Today marks the end of Black History Month in the United States for 2020. James Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – December 1, 1987) It comes as a great shock to discover the country which is your birthplace and to which you owe your life and your identity has not in its …
Nelson Mandela On Something Special
Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 05, 2013) A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.
WEB Du Bois On Being The Problem
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (February 23, 1868 – August 27, 1963) It dawned upon me with a certain suddenness that I was different from the others—shut out from their world by a vast veil. For the world I longed for, and all its dazzling opportunities, were theirs, not mine. Why did God make me …
Gary Younge On Thriving Against Racism
Gary Younge (January 1969 -) With racism, cynicism and intolerance on the rise, wages stagnant and faith that progressive change is possible declining even as resistance grows. Things look bleak. The propensity to despair is strong, but should not be indulged. Sing yourself up. Imagine a world in which you might thrive, for which there …
Lorraine Vivian Hansberry On Depression
Lorraine Hansberry (May 19, 1930–January 12, 1965) It is curious how intellectual I have become about the whole thing… [about] what I apparently am. My unhappiness has become a steady, calm quiet sort of misery. It is always with me and when for a moment something or other stirs me from its immediate ravages (thank …
Barbara Hillary On Options
Barbara Hillary (June 12, 1931 – November 23, 2019) At every phase in your life, look at your options. Please, do not select boring ones.
Langston Hughes On April Rain Song
Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967) Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk. The rain makes running pools in the gutter. The rain plays a little sleep-song on …
