Posts tagged with "kkk"

Racist Text Messages and the Persistence of Racism in America: A Call for Continued Vigilance

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The Hill’s recent article on racist text messages circulating among some high school students in a Michigan town serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of racism in America. “In multiple states, including Alabama, North Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Black women, men, and students have reported receiving racist text messages from an unknown source, urging them to report to a plantation to pick cotton,” reads a statement from the NAACP. While the incident itself is disturbing, its historical context and implications for American culture are even more profound.

Historical Context

The racist language and sentiments expressed in these text messages are not new; they echo the hateful rhetoric that has plagued American society for centuries. From slavery and segregation to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, racism has been a deeply ingrained part of our nation’s history. While progress has been made, incidents like this underscore the fact that racism continues to fester beneath the surface.

Impact on American Culture

The impact of racism on American culture is pervasive. It has shaped our social, political, and economic institutions, creating deep-seated inequalities and divisions. The persistence of racism perpetuates stereotypes, fosters mistrust, and hinders our ability to achieve a truly inclusive society.

Takeaways and Lessons Learned

This incident serves as a wake-up call for all Americans. It reminds us that the fight against racism is far from over. We must remain vigilant in confronting racism in all its forms, whether it’s overt acts of discrimination or subtle biases that perpetuate inequality.

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson shared the following statement on the news of hateful, and racist text messages sent to individuals across the country:

“The unfortunate reality of electing a President who, historically has embraced, and at times encouraged hate, is unfolding before our eyes.  These messages represent an alarming increase in vile and abhorrent rhetoric from racist groups across the country, who now feel emboldened to spread hate and stoke the flames of fear that many of us are feeling after Tuesday’s election results.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – there is no place for hate in a democracy. The threat — and the mention of slavery in 2024 — is not only deeply disturbing, but perpetuates a legacy of evil that dates back to before the Jim Crow era, and now seeks to prevent Black Americans from enjoying the same freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.  

These actions are not normal. And we refuse to let them be normalized. The NAACP was founded in the spirit of liberation and progress, bringing otherized communities together to fight for a brighter tomorrow. That spirit lives on as we continue to fight for the safety, security, and prosperity of all people. Freedom is on the horizon, and we won’t be fear mongered out of the future we deserve.”

Key Takeaways:

  • Racism is a systemic issue: Addressing racism requires more than just individual actions; it necessitates systemic change.
  • Education is crucial: We must educate ourselves and future generations about the history of racism and its ongoing impact.
  • Open dialogue is essential: We need to foster open and honest conversations about race and racism to promote understanding and empathy.
  • Accountability matters: Those who perpetuate racism must be held accountable for their actions.

In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

The ideals of equality and justice are at the heart of the American experiment. However, the reality of racism continues to challenge these ideals. As we strive for a more perfect union, we must confront the legacy of racism and work tirelessly to create a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race.

The incident in Michigan and other states is a painful reminder of the work that remains to be done. However, it also presents an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. By learning from our past, engaging in honest dialogue, and taking concrete action, we can build a future that truly reflects the principles upon which our nation, not founded upon, but risen to. 

Harvard’s History Guided Resignation of First Black President

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The first Black president and the 30th president of Harvard, Dr. Claudine Gay began her office in July 2023. She will remain at Harvard as a tenured faculty member, and will be succeeded by interim president Alan Garber, the university’s provost and chief academic officer.

Here is the full resignation letter,  Harvard’s Office of the President.

Editors note: Contributing comment from Shannon Frison, Judge at Massachusetts Superior Court | U.S. Marine | Speaker | DEI Expert

“Harvard is my alma mater. In all my time and studies there, I never learned this part of the school’s history. When we say that the history of race in this country is not adequately taught, this is what we mean. When we say that history of atrocities is not that old, this is what we mean.

As reported by the Harvard Crimson itself:

J. Max Bond Jr. ’55 entered Harvard at the age of 16, (1 of 15 Black students in his class). As his freshman spring semester began, two other Harvard freshmen erected a wooden cross facing that corner of the Yard, formed by Stoughton and Holworthy Halls. And around midnight on Feb. 5, 1952, the students lit the cross on fire. The photo below shows Harvard KKK members proudly showing off their regalia on graduation day 1924.”

Here is another perspective from The Root, titled, Black People To Claudine Gay: ‘Why Didn’t You Consult Your Black Chat Group Before Making That Testimony’ Black people everywhere are wondering if Claudine Gay had Black friends to warn her from making that unforgivable testimony.

Claudine Gay received the call that ended her six-month tenure as Harvard University’s first Black president two days after Christmas while on vacation in Rome, per the New York Times. Gay’s congressional testimony about antisemitism on college campuses, along with plagiarism allegations, sparked mounting controversy. Harvard has denied that Gay committed any “research misconduct.”