Posts tagged with "petition"

Resilience in the Face of Injustice: Belinda Sutton’s Fight for Reparations

Belinda Sutton’s Fight for Reparations

Need to Know

Belinda Sutton, a West African woman captured and sold into slavery as a child, found herself enslaved by the Royall family in Massachusetts. After the American Revolution, the Royall family’s property was seized, and Sutton was freed. However, freedom didn’t equate to financial stability. 

Key Takeaway

In a bold move, Sutton petitioned the Massachusetts legislature for a pension from the Royall family’s estate. Her argument was compelling: she had spent years laboring for the family without compensation, and her efforts had directly contributed to their wealth.

Impact on American Culture and Society

Sutton’s petition was groundbreaking. It challenged the notion that enslaved people were not entitled to compensation for their forced labor. Despite facing numerous obstacles and having to renew her petition multiple times, Sutton’s persistence paid off. The legislature granted her a yearly pension, making her case the first known instance of a freed person receiving financial reparations for slavery in the United States.

The Ripple Effect

Sutton’s victory, while significant, didn’t lead to widespread reparations for formerly enslaved people. However, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the injustices of slavery and the ongoing fight for reparations. It highlights the fact that the effects of slavery are still felt today and that the fight for true equality and justice continues.

Additional Notes

  • Sutton’s story has inspired creative works, including Rita Dove’s poem “Belinda’s Petition.”
  • Her petition and the court’s ruling are preserved in the Massachusetts Archives Collection, providing valuable historical documentation.
  • Organizations like BlackPast and the Missed in History podcast continue to educate the public about Sutton’s life and her fight for justice.

Sutton’s story exemplifies the resilience and courage of enslaved people in several ways:

  • Boldness to Petition: Despite being recently freed and likely having limited resources and support, Sutton boldly petitioned the Massachusetts legislature for a pension. This action alone showcases her courage and determination to claim what she believed she was owed.
  • Challenging Injustice: Her petition directly challenged the systemic injustice of slavery and the notion that enslaved people were not entitled to compensation for their labor. This act required immense courage, as it defied the prevailing social and legal norms of the time.
  • Persistence Despite Obstacles: The fact that Sutton had to renew her petition multiple times before receiving payment demonstrates her persistence and refusal to give up, even in the face of likely opposition and bureaucratic obstacles.

Overall, Sutton’s story teaches us that enslaved people were not passive victims but individuals who actively sought justice and fought for their rights, even when the odds were stacked against them. Her resilience and courage in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration and a reminder of the strength and determination of those who struggled for freedom and equality. Belinda Sutton’s story is a testament to the resilience and courage of enslaved people who fought for their freedom and their rights. Her petition for reparations serves as an early and important chapter in the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. 

PETITION: Remove J. Edgar Hoover’s Name From FBI Building

Editor’s Note: please sign  and share our first change.org petition for deliberate social change in America ➡ http://chng.it/CxBCVrLd

J. Edgar Hoover is responsible for terrorizing Black people and countless civil rights activists. His reign of terror across America must be remembered and taught as part of the Critical Race Theory movement. The truth of his evil acts toward Black people must be brought to light in every classroom in America. The truth about his personal life must also be brought to light. He was a closeted gay man who targeted and terrorized the LGBTQ community. The tactics he employed to smear the names of so many, including MLK and Malcolm X must never be forgotten. J. Edgar Hoover was an American made monster. And yet, his name remains a shameful stain and hurtful reminder of America’s relentless racism on the FBI building in Washington, DC. It’s time to rename the FBI Headquarters to reflect the future all Americans deserve.

BHM: Holistic Health And Wellness In The Black Community

BY JEANETTE LENOIR

As we close the month of February marking Black history in America, it’s important to reflect on our collective journey since the Diaspora out of Africa. And the stories that highlight our diverse experience as Black folks, like Anansi folktales, continue to shape our culture and humanity. The anthem, “I’m Black and I’m proud” takes on a whole new meaning when put in proper perspective these days. Our ancient life lessons are evident in countless modern stories, including that of Nathanial “Nate” Mines, a holistic health guru, retired firefighter and owner of Dynamic Health & Wellness in Washington, DC.

Nate, as most people affectionately call him, for years has advocated a return to nature and holistic living, especially for Black people. “Natural living is what I advocate for my people,” he said during our interview at his H St. NE location. And his holistic health and wellness business is growing, especially amongst his target audience: Black folks. And it’s a welcome sign Nate says, especially when data continually show African Americans have the greatest need for improvement when it comes to their health. And long-standing social factors—racism, poverty, education, housing, access to healthy foods, environmental exposures, violence, criminal justice—are still the main determinants of these health disparities.

Nate says our salvation lies in nature. And when we can’t access nature, supplements, exercise and healthy eating can make a difference. He says the holistic supplements, oils, herbs and books he carries have personally changed his life and he works to share the blessings of nature and holistic living and healing with others. “Everyone has a calling and this is mine.” Nate and his grandsons are planning to open another store in Atlanta and they’re in the middle of planning a Grand Opening in the coming days for the newest Dynamic Health & Wellness in Waldorf, MD. In addition to his herbs, oils and supplements, Nate leads a weekly Chess Club with fellow instructor, Vaughn Bennett. The two advocate teaching Chess to Black youths as a way to overcome structural racism and to break barriers. Bennett recently started a petition in partnership with Change.org to help end systemic racism in Chess.

To learn more about the petition click HERE.

Here’s my conversation with the wise holistic health guru, Nate Mines: