Freedom Riders

I have been meaning to repost this from Tomboy Style. By the way Tomboy style is an awesome blog that celebrates women with tomboy style in fashion, music, history and much more. In honor of Black History Month I thought I would share this. Below are the mug shots from volunteer civil rights activist who rode the interstate buses into the segregated south in 1961. I love these mug shots of the freedom riders for a number of reasons. I love the diversity of women and their style. I also love how young they are, they must be the same age as I am now maybe younger. I also love that they all have a little smirk on their face in the mug shot, showing that although they are being arrested it was all worth it. These photos definitely inspired me to remember those who fought for the rights that we take for granted today. It also makes me wonder would I make the same risky but brave decision to fight for a better future for the next generation? 

We got SOUL!

The month of February marks Black History month in American society. Although Black History is AMERICAN history that should be celebrated all year round, I am happy that my people get some extra recognition during this month. (This morning in my head I rehearsed a speech about why Tracy Morgan's character on 30 Rock is nothing more than a Sambo Caricature, for no reason at all. I am not even joking.) However as a Pan African studies major, African American women and just an American I think it's really important to remember Black history to fully understand the history of this country and how that has affected the society we live in today. To start off this wonderful month in honor of Black History, the passing of Don Cornelius and SOUL TRAIN! I thought I would post some old school photos from Soul Train. Because lets be honest who didn't want to be on Soul Train. The music, the dances moves, the clothes and of coarse THE HAIR all show a time that has passed but should never be forgotten. 

via The Cotton Club

via The Chicagoist

Yes that is Sly from Sly & The Family Stone via WBEZ 91.5

via The Loose Book

via WBEZ 91.5

The Emotions perform, via krrq

The problem of the 21st century is the colorline

W.E.B Dubois stated in The Souls of Black Folk, which has begun to haunt my dreams. Since every class I take being a Pan African studies major, requires this book as a main text. But constantly everyday I feel like color seems to always creep back into my life. With Michael Jackson's death all over the news and on the Eve of his huge memorial at the Staples center.
The issue of color in Michael's life always comes into my mind. I guess since it wasn't until his death that it really registered to me that Michael was a black man. I know it sounds stupid but I never really thought about it. I just accepted that he was a man that was once black then became something else. Something that he found attractive. Not that Micheal's change in skin color made me effect how I saw him, I love him either way. Hearing stories about his life made me really think about his impact on the world. An incredibly talented man that was a victim of the American dream. Growing up poor his father hustled him( to put it nicely) him in singing and dancing about loving woman before he was 9, and ended become a icon for the world. Michael's father was the epitome of an abusive father, and its no wonder he had so many issues. People always say why did Michael do that too his skin, whatever the reason was. I feel deep down Michael Jackson wanted to remove himself from any connection he could have to his father, and if that meant changing his skin color he did it. In his head no matter how attractive he was as a black man, looking white was how he wanted to see himself. Which is the a very common ideal of beauty petite nose, white skin, blue eyes etc. That's how heavy and dark this relationship with black and white comes.
Michael Jackson's music was all about unity between black and white he didn't hate black people. All he wanted is for their to be a world where they could be together. He himself just didn't want to be black. As drastic as Michael's plastic surgery was in someway he obtained this cross over appeal, bridging the color line gap. Since he isn't only adored as a Black entertainer, but as one of the biggest entertainers in the world. I wonder if he didn't change his "look," would he have the same fame on an international scale or would it remain as a black entertainer, a question I can't answer. But I believe this makes him such an interestingly amazing person to look at as an influence on American culture. Especially today where our president is of mixed race, it has become more and more appreciated for their to be diversity more than ever. Especially today when biracial or being mixed race becomes more common its nearly impossible to tell what ethnicity a person is by their skin color. I have blood cousins who have huge blue eyes and blond hair who are black and white. It becoming more of the norm to be of mixed race, the days of black and white has become less recognized. Though color and race will always be an issue, one that greatly affected Michael's life.
Though Michael Jackson's impact on the world was through music, he brought different people together through a common love for his music. With his death I am interested to see how Michael will be remembered in years to come, as an historical figure. Since he is no matter black or white, he is an icon for the world.

"The Negro Speaks of Rivers"

I went on a little adventure today into sf, and visited the Museum of African Diaspora. I know I am such a good student doing school stuff on vacation ;) I got to see the "let Your motto be Resistance exhibit which had African American portraits. It was so amazing. The photography was a treat and it featured all of my favorite African American writers, activists, poets, musicians, singers, comedians, and more. I felt so smart I knew almost all the people in the photographs from Alain Locke, Amiri Baraka, to James Weldon Johnson. I am glad my expensive ass college tuition is coming to use finally! The entire exhibit is just inspiring. I remember growing up in high school we would spend exactly a week on Black history month and the text books would have a little tiny side notes about influential black people. Black history is truly inspiring and is the core of American history. Yet to this day it is still seen as separate. I thought I would share some photos of the famous black people I saw in the exhibit today.

OOoo Dorthy Dandridge is truly an idol of mine. A singer and actress she was the FIRST African American to be nominated for an Academy Award not to mention she is stunning!



ANGELA DAVIS!! An African American political activist and professor. She was a leading force in the civil rights movement involved in the Panthers and Student non violent activist. I have a Angela Davis t shirt and its totally boss.



All I have to say is I love Ray Charles.



I saw this picture and started chesin so hard. It reminds me of Michele and Barack so much, its a classic timeless love.



Langston one of my favorite poets. He was a brilliant man and continues to influence literature today. FUN FACT: His first job in Paris was as a bouncer!



I seriously love these two Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis are wonderful. Plus Do The Right Thing is one of my top movies of all time.



Last but never least Josephine Baker. J'adore Josephine! She is not only an amazing performer and dancer but she is an icon way before her time. Read a biography on her life she was doing stuff till the end!


(google images)

On a totally different note I did some shopping today got some really cute stuff. I will post about that later tho!