Sanitized History

            Sanitize definition: to make less offensive by eliminating anything unwholesome, objectionable, incriminating, etc.

We sanitize our history.  We erase all kinds of social, cultural, and economic conflict from it.  We run away, in a sense, from ourselves, from what we and our ancestors – whoever they are – created.  Indeed, this history is highly peculiar, for it avoids acknowledging the accompanying social inequalities that capitalism (and any other economic system, for that matter) creates as it remakes society according to its own rules and imagination.  The matter of privilege — and of white privilege in particular, given the majority-minority state in which we live today — is largely relegated to the dustbin of history.  The truth be told, the silences in our histories speak as much truth to power as the histories we publicly uphold.

We must strive to teach a plural people’s history for Texas students in the twenty-first century.  A recent study by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) contains in it past, current and future projections for the public and nonpublic high school graduates of Texas from 1991-2022. (1)   According to this study, Texas Latino high school graduates will be greater in number than Anglo high school graduates beginning with the 2010-2011 school year.  By May 2020, the date through which the current social studies curricular standards under discussion will presumably apply, Latino high school graduates in Texas will number an estimated 156,000 students.  By comparison, by the end of the current decade Anglo high school graduates will number 102,000.  That is, the statewide spring graduating classes in May 2020 will host 54,000 more Latino high school graduates than their Anglo counterparts.

https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/126436

            While I was looking for a reasonable explanation and plausible definition of “sanitizing history,” I came across this article. There’s more, but I excerpted the two paragraphs to help support what I’ve said in another article and what I’m about to say in this one.

            The fear that “old white men” are feeling about becoming the minority is palpable in their attempts to revamp the voting rules (violating our constitutional rights) as well as with their reluctance to support police reforms. They are afraid—big time—and have been for some time because they (those understanding karma) fear being treated the way they have treated minorities of color. They can deny this all they want, but the proof is in how for decades they have attempted to erase large swaths of history in order to make themselves look like better human beings.

They have rather successfully brainwashed people with their revisionist histories about how awful white men are as human beings. It’s not all white men, just those who are racial bigots and would rather hate others than change their minds. When we look at how Texas changed the related content in history books to pacify their egos and allowed Texas students to be led by lies, we see the proof in some of the Texas legislators now—they didn’t want their children to know how horrible their ancestors had been, so they either erased the true history, or sanitized it so it would not seem so bad. They have eliminated the parts of history they find objectionable and unwholesome and offensive since they were the culprits. But they have also eliminated the opportunity for students in Texas to know truth, to see for themselves and to learn to think for themselves which results in not being controlled.

With this particular view of what it means to “sanitize history,” we begin to understand how or rather why textbook publications, supplying the Texas school districts, were so easily convinced to exchange the truth for a lie. In the long run, it helped those in powerful positions to ignore all the wrongdoings of “white men” for centuries.  The massacre of Native Inhabitants, treatment of slaves, Chinese railroad workers, Japanese Interment camps, Jim Crow laws, segregation, and generally racist policies that excluded or eluded most people of color in this land. But one thing is certainly true as pointed out by Richard Calderon, the author of the article referenced—white people will soon be the minority in the United States and perhaps, that is the real reason why “white lawmakers” are trying so desperately to keep immigrants out of the United States—especially those from Central America, the Middle East and Africa.

When “white people” use the bible to justify their behavior or attitudes, it is out of fear that “we” the others would discover the truth and lo and behold we have. We have discovered that Jesus was a person of color having come from the Middle East, He loved everyone, and had a real problem with slavery and hypocrites.  “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  I am convinced that White Evangelicals that teach they are superior to others are the biggest liars on the planet and they lie to their congregations to control what they do and how they think. That is not to say that other religious denominations don’t do the same thing, but let’s get real, religions are designed to control people and convince them to swallow whatever lies they’re told.

Now, for those of us who know how to read and how to think, we know better. Many of us are “true Christians” and we know what is expected of us is that we are to love one another unconditionally. Therefore, if we are busy loving one another, we don’t have time to promote hate or fear of others because love conquers all. Love will even conquer the need of people to sanitize history for their own sakes, but will conquer the need of those who were mistaught to influence their need for truth. Fearful people, put undue constraints upon others, controlling what they’re exposed to and limiting their ability to develop critical thinking skills, especially about the history of our nation, the true, unsanitized version of history.

Yes, haters of truth—the world is not flat, the Holocaust and slavery were very real, vaccines have saved lives, Easter is not about a rabbit or chickens, parents buy toys for kids at Christmas, and no one human being is superior to another. Did you catch that? Truth matters, and Black Lives Matter as well as all others. Stop The Hate America—in order for us all to matter and to survive and thrive, we must stop hating and start loving.

Advertisement

A Rightful Place In History

Deb Haaland, President-Elect Joe Biden’s pick as Secretary of the Interior, the first Native Inhabitant to hold a position in a presidential cabinet will be a welcomed sight for many.

While listening to him describe her background, I was moved to the past, a past before America was America and struggled not to be angry over the treatment and massacre of so many human beings. I have always had an affinity towards the “Indians” in movies and hated watching them being accused of something they didn’t do and then being killed. My stepfather loved watching cowboy movies and unfortunately, the cowboys always won. The depiction portrayed was that Indians were evil and the cowboys were the good guys except for the fact that some of the cowboys were just downright evil.

All the cowboys portrayed in the television shows of old were white. All the bad or evil people were either black or Indian. And this is what generations of people grew up believing, until now. Until now, most chose to ignore the history of this land. How the Europeans came to this land, were helped by the Native Inhabitants to survive the elements and to grow food they did not know. Then, after surviving tenuous situations, the Europeans repaid the Native Inhabitants by stealing their land, killing off entire tribes, and relegating them to dry arid lands (reservations) where they were expected to just die off. They did not just die off and Deb Haaland is proof that no matter how terrible her ancestors were treated, the Native Inhabitants of the land knew how to survive, all the torture and mistreatment they have endured.

And they will survive to tell the story, a better story than the Europeans would ever tell because of the history in the making. What is shameful is the fact that there are still people (of European descent) who still think Native Inhabitants are inferior to them and they publicly treat them abominably. But then again, we have a segment of our society who treats everyone who does not “look like them or think like them or worships like them” abominably, still.

Now, there are number of people who might be reading this who might be wondering why a black woman is so outraged at the treatment of Native Inhabitants. Perhaps, the outrage is because they are human beings, just as I am, and I understand how hateful it is to be treated with disdain because that’s exactly how my ancestors were treated. The Native Inhabitants were already here, my ancestors were brought to this land in chains and forced to forego their native languages and customs to assimilate themselves to the white European ways. Or maybe the outrage stems from the blood flowing through my veins that aligns with tribes of the land.

There is so much that I can say about ill-will and faux superiority of white Europeans that it would take volumes to say it all. The true (unabridged) history books tell the story, how elected leaders ordered others killed, and no one cared, how faux negotiations were made for land and then the white man stole the land, breaching the negotiations made in good faith, forcing the Native Inhabitants to be on the move, giving up their way of life, just to survive the atrocities lodged against them.

America could have learned so much from the Native Inhabitants, had they been able to put their robe of superiority in a closet and donned a robe of humility for a few hundred years. Had there been an ounce of humility in any of those who came across the pond to this land, slavery would not have been an issue that has kept human beings in bondage for hundreds of years and in a state that many would like to see that particular position continue. Like the Native Inhabitants, black descendants of slaves learned survival and because of their inherent innovative skills, are responsible for multiple creations that have helped make life easier for all, though they were not always given credit for their contribution to this society.

What is country needs, is a microscopic look into the history that has brought us to this place and understand that if change, real change is not initiated, America will cease to exist as we have known it and the planet will die without the bold, creative genius employed by descendants of slaves that has so often been ignored. The Native Inhabitants knew how to take care of the land to keep a supply of food and resources available and the descendants of slaves, knew how to create what was needed from the resources sustained. If anyone should be wearing a robe of superiority it should be the Native Inhabitants, who had it not been for them, white Europeans would never have survived living in this land.

But all things being equal—at least that is the fight of the 21^st Century, that we are all treated equally, and no one suffers injustice—watching this step up for Deb Haaland and a host of ancestors will be the beginning of something wonderful and I sincerely hope, those who insist onto holding to their bigotry will move out the way or be moved out of the way so freedom and justice can be enjoyed by all.

“Access Denied”

I’m not sure how many black Americans feel about all the uproar from those who don’t fully understand, why Black Lives Matter, or what it means to have been denied access to so much in this country that has made the, “wealth gap” between black Americans and white Americans so great. Simply put, from the time African slaves were brought to this country, we have been “denied access” to the basics that promote prosperity for the general populace.

For those who do not claim to be racist, I would like for you to take a walk-through history–via an actual book or Internet research to understand how the denial of access has kept people behind. For those who know and understand–I hope you’ll speak up to confirm what I say and I’m going to use the plural pronoun, “we” because my ancestors were part of the journey and the multitudes who were denied access.

• We were denied access to the native language of the many tribes brought to this country. Fear of what was being said, and not understood by white slave owners, forced African tribesmen to forego their native language to learn a new one–in captivity.
• We were denied access to learning to read or write the new forced language because the white slave owners knew, that once we learned how to read and understand the environment and how it purposefully kept people under control, we would rebel and fight for the freedoms we rightfully deserved as human beings.
• We were denied access to protecting women and children from being molested and raped by white slave owners who “raped the women” to expand their wealth of slaves without paying for more. Many of those women were raped in front of the men they had been given to for “procreating more slaves” and the men were prohibited from doing anything to protect their women.
• We were denied access to having our inventions patented because we were not considered “full human beings.”
• We were denied access to raising our own children when the “master” thought it was more beneficial to separate black children from their mothers so they could benefit economically.
• We were denied access to joining the military to fight in early wars and had to join all black regiments (check the history for yourself), there was more to the black regiments than the Tuskegee Airmen than many have no knowledge about.
• We were denied access to buy land or houses in specific areas and had to use white allies to purchase for us and then were denied access to equality of living in peace and freedom because white neighbors didn’t want us around them.
• We were denied access for the opportunity to go to school with white children (segregation).
• We were denied access to use public transportation in the same way as our white counterparts.
• We were denied access to college education and therefore established our own after a number of black people, sat in hallways, on the floor, grappling to understand what was said by white professors so they could also get a higher education.
• We were denied access to hotels, bathrooms, theaters, and restaurants and when were given access–we were seated in out of the way places so as not to upset or offend the white clientele.
• We were denied access to be accurately portrayed in the movies, and in television shows as a people with their own rich culture.
• We were denied access to economic growth–bank loans, mortgages, and other businesses. When some dared to defy the status quo and established their own access to economic wealth (Black Wall Street), angry, bigoted white people burned down the town and killed many of the residents.
• We were denied access to equal justice in all areas of our “so-called justice system. We were never given opportunity to prove innocence because were always judged guilty simply because of our skin tones.
• We were denied access to the same amenities of our white counterparts on trains, in bus depots and on buses.
• We were denied access to community amenities–the swimming pools, the tennis courts.
• We were denied access to healthcare and dental care and funeral homes–we had to establish our own which were not equal to the access others had.
• We were denied access to cemeteries–I guess dead black folks were a big threat.

So, I get why some people are up in arms with the current environment and awakening of reality–black people have a right to be angry and to protest the injustices suffered by our ancestors and what many are enduring right now–access denied–to being treated like a human being, American citizens, with justice for all.

The following is taken from a post on Facebook in response to someone bemoaning the fact that Black people wanted their own television station and colleges and universities–they did not understand why, so I responded. There was so much more, but at the time I read their post, only two things struck me to remember.

For Blinded Eyes–Historically

This morning, I woke up at 3:00 am and could not sleep, so I started scrolling through Facebook posts and ran across a post that got my attention. I cannot remember who wrote it, but perhaps, if they read through this one, they will know who are.

 

I do not remember all of it, but there are two things which struck me the most. You see, the post was bemoaning the fact that the author did not see the need for: BET (versus WET) or Black colleges versus white colleges. I wish I could remember more, but at 3:00 am, I guess I am doing good to remember this.

 

BET–the Black Entertainment Television–why? Because for years, there did not appear to be any room for black entertainers on most television networks. Most of the network productions portrayed black people as clownish or stupid, illiterate, and poor, with a few exceptions. The reason BET needed to be–because the WET (White Entertainment Television) (the author’s words, not mine) was all there was–and still does not adequately portray who black people are. But I want the author to remember think about this–exactly how long has the television industry been around and exactly how many shows accurately portrayed the black community? How long did it take for black entertainers to be taken seriously and given serious roles in the entertainment industry?

 

HBCU–Historical Black Colleges and Universities exist because for generations–white colleges would not allow black people entrance. The few black people who got into the hallways were left there–outside the classrooms, straining to hear what was said so they could keep up with the workload, but never accepted as part of the class. Historically, and apparently now, that attitude still exists today in some people who think black people are not good enough to get where they are.

 

I would ask the author and any who agreed with them to do some research and remember that the slaves were not allowed to learn to read, then they weren’t allowed into white schools, colleges, hotels, and when they were allowed into restaurants, they were seated “out of the way” of the white clientele.

 

If anyone is still reading this–that is a miracle, but I want to say this much. Instead of bemoaning or complaining about black people wanting equality and justice, remember what was done to us–and all the “access denied” that we endured, and yet, many of us have managed to do so much more than some white people who always had access to whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted it–and we did not. My response is not meant to stir up more racial hostility, but to hopefully cause some to wake up–and understand, we are just trying to obtain what you’ve always had–“access to doing better.” Whenever I see a lack of understanding about the history of black folks in America, I will address it and I would hope that–it would open the door to conversations that matter and will make a difference to all.

I do not have a problem addressing issues when I see them, but I will take the time to respond in a coherent manner, that does not promote any further racial tension. What I will not do, is to ignore the obvious ignorance that some have displayed simply because they want to deny history, or never understood it.

 

 

 

Being A Proud Black Mother

I’m a proud black mother

Who reflects upon history

And understands the timeline,

The never-ending chronology

Of mothers’ fears, worries and concern,

About every child delivered and born

Into this world of inequality and scorn

Simply because of their skin tone.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

Who can and does empathize

With those who stood quietly,

Tears rolling down their face

Pain ripping apart every fiber of their being,

As they watched their babies,

Torn from their arms,

Sold, abused and misused, slaughtered and maimed

All at the white man’s whim

With no humanitarian laws against him.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

Who lived through Jim Crow laws,

Never fully understanding then,

Heartache endured of my kin

Who had to stay in “their place,”

Never muttering a word against

Discriminatory acts, fear etched in their face,

Because the laws were never just,

Never considered the black man worthy of equality

Or having just laws to protect their families,

All we got was silence, no response to our pleas

To be treated like human beings.

 

I’m a proud black mother

Who gave birth to two children

My daughter and son, in that order.

Teaching her how to avoid situations

That could traumatize her life,

Teaching him how to avoid strife

While living black.

Over 40 years later, since my children were born

Not much has changed, children are still torn

From their mothers in one way or another,

From police brutality or someone else’s brother,

Who just didn’t understand

How precious life is for every black man.

 

I’m a proud black mother

And though some may never admit,

Days of being concerned, fretfully

About the plight of every black child

Will never end, until every man, woman and child

Stops treating human beings differently,

Until laws include a humanitarian stance

With equality and justice for all,

No matter what our skin tone is called,

Because the simple truth is this,

If we believe mankind began on the African Continent,

We are all of African descent

And can no longer hide in ignorant bliss

Behind the lies of inferiority of one man

To appease a fragile ego of those needing

To feel and act superior.

 

I’m a proud black mother,

In my advanced age, still willing to take a stand,

Actively involved with my vote and my hands,

Working with the community to silence the hate

That if not quelled, will eventually obliterate

Any forward movement, any strides made

To cross that finish line where all men, women and children

Are seen as humans and not just the color of their skin.

But until that happens, please understand the need for all to see

Black Lives Matter—especially to mothers who look like me!

Mid Term Election Upon Us!

The Twenty-Sixth Amendment provides, “The right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any state on account of age.” It prohibits states from discriminating among voters based on age, for people who are at least 18 years old, and grants Congress power to “enforce” that prohibition through “appropriate legislation.” The Twenty-Sixth Amendment is the last in a series of amendments enacted over more than a century expanding constitutional protection for voting rights. Like many other amendments, it was enacted as a direct repudiation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

We can see with our own eyes (even though the orange menace in the WH told his base, not to believe what they see, hear, or read–cult mentality) that the Republican party is doing everything it can to keep citizens from voting.

In North Dakota–they’ve come with a “legal street residence requirement” for Native Americans who live in rural areas where no streets have been established. It is designed to keep them from exercising their right to vote. Fear of them voting for Democrats–is the real reason since most usually vote for Democrats.

In Georgia–Brian Kemp is afraid of losing to Stacey Abrams–a Black woman who is the Democrat challenging him. Right now–Kemp–is the Secretary of State in Georgia–has over 53,000 voter registrations sitting on his desk because–get this–the signatures don’t match “exactly” those already in their data files. Realistically, if I signed my name three times within three minutes, they won’t match exactly. This excuse is just that–another attempt to suppress the Black vote in Georgia by Republicans.

In North Carolina–the Republicans shut down “Sunday Voting” in counties that are predominantly Black–to keep the citizens from exercising their right to vote.

In Michigan–just weeks before the election–the Republicans changed the rules about “straight party” voting by excluding it. Their hope is that most of the residents won’t take the time to complete their ballots.

All across the nation–wherever Republicans are in charge of the state government–they are enacting “cheating rules” to control how people vote. This is a gross violation of every citizen’s constitutional rights. The word, “abridged” means no state or the nation has the right to curtail, get in the way of anyone of legal age to vote.

So, America–we don’t have to let Republicans get in our way, but we do need to understand that the only way Republicans win–in any election–is by cheating and we have a record of that–in recent elections starting with George W. Bush with the “hanging chads” in Florida where his brother was governor. Fearmongering is another favorite tactic used by Republicans as Laura Ingraham so aptly demonstrates on Fox News by warning their viewers they must vote for Republicans or the Democrats will “replace them with immigrants.” That is fraudulently false that she should be sued for it, but apparently, all’s fair in war and politics–use of the first amendment that is.

Well, I’m exercising my 1st amendment rights in every blog I write and today, this is dedicated to every person eligible to vote, but is hesitating because of lies promoted by Republicans through a number of means–including videos produced by right-wing entities like Prague U and Carol Swain (The Inconvenient Truth About The Democratic Party). What Swain does is to take the viewer of the video to a specific point in history–prior to the Republicans and Democrats–switching their philosophies and platforms–and leaving it there. That was the late 19th Century and Early 20th Century history of the political parties. This is the 21st Century and I guarantee everyone reading this–The Democratic Party is the only political party that cares about “all the people” and not just some as we see in the Republican party (tax cuts for the rich, loss of services for everyone else who now pay higher prices for everything).

Okay, so I know this is a lot to read, but check out my YouTube Channel–Everyday Americans 2020–and listen to the videos I’ve produced to encourage all to vote.

And for the Black Community–don’t be mislead and tricked into voting for people who really don’t care about you and their very recent legislated policies–prove it. Republicans don’t want people to have access to affordable healthcare, education, veteran’s benefits, clean air, water and non-toxic soil from which all of our food production is dependent. Listen, remember, research and then march to the polls on 11/6/18 and vote like your life and our democracy depend on it because they do.

If you still don’t see the need to vote and to vote for every Democrat on your ballot–I’ll have to assume you’ve partaken of the orange shake and incapable of rational thinking–especially if you’re paying attention to the daily news–which demonstrates how our democracy is at risk. The Republicans won’t exercise their constitutional right to “check” all the nonsense trump does and some have even considered, rewriting the Constitution to eliminate terms for a president–that is a dictatorship–when one party rules and keeps others from exercising any choice. Don’t believe me–research it for yourself!

Until then, remember–we only have a little over two weeks before 11/6/18 and the outcome will be a reflection of who we are as Americans–whether we are True Patriots–ready to live out the inscription on the Statue of Liberty–

“Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

or whether we are just inclined to go along with a party–no matter how much it could endanger us. Elections have consequences and see that every day since the 2016 election. Let’s not be foolish and repeat the mistakes of the past election. We deserve better and it’s up to us–to make sure we have what we deserve–freedom to choose and the right to exercise our choices in government with our vote.

I’m Mary M. Hall-Rayford and I approve the message of the content of this blog.

Giving Thanks!

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. Romans 14:1-7 NIV

Today–encourage all to enjoy the day–giving thanks for all we have, all we didn’t get when we wanted it and for all the miss-steps we’ve taken in life in order for God to get us where we are. I love me–just the way I am–but didn’t always for the way, I used to be. But now, I have a reason to give thanks–daily–the grace of God that has sustained me through trials and wrong directions for over 65 years.

Listen, I’ve been there and done that–facing all the challenges and struggles I know many have and are facing. I know what it’s like to be a single mother raising two children in the depths of the ghetto, always praying for their safety as well as my own.

But I’m a big girl and I learned to take life’s knocks with a spring-back attitude. I never let one failure or disappointment keep me down. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t discouraged from time to time, but I refused to allow discouragement and discontent keep me from my destination even when I wasn’t sure where I was headed.

I had a dream and I put a lot of credence in dreams. For years, I dreamed that I was running through a school, trying to get to class and though I always started out fully dressed in the dream, I always ended up naked–wondering why people were staring at me. When I got a chance to go back to school in my forties, I stopped having the dream. Not only did I complete my BA in Sociology and English, I kept going until I finished a MA in English and Speech and then completed all the coursework for a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in English and Special Education.

During a lay-off in which I didn’t have a full time job for two years, I had an opportunity to really look at where I was headed. I realized that teaching was no longer a viable career and I couldn’t/wouldn’t attempt to encourage anyone to go into a field that did not offer a wage comparable to other professions and one in which very few people respected teachers. When I finished the coursework, I stopped–no longer interested in completing that particular path for it no longer had meaning for me and my passion subsided. Don’t get me wrong–I still love teaching–it is my passion, but I could not look another person in the eye and encourage them to get into that field.

At any rate, I retired and am working seven hours a week–teaching college courses. But then came the 2016 election and Hillary lost (with Russia’s help). I, along with millions of others railed against the rigged election, and started working social media to vent. On the night #TraitorDon launched missiles into Syria just to flex his muscles, I dreamed I had a conversation with him. In the dream, I told him I was running for president and he told me, I couldn’t because I wasn’t qualified. I told him I was more qualified than he was and then I woke up. I was attending a tax march and watching others and listening to their concerns, I reflected upon the dream and here I am, months later, preparing my run for president in 2020.

Not everyone understands what’s driving me to do this–especially since I have no previous political experience–but I have a passion to represent all Everyday Americans and to make sure they have a voice in the White House. People I’ve talked to are more concerned about Republicans digging up dirt than I am. I’m not afraid of any discoveries since my life is outlined on the Internet in various mediums.

No matter what others say, I will not be deterred; especially if Democrats are successful in flipping the House in 2018. If I lose, I lose, but no one will ever say I didn’t try. After all, I’m planning to win and I’ll never know what I can do, unless I try.

I may not be the perfect candidate, but there are none. So, here’s what I have–a desire to serve, considering all and not supporting or promoting any policies that cause harm to people, planet or economy. We do not need to build a wall to keep immigrants out; we need to build relationships that solidify positive forward movement. We need to provide accessible, affordable healthcare to every American. We need to focus our attention on making sure our children have access to a quality, free college education. We need to make sure our senior citizens never have to worry about where or how they’re going to live because of their limited incomes. We need to shore up our justice system so justice is equitable and fair no matter a person’s income, gender or race. We need to secure our standing on the global stage by being #1 again in the eyes of other world leaders and doing all we can to make sure the world can live in peace and we can keep our planet sustaining life, not destroying life.

My ancestors were not immigrants, they were imported to make life better for those who migrated from Europe to live in this land. There are groups of hate-filled, bigoted people who desire to deport every person who is not white in order to “preserve their race” with white privilege. I’m not a hater, don’t understand hate and don’t want to understand hate. But I will not stand by and silently allow any group of people to attempt to silence or denigrate others. I’m a known rebel and I won’t stop when I know there’s something I can do to help others.

If you care to read more about my plans to serve as president of the United States of America, please check out my facebook.com/YesIAm2020 page and let me know what you think. It matters a great deal to me since I want to address those issues that matter to all. Thank you for taking the time to engage in the process of making America truly safe again.

Who’s Really Free?

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:1-6 NIV

The debate about whether to stand, kneel or sit during the a presentation of the National Anthem has become a contentious discussion. Now, it would seem that everyone wants to chime in and have an opinion and most seem to think their opinion is the only one that counts. Before anyone’s opinion can be counted, everyone must understand what the debate represents. Kneeling during the anthem is a protest against the injustice suffered by those in the Black community because of police brutality–unarmed Black males being killed.

Now, whether people understand the angst felt in the Black community or not really is not debatable.  Unless a person is Black, they would not understand why some of us feel so strongly about the deaths of young Black males. To fully understand, one must understand the discrimination we’ve suffered for a very long time. And just to make sure, the message is understood, I encourage everyone to review the history of Black people in this country.

We were imported as slaves, treated like animals or worse, denied the rights provided every human being, babies taken from mothers, families separated, lynched, burned, wrongfully jailed and executed without recourse through any judicial system because the laws were against us, not for us. It was not until 1968 that most of us had the right to vote because we didn’t count. Most people don’t realize the electoral college was established for those who owned slaves–so they wouldn’t have an advantage over those who didn’t. (14th Amendment, Section 2) Slaves were set free in 1863, but were still treated like third-class citizens or worse. We had been denied the right to pursue an education, kept of out certain careers and even though many Black men fought in wars “for this country” they were still denied the same rights as others.

There is a stanza of the anthem–written as a poem in 1814–that most are not aware of and it embellishes slavery rather than denounces it and hence–the kneeling during the anthem–is about systemic racism; not about patriotism!

Oh, say! can you see by the dawn’s early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming;
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there:
Oh, say! does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In fully glory reflected now shines in the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution!
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Oh, thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust”:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

When we understand that this country has diminished the rights of Black people and still does not respect us as human beings, we protest and with a peaceful protest where no one is harmed or violated–there should be no dissension or debate about the right to do so.

When trump disrespected Black football players by calling them SOBs, he demonstrated his racism and all who applauded him and encouraged his racist rhetoric demonstrated where they stood. Systemic racism is still a problem in this country and there is no denying it. The fact that over 70% of all football players in the NFL are Black speaks volumes and the fact that the biggest fans are white also speaks volumes–we are still seen as being nothing more than “entertainers” for those with “white privilege.”

I’m taking a stand against those who claim the football players are arrogant, spoiled brats and should be “grateful” for the opportunity to become rich. Do those who make these statements say the same thing about “White Players” or is it just a condemnation of the Black players? Every Black and White football earned the right to play by their relentless pursuit of excellence in playing the game. They were not given spots on a team, they earned them. 

For decades–probably to the chagrin of many people who said, “Black people were inferior to White people–we have proven time and time again, we are not an inferior race of people, but those who are fearful and bigoted have not stopped thinking they are the superior race. Well, I have news for all–there is only one race of people–the human race and none superior to another, but if people want to deal with facts and not fiction, they only have to understand where man originated–on the continent of Africa–and if there was a superior race–it would be the African race–where life began.

If we ever get to a place in society where we can see people and not color, we’ll all be better off. We can live in peace and spend our time–collectively trying to find cures for cancer and other debilitating diseases, establishing lifestyles that will preserve the planet for the benefit of all, and keeping the human race–alive, prosperous and vital for the next millennium.

The truth of the matter is–until we are all willing to discuss–rationally–the social injustices that exist with the systemic racism–nothing will ever change. We must come together and understand “the reasons” for the divide and then pursue unity as a whole–for all Americans.

Stability

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever. Everyday I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty–and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works–and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:1-7 NIV

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. James 1:5-8 NIV

What we need in the world now, more than ever is stability–stable-minded leaders–in order to effect peace and security. Without stability–especially in operating in the minds of world leaders–the entire world is at a place where few feel secure.

The founding fathers of our nation in America–sought to create an environment of stability when they composed the Constitution. Now, the right-wing tea-partiers want to destabilize our democracy by ignoring the Constitutional framework of how government works. When we allow any one person to violate the Constitution, we put at risk the entire Constitution being violated by those who think they are above the law.

We see this continuing line of thought on a regular basis in the WH–where all we have are enablers of an unfit, unstable, double-minded illegitimate person who was installed by Russia. The GOP–supposedly the party of family values and morals have been derelict in their responsibility by first allowing the nomination and they continue to abrogate responsibility by not “keeping him in check” which is their job–the purpose for which they were elected.

Until we all get involved–Republicans, Independents and Democrats to stop ignoring the fact–we have a mental midget in charge, we’re never going to see or have stability in this country again.

The white supremacist was elected by other white supremacists and then he appointed another racist bigot as Attorney General and we can see it in all he does in the position, then he appointed a bigot as Education Secretary and thieves and liars in other positions–which should not be a surprise since he is a thief and liar–totally corrupt and morally bankrupt.

What do the rest of us need to do? We need to encourage those pseudo-Christians who are worshiping trump to read their bible with understanding–worshiping him is idolatry; and we need to remind them–daily–God did not choose trump to be president, they did–along with the rest of the racists and haters in this country.

There will be no peace without the acceptance that America was not founded on the bible; was not built on white European values, but on the backs of slave labor and ignorance of the context of the bible. White Europeans came to this land already inhabited by the Indigenous Natives and stole the land from them. They additionally complicated matters by importing Africans as slaves–free labor to build the infrastructure and stabilize their economic power–corruption at its best.

If America is not willing to accept the facts and reality of its existence, we will continue to have turmoil and chaos because of those who think they are superior to others. As long as we have leadership constantly flip-flopping on policy (if there is policy) we will be the laughingstock of the world. Without stable-minded leadership, there will be no stability in the country. It is time for us to wake up and see the danger we’re all in from NK, Russia, and China because we allowed an idiot to reside in the White House.

We can change things and begin the journey to stabilize by changing who we elect. In 2018, we need to flip the House (from Red to Blue) and in 2020, those Senators who are too old to see reality as it exists, not as they want it, need to retire.

We are a nation of diverse cultures and we need to protect that right by remembering–every person of European ancestry was an immigrant and had the Natives not been as helpful as they were, they would surely not be a majority voice in this country. We need stability and the only way that will happen is when the rights of all Americans are acknowledged and protected. If we continue to treat those who come into this land as though they were less worthy of equal treatment, we may incur the wrath of God for not obeying His Word about how we should treat, “foreigners” as outlined in Deuteronomy.

I’m Mary Hall-Rayford and I am not ashamed to admit–this country is headed in the wrong direction and if we don’t change course soon, we will cease to exist as the founding fathers envisioned.

Never Giving Up!

They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination. Nehemiah 6:9 NLT

This is what I feel watching GOP attempting to dismantle the ACA and risking the lives of millions of people. They are consumed with a 7-year promise to repeal ACA (out of hatred for President Obama) and not even paying attention to their constituents who now understand that the “hated Obamacare” is the needed ACA that many depend on to use. This is what happens when people lie and allow hate to reign rather than wisdom and the love of Christ. GOP–with Mitch McConnell leading the way was determined to obstruct President Obama and make sure he was not able to accomplish anything–from day one. In spite of the obstructionist attitude and behavior–President Obama was able to accomplish much and all of it–the GOP are now determined to rollback, throw out, and eliminate–because of hatred.

The GOP hated Obama, trump hates Obama and with all that hate–there can be no room for love–just hate and hate as we all know destroys utterly and completely. The GOP will be destroyed utterly and completely if they don’t wake up and pay attention to their constituents and not the crazed idiot in the WH (I cannot bring myself to call him a “man” because he has not demonstrated that he is one. So, if you’re upset with me now, you’re going to be upset with me for a long time).

In spite of the hatred against ACA and Democrats in general, I will continue to pursue the path to the White House, never giving up, no matter what the idiots do.

My family’s history–has provided a record of endurance, courage, boldness and determination. They were brought across the ocean, ripped from their families and only known culture. They were denied identity other than what the “white man” wanted them to have. They were treated like sub-human beings, forced to work on empty stomachs, never consideration. They were freed by the signature of Abraham Lincoln, but kept entangled and bound by fear and hatred by Jim Crow laws.

Civil rights laws have yet to bring an era of true freedom for the Black Community and with the GOP in position of the majority in Congress, we are taking a regressive route in the 21st Century rather than seeing forward movement as it pertains to positive race relations in this country. Hate crimes are on the rise against anyone with “brown or black” skin tones, different religious beliefs, and misogyny is also on the rise. All of this is a result of gullible people (with hidden hatred of those who are different than them) who voted for the greatest fraud and con artist who ever lived–trump.

Though many may feel there is no hope–I will never give up and I will continue the good fight of faith–in service to my country and fellow True Patriots who understand that every American deserves equal treatment in all things. We will Raise the Standards for all Americans.

Counting on fellow Americans who think like Christ to support my bid for president in 2020. I’m not seeking financial support at this time, just your vote to guarantee we will have a voice in Washington representing the Everyday American. 

 

We Are Family!

But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. Psalm 107: 41 NIV

Last night, I was reminded of the importance of family at a reunion at which I was reacquainted with family members I had not seen in years. To say, it was a bit emotional for me would be an understatement. Not only was every person there recognized for something, but a presentation was made about all who are no longer with us.

This reunion was about our genealogical connection, “blood family” and all connected by marriage. Our family matriarch–as far as anyone could remember, was Polly McDowell–born in 1848 into slavery. Her son, my great grandfather, James McDowell was born in 1867, just a few years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, freeing the slaves.

Because of a desire to know more about my ancestry, I recently had my DNA tested and discovered I am a descendent of people from 8 different countries in Africa, Scandinavians who migrated to Scotland, and Indigenous Native Amazonian–who migrated from North Asia and then to North America (Native Inhabitants). What a heritage! But let me get back to James McDowell. He was the only grandfather I had known and he died when I was 12 years-old. But I was told something last night that I never knew. He was coal-miner in Powellton, WV and raised his 8 children with this thought, “If you don’t do anymore than I’ve done, then you haven’t done anything.” That struck a particular chord within me because I remember my great aunts training me to do day work when I was 5 years-old. Some might think that was child abuse now, but at the time, since there was very little opportunity for a Black woman to do much else, they did what they thought was needed in order to prepare me for life.

I’m sure, Polly McDowell would be proud of her descendants and I’m equally sure that my grandmother–Isabelle Woodson and my mother, Mary Mosley, would be just as proud of me. Without knowing what had been instilled in them, I have always wanted to explore my potential in a number of areas. Academically, I have exceeded the expectations of many and I can’t imagine what Polly would have thought if she knew there would be a writer in the family since she had been denied the opportunity to read and write. All of this was brought home to me last night–the importance of knowing family. The last surviving child of James and Isabelle (his wife) is my Aunt Maxine McKinney–who is now the matriarch of the family and is 89 years-old. She narrated our family history and it was recorded by her daughters to share with the rest of us. While I can’t speak for the rest of the family, I was moved to a heightened awareness of pride in family and inspired to keep motivating others to pursue greatness.

It’s not just the “blood” family that we need in our lives to keep us connected; it is the Blood of Jesus Christ family that we need to keep us connected and moving forward in this life, being a comfort to others, encouraging others to be all that God would have them to be, and to remind each other always of this great heritage we have in Christ.

I had not planned to make an announcement about my potential candidacy, but after hearing more about Polly McDowell and what my grandfather said, I couldn’t let the opportunity get past me. I’m absolutely sure, great, great-grandmother Polly would be surprised to know one of her descendants had the audacity to seek being the President of the United States–when she was born a slave in this country.

Now, it is more important than ever for me to succeed in my quest because this is not just about me or what I think I can do for Everyday Americans, but it now becomes the motivation that fuels me to show the world that how we arrive in life, should have no bearing on what we can accomplish in life.

So, to both “blood” families I thank you for the opportunity of being connected and in the hope of seeing all achieve all that God has put into your hearts to achieve, no matter what your age is, no matter what obstacles have attempted to impede your progress in life, when we know we can depend on family, we can make it.

Remember the name–Mary Hall-Rayford and be prepared for the run to the White House in 2020–honoring family.