The conversation was the result of a discussion regarding the closing of an old school, to be replaced by a new school named after Jeanne Lucas, the first black woman elected to the NC State Senate. As is typical for Durham county politics, the past was thrown into the discussion, like ripping open an old wound, throwing salt in and reviving an infection that festered there long ago.
You'll find the conversation below, please feel free to add your observations in the comment section. I've shortened some of the posts, taken out paragraphs which were insignificant, and you'll find a [snip] where this has occurred.
Note: Every [snip] is a link to the original post/email so you can see the content that was snipped in an effort to shorten this page. If you find a broken link, please let me know by using the comment box.
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Friday, May 18, 2012 9:50 AM
Subject: New from the Rev-elution
The closing of the W. G. Pearson Magnet Middle School draws attention to Durham's battle with disparities
I keep praying that we will get past the growing pains of
school merger. After all that fighting,
and Bill Bell putting his political career on the chopping block, the deal was
made in 1992. It wasn’t easy convincing
the black community to surrender control of the predominantly black city school
system. White parents feared what would
come of the county school district once little black kids began attending their
schools.
[snip] There’s an interesting twist to all of this merger talk. Jeanne H. Lucas was the first African American female to serve as a state senator. Prior to that, she worked with the Durham City School System. The new school named in her honor is far away from the students she once taught. I wonder what she would think about the closing of W.G. Pearson?
[snip] There’s an interesting twist to all of this merger talk. Jeanne H. Lucas was the first African American female to serve as a state senator. Prior to that, she worked with the Durham City School System. The new school named in her honor is far away from the students she once taught. I wonder what she would think about the closing of W.G. Pearson?
From: christine@xxxx.com
Sent: Fri, 18 May 2012 22:52:35 -0700
Subject: re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Jeanne Lucas was a great woman. I met with her when I was working to get the Charter school bill passed back in 95' & 96'. I was fresh off Iowa farmland. My husband and I moved here in '94. In Durham, NC I became a stay at home mom with a 4 yr old daughter.
He
helped burn Atlanta, then marched with Sherman to the Sea, fought in
the battles of Jonesboro & Savannah. He was wounded in the head by
shrapnel from a bomb shell at Chickasaw Bayou and was shot through the
clothing at Vicksburg.
After Sherman reached the sea, the 4th Iowa Infantry Volunteers marched through South Carolina into North Carolina heading for a little farm called the Bennett Place in Durham station. But my great, great grandfather didn't make it all the way to Durham with his regiment. He went entered a hospital in Fayetteville on March 25, 1865. When he volunteered in '61 he weighed 180 lbs. Near death from disease, he weighed 85 lbs. when he reached Fayetteville. He suffered from disease for the rest of his life. This is my background. I'm white, a proud Yankee and a life long member of Abraham Lincoln's Grand Ol' Party.
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 9:32 AM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
From: Christine <christine@xxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Christine
Sent: Fri, 18 May 2012 22:52:35 -0700
Subject: re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Jeanne Lucas was a great woman. I met with her when I was working to get the Charter school bill passed back in 95' & 96'. I was fresh off Iowa farmland. My husband and I moved here in '94. In Durham, NC I became a stay at home mom with a 4 yr old daughter.
Iowa
public schools test scores consistently rank in the top 3, been that
way for decades. I moved to North Carolina and found out we have been
ranked in the bottom 3, for decades. (We were in 48th place in 96'). During the summer of '95 I
heard a statistic: 3/4 of all black male 5th graders had
flunked... statewide. In 2012, that group of 5th grade boys is today's marriage
pool for black women in NC.
Now mind you, I'm white and Republican. I
grew up in proud Yankee country. My great, great grandfather fought in the Civil War, enlisted 6 Jul. 1861 in Company D, 4th Iowa Infantry Volunteers. He fought in the
battles of Chickasaw Bayou; Arkansas Post; First and Second battles of
Jackson, Mississippi; Champion Hill; Siege of Vicksburg; Brandon,
Mississippi; Chattanooga; Mission Ridge.
 |
| 85 lb. soldier from the Civil War |
After Sherman reached the sea, the 4th Iowa Infantry Volunteers marched through South Carolina into North Carolina heading for a little farm called the Bennett Place in Durham station. But my great, great grandfather didn't make it all the way to Durham with his regiment. He went entered a hospital in Fayetteville on March 25, 1865. When he volunteered in '61 he weighed 180 lbs. Near death from disease, he weighed 85 lbs. when he reached Fayetteville. He suffered from disease for the rest of his life. This is my background. I'm white, a proud Yankee and a life long member of Abraham Lincoln's Grand Ol' Party.
When
I heard the statistic that 3/4 of all black 5th grade boys had flunked,
I asked myself... The black boys sit next to white boys, they hear the
same curriculum, listen to the same teachers... but the black ones are
flunking?
After living in Durham nearly 20
years now, I've found the answer to why 3/4 of all black 5th grade boys
flunk year after year after year. You would think that with our vastly
superior resources and the
level of education spending, which far exceeds every other
country in the civilized world, we
would outperform nearly everyone.
A more insightful explanation was once proffered by Jean
McLaughlin, president of Barry University who confided "The
public schools lack focus; instead of concentrating on education,
they dabble in social re-engineering". That assessment was
confirmed by the superintendent of the country's fourth largest
school district in Miami-Dade, Florida who said "Half our job
is education, and the other half is social work".
It
is my opinion that social re-engineering was the downfall for the black
student. Now hear me out before the steam clouds your vision, making
you unable to read the rest of what I'm about to say. Desegregation... I
understand the reason why it was done, don't need to be preached at,
thank you very much... but one of the side effects of desegregation was
the loss of 'community' or 'heritage' among black people.
When
I started Healthy Start Academy, no one could predict it would end up
an all black school. If you listened to the black democrats of that
era, charter schools were going to bring white flight crashing down on
public schools. HA! The opposite is what happened. It was black
flight! For 13 years, Healthy Start Academy has been an all black
school.
Remember, I'm a true blue, dyed in
the wool Yankee to the core. A white woman with the opposite view point
from Carl Kenney (no disrespect intended!). And as a Yankee living in
the south, I beg for the day when black folks get over the racial
divide, and start looking for those white people who DO work with black
people... DO respect black people... DO live shoulder to shoulder with
black people... and help carry the yoke of their neighbor, whether they
be black, white, Hispanic or Asian!
Puh-leeze get over the racial divide already? LIVE! CELEBRATE VICTORY!
Christine
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 9:32 AM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
It is certain that their are multiple
reasons behind the failure in public education. My point is a simple
one - that the merging of the school systems is a work in progress that
is hindered due to the implications of race and class divide. Your
argument is making the same contention. At issue, at the end of the
day, is how do we do better at solving the achievement gap? To deny the
feelings of those parents who, for whatever reason, feel not being
heard, obstructs progress toward a real solution. My point is not to
divide, but rather to move us forward in a way that benefits all
students, regardless of advantage or the assumption of having more.
Your argument seems to end on the same page as mine, that something
isn't working.
[snip]
So, what is the point here. That you're not racist due to your family past? That you knew Jeanne Lucas as a champion for Charter Schools? Both may be true, but both have to be held in a critical context. Lucas may have been a advocate for change with charters, but I seriously doudt that she would have supported what has happened with the NC charters school system. I knew her well enough to beleive she would have haulted this train. As to why black boys are flunking, I have insight on that as a black man who has grappled with being heard and respected within communities that fail to honor what that means. It's difficult for people to listen to what black men feel, but I bet you and others would be shocked if you were to take time to listen beyond the assumptions people make after crushing those numbers.
But, that's a discussion for another day.
But, that's a discussion for another day.
From: Christine <christine@xxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Thank
you for sharing your thoughts with me. Your thoughtful explanations of
the problems, which you've seen from first hand experience, match what
I've seen as an outside observer. Perhaps it's because I was on the
outside looking in that I'm able to view it from a different
perspective. Here are my thoughts on what you've shared with me...
You said "It is
certain that their are multiple reasons behind the failure in public
education. My point is a simple one - that the merging of the school
systems is a work in progress that is hindered due to the implications
of race and class divide."
Respectfully,
I don't agree progress is hindered due to race and class divide. I"ll
return to the premise that white males sit next to black males in the
same classroom. I sat with both in the classroom many times. What was the difference? Both races
have bright, intelligent minds. As they sit at their school desk, both
have the same opportunities and choices to listen/learn. Generally,
there is no difference between a black child and a white child, a rich
child and a poor child, with regard to having the ability to learn.
And
this is where I draw a line. A school's function is to educate.
Period. Inside the classroom, there is no implication of race and class
divide. A black child can learn math.
Period. Does his race halt him from learning math? Does being poor
halt his ability to learn? (One could insert an argument here such as
'if a child can't afford to eat breakfast, then yeah, being poor would
affect his ability to learn', but for the moment let me continue with
what I'm trying to say...) A school's function is to educate. It is
not an educator's job to solve social problems. In the 50's (correct me
if I'm wrong? I wasn't alive after all) social problems were outside
the schoolroom. Yes, they were segregated... but were they working?
Black families were solid back then, weren't they? Yes, they were
repressed, but beyond the racial/class divide, weren't black families
solid?
It was in the 60's social
problems outside the classroom were brought inside in an effort to solve
the racial/class divide. And education took a back seat
to the social problems. We've been attacking the public school system
for half a century, with demands that an educator solve social
problems. And that's not their job. An educator's job is to educate.
Period.
[snip]
Desegregation
did the job it was
supposed to do in one sense, racial inequality did disappear nationwide
(remember, I'm from the outside looking in) ... let desegregation
retire so educators can get back to the job of educating. Yeah, a
neighborhood school is going be segregated. Solve the segregation issue
OUTSIDE the classroom.
Christine
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 12:01 PM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 12:01 PM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
This is a
difficult riddle to solve. I offer that given the disparity between
black male achievement and that of other demographic groups, including
black females, there is something deeper at the core. The only
alternative would be to assert a cognitive difference between black
males and the rest of the population. Let's not go there.
Is
the difference stirred by race, poverty or something deeper. My point,
in the beginning of the last email, was to bear mention of the multiple
layers to this problem. It is true that schools aren't responsible for
fixing all that aisles society. I agree that it has been easy to blame
schools for all that pains us, and that simply isn't a proper assessment
of what is taking place within the schools.
What
I do know, as a black male who has raised black children, is there is a
difference in the psyche of black males that often goes unmentioned
within the context of education reform. I know what that feels like
first hand as one who was highly gifted, the product of a middle class
upbringing and enrolled in a school with an overwhelming white majority.
I've seen how the same impacted my son, who graduated from college
with the highest GPA in his department, who, despite his above average
intellect, finds it difficult to move past how he is viewed.
The
psychological damage is profound.
Until
we address how we think about black boys, honestly, none of this
matters. And that comes from a man fully aware of what it means to
stand on the other side of all that potential.
That's the issue no one wants to discuss
From: Christine <christine@xxxx.com>
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 12:04 PM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
From: Christine <christine@xxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 4:30 PM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
I need to correct one thing about the assumption I grew up privileged. I don't tell people this part about my past. We grew up extremely poor. My father was an abusive man, who beat the living tar out of me, the oldest. By the time I was 13, after a beating, he would lock me up in a room in our barn. The room used to store feed corn for the cattle. The feed corn was about a foot deep, rotting, infested with rats and spiders. There's more to describe but that's in the past.
June 4, 2012
How did I know Carl would take the bait and run with it? I knew he was fishing when he began his first post about racism being a possible cause for his lack of finding a job. Fish stories have a tendency to grow and grow, don't they?
I'd like to tell you a story of a hero. Webster's dictionary defines the word hero as a man or woman of distinguished valor or enterprise in dangers. This hero's name is Jim Regan. Friends called him Jimmy. He was born in Rockville Centre, N.Y., and grew up in Manhasset. By high school, he had become a top student, a gifted athlete and excelled in community efforts. He was named an all-American lacrosse player and all-state scholar for football and was given the Nassau County Sports Commission award for outstanding academic achievements, athletic achievements and service to the community.
Regan was recruited by Duke University and awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious school and join its lacrosse team.
Now, when you hear the words "Duke lacrosse team," you might have a negative reaction. Depending upon what you've heard or read, your negative reaction might come out of anger with District Attorney Mike Nifong for bringing charges against the Duke players without proof after a black female accused them of raping her.
The point is this: Racists jumped on this story, took the bait and ran with it. It was twisted into a story that would push their agenda. Jesse and Al chimed in on it. Carl chimed in on it. It was a smear job, plain and simple. From the get-go, the Duke players were called "spoiled" or "rich frat boys" or "racist and sexist." Nowhere did you read the truth about the Duke Lacrosse team.
Until now.
This story is about the strong character of one Duke lacrosse player Jim Regan. Unlike much of what has been alleged about Duke and its lacrosse team, this story is true.
Jimmy earned a bachelor's degree in economics, with a minor in business and marketing and was immediately offered a position with UBS, a financial services company. He was also offered a scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University's Law School.
Life, as they say, was looking good for Regan. He met the girl of his dreams. He had great options. He also had great dedication.
Instead
of accepting the job or the scholarship, Regan volunteered for military
service. He passed on going to officer candidate school and, instead,
entered the Army, focusing on becoming a Ranger.
Engaged to be married the following year, their plans ended February 9, 2007 when Jim Regan was killed after his vehicle was struck by an explosive in northern Iraq. Duke is honoring him. Lacrosse teammates joined family and friends in mourning him when he was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
There you have it folks.
The good news is that within the black community, it's only a small group that thinks the way Carl does. And this number is dwindling as each decade rolls by. The bad news? This small group of black folks makes a lot of racket. Their jobs depend on it. If racism goes away, they lose the only job they have. They stir the pot every chance they get.
Carl broadcasts his opinions through columns in the News & Observer, speaking engagements, blog space, any venue that will give him a voice. It couldn't possibly affect the way non-racists look at him, right? And certainly not prospective employers! Nope, it's not Carl's fault he can't get a job.
In Carl's world, 2 white women crossed the street. In his mind, they crossed the street to get away from him. They couldn't possibly be crossing to go into a restaurant or put money in the meter, etc. They had to be crossing because they are white and he is black.
I'd like to see Carl cross the street and ask those 2 white women why they crossed the street. It could be a new beginning for Carl. But no amount of cajoling, pleading, screaming, begging will deter Carl from being convinced he is not the problem... it's the white man who is Carl's problem.
This is Carl's fish story. He's enslaved himself, and nothing will deter him from staying enslaved. As long as Carl can blame his troubles on the white man it's not his fault. It's not his fault that he can't get a job, it must be racism! And the fish, as all fish stories go, grows bigger and bigger.
Yesterday it was the Duke Lacrosse team. Today it's little ol' me. Tomorrow, it will be another white person who will be used to feed the addiction of blaming others for their problems. The truth doesn't matter.
(I found Jimmy's life history on this page.http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jjregan.htm)
Carl's response to my blog entry "The truth doesn't matter":
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
To: joymicklewalker@xxxx.com; christine@xxxx.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 12:32 PM
Subject: RE: My blog has this response
Two points for you Christine.
To leave a comment, please use the comment box. Thank you!
Sent: Monday, May 21, 2012 12:04 PM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Carl,
It takes awhile for me to put thoughts to paper, thank you for allowing
me time to prepare a reply. I'd like to start by sharing my
perspective...
As
a teenager, Iowa was 98% white. I drove to church at a small
university town 10 minutes drive from where I lived in the country, I
was a member of that church for 17 years, until age 30. The church was
next to the university campus and it was at church where I met black and
Asian folks. Most of the black folks I met were from South Africa,
Nigeria, other countries, none had come from the south. I sat next to
them in choir, the pew and when I started a business at age 23, I hired
black college students, as well as white college students. I owned this
business for 10 years, until
I moved to Durham in 94'.
I
had fabulous experiences with all races as I grew up. I met unpleasant
people from time to time, as everyone does, but it wasn't their race
that caused them to be unpleasant people. They were simply jerks.
After moving to Durham, if I meet someone unpleasant, I see that it's
because they're a jerk, race has nothing to do with it.
Sometimes,
in my interactions with Durham people, it's been me that was the jerk.
Hey, it happens to all of us, we have our good moments and our bad
moments, right? Once at Costco, I got in line at the customer service
counter. A black woman was standing to the side, not in the line... how
was I to know she was 'in line' when she was clearly standing 8 feet to
the right of the line, I'm not a mind-reader.
That
black woman was the very first racist I had met in my life. She tore
into me up one side and down the other. "You think you can butt me out
of line "cause I'm black" and on and on she went. My response? I
busted out laughing! It was 1999, Healthy Start Academy had been open 2
years by then, my daughter had been the ONLY white child in the school
and I lived on a street that was entirely black. I ignored
the woman after a polite acknowledgement. I understood she felt the need to
control, which results in controlling the only thing she can...
redirecting a customer service line to go to the right instead of being
straight. She probably exerts her "control" driving slowly in the left
lane, etc. Folks like this need to be forgiven, not yelled at. If you
yell back at someone, they only see "white people are racists", instead
of "I'm a jerk trying to exert my power/control by (fill in the blank)
and
it's causing a problem"
So...
the long and the short of it, I look at the racism in Durham from a
truly 'outside' perspective. I don't participate in it, I'm naive when
it's right in front of my face. And when it finally does get my
attention, it slaps me in the face, reminding me it's there. Call me naive, ignorant, clueless, whatever you want... I don't see color when I'm talking to someone... truly.
I have to remind myself constantly to be careful of this naive way of
thinking. Just because I think that way, it doesn't mean the other
person I'm talking to does...
Now on to the discussion about the male psyche.
I've
volunteered may hours at Oak Grove elementary, was a teacher at Agape
Corner school, participated in multitudes of events while I was at
Healthy Start, and now I'm a master gardener working with all types of
races. In the 18 years that I've worked in various schools, not once
have I seen racism in the classroom. The teachers do not teach black
kids any differently than the white kids. "IF" someone were to do this,
I'm sure a multitude of people would call them out on it, and they'd be
vilified in the media.
If the male psyche
isn't being attacked in the classroom, then where is it happening? In
an earlier email I stated my belief that it starts in early childhood as
preschoolers, and by the time the boys reach 3rd grade it's anchored
to their soul. Read any test score statistic for 3rd graders in NC and
you see evidence the black male psyche is not doing well.
I
truly believe the boys get this damaged psyche from their home. In
this day and age, it's just not possible for this to be inflicted upon
them at preschool and elementary school. Think about it, they hear
their parents talk about what white folks do to them. They see the
NAACP on the news in Raleigh, broadcasting what white folks do to black
folks. It's a constant barrage from the time they comprehend what's
going on around them.
Allow me to go off
on a tangent... by looking at the Jewish community. The holocaust was
the most recent, and was equally as horrific as what happened to the
black race. However, the Jewish community is successful in all aspects
of life. I can't remember the last time I saw a
Jewish boy's photo on the news or in the section showing who was
arrested this week. Go to Germany and look at the race relations
there. Yes, they have museums. My parents walked the Dachau prison
camp where a dear family friend spent years as an American prisoner of
war. He served in the U.S. Army, was captured early on in the war. But
outside the museums... if you look at the Jewish community, THEY'RE
SUCCESSFUL!
Now... Back
to the 60's in America. The train was in motion. Nothing could stop
it. The racism HAD to stop, one way or another it had to end. The
momentum of this movement, once it began, didn't stop. Thank God. I
remember as a child, watching the news and grieving over what was going
on down south. It was a terrible, terrible time.
It's
been 50 years now... time to sit back and looked at the collateral
damage. As in war of any kind, there is always collateral damage.
Collateral damage was caused when social problems entered the
classroom. We've got to get education back to the number one focus.
Move the work of segregation/desegregation outside the classroom Move
the schools back to small, local neighborhood schools where "It takes a
village" can help raise these young men and you'll see the black psyche
begin to recover. Stop the bandwagon of "woe is me", "look what the
white man has done to me".
You must stop the train, it's time... it's long been time to stop the train.
Christine
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Good stuff Christine,
I
love that you are thinking about all of this. You raise interesting
points coming from one willing to move past the damage of our past. It
reminds me of a conversation I had with Rabbi John Friedman years ago.
We thought of showing two films to a group of youth - "Amistand" and
"Schindler's List". We then would ask how does one discuss a legacy of
pain without creating a sense of helplessness? You raise a few critical
questions that are deeply rooted in your position of privilege. I
don't mean that in a mean way, but as a way to draw attention to how
conversations related to race are often garnered from the perspective of
those who simply don't have to contend with race. It is easy to say
you don't worry about race when you don't have to deal with race. It's
optional.
That's
an important distinction due to the complex nature of race and racism.
An example is the woman you encountered in line that day. Trust me
when I say that is not an uncommon experience. I have often felt the
same way. It comes with being black. It happens so often that one is
left feeling minimized and overlooked. In your mind it was a mistake.
In her mind you didn't see her. She was invisible. Have you read the
book "Invisible Man"? Ralph Ellison dealt with the feelings stirred by
being overlooked. There's something deeper in your discussion about
what happened. It's the label you gave it. You called her a racist.
In doing that you minimized her based on your understanding of what was
happening. You placed it within the context of familiar space. She
was rude - not hurt, not sensitive due to other similar encounters, not
wrong for misunderstanding you, but a racist. That's a serious label.
You do know that many argue that racism, along with all other isms, is
given to those who can use the assumption of their claim to maintain
control over those they limit. What power did she have over you other
than to share her angst?
I
would assert that this is what liberal minded people do. So much of
the energy goes into proving a separation from the rest - I'm not like
the rest. Can you really say that when so much of what you bring is
based on the assumptions you make as one capable of not having to
contend with how it feels to walk in the shoes of those you claim to
support. Your life, it seems, is rooted in privilege denied those who
lack your hue. Your skin opens doors denied others. You don't have to
prove your worth beyond fulfilling the most basic of expectations. You
aren't judged for being white. You only have to prove that you aren't
insane. That is a significant difference that many fail to understand.
As
for black boys, there's a problem with what I call checking out. It
happens around the age of 11. Smart black boys give up once they
determine it doesn't pay off to work so hard when those judging them
can't see them beyond what they assume. It's the reason black men don't
teach. Why would they when the system was painful to endure? All of
that work is painful. That's the part missed in conversations about
race. It's not a problem with the system, its a deeper problem rooted
in the way we view black boys. Even when we think we are okay.
From: Christine <christine@xxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 4:30 PM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
I need to correct one thing about the assumption I grew up privileged. I don't tell people this part about my past. We grew up extremely poor. My father was an abusive man, who beat the living tar out of me, the oldest. By the time I was 13, after a beating, he would lock me up in a room in our barn. The room used to store feed corn for the cattle. The feed corn was about a foot deep, rotting, infested with rats and spiders. There's more to describe but that's in the past.
I
left home when I was 17, worked 4 days a week at Holiday Inn as a
dishwasher and those were the days I ate. They gave their employees 1
meal each day they worked. As you can imagine, I grew tired of not
having food to eat. I fell in "love" with an
alcoholic and married at 18. He broke my ribs once, and there were
many beatings....he left me for a woman he met in a bar. Thank God.
I
started counseling at age 20. For some reason, I thought I was screwed
up (smile). I received Christian counseling for the next 22 years. I
confronted my father at age 24.
Jesus
Christ saved my life. And when I say saved, I mean SAVED my life. I
attended bible college at age 25. I remarried a wonderful man I met at
church at age 29.
Sooo, I haven't been as
"privileged" as I lead people to believe today. Yes, I'm married to an
IBMr and we're wealthy (using the bible's standard of living). But I
don't deserve any of the glory, JESUS CHRIST put me where I am today.
HE owns everything I have today. I'd be dead and in a grave if it had
been left to me
without Christ in my life.
I
have deep, deep regard for ALL damaged people. I was one of them. I
am no longer damaged. I pulled myself out of my past, with Jesus Christ
as my guide. No, I didn't do it perfectly, I made plenty of mistakes
along the way, and it's not over till I'm in the grave, right? (smile)
I
took an intelligence test 4 months before the law was passed giving NC
charter schools. I found out I was in the 98% for intelligence. I had
NO IDEA I was anything but stupid. My father told me this all my life.
The teachers told me this, and I lived up to their expectations. I
graduated with a 1.42 grade average. When I got straight A's at bible
college, I thought it was because anyone can get straight A's at bible
college, what's so hard about learning the bible???
3
months after the intelligence test, I
heard the statistic that black boys had flunked, statewide. I was mad,
motivated and... the train started down the tracks for me.
2012,
I have a brain injury. Had a mild brain injury inflicted upon me as a
child by my father. The brain injury was made worse by an accident and I
can no longer work effectively in politics or schools.
So that's my
story, and I look forward to communicating with you further!
Christine
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 6:31 AM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 6:31 AM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
I've long maintained that the path to
true understanding is lodged in sitting face to face with a person you
don't know. You story helps shape a better view of who you are, and why
you cling to your views. That is the gift of communication. If forces
people out of their pockets. It reveals this strange thing about being
human - beneath it all, we all share more in comon than what seperates.
I
say that out of immense respect for your journey. In using the term
privilege I 'm not implying a material state. It is a term I use in
reference to the privileges afforded a person due to the construct of
race. Race, in and of itself, brings with it certain privileges. It
maintains an embalance on the playing field. Yes, it is possible for
people to overcome the grip of disadvantage; however, in holding
discussions regarding academic achievement, I view it critical to begin
with notions about rce. Very little of the social engagement deals with
how this impacts boys. Given the data before us, the only consistent
thing we have is the failure of those black boys. Why is that? Is it a
social condition? Is it cognitive? Is it a product of inculturation?
We
are left with race and how it impacts the male gender as the only piece
of evidence to formulate a position. Something is happening there. It
is deep. It is painful to witness, and it has to change.
None
of that minimizes the power of your journey. In fact it informs how we,
as a community, can alter this painful human condition. How you may
ask? because of your faith. You, like those boys in the class room,
suffered the ache of low self-esteem and brutal conditions caused by
others. You're making it, combined with how you made it, levels that
playing field. Although their journey will be different, it's the same
road. There are a few different stops along the way.
The
power of this conversation is we are on the same page. Sometimes it
may feel we are on a different chapter. It's impreative that we not be
seduced into thinking the load is too hard to carry. It's not. We both
have stories of God's grace and mercy, and yes, the world needs to hear
them. If not, they get lost by the faces and emotions. God gets lost as
we refuse to relate the rest of what it took to get to the other side
of that mountain.
Much love my friend. I say that with deep sincerity. Much love and respect.
From: Christine <christine@xxx.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 2:29 PM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 2:29 PM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
"Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed." ~ Unknown
Cut
open an apple. Count the seeds. Now cut open one of the seeds. How many
future apples do you think it contains? The only way to know is to
plant it, care for it, and patiently wait for them to arrive. Jesus
rocked the religious people of His day with the words, "For the entire
Law is fulfilled in keeping this one command, 'Love your neighbor as
yourself.'" Jesus counterbalanced the whole Mosaic Law, containing over
600 ordinances of do's and don'ts, with one simple command to love.*
Can
you imagine the incredible, limitless potential in this one command? If
everyone treated all people, good and bad, the way they would like to
be treated, imagine how many laws would be irrelevant in our country.*
If,
instead of dropping to the lowest common denominator of our neighbors,
we each personally raise the bar to where Jesus set it, at "love",
imagine how many trees of life would be planted, watered by streams of
living water, providing shade and fruit for the whole world to enjoy.
Keep reading...
I'd
like to go back to the woman I met at Costco. In an earlier email,
Carl empathized with the woman and said, "I have often felt [unseen]...
It comes with being black. It happens so often that one is left
feeling minimized and overlooked."
I explained how I made
allowances for the woman, I understood she felt the need to control her
surroundings, etc. But as I make additional allowances, because I'm
white, ... is this still love? If being a white person means I have to
make additional allowances for a rude person, merely because they're
black... then that isn't love. This is "enabling".
Let me
empathize with these feelings of yours...Going back to Iowa once
again... It was 98% white. There is no 'privilege' to being white
where I'm from. Back there you had whites and you had white trash.
That's it. I was white trash. Poor. As a poor, badly clothed, skinny
white kid attending a white church filled with parents whose kids
weren't, I often felt overlooked and minimized. I wasn't invited to
sleepovers, etc. The parents walked right by me, didn't say 'hey',
pulled their kids down the hall faster when I was there.... Sure, I
could feel sorry for myself, give myself a label, wear it on my sleeve
for the rest of my life, because I was beaten down by my parents,
ignored by society, etc etc etc. And then I could expect society to make
allowances for me because I have a damaged psyche... right?
Carl,
you said when you were talking about privilege, you didn't mean
monetary privilege. You were talking about the privilege of being
white. And I say no, I have 'privilege' because I earned it. I
overcame my past, it took about 10 years, but I didn't wallow in it, I
moved forward.
I have a unique privilege... I'm white, came from an
extremely poor background, without a cent from welfare. Welfare is
today's slavery. "Enabling". I didn't have a family to rely on. I
didn't have the government to rely on. I preach against welfare because I
never had it suck me into it's trap. I don't preach against welfare because I'm white and republican. When you're hungry and alone, with
no one to help, you have two choices. The streets or get a job. I
chose the job.
Today, I think of all the wasted minds, trapped in
welfare, and it sickens me, sickens me to the core. And I can 'love'
them til the end of time, but until I stop the enabling... it's really
not love, is it?
Christine
*author unknown
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 6:49 PM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 6:49 PM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
There is a massive difference between
understanding and enabling. Understanding the difference is critical in
this discussion. There is also a massive difference between overcoming
white poverty and getting past racism. One you can hide and move on
with no one knowing your past. The other follows you, and, when you
least expect it, will whack you in the face. With that being said
Christine, let me make a blunt observation. It's one that you may not
be able to understand; however, it's one that has to be made. It's
related to how your comments are heard It comes across as liberal
racism. It's the type of liberal rhetoric that hinders progress between
well intentioned folk like you, and people like me grappling to move
the nob in the right direction.
[snip]
The point is this, what does it mean to ally with a person? Does it mean invalidating their journey by pressing your own as proof that it ain't all that difficult in the good ole USA. In an earlier email I shared my own sad story of trying to make it in Durham. Despite my vast education and expeirnce, I consistently get overlooked for less qualified people. Why is that? Is it due to my outspoken ways? I consider that while watching others who share my ways receive calls for work. Have you considered what happens to a black man who speaks up and fights for the outcast? Consider those who fight as members of the PA. Look at where they work. Consider how much they make, and ask, what makes them so different from that Kenney guy? Some say, "he doesn't want a job," I've heard that. Really. Did I say that, or is that a conception based on the way they think about black people in general. The white peson who is outspoken is viewed in a different way.
I use that as an example, not as my personal pity moment. It's my way of reflecting on the covert ways difference is handled in public space. It happens without your knowing it takes place. These are things we can't talk about, because once we do we're viewed as radical. Today two white women walked across the street when they saw me coming. There were four yesterday. Today I wore a suit. A black one with a white shirt. I watched as they saw me coming. they paused before radiply running to the other side. he happens all the time. Consider how that makes me feel. They fear me. Can you say that? Is that part of the DNA you carry? If not, you can't speak to the build up of having to contend with all that fear.
He's hard to work with. He's hostile. He, he, he..there's a long list. Or, he's too well-known. We can't take all of that attention. Really? that normally is reason for being viewed in a positive way. What's the difference. Black men have to fuction in an acceptable way. he has to prove he fits. Is that true of everyone? Really? Be honest with yourself. Is the character of a person construed in the same way as that of black men? Consider the tretment of Obama. Is that normal? Be honest. Can you really prove that we are walking on the same playing field? If not, there are assumptions that come with white privilege, and, sorry to say, it takes walking in that space to understand what that means.
With that being said, I'm not angry. I'm faithful. I keep waiting for people to get their head from out of the sand.
[snip]
The point is this, what does it mean to ally with a person? Does it mean invalidating their journey by pressing your own as proof that it ain't all that difficult in the good ole USA. In an earlier email I shared my own sad story of trying to make it in Durham. Despite my vast education and expeirnce, I consistently get overlooked for less qualified people. Why is that? Is it due to my outspoken ways? I consider that while watching others who share my ways receive calls for work. Have you considered what happens to a black man who speaks up and fights for the outcast? Consider those who fight as members of the PA. Look at where they work. Consider how much they make, and ask, what makes them so different from that Kenney guy? Some say, "he doesn't want a job," I've heard that. Really. Did I say that, or is that a conception based on the way they think about black people in general. The white peson who is outspoken is viewed in a different way.
I use that as an example, not as my personal pity moment. It's my way of reflecting on the covert ways difference is handled in public space. It happens without your knowing it takes place. These are things we can't talk about, because once we do we're viewed as radical. Today two white women walked across the street when they saw me coming. There were four yesterday. Today I wore a suit. A black one with a white shirt. I watched as they saw me coming. they paused before radiply running to the other side. he happens all the time. Consider how that makes me feel. They fear me. Can you say that? Is that part of the DNA you carry? If not, you can't speak to the build up of having to contend with all that fear.
He's hard to work with. He's hostile. He, he, he..there's a long list. Or, he's too well-known. We can't take all of that attention. Really? that normally is reason for being viewed in a positive way. What's the difference. Black men have to fuction in an acceptable way. he has to prove he fits. Is that true of everyone? Really? Be honest with yourself. Is the character of a person construed in the same way as that of black men? Consider the tretment of Obama. Is that normal? Be honest. Can you really prove that we are walking on the same playing field? If not, there are assumptions that come with white privilege, and, sorry to say, it takes walking in that space to understand what that means.
With that being said, I'm not angry. I'm faithful. I keep waiting for people to get their head from out of the sand.
Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 20:54:08 -0700
From: christine@xxxx.com
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
And I ask you, Carl, how many white people did not cross the street today?
How many white people will it take not crossing the street to lift you up? If it were me, I'd not only lift you up, I'd carry you until you could walk beside me. But this you ignore, to focus on the 2...
Christine
How many white people will it take not crossing the street to lift you up? If it were me, I'd not only lift you up, I'd carry you until you could walk beside me. But this you ignore, to focus on the 2...
Christine
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 9:07 AM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 9:07 AM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
You're
missing the point. My focus is in helping people understand, not that
women cross the street when I approach. I understand why they cross.
It's fear. My work is about helping people look past all that fear and
hate. Can you hear that? Are you incapable of hearing how race plays
games with those operating with good intentions? My hope was in helping
you see the difference between white poverty and race. One you can
remove, the other remains. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, you
never know when it shows up to remind you it's still there. What is the
root of your deep angst? Why is it so hard for people to talk about
race? Is it too painful to allow a person to share a perspective that
exposes more than you are willing to accept?
From: Christine <christine@xxx.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:01 PM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:01 PM
Subject: Re: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
But
you're missing 'my' point. You're focusing on the fear in a tiny few
number of white people. I understand that you want to help them with
their fear. And believe me, I want to help them with their fear too,
and have tried! You can preach to the choir till the cows come home. But those tiny few number of white folks still fearing you aren't listening. You
can repeat this message a thousand times.... and who is sitting behind
you? Listening to every word you say? Hearing it over and over again?
Little boys. Little boys who want to be just like you because that's
what little boys do. They want to be just like those they admire.
You
preach to the choir. Wanting desperately to help
those tiny few number of white people stop fearing. Do you mention the
vast multitude of white people that don't fear you? Do you even see us
out there? My grandfather fought, spilled his blood, and abandoned his
family for years of his life FOR YOU. There were white people fighting
for YOU during the civil war, civil rights, school merger and little
ol' me from podunk Iowa started fighting for YOU when I got here.
Please,
please hear me when I say those walking beside you are more than weary
of hearing this sermon you are bound to. You are.... BOUND .... to.
Oh,
you're being heard! Yes, you're being heard. The white folks walking
beside you are hearing, over and over again... and so are the little
boys. And the little boys learn it in preschool, elementary and by the
time they're in 3rd grade it's
anchored to their soul.
You
said in an earlier email, something about white people telling you
they're tired of this story and they wish you'd get over it already.
(memory is a problem for me, remember?) Yeah... I've been walking
next to y'all for 18 years and it's getting hard to put up with being
ignored and overlooked, as you look for those 2 white people who crossed
the street. Mighty tired of hearing this over and over and over
again. And mighty tired of trying to repair the damaged psyche in the
boys who sit in my classes.. knowing they'll go home and hear the same
ugly story all over again.
And I ask again... how many white people will it take not crossing the street?
Christine
Date: Thu, 24 May 2012 10:43:22 -0700
From: christine@xxxx.com
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
From: christine@xxxx.com
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Someone wrote privately, and it reminded me of what happens when you disturb deep roots.
I
wrote about my painful past, in hopes that you'd see how hard I've
worked to dig up bitter roots. Deeply painful roots. And when you
start trying to dig up those roots, it hurts like hell. Walking the
road of life sure is easier if you just leave the roots alone! The
thing about roots though, is they affect what's going on above ground.
Bitter roots don't let you look so nice.
Racism
has deep, deep roots. As a white person trying to disturb those
roots... I probably look like a racist, right? Anyone coming along to
dig up those roots is going to look like a racist
to the black person, and a nutcase to the few white people who think
you're nuts trying to bring a black person into the mix.
I hope you see that I'm trying to disturb the roots, and bring them up to heal the bitterness.
Christine
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:55 PM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 1:55 PM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
No,
I do not see you as a racist. I see you as one doing the right thing -
trying to move past all these divides. Your story is deep and painful,
and, like mine, is both hard to tell and hard to hear. There are
layers to mine that I've not told. The same applies over there with you.
With that being said, we must vow to ally with one another. Finding
advocates isn't easy work. Part of it takes standing with folks as they
dig. When we dig, and we both have been doing that, you often don't
know what you're digging for. Sometimes it feels like I'm digging with
my hands because someone took my shovel.
My
apology to you. I failed to share that I hear your pain. Black folks
do that sometimes. We have
difficulty hearing white people talk about pain because we wear ours
like a badge. Some call it street credibility. All call it victimhood.
All of us have suffered my friend, and when we find stories like your
story, we must pause and notice the grace in that moment. Shucks, I'm
not sure what inspired you to make it through all of that, but I do know
I'm glad you did.
I'm also glad that you are with me as I walk to the other side of the street.
At this point, I waited a week for Carl to reply to my question "How many white people will it take not crossing the street for you to jump off the race bandwagon?" I re-sent the email, to remind him the question was still hanging out there. And this was his reply...
From:
Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>;
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Fri, Jun 1, 2012 6:31:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Fri, Jun 1, 2012 6:31:21 PM
This's
my may be hard for you to hear, but since you asked the question, there
will NEVER be enough white people crossing the street. Too much damage
has been done, and, no matter how many walk with me, there are ten for
every one working against me. That's my truth. [snip]
|
Another list-serve member asked if we could turn the focus to solutions... and Carl sent the following email in reply:
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2012 8:46 PM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
Sent: Saturday, June 2, 2012 8:46 PM
Subject: RE: New from the Rev-elution - Jeanne Lucas
[snip] What
has been stated is the need for deeper conversations related to what it
means to walk with ones skin. What is often lost in conversations
related to all forms of oppression is how assumptions of all forms of
power and privilege impact the way these types of talks are shaped.
This is a good example of how that happens. Never has it been implied
that there is racism in the room. What has been discussed is how ones
race either opens or closes doors, and how those who, like so many on
this site, have reaped the benefit of their own race. That happens when
those from oppressed communities are left out due to how they were able
to take advantage of opportunity for no other reason than for being a
part of the privileged community. I call this "the assumption of
privilege".
[snip]
I've tried to share my own struggles with living in Durham. My point is this folks, if a black man with all I have to bring to the table can't make it in Durham, what does that say about others with less education and experience? Is my own struggle due to race. More than likely it's deeper than that, but, nonetheless, I'm part of that community. What can be said about that?
Nothing other than a educated black man with a social agenda can't make it in Durham. That's why I'll soon pack my bags. The sad part is no one has listened, and the story I share will be taken to a town more willing to do more than talk the proverbial talk.
That's why folks like me are leaving Durham.
(emphasis added to draw attention)
[snip]
I've tried to share my own struggles with living in Durham. My point is this folks, if a black man with all I have to bring to the table can't make it in Durham, what does that say about others with less education and experience? Is my own struggle due to race. More than likely it's deeper than that, but, nonetheless, I'm part of that community. What can be said about that?
Nothing other than a educated black man with a social agenda can't make it in Durham. That's why I'll soon pack my bags. The sad part is no one has listened, and the story I share will be taken to a town more willing to do more than talk the proverbial talk.
That's why folks like me are leaving Durham.
(emphasis added to draw attention)
From: Christine <christine@xxxx.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 3, 2012 6:13 PM
Subject: Re: A perfect storm, Carl Kenney
Sent: Sunday, June 3, 2012 6:13 PM
Subject: Re: A perfect storm, Carl Kenney
Carl said, "I've
tried to share my own struggles with living in Durham. My point is
this folks, if a black man with all I have to bring to the table can't
make it in Durham, what does that say about others with less education
and experience? Is my own struggle due to race. More than likely it's
deeper than that, but, nonetheless, I'm part of that community. What
can be said about
that? Nothing other than a educated black man with a social agenda can't make it in Durham."
(emphasis is mine)
You nailed it, Carl. You have a social agenda. It's the elephant on your back that takes over the room when you're applying for the job. (The following is said with love, like a sister hollering at her brother) You choose to wear your hair in dredlocks, "daring" white folks to accept the way you look. You fly in the face of logic and common sense, and then use the "racism" defense for why you can't get a job. You're a mess Carl, and I'd like nothing better than to give you a hair cut, a swift kick in the butt, and say "quit whining!" I've met too many successful black men in my lifetime to buy what you're sellin'.
You nailed it, Carl. You have a social agenda. It's the elephant on your back that takes over the room when you're applying for the job. (The following is said with love, like a sister hollering at her brother) You choose to wear your hair in dredlocks, "daring" white folks to accept the way you look. You fly in the face of logic and common sense, and then use the "racism" defense for why you can't get a job. You're a mess Carl, and I'd like nothing better than to give you a hair cut, a swift kick in the butt, and say "quit whining!" I've met too many successful black men in my lifetime to buy what you're sellin'.
I
waited a whole week before pressing you for an answer to the question I
asked "how many white people not crossing the street will it take?" I
waited so I could ask 3 friends of mine, all black males (a doctor at
Duke, an accountant and an electrical engineer) to give feedback on your
emails over the last couple weeks. Each one said, and I'm
paraphrasing, "He's spinning his wheels, that's all he'd doing. He's
stuck like a broken record." The doctor at Duke said it the best when
he told me Condaleeza Rice's quote....
“If you are taught bitterness
and anger, then you will believe you are a victim." ~ Condaleeza Rice
Carl,
I hope you'll get all you dreamed and more, as you move to a new
location. I really hope you'll find the success you long for.
So there you have it. It's a waste of time trying to heal the problem. Carl will always rant over racism because one or two jerks remind him he's black. Forget 100 other white folks he passes by... it's 1 or 2 white folks causing him misery.
Truth doesn't matter
June 4, 2012How did I know Carl would take the bait and run with it? I knew he was fishing when he began his first post about racism being a possible cause for his lack of finding a job. Fish stories have a tendency to grow and grow, don't they?
I'd like to tell you a story of a hero. Webster's dictionary defines the word hero as a man or woman of distinguished valor or enterprise in dangers. This hero's name is Jim Regan. Friends called him Jimmy. He was born in Rockville Centre, N.Y., and grew up in Manhasset. By high school, he had become a top student, a gifted athlete and excelled in community efforts. He was named an all-American lacrosse player and all-state scholar for football and was given the Nassau County Sports Commission award for outstanding academic achievements, athletic achievements and service to the community.
Regan was recruited by Duke University and awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious school and join its lacrosse team.
Now, when you hear the words "Duke lacrosse team," you might have a negative reaction. Depending upon what you've heard or read, your negative reaction might come out of anger with District Attorney Mike Nifong for bringing charges against the Duke players without proof after a black female accused them of raping her.
The point is this: Racists jumped on this story, took the bait and ran with it. It was twisted into a story that would push their agenda. Jesse and Al chimed in on it. Carl chimed in on it. It was a smear job, plain and simple. From the get-go, the Duke players were called "spoiled" or "rich frat boys" or "racist and sexist." Nowhere did you read the truth about the Duke Lacrosse team.
Until now.
This story is about the strong character of one Duke lacrosse player Jim Regan. Unlike much of what has been alleged about Duke and its lacrosse team, this story is true.
Jimmy earned a bachelor's degree in economics, with a minor in business and marketing and was immediately offered a position with UBS, a financial services company. He was also offered a scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University's Law School.
Life, as they say, was looking good for Regan. He met the girl of his dreams. He had great options. He also had great dedication.
Instead
of accepting the job or the scholarship, Regan volunteered for military
service. He passed on going to officer candidate school and, instead,
entered the Army, focusing on becoming a Ranger. Engaged to be married the following year, their plans ended February 9, 2007 when Jim Regan was killed after his vehicle was struck by an explosive in northern Iraq. Duke is honoring him. Lacrosse teammates joined family and friends in mourning him when he was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
Where were Jesse and Al? Did Carl send a card?
Jim Regan fought and gave his life so we can continue living in freedom. Jim Regan is just one white man. White men, numbering in the millions, have fought for freedom, my great great grandfather comes to mind.
When the truth about Crystal Mangum came out, they couldn't be bothered to hold another press conference. They ruined the lives of several families and they couldn't hold even one press conference to apologize to Duke, the Lacrosse team and all of America.
When asked how many white people not crossing the street would it take for him to get off the race bandwagon, Carl said, " This's my may be hard for you to hear, but since you asked the question, there will NEVER be enough white people..... Too much damage has been done, and, no matter how many walk with me, there are ten for every one working against me."
Jim Regan fought and gave his life so we can continue living in freedom. Jim Regan is just one white man. White men, numbering in the millions, have fought for freedom, my great great grandfather comes to mind.
When the truth about Crystal Mangum came out, they couldn't be bothered to hold another press conference. They ruined the lives of several families and they couldn't hold even one press conference to apologize to Duke, the Lacrosse team and all of America.
When asked how many white people not crossing the street would it take for him to get off the race bandwagon, Carl said, " This's my may be hard for you to hear, but since you asked the question, there will NEVER be enough white people..... Too much damage has been done, and, no matter how many walk with me, there are ten for every one working against me."
There you have it folks.
The good news is that within the black community, it's only a small group that thinks the way Carl does. And this number is dwindling as each decade rolls by. The bad news? This small group of black folks makes a lot of racket. Their jobs depend on it. If racism goes away, they lose the only job they have. They stir the pot every chance they get.
Carl broadcasts his opinions through columns in the News & Observer, speaking engagements, blog space, any venue that will give him a voice. It couldn't possibly affect the way non-racists look at him, right? And certainly not prospective employers! Nope, it's not Carl's fault he can't get a job.
In Carl's world, 2 white women crossed the street. In his mind, they crossed the street to get away from him. They couldn't possibly be crossing to go into a restaurant or put money in the meter, etc. They had to be crossing because they are white and he is black.
I'd like to see Carl cross the street and ask those 2 white women why they crossed the street. It could be a new beginning for Carl. But no amount of cajoling, pleading, screaming, begging will deter Carl from being convinced he is not the problem... it's the white man who is Carl's problem.
This is Carl's fish story. He's enslaved himself, and nothing will deter him from staying enslaved. As long as Carl can blame his troubles on the white man it's not his fault. It's not his fault that he can't get a job, it must be racism! And the fish, as all fish stories go, grows bigger and bigger.
Yesterday it was the Duke Lacrosse team. Today it's little ol' me. Tomorrow, it will be another white person who will be used to feed the addiction of blaming others for their problems. The truth doesn't matter.
(I found Jimmy's life history on this page.http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/jjregan.htm)
Added June 5, 2012 at 6:04pm
Carl's response to my blog entry "The truth doesn't matter":
From: Carl Kenney <revcwkii@xxxx.com>
To: joymicklewalker@xxxx.com; christine@xxxx.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 12:32 PM
Subject: RE: My blog has this response
This is my
last response to you. You don't deserve my time or attention. There
are more important things to do, and this is a waste of my time and
talent. With that being said, this is between the three of us. Don't
post it, and don't respond. I refuse to allow your words to impact my
spirit anymore. They are evil, misguided and based on a myriad of false
assumptions.
1.
You must not know how to read. I never asserted that racism is the
factor that keeps me from getting a job. I offered it as a possible
factor that deserves deeper reflection. I also asserted that there are
other possible explanation, one of which is how my personal decisions
and conduct impact my getting a job. I spoke of how my own journey can
serve as a jumping pointing regarding race. What you have done is to
take both my message and the intent of that message out of context. I
blame it on your inability to read past your own presuppositions.
2.
You mentioned the Duke case, but failed to mention my recent blog that
addresses the mistakes I made on that case. In doing so you have
minimized the discussion based on what happened (old news) and failed to
engage in a discussion on how race, class and gender inequity fueled
that story. I take exception to how you refused to honor the work I
have done to undo the madness that was.
My
conclusion is this. I refuse to play the game you play: name calling,
false assumptions, statements about failures all of which is based on
your assumptions - yes - rooted in your privilege. I refuse to call you
a mess, but one things is certain, you must not know how to read.
One
final point. You assume I'm a Democrat. I never stated my party
affiliation. I never have in public space. Another one of your
assumptions. You call liberal, but what does that mean, and how does it
show up? Both may be true, but you have offered labels based on
assumptions. That's something you should not do. It's at the core of
your problem
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