The Registry Blog is our commentary or opinions on African American heritage, history or culture. It is informative, challenging to some and fun to read and engaging.
Back in 2003, I watched a documentary on PBS called Race and the Power of Illusion. It brought back many memories of my life as a black man in America. It also dredged up many sensitive feelings I had and have regarding America’s major cog of racism; color. Growing up in the 20th-century civil rights […]
learn moreMany of my family members were raised in the Baptist Church. One of the reasons I attend services is to bond with a community that looks like me. Another is that for the most part, these fine people practice enough of the commandments in their lives that I feel that closeness we all seek. […]
learn moreIt is 2016 and in the contested racial relationship between black and white Americans, there are three basics for blacks that need to be reestablished in the 21st century. America is not in a post-civil rights era American civil rights bills and affirmative action from the last century serve as iconic accomplishments of the Dr. […]
learn moreBy their own choice, for almost eight years, the members of the Congressional Black Caucus existed in the shadow of the first black president. They praised President Barack Obama’s achievements while at the same time nudging him to do more for their constituents. African American’s supported Obama’s campaign and administration in 2008 and 2012. But […]
learn moreWhether coming from a successful black person, a role model, parent, or mentor we often hear the phrase, “I tell my children that they can be anything they want to be.” African Americans work hard, yet nearing 60 years after the 20th-century civil rights movement, our level of representation in many occupations lags severely behind […]
learn moreThe main office of African American Registry® is in Minneapolis, about 2 miles from US Bank Stadium where the Minnesota Vikings play professional football. 3 miles from the University of Minnesota campus, where Williams Arena and TCF Bank Stadium feature the school’s basketball and football programs respectively. 2miles from downtown, our office is also where […]
learn moreMy son who writes on this blog occasionally and I debate often on whether elders owe more to youth than the other way around in black America. We usually end up saying both could do more for the greater good of all. Today I’m offering him and youth in general an apology for the lack […]
learn moreTime and time again especially in the African American community we here elders in particular say the following. If you don’t know where you came from you’ll have difficulty knowing where you are going. Our forefathers in African America have placed several historic benchmarks to help present and future black citizens know where they came from. […]
learn moreAfrican American Registry existed before the first black president in America and I recall advice given to me by a very smart and successful black woman. It came during a video interview for our ‘Voices That Guide Us’ narratives. She admired our mission and intent. Especially our educational works being factually astute and blending oral […]
learn moreWhen my mother passed away I received many cards, phone calls of condolences from family and friends. One that still comes to mind 25 years later is that she was “My Oldest Friend.” She was not any more or less important to me than your mother was (is) to you but I bring her up […]
learn morePhrases like “It takes a village to raise a child” are often used as a metaphor for old school neighborhoods, how our black ancestors lived, and a romanticized past that many want back. In 2016, sometimes the village/community phrase feels like a cliché for African America. It’s not to say this can’t be done but […]
learn moreAs an educational consultant I visit middle and high schools often as well as college campuses too. My work features a curriculum reform service that prepares teachers to instruct with more cultural competence in all subjects and grades. In my travels and discussions I often hear dialogue from people from many cultures, countries, classes and […]
learn moreOften during Black History Month I hear many in my African American community say somthing like “see the white man gave us the shortest month of the year to celebrate too.” The reality is that Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of BHM selected February for two primary reasons. In 1926, as a people we […]
learn moreQuestion authority is more than a bumper sticker from the 1960’s. It is a statement that speaks to how anyone keeps themselves in check whether personal or business concerns are the subject. Regarding the racial landscape of team ownership in the NBA I find the current method of qualifying to own to be very sad […]
learn moreI recently took a trip to New York City for business and personal reasons. It had been about 7 years since my last trip there and, all I can remember is hurrying from place to place for work, unable to soak in all the energy that the city contains. This was off before the ‘The […]
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