“Seeking Clarity!”

I don’t mean to pry, but how do you seek clarity? If you are like my husband and daughter, many of you seek it by “sitting” on the toilet.

Hehehehehehehehehe.

Perhaps that’s TMI (too much information)!

Hehehehehehehehehe.

As for me, I yearn for the stillness of a quiet, darkened house surrounded with the rhythmic and melodic sounds of soothing jazz tantalizing my spirit as the aromatic smells of musk incense oozes sensually across each room while the silhouettes from my candles jinglingly dance in the foreshadow.

You, go girl!

Ummmmm. By this time, I am in a super mellow mood and on a “natural” high. According to my daughter, I am now in my “happy” place.

Sought my “happy” place with frequency lately as I encountered some folks whose “meters” had expired (translation: brain dead). Sought my “happy” place as I had to interact with folks who I would classify as bone fide “whack” jobs.

Sought my “happy” place as I interfaced with some folks who were, in my estimation, the reincarnation and manifestation of an ignoramus. Sought my “happy” place as I dealt with some folks who, from my perspective, could use an indefinite “vacation” in an asylum of their choosing due to their intellectual synapses.

Sought my “happy” place as I concluded that some folks are definitely suffering from a chemical imbalance or must have suffered from oxygen deprivation at birth which explains their disorder?

Then had an epiphany. God had a sense of humor when he was handing out assignments!

Hehehehehehehehehe.

Guess after posing this next question to you, might need to revisit my “happy” place once again.

Here’s the question: Black folks, what the hell is wrong with you?

As you know, there is an abundance of black history observances during the month of February. As my “living legend” and fellow columnist, Lucius Gantt, so aptly elaborated on last week, African-American history should be read, studied, and consumed each day of the year and should not be pigeon-holed and celebrated only within a 28 or 29-day cycle!

Nevertheless, since there is a preponderance of these activities during February, I whole heartedly attend and support their existence for fear that abstaining from them sends an erroneous message of disinterest and further strengthen the devil’s advocates’ justification in abolishing these cultural events. Furthermore, for majority of these struggling programs, activities, and venues, the month of February represents their “black Friday” and any proceeds that are generated during this time substantially becomes their financial life lines for the balance of the year thus decreasing the likelihood of their demise.

Therefore, I am of the mindset that regardless of “when” the observances take place, let’s just be hallelujah thankful that we can still celebrate their existence. Regardless of “when” the observances take place, let’s jump for joy that many of these black history venues are still “hobbling” along.

Regardless of “when” the observances take place, let’s just be eternally grateful that there are still a few enthusiastic griots toiling in the vineyard preserving our rich history and legacy.

Regardless of “when” the observances take place, let’s rejoice with jubilation because people of every hue can finally learn accurate facts regarding our awesome achievements, our countless contributions, our stellar significances, our miraculous milestones, and how we were able to survive such deep pain and overcome such horrific sufferings.

Regardless of “when” the observances take place, why not pause for a moment and holler to the world how fortunate you are to be able to live in a century where there is an influx of programs and information tailored to encourage, entertain, inspire, educate, stimulate, and enrich our minds because for soooooo many years and for soooooo many generations we were an invisible, discounted, overlooked, and a forgotten people!

So….

Sought my “happy” place after attending a “free” black history reading on renowned black novelist, Ernest J. Gaines,’ book entitled “A Lesson Before Dying.” During intermission, could not help but wonder and ponder: where are the damn black folks and why aren’t they supporting this superlative program? Thought that I was suffering from a severe case of hallucinations because I only saw a sea of white faces staring back at me.

Listen; do not misinterpret my last statement. I am proud that other races of people found it in their heart to support this award-winning National Endowment for the Arts program and perhaps other similar events.

In fact, to reiterate that point, I am reminded of an encounter that I had years ago. While at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, again I witnessed lots of whites visiting this museum. Out of curiosity, I asked a white soldier why he had an interest in visiting this black history museum. He quipped, “This is my history, too!”

His answer took my breath away!

Therefore, I refuse to “tiptoe” around as I discuss my “beef.”

What gnaws and grates my nerves is the fact that there was no “rhyme or reason” for this theater not to have been “packed to the rafters” with black folks! Price was not an impediment as the event was “free.” Weather was not an impediment as God ushered in a crystal, clear day. Venue was not an impediment as the theater was centrally located in town.

Food was not an impediment as “free” refreshments were served. Convenience was not an impediment as this program was offered on multiple days and at various times. Transportation was not an impediment as the venue was conveniently located on a bus line.

Finally, marketing was not an impediment as this event was well-publicized throughout multiple media outlets and from “word of mouth.”

So, again my people, what was the problem that prevented you from “rising to the occasion” and partaking in this or another soul-stirring cultural program? Why are you always an endangered species at plays, art and science museums, concerts, planetariums, Mount Rushmore, Sedona, Pike’s Peak, the Underground Railroad, and at other informative trips and excursions that broadens your child’s horizons and exposes them to the richness of America’s culture and even to our own? Why is it that frequently other races of people are enjoying and learning about the sites and sounds of our traditions while you are declared “missing in action?”

Duh! This is your damn history, too, so where in the hell are YOU?

Hmmmmm. Guess God had a sense of humor when he was handing out assignments to you, too!

The cornerstone of lifting the veil of ignorance, besides reading, is by stimulating our kids’ cultural growth. Get off of your “rusty dusty” and demonstrate some initiative by taking your child to organizations and programs which will enlarge their understanding and appreciation of their world and the world around them. You would be amazed at what level of conversation, interest, exploration, inquisitiveness, and motivation is stoked after a child has been introduced to the marvels of African American history!

Are you aware that there is a “black Cinderella?”

One of my proudest moments was the day my daughter passionately refuted her teacher’s assertion that there was not a “black Cinderella.” Enrolled in a predominantly white Christian school, my daughter’s teacher had admonished her for her “exaggerated” sense of humor (translation: lie). When Mantha would not relinquish the fact that there was indeed a “black Cinderella,” her teacher exclaimed sarcastically before the other students that Cinderella was white and white only!

Hmmmmm. Where is Jesse when I need him?

Hehehehehehehehehe.

Well, that episode and the teacher’s antics did not sit well with Mantha (she has my fighting spirit) and by the close of the day it appeared that she was hyperventilating as she excitedly asked permission to take one of her movies to school.

Being a probing mom, I inquired from Mantha why the sense of urgency. Upon hearing her story, I was “fired up” and ready to “take care of business,” too (laugh out loud)!

The net result of the story is that Mantha introduced the “black Cinderella” to nearly the entire school on the next day. Needless to say, the teacher “wet her pants” upon learning of her “Cinderella” error and for insinuating that my girl had lied. Ironically, that movie became a class “favorite” and was shown nearly a dozen times that school year!

For the record, Brandi portrays Cinderella, Whitney Houston portrays the Fairy God Mother, and Whoopi portrays the Queen.

Yes, world, there is a “black Cinderella,” as well as, a black cast of characters, too!

How was Mantha able to confidently defend herself at the tender age of 8-years old? It was because from the age of two, she has been constantly exposed to her black heritage through reading, traveling, and visiting noteworthy historical and cultural institutions.

Knowledge is power!

Well, the month is nearly over and my calendar is filled with other black history outings. However, I have a sinking feeling that there is a high probability that I will continue to encounter the same lackadaisical apathy, pathetic excuses, and mumbo jumbo from blacks as to why they are a “no show” at these heritage functions so why bother wasting my time burning incense, playing jazz, and watching the flicker from my candles hoping for the “clarity” that I so desperately requested.

Maybe I just should go “sit” on the damn toilet, too!