As yet, another King celebration comes to a close. My mind is filled with ever increasing uncertainty of what it all means. It was only eight years ago that we of the Black community, gathered in awe, and unabated reverence, believing that Dr. Martin Luther’s King dream of Black acceptance and equality had been achieved as we watched the election of the first man of color to the office of President of the United States. We believed, many of us, that we had arrived. Through those tears of promise we watched as everything we had labored for, the simple recognition of our humanity, had come to past. The future seemed brighter than it ever had and the Dream spoken by our recognized “prince of peace” appeared to materialize before our faces. Eight years removed from that glorious day, our days appear to be less than stellar and our future as a community, as a people, seems to languish in doubt. When the world discusses the great sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. , we seem to paint a very monolithic picture of his entire legacy, summing it up in one grand sound bite of perhaps the most indelible speeches in American history; in human history for that matter. Complex to say the least, optimistic by far, Dr. King’s vision has been reduced to a very misquoted and misconstrued “dream.” We humor ourselves with the quick phrasing of this masterpiece but hold no requirement of its ultimate understanding. We can quote it; well in part. But I suggest we know no more about it than the base principles of quantum physics. It soothes our collective guilty conscious to be able to shout,” Dr. King had a dream,” because doing so gives us the rationale to hold no one, particularly ourselves, accountable for its fulfillment. The proof, as “they” say, is in the pudding. Look throughout this often termed great society and we can see plainly that as much as we want to believe we are closer, an unspeakable gulf remains. And it is this exact same gulf over which Dr. King extended his hand in the name of brotherhood. But there was no one there to extend their hand in return. As a matter of fact it was the very society that now “celebrates” him (it wasn’t without years of protest, opposition, and even the breaking of the law {the State of Arizona}) that struck him down. Today this the 16th day of January, 2017, as we sit on the precipice of a new era in American politics, we the Black community are being forced to awaken to the realization that, “No we have not arrived!” In addition to this sobering, and often time frightening revelation, we are beginning to ponder the idea, or speak of the concern, that we may never reach it. I, being an eternal optimistic realist, postulate, that where I am no less moved by the majesty of the words of one of my greatest for-bearers, I must consider that we will never ever realize his dream. This idea goes unspoken yet it is somehow understood by all of us. It is absolutely horrifying for us to ever attempt to ponder it less we fall into bedlam and utter revolution. Because where there is hopelessness there is unrest. Now I don’t suggest that our community become possessed by an idea of bleakness but that we breed a new hope; that we consider a new objective. What today is our vision for ourselves? I ask particularly,” What do we need exclusively, independently, from each other?” What if little black boys never join hands with little white boys at the table of brotherhood what will we then do? Will we languish in defeat? Or will we understand forthwith that the ultimate change occurs within ourselves. The only person, or people, that we can change are ourselves. It is the others’ obligation to change themselves; that is not our duty. And for us to wait for others to change can without doubt breed a cost too great for us to bare. We will pay for it with a loss of time, and will, and ultimately our very existence as a people will be in jeopardy. Here’s a vision that not only is attainable but it is one that we need now more than ever,” a dream where little black boys join hands with other little black boys, and little black girls with other little black girls, and black fathers with black mothers and black mothers with black fathers,” at the table of family and nationhood while holding each other close in order to validate, and encourage, and to love one another. We as a community, a family, need such a reality like never before, as we have witnessed that old beast, that ancient enemy of racism/white supremacy, has yet to falter but has metamorphosed into an even greater foe. Such a vision is not in opposition to the dream of the great Dr. Martin Luther King. In fact his dream was predicated on the fact, that in his day our families were united in facing a common adversary, therefore we could afford to, then, reach across the aisle to those, our would be oppressors. But today is replete with differing times and grander and more extreme challenges. Today the enemy has seemed to infect us down to our very soul with its venom. And therefore it becomes necessary that we dress our wound before applying our precious time and genius minds to the affliction of others. This is the law of self-preservation that all beings under God’s creation practice. Why not us family! Again this is no indictment of King’s vision especially when the promotion of his vision is incomplete to say the least. The public speaks vigorously of King’s Dream which only gives a screenshot of the complexity of the genius that was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The speech that we fancy as our “defacto” pledge of human equality occurred in 1963 a full 5 years before King was met with a conspiratorial assassin’s bullet. It is well documented that before his death in 1968 even King himself began to doubt the direction in which he helped to steer the Black community. He has been quoted as saying that,” he believed that he integrated our people into a burning house.” The implications of such a statement are both clear and ominous. And today that assertion seems terribly prophetic. Does America face a future of fire literal or otherwise? If this last presidential election is any indication some of us are beginning to notice the smoke. And where there’s smoke there’s fire. This isn’t to frighten or alarm but to prepare. What if the problems we face today as a community stem directly from our attempts to integrate into mainstream white society, what will we do then? Will we make real the notion that,” insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results?” Or will we gather our family and escape the flames? Again I have no issue with dreams I am a dreamer myself. I am an idealist by far. But anchoring my childlike optimism, and bohemian type ideals, is a heavy dose of reality. We as a people have been hoping and praying, wishing, and dreaming for far too long. Will we ever wake up? Or will another calendar year pass while we continue to hit the snooze button refusing to shake off yesterday’s sleep and get to the business of being awake. The alarm is sounding….RING! RING!! RING!!!

Christmas is White Supremacy. Astounding! Mind Blowing, I know; absurd even when you consider it. How is this possible? What kind of statement is this? Whoever would make such a statement must be out of their God-given minds!! It sounds crazy doesn't it? "Christmas is white Supremacy." Okay have you finished taking your deep breathe and choking on your beverage of choice; you can begin breathing again. However foul the taste against our palette, in the writers humble opinion, it is just the medicine that we African-Americans need to alleviate the multitude of our generational pangs. But before you chime out, "Come let us reason together.' Let us examine it step for step and arrive at a well drawn out conclusion. Agreed? Lets begin by establishing a foundation with a very primary question. How did we as African-American, Black People, come to celebrate Christmas in the first place? Of course we know the answer, or at least we should know. Quite frankly if we don't we should go hide our heads in the sand like the wayward mother ostrich who unknowingly tramples her own eggs. However the obviousness of history, the challenge is the acceptance of the connection, and careful consideration of its implications. Or will we rather shrug our shoulders and continue without the responsibility of action? History tells us that we, as a people under the condition of slavery, were forcibly converted to the religion of Christianity; the religion of our slave masters, during our sojourn within The New World. And it is within that context of Christian coercion that African-Americans came to know and celebrate Christmas as a tradition. This is an important fact in the understanding of Christmas being White Supremacy. The reason is founded in one of the guiding principles of the Christianity of that time, which saw it as a necessity of expansion to convert the "uncivilized" dark races of the world with their Eurocentric religious world view. In the minds of these conquerors they were justified by their god to exact their will upon the lives of non-white people across the planet. This concept in action as well as theory was propelled by the distinct idea that White Western European civilization was "superior" to all non-white civilization and culture throughout the world. European government and church alike saw our ancestors as savage and subhuman giving those White Christian practitioners the rationale and the excuse to conquer other races of people who were not white. It was the propaganda of the White European church that levied the concept of white racial superiority through doctrine, tradition, education, and even art. This establishes that the means by which we as African-Americans came to convert to Christianity was in and of itself White Supremacy in action consequently making the concept of a Christmas celebration White Supremacy. But lets get further evidence to drive it home. What of Jesus Christ? What of the one who is the reason for the season? Is the White depiction of Jesus Christ a symbol of White Supremacy? I vehemently assert that it is. If this postulation is true then we must examine how in fact this symbol of White superiority has led to white dominance and Black subjugation throughout the world. Many perhaps have never thought along these lines at all to ponder, even slightly, the effects of such a symbol. Or even more notable many have perhaps ignored it altogether. Or quite simply it may be too difficult of an examination. The reason, in my opinion is a combination of these and more. To find the answer we must dive deep into our subconscious mind; into that space where our spirit dwells. Its important to start with an understanding; words are powerful but it can be said that symbols are indeed more impacting. Take as an example a child, a toddler, if you were to write the word McDonald's on a piece of paper, that toddler, most toddlers, (baby geniuses excluded) will at least have difficulty reading or recognizing that word. But on the contrary even infants fast become aware of the symbol of the golden arches. They understand that gigantic illuminated letter "M" to stand for something good to eat, good fun, toys, and even clowns. In short the full concept of what McDonald's is and stands for is embodied in that symbol. In just a mere glance the entire McDonald's idea, doctrine, tradition is communicated to the viewer. This happens at such a basic level that even a child understands what is being communicated. He/she comes to associate the symbol with its particular message. So greater than a simple picture or image, the character of White Jesus Christ is a symbol communicating all at once a clear and distinct message to the subconscious mind of all of its viewers rather Black or White, young or old, male or female; and that message is White superiority and godhood. Before continuing truth demands that an insertion be made at this juncture. The White image of Jesus Christ is incorrect according to the biblical record. Unknown to many, the Bible is replete with descriptions of Jesus Christ (Daniel 1:6 for example). But perhaps the most defining description can be found in the book of Revelation 1: 14-15 where Jesus Christ is described as having," hair like wool and feet like polished brass as if they burned in a furnace." This makes it obvious that he was/is a Black man. Or in the very least this description lets the reader know that he is in no way a White man. Therefore it is safe to say that the image that most of the world has come to identify as Jesus is false. Another indicator of the image being White Supremacy, for if it were not, there would be no need to alter or completely change the image. By doing so you change the narrative as well as the prevailing message. And as evident by the its expansive proliferation it is easy to surmise that this was done by design and with intent. Additionally scientist, anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian alike are currently presenting a preponderance of evidence that proves that not only was Jesus Black but that the people of his ethnic group were indeed people of color. Not only is this key in the establishment of White Supremacy but it carries with it long reaching effects far beyond any other. The reason being that the human being's concept of God is by far his most fundamental level of understanding. Everything springs directly from this principled concept and reaches to influence every area of our existence. So to occupy this very basic space of the human ideal with White Supremacy is to saturate the viewer's entire world view with this concept whether they are conscious of it or not. Lets take it one step further before concluding. There is an universal law at play here that the manufacturers of White Supremacy employ with precise efficiency. This is the law of dynamic opposites. This law of opposites can be said to be a governing principle in the maintaining of the universe itself, therefore to utilize it within the affairs of human beings is to not only establish an ideal, but to maintain it; which the workers of White Supremacy have managed for over 500 years. The law of opposites helps to define reality through the relationships of equal opposites: male to female; hot to cold; up to down. This basic yet supreme law operates at the subconscious or base level of understanding. This is why even our children are affected by it (check the video: "The Black Doll Test") because this is where the programming occurs. In computing this is called boolean statements: If "this" then "that." For an example as a child we understand what "hot" is by knowing what "cold" is. We understand what "up" is by understanding what "down" is. Law of dynamic opposites, boolean logic, child logic, base understanding, these are all synonymous and important because this gives us fundamental awareness of the world. So if we apply this law to the symbol of White Jesus Christ, White Supremacy is revealed. Let's completely pull the curtain back to reveal the sorcerer. If God is "good" then the devil is what? "Bad." If God is "white" then the devil is........? Without you thinking of it consciously this is concluded within your subconscious, base level, mind. It is funneled directly into the most fundamental formation of your understanding. And for generations African Americans have been building their understanding of the world around them from this basic foundation. This symbol has said to our very essence that we are evil, that we are in fact the devil, or in the very least it says we are unlike God and that our oppressors are God or godlike. This is where the basis of their treatment of us lies and where our response to that treatment arises. "If God is good and He is white...Then the devil must be bad and black." This is the depths of the damage that this symbol of White Supremacy has imparted upon the Black existence and in the world as a whole. It has elevated the position of white people in general above all others on the planet while casting non-white people and specifically African Americans to an inherent inferior status. This is a deliberate racist program no matter how you add it up, subtract it, or multiply it to the tenth degree. But the question is will we receive the Truth once revealed? This is the trillion dollar question. Will we ignore it deck the halls with elaborate decorations that kill our electric bill so we can bask in our own vain glory? Or maybe, just maybe we, as a people, will take one collective step towards true freedom: freedom of the mind and spirit. Will we give ourselves, just for once , the opportunity to truly become our true beautiful dynamic universal selves? But hey we are traditionalist for tradition sake. So why not try a new tradition and leave White Jesus and his mitigating web of lies and his pagan birthday party to those who created him in the first place. If we were to do this We would rise, but as a consequence They would fall. The question is could your little Black inferior mind handle that? Truth Is Power.

Is Black History Month just plain old history? In this multicultural unilateral world of today has Black History Month outlived its usefulness? Has it served its purpose? Does it have a place in a post racial society? These are just some of questions and controversy surrounding the month set aside to remember and celebrate the contribution and legacy of African Americans in this country. And where the, ultra pro Black, super militant, “Malcolm X was my daddy,” part of me riles with anger over the asking of any of these questions, the fair and scholarly side ponders them and seeks to see if they are justified. I remember as a child the fervor surrounding Black History Month. All of the regular classroom decorations would slowly be replaced by images of Fredrick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and others. We would be prepping for our parts in civil rights reenactments at our schools, our churches, and even our homes. There were television specials. Series such as Roots were in rotation every year. Radio disc jockeys wished everyone a," Happy Black History Month," as if it were not just a holiday but a hallowed month. It was everywhere. The pride of being Black was dripping from every eave and every blade of grass like morning dew. It was serious. It was fun. But most of all it was ours. It was Black People’s time to feel that we mattered. No, Black History never meant to ostracize any individual or group of people. But what it sought to achieve was a sense of unity and pride for a people long ostracized by the only nation they have known. In a place where History is white, whether it be called World history, American History, or even Ancient history, Black people needed a way to say that our experience not only mattered but was as rich as any other. And even to let ourselves and others know that our history was fundamental in the shaping of America itself and therefore must be honored. So a small group headed by the great Carter G. Woodson set out to make it a reality. They marked out one single week and dedicated it to talking Black matters and Black contribution unapologetically. What was remarkable about that small little week in the shortest month of the year was the effect it had on all Black people. Although we never considered such a concept before somehow it was what our collective souls needed. We needed to be honored for our struggle, our pain, and our triumphs. Especially our triumphs. And there are many. Far too many for one simple post to encompass. And the writer far too feeble to do justice to a legacy so immeasurably rich. This is The Black experience. From Crispus Attucks who became the first person to die in the war of independence to the buffalo soldiers of the Spanish American war, our legacy is rich. From Fredrick Douglass and Harriet Tubman to Booker T. Washington and W.E.B DuBois, our experience speaks of excellence. From Jesse Owens and Muhammad Ali to Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan, Black people have been astounding. From Nat Turner to Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, we have changed the course of human history. In every aspect and in every facet of this country from war to politics, from industry to invention, from sports to entertainment, from religion to human rights Black people in America have been at the forefront of shaping the world we live in today. And although many of us, Blacks included, wish to believe we live in a post racial society the need for the celebration of Black History Month is more relevant than ever before. Today after many trials, tribulations, and triumphs Black people still occupy a very precarious position in American society. As one of the main racial groups responsible for the establishment of this country (Native American and White European being the other groups), one would think that our role would be etched in stone and celebrated and that our experience today would echo this sentiment. But even after the great contributions of those before us we still find ourselves immersed in many of the same old battles against many of the same old foes; we even have new ones to overcome. But of course we shall. One of the greatest foes is that somehow someway the importance of such a month, and all Black History for that matter, is being lost on the present generations; the generations that matter most. Black History is not for history! Black History is for the present and the future. It tells the present and future generations where they come from. It tells them what immensities they are capable of. And it tells them where they can go and inspires them to get there. Looking around we see a generation that knows little if any of this. They are not grounded in their past therefore they are floating aimlessly in their present while their future is totally unsure. And what is most frightening is they are uninspired. And how can they be inspired when all around them is darkness and drab? Who can be inspired by story upon story of young people lost in their prime? This is why Black History Month is most relevant today. There is an entire generation who cannot draw strength power and pride from their roots. They are like fruit who can’t identify with the tree. They need the names. They need the stories. They need to hear how great they are because those who came before them where great. They need to know that they can stand because those who came before them were giants. They need to know that today their hands hold the pens that will write the next chapters in our legacy; that the greatest has yet to be told. This is the answer to all the questions this is the reason why. Black History yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And although a month has been set aside for it let us whisper it, bellow it, shout it, and sing it every single day of our lives and in the lives of our children. This is why. This is the reason……for the season…Peace & Love EL