Imagine a Jewish person celebrating the Holocaust
(a time in Europe during WWII when millions of
Jews were killed). Also, imagine African Americans
celebrating slavery. Various groups of people have
suffered greatly throughout history, and they take time
on special holidays to remember and honor their
people for their sacrifices and suffering. Native
Americans are no different. They have special
festivals and ceremonies that pay tribute to their
ancestors for being good and courageous
people.
The first Thanksgiving, as most people in America
understand, happened in Plymouth, Massachusetts in
1620 among the Wampanoag Natives and a group of
pilgrims. They were a religious group also known as
Puritans. In 1619 they came to America poor and
hungry. Squanto, a Wampanoag man, found them and
took them to be fed by his people through the winter.
These Indians taught the pilgrims how to grow their
crops. They had already been familiar with
Europeans raiding their villages for more than a
hundred years by then, but they were still kind and
helpful to the English when they saw how much they
needed their assistance. The people were starving
and began to eat the only things that were available,
the bodies of those who had died from the harsh
conditions.
That first Thanksgiving was in fact a
three-day feast to celebrate the good harvest of the
Europeans one year after they had arrived. The food
consisted basically of berries, seafood, and wild
game. Thanksgiving soon became recognized as a
time to express thanks for defeating the Indians who
many Europeans felt were necessary to use, abuse,
and obliterate in order to succeed in the “New
World”. Despite how kind and humane these natives
were, most of the settlers saw them as barbaric
savages and were determined to destroy them by
enslaving and killing them. From the time Columbus
landed on American soil in 1492 to the first
Thanksgiving, about 90% of the Native American
peoples in North and South America had died.
(a time in Europe during WWII when millions of
Jews were killed). Also, imagine African Americans
celebrating slavery. Various groups of people have
suffered greatly throughout history, and they take time
on special holidays to remember and honor their
people for their sacrifices and suffering. Native
Americans are no different. They have special
festivals and ceremonies that pay tribute to their
ancestors for being good and courageous
people.
The first Thanksgiving, as most people in America
understand, happened in Plymouth, Massachusetts in
1620 among the Wampanoag Natives and a group of
pilgrims. They were a religious group also known as
Puritans. In 1619 they came to America poor and
hungry. Squanto, a Wampanoag man, found them and
took them to be fed by his people through the winter.
These Indians taught the pilgrims how to grow their
crops. They had already been familiar with
Europeans raiding their villages for more than a
hundred years by then, but they were still kind and
helpful to the English when they saw how much they
needed their assistance. The people were starving
and began to eat the only things that were available,
the bodies of those who had died from the harsh
conditions.
That first Thanksgiving was in fact a
three-day feast to celebrate the good harvest of the
Europeans one year after they had arrived. The food
consisted basically of berries, seafood, and wild
game. Thanksgiving soon became recognized as a
time to express thanks for defeating the Indians who
many Europeans felt were necessary to use, abuse,
and obliterate in order to succeed in the “New
World”. Despite how kind and humane these natives
were, most of the settlers saw them as barbaric
savages and were determined to destroy them by
enslaving and killing them. From the time Columbus
landed on American soil in 1492 to the first
Thanksgiving, about 90% of the Native American
peoples in North and South America had died.
Why Some
Native
Americans
Don't
Celebrate
Thanksgivin
g
Native
Americans
Don't
Celebrate
Thanksgivin
g
| Archives Past Features In Southern Girlz Magazine |
| Fall November 2009 Issue |
| StoryTeller Literacy Club |
| "Happy Father's Day Mom!" |
| Spring 2009 Issue |
by Wasumbi Uso
by Wasumbi Uso
Little Miss JaKayla Walker was born on a
crisp morning in November of 2001, providing
her families with much more to be thankful
for. She’s a first grader at Thunderbolt
Elementary School, and her teacher is Ms.
Miller, a wonderful veteran professional where
the principal is Dr. Bryant. Jakayla is among
Thunderbolt’s gifted students. She performs
with local dance company, Abeni Cultural
Arts, and is a very active member of Shield of
Faith Deliverance Center at 2627 Pate Street.
Her parents are Cassandra Anderson and Jeff
Walker. Butter cup (a nickname her mother
uses) was asked what she wanted to be when
she grows up. She responded, “A veterinarian
because I love animals, and I want to work
with cheetahs.”
crisp morning in November of 2001, providing
her families with much more to be thankful
for. She’s a first grader at Thunderbolt
Elementary School, and her teacher is Ms.
Miller, a wonderful veteran professional where
the principal is Dr. Bryant. Jakayla is among
Thunderbolt’s gifted students. She performs
with local dance company, Abeni Cultural
Arts, and is a very active member of Shield of
Faith Deliverance Center at 2627 Pate Street.
Her parents are Cassandra Anderson and Jeff
Walker. Butter cup (a nickname her mother
uses) was asked what she wanted to be when
she grows up. She responded, “A veterinarian
because I love animals, and I want to work
with cheetahs.”
Above The Crowd
| Spring 2009 Issue |
| JaKayla Olivia Lavonne Walker |
Thomas was a boy that most everyone in his
school and neighborhood liked a lot and all thought
was real cool. He wore the latest clothes and shoes,
but he liked wearing his pants below his derriere
showing, of all things, his boxer shorts! He would
walk around holding the front of his pants. If he didn’
t they would literally fall down around his ankles.
His friends dressed the same way.
One year the schools mandated that everyone wear
uniforms. Thomas and the others felt they would lose
their unique sense of style , so they protested. They
all came dressed to school in their own clothing. The
protest was led by none other than Thomas. The
principal gave the entire student body Saturday
school the following weekend. From this they began
to wear their nice, well-fitted uniforms.
However, Thomas was determined not to give in so
completely. He started wearing his uniform pants
hanging below his butt and soon after, so did
everyone else. The principal was livid, ordering the
students to “Pull up those pants!” Yet each day kids
like Thomas would still strut up and down the
corridors in sagging trousers.
Thomas’ parents never appreciated their son
dressing this way. They tried many times to get him
to stop buying shirts and pants two sizes too large.
Eventually, they decided to take drastic measures.
A meeting with the PTA, principal, and school
board superintendent led to a proposal for the
special enforcement of appropriately worn uniforms:
“All school uniforms must fit properly, devoid of
indecent exposure or students will be sent home and
automatically lose grade points.”
The new rule was officially announced. Still, after
all this Thomas had the unmitigated gall to continue
wearing his pants down low. As promised, he was
dismissed from school and fell to a “D” in World
History. This resulted in 4 months of lost cell phone,
computer, TV, and car privileges, as well as getting
kicked off the softball team. Consequently, no one
ever had to tell this young man to pull up his pants
again.
school and neighborhood liked a lot and all thought
was real cool. He wore the latest clothes and shoes,
but he liked wearing his pants below his derriere
showing, of all things, his boxer shorts! He would
walk around holding the front of his pants. If he didn’
t they would literally fall down around his ankles.
His friends dressed the same way.
One year the schools mandated that everyone wear
uniforms. Thomas and the others felt they would lose
their unique sense of style , so they protested. They
all came dressed to school in their own clothing. The
protest was led by none other than Thomas. The
principal gave the entire student body Saturday
school the following weekend. From this they began
to wear their nice, well-fitted uniforms.
However, Thomas was determined not to give in so
completely. He started wearing his uniform pants
hanging below his butt and soon after, so did
everyone else. The principal was livid, ordering the
students to “Pull up those pants!” Yet each day kids
like Thomas would still strut up and down the
corridors in sagging trousers.
Thomas’ parents never appreciated their son
dressing this way. They tried many times to get him
to stop buying shirts and pants two sizes too large.
Eventually, they decided to take drastic measures.
A meeting with the PTA, principal, and school
board superintendent led to a proposal for the
special enforcement of appropriately worn uniforms:
“All school uniforms must fit properly, devoid of
indecent exposure or students will be sent home and
automatically lose grade points.”
The new rule was officially announced. Still, after
all this Thomas had the unmitigated gall to continue
wearing his pants down low. As promised, he was
dismissed from school and fell to a “D” in World
History. This resulted in 4 months of lost cell phone,
computer, TV, and car privileges, as well as getting
kicked off the softball team. Consequently, no one
ever had to tell this young man to pull up his pants
again.
| Summer 2009 Issue |
| StoryTeller Literacy Club |
| "Pull Up Those Pants!" |
by Wasumbi Uso
 |
Do you believe in Santa Claus? Well, don’t be ashamed if you do, or even
used to. Santa is a kind-hearted figure that is based on someone who
actually lived in Turkey during the 3rd and 4th century A.D. St. Nicholas,
as he came to be known after his death around 343 A.D., did things like
give away his fortune to help children and the poor. He was a monk and
became a bishop towards the end of his life. Many myths developed about
him throughout Asia Minor (the northern Middle East) and Europe over
hundreds of years. One well-supported British and American myth is that
St. Nicholas had elves as helpers. According to the initial myth of the
Netherlands, Sinkter Klass (Santa Caus) had only one helper – a Moor
named Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) from Spain.
The Dutch legend goes that once a year on St. Nicholas Eve (a December
5th day of feasting), Zwarte Piet travels on a steam boat with St. Nicholas
from Spain where they live during the rest of the year. Black Pete plays
dual roles. He gives children gifts and sweets when they’re good and takes
them away in his sack when they misbehave. The whole myth is celebrated
with great enthusiasm each year the way we Americans embrace and
connect Christmas with Santa Claus. Today in the Netherlands people very
much look forward to dressing in controversial black face and afro wigs to
portray the image of Zwarte Piet. The character is cherished by most but
naturally rejected by people of color. They view the St. Nicholas parades
with Black Peter as grossly stereotypical like the minstrel shows once
celebrated in America during a time in its less dignified past.
used to. Santa is a kind-hearted figure that is based on someone who
actually lived in Turkey during the 3rd and 4th century A.D. St. Nicholas,
as he came to be known after his death around 343 A.D., did things like
give away his fortune to help children and the poor. He was a monk and
became a bishop towards the end of his life. Many myths developed about
him throughout Asia Minor (the northern Middle East) and Europe over
hundreds of years. One well-supported British and American myth is that
St. Nicholas had elves as helpers. According to the initial myth of the
Netherlands, Sinkter Klass (Santa Caus) had only one helper – a Moor
named Zwarte Piet (Black Peter) from Spain.
The Dutch legend goes that once a year on St. Nicholas Eve (a December
5th day of feasting), Zwarte Piet travels on a steam boat with St. Nicholas
from Spain where they live during the rest of the year. Black Pete plays
dual roles. He gives children gifts and sweets when they’re good and takes
them away in his sack when they misbehave. The whole myth is celebrated
with great enthusiasm each year the way we Americans embrace and
connect Christmas with Santa Claus. Today in the Netherlands people very
much look forward to dressing in controversial black face and afro wigs to
portray the image of Zwarte Piet. The character is cherished by most but
naturally rejected by people of color. They view the St. Nicholas parades
with Black Peter as grossly stereotypical like the minstrel shows once
celebrated in America during a time in its less dignified past.
History Club
| FALL 2008 Issue |
| Santa's Helper Was A Boy Named "Black Peter" |
| FALL 2009 Issue |
| Above The Crowd |
Tiana West
This little eight-year-old is one busy
little darling. She's an active member
at her church, St. Luke Missionary
Baptist; she's a talented member of the
Seaport Lightning All-Stars
Cheerleaders; and she's in the
academic gifted program at Pulaski
Elementary School. Her mother and
grandmother, Tia West and Patricia
West, stay hard at work keeping Miss
Tiana above the crowd in all areas of
her life. Tiana and her family feel it is
very important to prepare for a good
life now and for the future.
little darling. She's an active member
at her church, St. Luke Missionary
Baptist; she's a talented member of the
Seaport Lightning All-Stars
Cheerleaders; and she's in the
academic gifted program at Pulaski
Elementary School. Her mother and
grandmother, Tia West and Patricia
West, stay hard at work keeping Miss
Tiana above the crowd in all areas of
her life. Tiana and her family feel it is
very important to prepare for a good
life now and for the future.
|
| FALL 2009 Issue |
| StoryTeller Literacy Club |
| “The Misadventures of Ray Ray the Traveling Pen” |
| StoryTeller Literacy Club |
"Boys Can't Do
Teas"
Teas"
| FALL 2009 Issue |
Each fall Tiffany Tate would have a big tea
party. All her friends would show up in their best
clothes and on their best behavior. These teas were
very popular. There would be all sorts of
scrumptious little treats and sandwiches with
delicious, fruity, freshly brewed teas.
One year, Tiffany became unset by the appearance
of a few uninvited guests. “What are they doing
here?” she grumbled. They were boys from her after
school club. They had each come in nice pressed
suits, behaving like perfect gentlemen. They were
especially nice to the girls at the party, which the
girls all liked. The boys even asked them to dance,
which they really liked. Rasheed Richards walked
over to Tiffany, reached out his hand, and with a
bright, handsome smile, he asked her to dance.
Tiffany hesitated but she accepted. After the party
she said to herself, “I’ll have to send out some extra
invitations next year.”
party. All her friends would show up in their best
clothes and on their best behavior. These teas were
very popular. There would be all sorts of
scrumptious little treats and sandwiches with
delicious, fruity, freshly brewed teas.
One year, Tiffany became unset by the appearance
of a few uninvited guests. “What are they doing
here?” she grumbled. They were boys from her after
school club. They had each come in nice pressed
suits, behaving like perfect gentlemen. They were
especially nice to the girls at the party, which the
girls all liked. The boys even asked them to dance,
which they really liked. Rasheed Richards walked
over to Tiffany, reached out his hand, and with a
bright, handsome smile, he asked her to dance.
Tiffany hesitated but she accepted. After the party
she said to herself, “I’ll have to send out some extra
invitations next year.”
Born from a leather box encased with smooth, red
satin, Ray Ray the pen would spend the beginning of
his life in a luxurious glass display cabinet. The far
less privileged pens spent their shelf lives stuffed in
tiny card board boxes with ten or more others
struggling to be noticed. They lived in office supply
stores, with life expectancies of one to two years.
However, Ray Ray’s kind typically came from pen
stores and jewelry stores in exclusive shopping
districts. They were limited editions of extreme
craftsmanship from rare, top quality materials, and they
were sought after by collectors around the
world.
He quickly became a present to a young man fresh out
of law school. His smooth, free-flowing ink finalized
many divorces. One day a disgruntled client, perhaps
by accident, or perhaps not, stormed off with Ray Ray.
For the next three months he existed in a Coach bag
along side a book of pretentious, over-extended bank
drafts. He was an unwilling accomplice in their
dishonorable payments of mortgage and Lexus notes.
Suddenly, he found himself in a personal effects box at
a correctional facility. After six long months, an
officer, by accident, or perhaps not, placed Ray Ray in
his uniform shirt pocket next to a Bic. The Bic asked
him, “Yo’, what’s an uptown smooth writer like
yourself doin’ here?” “It’s a long story,” Ray Ray
replied. Before he could say anything more, the
common ballpoint began gasping for air. “What’s
wrong?” asked Ray Ray. “I’m leaking. I’m leaking
everywhere!” he shouted just before the officer
wrapped him in a brown paper napkin and buried him
amongst crumbled sheets of paper and styrofoam
cups.
The officer grabbed Ray Ray and noticed his
inscription. “Congratulations Raymond P. Scott,
Esquire, Love Mom.” It turned out the officer had
known the recipient of the $3,000, 24-karat gold
graduation gift. Ray Ray was soon back in his plush,
leather case at the small law firm where he would
remain for the rest of his and his owner’s life.
satin, Ray Ray the pen would spend the beginning of
his life in a luxurious glass display cabinet. The far
less privileged pens spent their shelf lives stuffed in
tiny card board boxes with ten or more others
struggling to be noticed. They lived in office supply
stores, with life expectancies of one to two years.
However, Ray Ray’s kind typically came from pen
stores and jewelry stores in exclusive shopping
districts. They were limited editions of extreme
craftsmanship from rare, top quality materials, and they
were sought after by collectors around the
world.
He quickly became a present to a young man fresh out
of law school. His smooth, free-flowing ink finalized
many divorces. One day a disgruntled client, perhaps
by accident, or perhaps not, stormed off with Ray Ray.
For the next three months he existed in a Coach bag
along side a book of pretentious, over-extended bank
drafts. He was an unwilling accomplice in their
dishonorable payments of mortgage and Lexus notes.
Suddenly, he found himself in a personal effects box at
a correctional facility. After six long months, an
officer, by accident, or perhaps not, placed Ray Ray in
his uniform shirt pocket next to a Bic. The Bic asked
him, “Yo’, what’s an uptown smooth writer like
yourself doin’ here?” “It’s a long story,” Ray Ray
replied. Before he could say anything more, the
common ballpoint began gasping for air. “What’s
wrong?” asked Ray Ray. “I’m leaking. I’m leaking
everywhere!” he shouted just before the officer
wrapped him in a brown paper napkin and buried him
amongst crumbled sheets of paper and styrofoam
cups.
The officer grabbed Ray Ray and noticed his
inscription. “Congratulations Raymond P. Scott,
Esquire, Love Mom.” It turned out the officer had
known the recipient of the $3,000, 24-karat gold
graduation gift. Ray Ray was soon back in his plush,
leather case at the small law firm where he would
remain for the rest of his and his owner’s life.
by Wasumbi Uso
by Wasumbi Uso
It’s been ten years since Disney introduced a new
princess. The Princess and the Frog is a welcomed
addition to the royal line, except for one thing. Why
does the princess have to be a frog?! The writers and
producers at Disney chose to drastically change the
storyline by turning the princess into a frog. In the
original story, only the prince was the frog. Hopefully
the twist in this new tale won’t damage the self-image
of millions of little black girls everywhere.
In the past the only Disney film that represented black
people was the Lion King. This is an amazing, prideful
film, but the characters are animals. In the Princess
Frog movie, yet again, the main character is not human.
Princess Tiana is allowed to be a princess only for a
while, which isn’t nearly enough. All other Disney
princesses are in fact human, and they didn’t change
the original story. Why do it now with their first black
princess?
Some people believe that African Americans should
just be happy Disney even created a black princess at
all. Hmmm. If our grandparents and great-grand
parents had felt that way fifty years ago, we’d still be
sitting on the back of the bus. If something doesn’t feel
or look right, never be comfortable with it. At least
recognize and understand things for what they really
are.
In any case, this Disney film may turn out to be the
worst or possibly the very best of the Disney
productions ever. They certainly chose excellent talent
for this film. The princess is played by actress, Anika
Noni Rose from “Dream Girls” and “Number One
Ladies Detective Agency” fame.
princess. The Princess and the Frog is a welcomed
addition to the royal line, except for one thing. Why
does the princess have to be a frog?! The writers and
producers at Disney chose to drastically change the
storyline by turning the princess into a frog. In the
original story, only the prince was the frog. Hopefully
the twist in this new tale won’t damage the self-image
of millions of little black girls everywhere.
In the past the only Disney film that represented black
people was the Lion King. This is an amazing, prideful
film, but the characters are animals. In the Princess
Frog movie, yet again, the main character is not human.
Princess Tiana is allowed to be a princess only for a
while, which isn’t nearly enough. All other Disney
princesses are in fact human, and they didn’t change
the original story. Why do it now with their first black
princess?
Some people believe that African Americans should
just be happy Disney even created a black princess at
all. Hmmm. If our grandparents and great-grand
parents had felt that way fifty years ago, we’d still be
sitting on the back of the bus. If something doesn’t feel
or look right, never be comfortable with it. At least
recognize and understand things for what they really
are.
In any case, this Disney film may turn out to be the
worst or possibly the very best of the Disney
productions ever. They certainly chose excellent talent
for this film. The princess is played by actress, Anika
Noni Rose from “Dream Girls” and “Number One
Ladies Detective Agency” fame.
| Disney's First Black Princess It's About Time, Right? |
| FALL 2009 Issue |
| SUMMER 2007 Issue |
| Above The Crowd |
Timirrah Reed
This noteworthy young lady is five years old, and she’ll be
attending kindergarten this Fall at Thunderbolt Elementary. She
has been a ballerina for the past two years with the Maxine
Patterson School of Dance. She also dances with Abeni Cultural
Arts in their Little Miracles dance group where she performs
African and modern dance. Her parents are Rhoda Walker and
Timothy Reed.
Timirrah has also developed a knack for acting. She was awarded
by her pre-K teacher for her role playing and dramatic play
during recreation. She was one of the voices in a commercial
for the local business, Bowyer Motors, which aired this past
Spring. Timirrah made a point to include her own creative adlib
at the end of the commercial. With her co-stars Jazmine Price
and Jakayla Walker, little Ms. Reed performs in the youth radio
soap opera “Opportunity High”. The children take on roles of
adults, and Timirrah’s character is Mrs. Codler, a parent who
feels her son can do no wrong. In addition to her dancing and
acting talents, Timirrah sings in the Bunn Memorial Church
Children’s Choir.
When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she
replied, “A princess!” She definitely appears to be on her way.
attending kindergarten this Fall at Thunderbolt Elementary. She
has been a ballerina for the past two years with the Maxine
Patterson School of Dance. She also dances with Abeni Cultural
Arts in their Little Miracles dance group where she performs
African and modern dance. Her parents are Rhoda Walker and
Timothy Reed.
Timirrah has also developed a knack for acting. She was awarded
by her pre-K teacher for her role playing and dramatic play
during recreation. She was one of the voices in a commercial
for the local business, Bowyer Motors, which aired this past
Spring. Timirrah made a point to include her own creative adlib
at the end of the commercial. With her co-stars Jazmine Price
and Jakayla Walker, little Ms. Reed performs in the youth radio
soap opera “Opportunity High”. The children take on roles of
adults, and Timirrah’s character is Mrs. Codler, a parent who
feels her son can do no wrong. In addition to her dancing and
acting talents, Timirrah sings in the Bunn Memorial Church
Children’s Choir.
When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she
replied, “A princess!” She definitely appears to be on her way.
For more than 20 years, we’ve legally celebrated the life
and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let’s look
at how it all began.
He was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His
name was Michael until his father changed both their names to
Martin when he was very young. His father and grandfather
were ministers. His mother was a teacher who taught him to
read before he started school.
Martin was a middle child with an older sister, Christine, and a
younger brother, Alfred. They grew up in a middle class
neighborhood with mostly whites during the period of
segregation. Despite living in this kind of environment, their
parents refused to completely shield them from the harshness
of the real world. The racism he experienced as a child
inspired him, along with his parents, to always stand up for
justice. His father was a member of the NAACP and had
fought for equal pay for white and black teachers.
Martin enjoyed singing, bike riding, football and baseball. He
attended Young Street and David T. Howard Elementary
Schools in Atlanta. He was a quarter back on his football team
at Booker T. Washington High. His exams were so high he
was able to enter Morehouse College at the age of 15. He went
on to become one of the greatest Civil Rights Leaders ever. He
was later awarded over 20 honorary degrees from prestigious
universities around the world from 1957 to 1967.
and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let’s look
at how it all began.
He was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His
name was Michael until his father changed both their names to
Martin when he was very young. His father and grandfather
were ministers. His mother was a teacher who taught him to
read before he started school.
Martin was a middle child with an older sister, Christine, and a
younger brother, Alfred. They grew up in a middle class
neighborhood with mostly whites during the period of
segregation. Despite living in this kind of environment, their
parents refused to completely shield them from the harshness
of the real world. The racism he experienced as a child
inspired him, along with his parents, to always stand up for
justice. His father was a member of the NAACP and had
fought for equal pay for white and black teachers.
Martin enjoyed singing, bike riding, football and baseball. He
attended Young Street and David T. Howard Elementary
Schools in Atlanta. He was a quarter back on his football team
at Booker T. Washington High. His exams were so high he
was able to enter Morehouse College at the age of 15. He went
on to become one of the greatest Civil Rights Leaders ever. He
was later awarded over 20 honorary degrees from prestigious
universities around the world from 1957 to 1967.
| FALL 2009 Issue |
| MLK, Jr.’s childhood home in Atlanta, GA |
| HISTORY CLUB |
| The Life of a Boy King |
Dear Muffin,
My daddy took me to see a black Santa Claus.
I didn’t like him at all. I know Santa Claus
wasn’t no black man. He’s supposed to be
white and fat and old. He didn’t even have a
long white beard. I didn’t smile on the picture I
took either. Now my daddy say he’s not happy
with me.
Muffin:
I took a picture with Santa Claus before, and
he was nice. He was fat and white too. He
gave me some candy. It is not your fault you
are not used to a black Santa Claus. But you
shouldn’t be scared to try some new things. I
just had some sushi fish. I like it a lot.
My daddy took me to see a black Santa Claus.
I didn’t like him at all. I know Santa Claus
wasn’t no black man. He’s supposed to be
white and fat and old. He didn’t even have a
long white beard. I didn’t smile on the picture I
took either. Now my daddy say he’s not happy
with me.
Muffin:
I took a picture with Santa Claus before, and
he was nice. He was fat and white too. He
gave me some candy. It is not your fault you
are not used to a black Santa Claus. But you
shouldn’t be scared to try some new things. I
just had some sushi fish. I like it a lot.
"I Don’t Believe In a
Black Santa Claus!"
Black Santa Claus!"
Dear Muffin
Advice Column
Advice Column
| FALL 2009 Issue |
History Club
"Auntie, why don’t I have a daddy?” asked
ten-year-old Curtis with a tone of resentment.
“Boy… you know you got a daddy.” “No I don’
t,” he responded to his aunt Phyllis. “I don’t know
who my daddy is. All my friends either know
who their daddies are, or they live with them.
Why couldn’t my mama let me grow up with a
daddy?” he asked again. This time even more
angry.
“Curtis!” his aunt yelled. “You shouldn’t speak
that way about your mother. She works hard to
support you.” He replied, “If she hadn’t of
been runnin’ round with different men, she would
have had a husband to help her, and she wouldn’t
of had to work two j... ” Before he could
complete the word ‘jobs’, his aunt had knocked
him so hard he fell to the floor.
“Get up boy and listen. Ya mama did make
some mistakes, but she’s doin’ the very best she
can right now. She loves you more than she loves
herself. She could have decided to stay with
those men and be abused and let you be abused.
But no. She decided to let each one go and work
hard to provide expensive clothes, toys and a big
nice home for you to grow up in. She could have
let one of those men get her hooked on drugs, put
in jail, killed, anything. There’s plenty of kids
whose mothers love their men more than they
love them.
So, tomorrow when you’re thinkin’ about not
having a daddy, think about what I told you, and
wish your mama a happy Father’s Day!”
ten-year-old Curtis with a tone of resentment.
“Boy… you know you got a daddy.” “No I don’
t,” he responded to his aunt Phyllis. “I don’t know
who my daddy is. All my friends either know
who their daddies are, or they live with them.
Why couldn’t my mama let me grow up with a
daddy?” he asked again. This time even more
angry.
“Curtis!” his aunt yelled. “You shouldn’t speak
that way about your mother. She works hard to
support you.” He replied, “If she hadn’t of
been runnin’ round with different men, she would
have had a husband to help her, and she wouldn’t
of had to work two j... ” Before he could
complete the word ‘jobs’, his aunt had knocked
him so hard he fell to the floor.
“Get up boy and listen. Ya mama did make
some mistakes, but she’s doin’ the very best she
can right now. She loves you more than she loves
herself. She could have decided to stay with
those men and be abused and let you be abused.
But no. She decided to let each one go and work
hard to provide expensive clothes, toys and a big
nice home for you to grow up in. She could have
let one of those men get her hooked on drugs, put
in jail, killed, anything. There’s plenty of kids
whose mothers love their men more than they
love them.
So, tomorrow when you’re thinkin’ about not
having a daddy, think about what I told you, and
wish your mama a happy Father’s Day!”