Blackface: (n) black·face ˈblak-ˌfās
Definition of BLACKFACE: makeup
applied to a performer playing
a black person especially in a
minstrel show; also: a performer
wearing such makeup
webster.com/dictionary/blackface
I recently came across an article that begged the question if Black History Month still necessary today and I felt it my duty to collect my thoughts on the matter and formulate my own answer to that question…here is that answer. I’m not here for a history lesson but I do so cordially invite you to converse with me at your leisure on historical subject matter. After skimming that article, I thought about exploring aspects more of uncommon knowledge and concepts of black beauty thus we arrive here, a celebration of black essence and a nod to Black History Month through illustrations of the beautifully bold Black Faces on my Black List of Black Brilliance. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Ever try that eye-opener when you line up each standard American coin and analyze it? This what it looks like:
Note the only brown coin, the American Penny on which the image of 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, the President who abolished slavery (not for the good of the Slaves), is of the least value and up until 2006, it was the only standard American coin with the President facing right (it technically still is because our current nickel has President Jefferson facing forward). I think this small concept speaks volumes to the way Black people are viewed as a whole. Let’s continue.
It’s been said that the United States President holds the most powerful position in the world, and that was no secret to John Hanson, ever heard of him? Not many have…the History Channel introduces him as “John Hanson, So Called First President” and further explains that he was indeed “…the first president of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation” and “sometimes called the first president of the United States, but this is a misnomer, since the presidency did not exist as an executive position separate from Congress until the Federal Constitution created the role…in 1789″ (http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/john-hanson-so-called-first-president-dies).So from this, I gather he was a Black man serving as the then unclearly defined role of what would now be considered POTUS! 2016 was a major year in politics for a number of reasons including Hilary Clinton, but it’s a wonder why Shirley Chisholm didn’t come up more. Who’s Shirley Chisholm some may ask; unfortunately, she does not get the recognition she deserves considering not only was she the first African American woman to be elected to the United Sates Congress, but she was also the first woman and African American to run for a major party nomination (Democratic) for Presidential candidacy; one of the most kick ass parts: “Unbought and Unbossed” was emblazoned upon her campaigning posers! Find out more about her here:http://www.pbs.org/pov/chisholm/
It is true the Black History Month is the shortest month of the year, but it’s also the raddest and the most important reason is because all the things Black History represents. Believe it or not, Black History Month being the shortest month of the year is not a conspiracy, it’s because it evolved from “Negro History Week,” created in 1926 until it became the entire month of February in 1976 (that was 100 years ago 3 years ago!!). One of the most beautiful things about Black History is that it’s EVERYBODY’S history and if you don’t know that to be a fact, research equals growth. Luckily in the presence of vast regression there has been evidence of vast progression from former President Obama to Mary Esther Were. Who Is Mary Esther Were? Only the first Kenyan woman to EVER place in the finals for Miss Universe (2017), and if you watch this 44 second video of her, you will know exactly why she is an inspiration to us all and while you’re at it, check out these pictures of Black Beauties in 1920s-1940s America; eh, you may as well enlighten your perception of Africa by seeing the Africa we don’t see in the media too! Black History, it’s a curious concept as Colonialism is considered the reason for cultural appropriation. It’s crazy to think about iconic Betty Boop as Marilyn Monroe when it’s uncommon knowledge that Betty was in fact the likeness of Esther Jones, a Harlem Cotton Club regular, find out more here: Of course Jack Daniels is equally mentionable based on fact that has recently come to light: Nathan “Nearest” Green, a Black slave, is the originator of the beloved Jack Daniels Whisky as explained in this NY Times article:
It is the oppression and underrepresentation from which Black Activist movements form. The term “Black Lives Matter,” should not even be a debate, and the organization by no means places quantitate values on lives. Movements like the Black Panther Movement of Brazil, the world-wide Natural Hair Movement, Afro-Cuban Beauty Movement and the first ever Cuban Natural Hair Pageant, let’s include Miss France 2016, Arena de Montpellier, with her Beautiful Blackness and Natural hair glory; we can even bring that back stateside with ALL the Black Magic of the 2016 Olympic Games and Miss USA 2016, Deshauna Barber, a Dark Beauty, are all needed and used as a tool of unity and understanding; they do not stand to undermine of offend, but they are necessary and it’s our business.
Business…about that…I will conclude with a few thoughts and suggestions regarding Black Business, and I hope my Black List inspires you to agree that February’s Black History fanfare is much needed, appreciated, and DESERVED.
“Black Communities flourishing in the 1920, a generation after slavery”
“The History the Slaveholders Wanted Us to Forget”
“How Black Money is Converted into White Money”
“Here Are 11 Trump-Supporting Companies You Need to Boycott”
“Black Farmers to Buy from Instead of Whole Foods”
“17 Amazing Subscription Boxes for Women of Color”
A Blakward Perspective... 