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.
By 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 America 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 […]
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 schools basketball and football programs respectively. Basically 2miles from downtown, our office is also […]
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 a number of historic benchmarks to help present and future black citizens know where […]
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. Its 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 of before the ‘The […]
learn moreThe United States of America has always been a country club for those that have, while the rest of the people were fortunate enough to be the grounds keepers and live on the outer edges of the course. The forefathers of the constitution acknowledged the need for the mythical ‘pursuit of happiness,’ as a way […]
learn moreWhat is character? If you look up the actual definition via Merriam-Webster, 2a: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual. 2c: the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation. Now take a minute and think about what you believe to be […]
learn moreWell, it finally happened. A gay man came out as a basketball player. Wait, I’m sorry, a basketball player came out as a gay man. Amidst the growing climate change that is the Civil Rights Movement’s current struggle, Equality for Gays, Jason Collins’ coming out literally helped the conversation move from behind closed doors out […]
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