-founder Sheila Johnson said she herself is "ashamed" of what the network has become. “I don’t watch it. I suggest to my kids that they don’t watch it," she said. “When we started BET, it was going to be the Ebony magazine on television. We had public affairs programming. We had news...I had a show called Teen Summit, we had a large variety of programming, but the problem is that then the video revolution started up... And then something started happening, and I didn’t like it at all. And I remember during those days we would sit up and watch these videos and decide which ones were going on and which ones were not. We got a lot of backlash from recording artists...and we had to start showing them. I didn’t like the way women were being portrayed in these videos.” (Source)



eyeAgree: I think today's generation is desensitized to the issues that affect them due to the lack of the programs I had growing up, like Teen Summit and wholesome family sitcoms. Now everything is "Reality"-based.




Let's hope BET continues their success and remains on the path of empowering the African-American community through HIV/AIDS and obesity awareness programs, and shows like "Black Girls Rock"!

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Source: BET Mediaroom

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BHM SPOTLiGHT: Mary Ann Shadd Cary

Mary Ann Shadd Cary

October 9, 1823 – June 5, 1893

What an inspiring woman Mary Ann Shadd Cary is! She is a pioneer in Journalism, and co-founded "The Provincial Freeman" newspaper in 1853. The paper folded, but was revived in 1859. It promoted temperance, moral reform, civil rights & black self-help; while attacking the racial discrimination blacks faced within North America. In 1883, graduated as a lawyer from Howard University School of Law.


If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is. 

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BHM: The Gift of Giving

It's an amazing thing to give. But it's an even better gesture to give on a day where you're meant to receive. You may know that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4th, 1968. But...

Did You Know: That his friend Maya Angelou's birthday is on April 4th?

After Dr. MLK Jr.'s death, Angelou stopped celebrating her birthday for many years, and sent flowers to King's widow every year until Mrs. King's death in 2006. Simply touching.

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BHM ToP THIS: Kente Cloth

We've all seen Kente cloth at least once in our lives, but have you ever wondered what it all means. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns all have a purpose in relaying an aesthetic message to its viewers. I looked up some history on this beautiful West African art. Class is now in session, let Ms. King school ya.

One of the most sumptuously colored textiles used for clothing is Ghanaian kente cloth, made by Asante and Ewe weavers using specially designed looms. Kente was probably introduced from the western Sudan during the 16th century, when heavy, elaborate, labor-intensive versions of this fabric were designed for wealthy tribal chiefs and simpler designs became available for the general citizenry. Kente is woven in four-inch (9.5 cm) narrow strips that are sewn together. A characteristic Asante kente has geometric shapes woven in bright colors along the entire length of the strip, while Ewe kente often displays a tweed effect by plying together different colored threads in many of the warps. Ewe kente may also incorporate pictorial symbols.
For this, and more info...


ADWINASA Literally means "all motifs are used up."

According to the elders, the designer of this cloth, attempted to weave a unique cloth to please the Asantehene. In his effort he used all the motifs then known to weavers in weaving one cloth. In the end he remarked that he had exhausted all the repertoire of motifs known to Asante weavers.

The cloth was, therefore viewed as one of the top quality, and the most prestigious of kente cloths, besides those woven exclusively for Asante Kings. It was in the past, worn by kings and people of high status and wealth.

It symbolizes ROYALTY, ELEGANCE, CREATIVE INGENUITY, EXCELLENCE, WEALTH, PERFECTION and SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP.

OBAAKOFO MMU MAN
Literally means "one person does not rule a nation."

It expresses the Akan system of governance based on participatory democracy. The nine squares represent MPUANKRON (nine tufts of hair) a ceremonial hair cut of some royal functionaries who help rulers make decisions. Originally the cloth was named FATHIA FATA NKRUMA. "Fathia is a suitable wife for Nkrumah." After the military overthrow of Nkrumah, the original significance of MPUANKRON (participatory democracy) was applied to reflect the prevailing political atmosphere.

The cloth symbolizes PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY and WARNING AGAINST AUTOCRATIC RULE



ABUSUA YE DOM
Literally means "the extended family is a force."
Among the Akan peoples, the extended family is the foundation of society. Like a military force, members of the family are collectively responsible for the material and spiritual well-being, the physical protection and the social security of all its members. The cloth was designed to celebrate and reinforce such positive attributes of the extended family system.

In its many variations and background colors the cloth symbolizes STRONG FAMILY BOND, THE VALUE OF FAMILY UNITY, COLLECTIVE WORK and RESPONSIBILITY and COOPERATION.


AKYEMPEM
Literally means "thousands shields." This is a reference to shields used by highly well organized militia consisting of thousands of men and women who defended the Asante Kingdom against external aggression. According to the military strategy of the Asante Kingdom, the chief of the shield bearers, the Akyempemhene, and the rear guards of the King are his own sons. Shields once used as military weapons are now used in royal ceremonies to symbolize and commemorate the military prowess of the Asante Kingdom.

The cloth symbolizes MILITARY PROWESS, UNITY THROUGH MILITARY STRENGTH, BRAVERY, POLITICAL VIGILANCE & SPIRITUAL DEFENSIVENESS.

KYERETWIE
Literally means "the lion catcher." The cloth was designed to commemorate an incident during the reign of King Kwaku Dua (1838 -1867) who tested the courage of his warriors by ordering them to catch a leopard alive. The appellation, "Kyerekwie" was since appended to the names of some of the Asante Kings whose bravery and leadership qualities were comparable to the courage needed to catch a leopard alive. The black vertical warp stripes represent the black sports in a leopard's fur. In the past, the cloth was worn only by the Asantehene or by other chiefs with his permission.

The cloth symbolizes COURAGE, VALOR, EXCEPTIONAL ACHIEVEMENT and INSPIRING LEADERSHIP.

To see where I found all of this info, and to learn more, visit
History and Significance of Ghana's Kente Cloth


Ms. King
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Return to Substance with 'Winnie'

What happened those good ole good black films? You know the ones I'm talking about, those of a classic/powerful nature. Where are the movies like Waiting to Exhale, The Best Man, Soul Food, Brown Sugar, Ali, Above the Rim, and Malcolm X, where are those movies that told our story in so many variations? Now I would be remiss if I didn't give credit where credit is due. Tyler Perry has done his part to carry the torch lit by the likes of Melvin Van Peebles, The Hughes Brothers, and John Singleton. And now, Darrell James Roodt is honoring Winnie Mandela.

It is up to us to inspire the creative minds amongst us, and support those who share their energy with us. This is where initiative comes to fruition, and legacy can be maintained. Similar to the story of one of the most recognizable and influential black women in history.

Based on the relationship of Winnie and Nelson Mandela; starring Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard, Winnie focuses on the untold story of Winnie Mandela. There is no release date has been set as of yet. Check out the trailer for the biographical film, 'Winnie':

Video Link

- Basquiat

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Black August

Every month has its significance. In January, a new year begins. February is Black History Month, October, is the National month for Lupus awareness, and the list goes on and on. The same goes for August. The Black August tradition was established during the 1970s. It started in the California prison system by men and women of the Black/New Afrikan Liberation Movement. This was done as a means of acknowledging and studying the legacy of Afrikan resistance in the Americas, and honoring fallen freedom fighters like George and Jonathan Jackson, Khatari Gaulden, James McClain, Williams Christmas and Fred Hampton.

Black August promotes a "non-sectarian mass based" resistance culture inside and outside the prison walls across the United States. The brothers who participated in the collective founding of Black August wore black arm bands on their left arm and studied revolutionary works, focusing on the works of George Jackson. The brothers did not listen to the radio or watch television in August. Additionally, they didn't eat or drink anything from sun-up to sundown; and loud and boastful behavior was not allowed. The brothers did not support the prison's canteen. The use of drugs and alcoholic beverages was prohibited and the brothers held daily exercises, because during Black August, emphasis is placed on sacrifice, fortitude and discipline. Black August is still a time to embrace the principles of 1) unity; 2) self-sacrifice; 3) political education; 4) physical training; and 5) resistance.

Traditionally, Black August is a time to study history, particularly our history in the North American Empire. The first Afrikans were brought to Jamestown as slaves in August of 1619, so August is a month during which Blacks can reflect on our current situation and our self-determining rights.

August 1619 - Arrival of first African slaves in 13 colonies
August 21, 1791 - Haiti slave uprising for independence
August 30, 1800 - Gabriel Prosser's slave revolt discovered
August 21, 1831 - Nat Turner's slave rebellion
August 1850 - Underground Railroad
August 17, 1887 - Birth of Marcus Garvey
August 24, 1943 - Birth of Russell "Maroon" Shoatz
August 30, 1948 - Birth of Fred Hampton
August 8, 1949 - Birth of Dr. Mutulu Shakur
August 1963 - March on Washington
August 1965 - Watts Rebellion
August 25, 1967 - FBI circulates internal order to "disrupt" Black
Liberation groups
August 7, 1970 - Courthouse Slave Rebellion
August 18, 1971 - Capital of Republic of New Afrika attacked by FBI and
police
August 21, 1971 - Assasination of George Jackson
August 28, 1971 - Jalil Muntaqim and Nuh Washington captured
August 8, 1978 - Police raid on MOVE
August 17, 1995 - Mumia scheduled for execution; stopped by resistance

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Black's effFIRST POET

First Poet in Black History:
Lucy Terry (1746)



BARS FIGHT
Samuel Allen like a hero fout
And though he was so brave and bold
His face no more shall we behold.
Eleazer Hawks was killed outright
Before he had time to fight
Before he did the Indians see
Was shot and killed immediately.
Oliver Amsden he was slain
Which caused his friends much grief and pain.
Samuel Amsden they found dead
Not many rods off from his head.
Adonijah Gillet we do hear
Did lose his life which was so dear.
John Saddler fled across the water
And so escaped the dreadful slaughter.
Eunice Allen see the Indians comeing
And hoped to save herself by running
And had not her petticoats stopt her
The awful creatures had not cotched her
And tommyhawked her on the head
And left her on the ground for dead.
Young Samuel Allen, Oh! lack a-day
Was taken and carried to Canada.

Lucy Terry (c.1730-1821) is the author of the oldest known work of literature by an African American. Terry was stolen from Africa and sold into slavery as an infant. She was owned by Ebenezer Wells of Deerfield, who allowed her to be baptized into the Christian faith at about five years of age during the Great Awakening.

Her work, "Bars Fight", is a ballad about attack upon two white families by Native Americans on August 25, 1746. The attack occurred in Deerfield, Massachusetts in an area called "The Bars", which was a colonial term for a meadow. The poem was preserved orally until it was finally published in 1855.) "Bars Fight" is her only surviving poem.


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BHM: effFAMOUS effFIRSTS

The Black History Month Celebration continues. Check out this list of African-American Firsts:

Licensed Pilot: Bessie Coleman, 1921.

Millionaire: Madame C. J. Walker.

Billionaire: Robert Johnson, 2001, owner of Black Entertainment Television; Oprah Winfrey, 2003.

Portrayal on a postage stamp: Booker T. Washington, 1940 (and also 1956).

Miss America: Vanessa Williams, 1984, representing New York. When controversial photos surfaced and Williams resigned, Suzette Charles, the runner-up and also an African American, assumed the title. She represented New Jersey. Three additional African Americans have been Miss Americas: Debbye Turner (1990), Marjorie Vincent (1991), and Kimberly Aiken (1994).

Explorer, North Pole: Matthew A. Henson, 1909, accompanied Robert E. Peary on the first successful U.S. expedition to the North Pole.

Explorer, South Pole: George Gibbs, 1939–1941 accompanied Richard Byrd.

Flight around the world: Barrington Irving, 2007, from Miami Gardens, Florida, flew a Columbia 400 plane named Inspiration around the world in 96 days, 150 hours (March 23-June 27).

Network television show host: Nat King Cole, 1956, "The Nat King Cole Show"; Oprah Winfrey became the first black woman television host in 1986, "The Oprah Winfrey Show."

Winner of Six Grammys in one night: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

Star of a network television show: Bill Cosby, 1965, "I Spy".
and the last first for today...

First African American President of the United States of America: President Barack Obama

FOR MORE AFRICAN AMERICAN FIRSTS, CLICK HERE

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Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society