The Black Dude Dies First
Whoever told the stories shaped the histories.44 total reviews
Comment from Walu Feral
G'day mate. Bravo! You must know how a story such as this would go straight to my heart.
What a brilliant yarna dn written in your majestic style which I always enjoy so much. So many great black people, both here in Oz and there in the US, still don't get the credit and recognition they deserve. I could go on about it forever but I won't.
All I can say is that you have the winner here in this contest buddy. Good luck and thanks for the entertaining history lesson. Well done.
Cheers Fez
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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G'day mate. Bravo! You must know how a story such as this would go straight to my heart.
What a brilliant yarna dn written in your majestic style which I always enjoy so much. So many great black people, both here in Oz and there in the US, still don't get the credit and recognition they deserve. I could go on about it forever but I won't.
All I can say is that you have the winner here in this contest buddy. Good luck and thanks for the entertaining history lesson. Well done.
Cheers Fez
Comment Written 09-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Oh, thank you, Fez, for your generous, six star review and your contest well wishes. I thank my mother for this story and my audience. Three weeks ago, I began telling this story before audiences even though I did not know where the story was going to go. Audience feedback pointed to my mother as an empathetic character. I then began to remember and revise my story by acknowledging the role she played in making the Black History Week program happen. She would be quite cheered.
Here is the YouTube video of my performance last Saturday. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/_cJAUCv57po
Thanks again.
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Thanks very much for that. I'll watch it tonight if my internet works and let you know.
Comment from frogbook
This was a well written and compelling story of a time in your life that was pivotal. Well enjoyed and thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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This was a well written and compelling story of a time in your life that was pivotal. Well enjoyed and thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Oh, thank you, frogbook, for your generous review and stars. Yes, this was a pivotal time in my life. Thanks again.
Comment from Serendipity!
This is terrific! Not only is it a well written piece, but I applaud you, your mother and your siblings for your courage. Keep on pushing the boundaries that want to hem the blacks in. (I wanted to say 'us' but couldn't honestly. And just remember the pen is mightier than the sword.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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This is terrific! Not only is it a well written piece, but I applaud you, your mother and your siblings for your courage. Keep on pushing the boundaries that want to hem the blacks in. (I wanted to say 'us' but couldn't honestly. And just remember the pen is mightier than the sword.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Yes, Serendipity! I am so proud of my mother who is only with me now in spirit. When I performed this story at a workshop a week ago, people doubted that a woman could pull off three shows, but then I took a look at my mother's resume and was stunned that at the same time of the Crispus Attucks/Benjamin Banneker plays, she was writing the African American curriculum, conducting black culture workshops, and recommending multicultural books to the school districts. I did not mention that she also performed poetry and stories in school, and had worked as a seamstress for Hollywood films and for college plays. She was the best qualified person to put on a Black History Week production. How could principle Mr. Sands say no to such a formidable woman who is working in the school district to change it? I am glad that I finally gave my mother the recognition she deserved. Thank you for your review.
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I've often been impressed with how strong a black woman's love is for her children, as if they have a natural trait, gene? that is more predominant in their race.
Comment from Robert Louis Fox
This is a very good biographical anecdote. Nice that you also have the picture. Good looking kid. Feels important to me that we all be reminded how subtle the biases can be. I know for myself I must fight being annoyed by sub-cultural nuances I don't comprehend.
I'm working on an historical-fiction project where the main character is a black man. He was a real person, a flawed man that discovered the true purpose of the Bounty's voyage to Tahiti in the late 18th century. At that time the mission was presented to the public as a purely scientific expedition. I've wondered more than once if a white dude can do the character justice.
Good writing can make a difference in people's lives. You have done this. At least for me I shall remember the observation that the black dude dies first; it is morally (and perhaps criminally) ironic in a society having any true aspiration for equality. We can only hope that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are works in progress created by folks able to inspire a better world than they could live up to.
Keep up the great story telling. Best regards, BobFox
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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This is a very good biographical anecdote. Nice that you also have the picture. Good looking kid. Feels important to me that we all be reminded how subtle the biases can be. I know for myself I must fight being annoyed by sub-cultural nuances I don't comprehend.
I'm working on an historical-fiction project where the main character is a black man. He was a real person, a flawed man that discovered the true purpose of the Bounty's voyage to Tahiti in the late 18th century. At that time the mission was presented to the public as a purely scientific expedition. I've wondered more than once if a white dude can do the character justice.
Good writing can make a difference in people's lives. You have done this. At least for me I shall remember the observation that the black dude dies first; it is morally (and perhaps criminally) ironic in a society having any true aspiration for equality. We can only hope that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are works in progress created by folks able to inspire a better world than they could live up to.
Keep up the great story telling. Best regards, BobFox
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Oh, thank you, BobFox. Your review and encouragement cheers me. I wish you success on your historical-fiction, too. The perspective will change based upon the race of your character. Best regards.
Comment from Loren (7)
Beautifully told and I liked (appreciated) the candor of the author's notes that followed the story. It gave authenticity to your words. Truth really needs no flamboyance or overtures. I's beauty lies in its unbreakable tenacity. Loved the line "high as the listening sky." What a wonderful phrase! Loren
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Beautifully told and I liked (appreciated) the candor of the author's notes that followed the story. It gave authenticity to your words. Truth really needs no flamboyance or overtures. I's beauty lies in its unbreakable tenacity. Loved the line "high as the listening sky." What a wonderful phrase! Loren
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Yes, Loren (7), that line "high as the listening skies" is from the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by James Weldon Johnson. The opening verse is:
"Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise,
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea."
We had concluded our Black History Week program by singing this song.
I am glad you appreciate the "unbreakable tenacity" of my story. Thank you for your generous, six star review.
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
First, oh, my, gosh, is this a true story? Was this really you??? I am so impressed and delighted. I am a high school teacher, who once taught in an inner city Dallas High school where we had Black History months, and then one week where everyone, including the white teachers and kids would wear African attire. I loved it, and was even invited to be a part of an assembly as a model for one of the costumes. I've never been at a school like it, and loved being a part of the history.
Good for you and your mother!
Rhonda
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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First, oh, my, gosh, is this a true story? Was this really you??? I am so impressed and delighted. I am a high school teacher, who once taught in an inner city Dallas High school where we had Black History months, and then one week where everyone, including the white teachers and kids would wear African attire. I loved it, and was even invited to be a part of an assembly as a model for one of the costumes. I've never been at a school like it, and loved being a part of the history.
Good for you and your mother!
Rhonda
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Yes, Rhonda, this is a true story and this is really me. My mother would be so cheered that you acknowledged her accomplishments. Thank you for your review.
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I am so charmed and inspired by your lovely story!
Comment from humpwhistle
Ah, the irony. Poor Crispus Attucks. One has to wonder if the redcoats singled him out to be the first. It's entirely possible. Maybe they thought they could send a message without going 'all the way'. I'm being facetious, of course.
If I didn't live 3,000 miles away, I'd come out to see you perform.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Ah, the irony. Poor Crispus Attucks. One has to wonder if the redcoats singled him out to be the first. It's entirely possible. Maybe they thought they could send a message without going 'all the way'. I'm being facetious, of course.
If I didn't live 3,000 miles away, I'd come out to see you perform.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Yes, Lee, based upon what I know about the Boston Massacre, the Redcoats singled him out first. Crispus Attucks stood six feet and two inches and led the march. While the history books state that the eight Redcoats shot randomly into the crowd, Attucks was shot twice in the chest by two different soldiers. That is pretty accurate shooting for "random."
For you 3,000 miles away, here is my YouTube video of my performance last Saturday: https://youtu.be/_cJAUCv57po
Thank you for you generous, six star review.
Enjoy
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Great story. Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman. I can't get over how stupid the newspaper person who wrote that caption must have been. Got most of the facts wrong! LOL!
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Great story. Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman. I can't get over how stupid the newspaper person who wrote that caption must have been. Got most of the facts wrong! LOL!
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Ah, newspaper reporters. I still love them. Yes, Phyllis, my mother was a wonderful person. While I got my picture in the paper for the first time, she orchestrated the Black History Week event. Thank you for your review.
Comment from I am Cat
Oh Andre! I wish I had gotten to this earlier this morning with my last six! This is fantastic and the best piece I've seen for this contest! So far, this is my very favorite! I know I don't get to vote, but wow. What a memory! And you are the cutest little guy EVER! Wow... The more I learn about Jessie, the more I like her! ;)
and your sister's name is Joi? For joie de vivre? The enjoyment of life? ;) I bet that's exactly what Jessie was thinking when she named her that. What a poet she was. ;)
Well done Andre and great luck in this contest... a virtual six for me hon... I loved it!
Cat
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Oh Andre! I wish I had gotten to this earlier this morning with my last six! This is fantastic and the best piece I've seen for this contest! So far, this is my very favorite! I know I don't get to vote, but wow. What a memory! And you are the cutest little guy EVER! Wow... The more I learn about Jessie, the more I like her! ;)
and your sister's name is Joi? For joie de vivre? The enjoyment of life? ;) I bet that's exactly what Jessie was thinking when she named her that. What a poet she was. ;)
Well done Andre and great luck in this contest... a virtual six for me hon... I loved it!
Cat
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Yes, Cat, my mother was quite a woman. I told and wrote a good string of stories about my father. I am grateful that I finally have a great story about my mother, as well. This story began to come together when I read the dreams she wrote in her diaries. Once I knew who she was, I can better remember and write the story.
Yes, my mother wanted to travel to France and become a fashion designer. She gave several of her children French names.
Thank you for your review and contest well wishes.
Comment from jlsavell
Hi Sis Cat, thank you ever so much for sharing such an uplifting story and of a loving determined Mother who understood more than the school administrators.. Bravo to you.. Jimi
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Hi Sis Cat, thank you ever so much for sharing such an uplifting story and of a loving determined Mother who understood more than the school administrators.. Bravo to you.. Jimi
Comment Written 07-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Yes, Jimi, I am astounded at the role my mother played in providing me and other children with positive images. Until I read her resume last week, I had not realized that her activities in the school district occurred at the same time as my story. Thank you for your generous, six star review.