FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > Black History Month

Black History Month

By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

October is Black History Month. I thought I would just raise it after seeing a couple of threads where I was surprised that people seemed to know so little about recent black icons, let alone those trailblazers.

Who would you vote as your Black history hero and why?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Mary Seacole

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Mary Seacole"

Mother Seacole was sidelined in favour of the Florence Nightingale story for too long. A remarkable woman.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Ali G.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

John Terry

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Sorry, that was crass.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Sorry, that was crass. "

It so is!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Barack Obama - I really wish he had more with his time in office.

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By *atisfy janeWoman over a year ago

Torquay

Berry Gordy......Massive impact on modern music

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Barack Obama - I really wish he had more with his time in office. "

Rosa sat so that Martin could walk. Martin walked so that Barack could run.

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By *iamondsmiles.Woman over a year ago

little house on the praire

Mayo angelou

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

My old local vicar John Sentamu. Tho he's became a bit of an arse since he became archbishop of york

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Berry Gordy......Massive impact on modern music"

Not just music but modern culture and a real equaliser in terms of wealth for black singers and muscians.

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple over a year ago

in Lancashire

Nelson Mandela

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Mayo angelou"

Still providing inspiration to me daily.

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By *entadreadMan over a year ago

Essex

"Barack Obama - I really wish he had more with his time in office.

Rosa sat so that Martin could walk. Martin walked so that Barack could run."

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Nelson Mandela. What a hero. Obvious I know. Anybody who died on Robben Island.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"My old local vicar John Sentamu. Tho he's became a bit of an arse since he became archbishop of york"

Ooo, he was my Bishop for a while. I do agree that he should think before giving some press inter_iews though. A warm and lovely man.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Nelson Mandela"

He is our grand statesman now. I haven't met anyone that would say no to meeting him.

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By *atisfy janeWoman over a year ago

Torquay

Johnson Beharry

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By *upitersmileCouple over a year ago

Manchester

Martin Luther King, without this great man I think equality would have taken much longer!!

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple over a year ago

in Lancashire

"Johnson Beharry"

his book is very good, as an ex squaddie reading what he did was very impressive..

a deserved holder of the VC..

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By *abioMan over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

oooh... interesting question....

political i would say Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King....

from a pure civil rights aspect.. I will also have the upmost respect for Rosa Parks.... who was one the most famous people to break the colour ban by sitting on the back of a bus

sporting wise... Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson...

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago
Forum Mod

Rosa Parks,She is the name that stands out to me when ever I think of racial segregation,we were taught about her at school and she always stuck in my mind, funnily enough many years later my son came in from primary school keen to tell me about a black lady that refused to move from her seat on the bus to allow a white person to sit in it,he could'nt believe that people were treated that way

Anyone that came over from the caribbean to build this country up after the war will also have my undivided attention as I listen to their stories

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"oooh... interesting question....

political i would say Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King....

from a pure civil rights aspect.. I will also have the upmost respect for Rosa Parks.... who was one the most famous people to break the colour ban by sitting on the back of a bus

sporting wise... Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson..."

All fabulous choices.

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By *ebothwantuCouple over a year ago

leeds

Swingers site ??????????????

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

nicki minaj

for dat ass

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Rosa Parks,She is the name that stands out to me when ever I think of racial segregation,we were taught about her at school and she always stuck in my mind, funnily enough many years later my son came in from primary school keen to tell me about a black lady that refused to move from her seat on the bus to allow a white person to sit in it,he could'nt believe that people were treated that way

Anyone that came over from the caribbean to build this country up after the war will also have my undivided attention as I listen to their stories "

I remember the joy of my nephews telling me about Rosa Parks too. Their school features her every October to the little ones.

The stories from the Caribbean go back to the war too. It was a hard life for them but this was the Mother country.

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By *atisfy janeWoman over a year ago

Torquay

"Swingers site ??????????????"

Correct....it's a Swingers site

Next question?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago
Forum Mod

"Swingers site ??????????????"

This forum is for all sorts of discussions

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Swingers site ??????????????"

Your point is? I can't tell you about any heroic or famous black swingers but I can tell you how it feels sometimes to be treated as an exotic bit of meat.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"nicki minaj

for dat ass

I have no idea who this is but I will go and find out.

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By *B9 QueenWoman over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

Zora Neale Hurston

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By *B9 QueenWoman over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

Oh and - bell hooks (the lower case letters are deliberate).

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Zora Neale Hurston"

Interesting. I have not read any of her work but I should rectify that soon - Black anthropology.

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple over a year ago

in Lancashire

"Swingers site ??????????????"

yes correct..

and this is the 'lounge' forum where many different topics have been and are discussed..

where people have been helped by others on the site..

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Oh and - bell hooks (the lower case letters are deliberate)."

I don't know bell hooks. I love finding out about new people. Why this person for you?

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By *B9 QueenWoman over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Oh and - bell hooks (the lower case letters are deliberate).

I don't know bell hooks. I love finding out about new people. Why this person for you?"

bell hooks is a black American author and feminist.

I chose Zora Neale Hurston (I have one book of hers called 'Spunk', and, no, it doesn't mean what people think it means!) because she paved the way for people like Maya Angelou (I know why the Caged Bird Sings) and Alice Walker (The Color Purple).

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

never actually been interested in black history,icons etc..though I suppose the jesse owen thing was a big thing...but that is only for physical ability to most peoples _iew in my opinion.Cant stand the flurry over Tupac...especially when ppl quote some sayings...rap musics shit(mainly in my opinion).

I remember meeting the author of 'now I know why the caged bird sings'-when I was at school..I suppose it was pretty nice to meet her...despite me having no real interest in her book really, but suppose it was more about me being enthused as a creative person(albeit non-musically)that got my attention.

I dont have any black influences(family or socially) in my life, and I'm more of a just get on with it type, but I do recognize the contributions many have made to promoting equality and diversity.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"never actually been interested in black history,icons etc..though I suppose the jesse owen thing was a big thing...but that is only for physical ability to most peoples _iew in my opinion.Cant stand the flurry over Tupac...especially when ppl quote some sayings...rap musics shit(mainly in my opinion).

I dont have any black influences(family or socially) in my life, and I'm more of a just get on with it type, but I do recognize the contributions many have made to promoting equality and diversity."

Why no black influences either family or social? I have a strange family but the strength of my maternal grandmother always amazed me.

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By *ouple in LancashireCouple over a year ago

in Lancashire

was never taught any black history in school in the mid 60's to the mid 70's..

felt a real sense of anger that many of the big expensive streets 'up town' were named after several very rich slavers who the city then clearly honoured by the naming etc..

as citizens we should be taught about the bad that has been part of our history as well as the good...

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I dont have any black influences(family or socially) in my life, and I'm more of a just get on with it type, but I do recognize the contributions many have made to promoting equality and diversity.

Why no black influences either family or social? I have a strange family but the strength of my maternal grandmother always amazed me."

grew up with my white side of my family with no real contact with the other..not for their lack of promoting me check back history etc..and there wasnt many black people around glasgow as I grew up.

I've never felt a loss of identity, I just dont really care, I know who I am, regardless of how I look on the outside.

just never been interested..just like I'm not interested in other things...like being an activist for global warming demonstrations

I'd love to go back to belize someday where I was born...yup...to go see weird n wonderful animals,inca ruins..as for ppl?-dont give a fuck lol

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

" I dont have any black influences(family or socially) in my life, and I'm more of a just get on with it type, but I do recognize the contributions many have made to promoting equality and diversity.

Why no black influences either family or social? I have a strange family but the strength of my maternal grandmother always amazed me.

grew up with my white side of my family with no real contact with the other..not for their lack of promoting me check back history etc..and there wasnt many black people around glasgow as I grew up.

I've never felt a loss of identity, I just dont really care, I know who I am, regardless of how I look on the outside.

just never been interested..just like I'm not interested in other things...like being an activist for global warming demonstrations

I'd love to go back to belize someday where I was born...yup...to go see weird n wonderful animals,inca ruins..as for ppl?-dont give a fuck lol "

Thanks for sharing. I've never been back to Guyana but that's because I don't do hot places.

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By *kywatcherMan over a year ago

Southwick

The political ones have already been mentioned so.... Warren Moon and Muhammed Ali.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"was never taught any black history in school in the mid 60's to the mid 70's..

felt a real sense of anger that many of the big expensive streets 'up town' were named after several very rich slavers who the city then clearly honoured by the naming etc..

as citizens we should be taught about the bad that has been part of our history as well as the good..."

That was taught in the late 70s when I was at school but then there was a backlash that British history was not really being taught. I have mentioned on a thread some time ago that whilst Britain is celebrated for ending slavery the knowledge that the plantations were kept going with indentured 'slaves'. That only ended in 1917.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"The political ones have already been mentioned so.... Warren Moon and Muhammed Ali."

I'm assuming Warren Moon is sporty as I don't know him. Ali is one of the reasons I started this thread.

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By *B9 QueenWoman over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"was never taught any black history in school in the mid 60's to the mid 70's..

felt a real sense of anger that many of the big expensive streets 'up town' were named after several very rich slavers who the city then clearly honoured by the naming etc..

as citizens we should be taught about the bad that has been part of our history as well as the good...

And the Slave Trade was begun by the British anyway - often it is only associated with America - but we began it in the 17th century - I have a good book about it by James Walvin.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"was never taught any black history in school in the mid 60's to the mid 70's..

felt a real sense of anger that many of the big expensive streets 'up town' were named after several very rich slavers who the city then clearly honoured by the naming etc..

as citizens we should be taught about the bad that has been part of our history as well as the good...

And the Slave Trade was begun by the British anyway - often it is only associated with America - but we began it in the 17th century - I have a good book about it by James Walvin."

Interestingly, I think, the British Empire started the slave trade because they were finding it harder to colonise the New World with the indentured servants (really slaves) from Scotland, Ireland and the poorer areas of England. Those servants went on to become overseers and slave owners in their own right.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I was also under the impression that blacks(zulus) sold blacks- segregation/slavery of ones own race is often overlooked- in many cultures is it not?

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"I was also under the impression that blacks(zulus) sold blacks- segregation/slavery of ones own race is often overlooked- in many cultures is it not?"

It's true and that story shouldn't be airbrushed away either. Nor should black on black racism be ignored.

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By *B9 QueenWoman over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"I was also under the impression that blacks(zulus) sold blacks- segregation/slavery of ones own race is often overlooked- in many cultures is it not?

It's true and that story shouldn't be airbrushed away either. Nor should black on black racism be ignored."

But that was small scale. Tribes have always made slaves of other tribes - even here in Britain. However, what the Western world did was exploit that to a vast extent and make it global.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"I was also under the impression that blacks(zulus) sold blacks- segregation/slavery of ones own race is often overlooked- in many cultures is it not?

It's true and that story shouldn't be airbrushed away either. Nor should black on black racism be ignored.

But that was small scale. Tribes have always made slaves of other tribes - even here in Britain. However, what the Western world did was exploit that to a vast extent and make it global."

Britain constructed a world economy on that exploitation but I do think we sometimes forget the contribution of black people in helping the trade.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Despite trendy / liberal parents instilling egalitarian beliefs in me, I never met a black person until the age of 10 and I don't remember any 'black history' being taught in my schools.

My children are now much better informed about all perspectives of history and have friends of many races.

In describing a new child to join his class this term, my 8 year old son never thought to mention that he is black (the fact that this boy supports Villa and likes Lego were far more relevant)

Not answered the OP question but such changes makes me feel hopeful for a less bigoted next generation

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By *iewMan over a year ago
Forum Mod

Angus & Findhorn

Sammy Davis Jnr

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"October is Black History Month. I thought I would just raise it after seeing a couple of threads where I was surprised that people seemed to know so little about recent black icons, let alone those trailblazers.

Who would you vote as your Black history hero and why? "

I have many but my choice for this year is Peter Norman.

He was not black, he was a White Aussie, but Peter Norman symbolises to me how the black struggle through history has been helped by individual White men who have little to gain but everything to lose and yet are willing to stand up against the establishment and say 'no, this is wrong'.

Peter Norman, the silver medalist on the podium during the famous Tommie Smith, John Carlos protest although White earned his place in Black History for me by his actions that day.

Hero.

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By *ce WingerMan over a year ago

P.O. Box DE1 0NQ

Bob Marley, skin up

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

If you get a chance to see it, watch Heroes of the Skies about the Tuskeegee airmen. Very inspiring

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Mary Seacole"

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I have to butt in on the slave trade thing. It was started by the Carthaginians after seeing how the Egyptians needed them thousands of years ago and they realised there was profit in taking white Europeans.

The rest of the civilised world followed suite. I think many people forget that Slavery didn't just happen in America.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

And for me I think the best icon has to be Dr King, without a doubt

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I think it's sick when black sportsman get abuse playing abroad with the monkey chants and having bananas thrown at them on the pitch.

It's a shame how ignorant and Neanderthal some countries can still be.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

Who would you vote as your Black history hero and why?

I have many but my choice for this year is Peter Norman.

Peter Norman, the silver medalist on the podium during the famous Tommie Smith, John Carlos protest although White earned his place in Black History for me by his actions that day.

Hero. "

That is a great contribution. I know I have banged on about Tommie Smith this year but he acknowledges how much Peter Norman gave to that struggle.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"I think it's sick when black sportsman get abuse playing abroad with the monkey chants and having bananas thrown at them on the pitch.

It's a shame how ignorant and Neanderthal some countries can still be. "

I agree but it is why BHM is still needed. Not sport but if I said Samuel Coleridge-Taylor I would still get 'corrected' and told I mean Samuel Coleridge Taylor, even when I clarify that I mean the composer and musician.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"I have to butt in on the slave trade thing. It was started by the Carthaginians after seeing how the Egyptians needed them thousands of years ago and they realised there was profit in taking white Europeans.

The rest of the civilised world followed suite. I think many people forget that Slavery didn't just happen in America."

Butt away, it's all good. I am still waiting for the day when we humans stop treating other people as acceptable trading goods.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I think it's sick when black sportsman get abuse playing abroad with the monkey chants and having bananas thrown at them on the pitch.

It's a shame how ignorant and Neanderthal some countries can still be.

I won't try and pretend that I'm an expert on black history as I'm not but I do recognise what the likes of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and many more have done to improve equality and well honestly some bloody common sense.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I've been watching The British docudrama on TV recently and the last programme highlighted the case of James Somersett, an American slave purchased by an Englishman and relocated to the UK. He escaped and was eventually caught and tried. His case was championed by abolitionist lawyers and led the way to the eventual abolition of slavery in all British Territories at home and overseas some years later. Somersett challenged that as a baptised Christian he had a human right to freedom and that there was no precedent in English Law that permitted the owning of slaves on the UK mainland (although it was legal to own slaves in the colonies). Without Somersett's case it may have taken a lot longer to abolish slavery, but I'm positive it would have happened sooner or later.

For me, Somersett took on the might of the Empire when it was at it's strongest and won.

That is a hero in my book.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Mary Seacole"

I love it that you learn stuff through the forums. I had never heard of Mary Seacole before. I just had a quick read up about her, quite amazing

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By *kywatcherMan over a year ago

Southwick

"The political ones have already been mentioned so.... Warren Moon and Muhammed Ali.

I'm assuming Warren Moon is sporty as I don't know him. Ali is one of the reasons I started this thread."
Warren Moon is one of only two players inducted into the CFL (Canadian Football League) and NFL (US National Football League) Hall of Fame. What is unique about him is that he was a quarterback and whilst at college in Washington it was suggested he try out as a tight end. He was subsequently overlooked in the college draft as no NFL owner would take him into their team. Black QB's were unknown. He went on to be succesful in Canada with Edmonton before the Houston Oilers brought him back to the NFL. A true legend who was still playing into his 40's and I was fortunate to be in the Houston Astrodome to see him in 1987.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"I've been watching The British docudrama on TV recently and the last programme highlighted the case of James Somersett, an American slave purchased by an Englishman and relocated to the UK. He escaped and was eventually caught and tried. His case was championed by abolitionist lawyers and led the way to the eventual abolition of slavery in all British Territories at home and overseas some years later. Somersett challenged that as a baptised Christian he had a human right to freedom and that there was no precedent in English Law that permitted the owning of slaves on the UK mainland (although it was legal to own slaves in the colonies). Without Somersett's case it may have taken a lot longer to abolish slavery, but I'm positive it would have happened sooner or later.

For me, Somersett took on the might of the Empire when it was at it's strongest and won.

That is a hero in my book."

My book too.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"The political ones have already been mentioned so.... Warren Moon and Muhammed Ali.

I'm assuming Warren Moon is sporty as I don't know him. Ali is one of the reasons I started this thread. Warren Moon is one of only two players inducted into the CFL (Canadian Football League) and NFL (US National Football League) Hall of Fame. What is unique about him is that he was a quarterback and whilst at college in Washington it was suggested he try out as a tight end. He was subsequently overlooked in the college draft as no NFL owner would take him into their team. Black QB's were unknown. He went on to be succesful in Canada with Edmonton before the Houston Oilers brought him back to the NFL. A true legend who was still playing into his 40's and I was fortunate to be in the Houston Astrodome to see him in 1987."

Thank you for that addition to my knowledge bank.

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By *phroditeWoman over a year ago

(She/ her) in Sensualityland

"Nelson Mandela"

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago
Forum Mod

Ooooh now his thread has come back up agao its reminded me of something.... Can I mention the Harlem Globetrotters? just because of the years of awesome entertainment and athleticism

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Ooooh now his thread has come back up agao its reminded me of something.... Can I mention the Harlem Globetrotters? just because of the years of awesome entertainment and athleticism

And a cartoon series!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"nicki minaj

for dat ass

Which one, it seems she has about 12 of them, all plastic!!!!!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

But that was small scale. Tribes have always made slaves of other tribes - even here in Britain. However, what the Western world did was exploit that to a vast extent and make it global."

Evil is evil. Blame doesn't shift from a monster, just because there's a bigger one.

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By *stmateMan over a year ago

Notts

A bit off topic but for me a hero is someone hard working, honest and doesn't have an ounce of segregation, that's a true hero regardless of colour or creed.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"A bit off topic but for me a hero is someone hard working, honest and doesn't have an ounce of segregation, that's a true hero regardless of colour or creed.

I would agree with that but I also choose to celebrate the hero that has not had the airtime or the books written about them because of their colour, creed or physical/mental disadvantages.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Jimi Hendrix

Richard Pryor

John Lee Hooker

Cleavon Little

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Mayo angelou

Still providing inspiration to me daily."

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

B.B.King.

live at the cook county jail was groundbreaking.

love his music which paved the way for many.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Who would you vote as your Black history hero and why? "
just atched a programme about heros of the skies about a squadron of negro pilots in world war2, brilliant, and shameful that the top brass tought them incapable of doing complx job!!1

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"oooh... interesting question....

political i would say Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King....

from a pure civil rights aspect.. I will also have the upmost respect for Rosa Parks.... who was one the most famous people to break the colour ban by sitting on the back of a bus

sporting wise... Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson..."

Absolutely agree 100% with you there Fabio... I would also add Jamaican swimmer James Clarke in Liverpool early 20th century who saved many from drowning and has a street named after him!

Also the multi talented Zora Neale Hurston who was her own person... Ebony.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"B.B.King.

live at the cook county jail was groundbreaking.

love his music which paved the way for many."

You have real style!

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

Who would you vote as your Black history hero and why? just atched a programme about heros of the skies about a squadron of negro pilots in world war2, brilliant, and shameful that the top brass tought them incapable of doing complx job!!1

Black people were involved in the Great War too. Their stories are seldom told.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Just realised James Clarke is from Guyana not Jamaica.

still a hero though!

Ebony

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Louis Armstrong

4 Tops

Temptations

Why ?

Cos they were brilliant

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Why oh why are people still going on about black history or about things white.

Grow up people let it go, its hunan history jeez

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Sorry human history

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Why oh why are people still going on about black history or about things white.

Grow up people let it go, its hunan history jeez"

It may be human history but the fact is that it is written by the victors. The history we are presented is written from a perspective, often white and classically educated. I am grown up and the great thing about history is that we can always go back and explore it from the perspective of today.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Very true but it is very often used as a tool to continue to incite racial hatred between black and white and very often by people with hidden agendas.

If people wish this kind of behaviour to go away then perhaps less talk of who did what too whom or continually separating black culture off from human culture possibly might cure this.

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Mo Ibrahim

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By *ranny-CrumpetWoman over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"Why oh why are people still going on about black history or about things white.

Grow up people let it go, its hunan history jeez"

Probably for the same reason as some of us continue to go on n on n on about women's achievements.

Incidentally - telling people to grow up is more than a tad infantile.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Very true but it is very often used as a tool to continue to incite racial hatred between black and white and very often by people with hidden agendas.

If people wish this kind of behaviour to go away then perhaps less talk of who did what too whom or continually separating black culture off from human culture possibly might cure this."

I started this thread in part because a youngish black man on here was unaware of Ali beyond the boxing. I can't agree with you on not discussing who did what to whom because, as the saying goes, those who do not know their history are destined to repeat it. You are, of course, entitled to your opinion and thank you for sharing it.

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By *lum59Couple over a year ago

wigan

without doubt just listen to his speeches moving and realistic a truly great man of values

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Mo Ibrahim "

A very interesting choice! I came to know of him through his philanthropy and then found the rest of his story.

I should add Ken Olisa to my list too.

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By *lum59Couple over a year ago

wigan

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"If you get a chance to see it, watch Heroes of the Skies about the Tuskeegee airmen. Very inspiring"

I watched that the other night and i feel ashamed i know nothing about them before. Its crazy on how people could think black men couldn't fly planes but turned out they were the best group of airmen.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Why oh why are people still going on about black history or about things white.

Grow up people let it go, its hunan history jeez

Would add black history month is awareness of African, Caribbean and non European and non "white" history which was seriously twisted in the history books creating a very twisted _iew of the non "white" perspective... I first learned about African history when 21 years old and still learning its all about seeing other parts of the world and different cultures and not l just one perspective which has always been "white."

Black history whlist creating awareness, it creates openness about how,diverse human history is and that even and swinging is not a new thing. Polygamous societies especially on the African continent was nothing new... Prehistory is important and the point is we learn from the diverse rich histories, not just from one perspective.

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By *hetalkingstoveMan over a year ago

London

"If people wish this kind of behaviour to go away then perhaps less talk of who did what too whom or continually separating black culture off from human culture possibly might cure this."

How is black history month 'seperating black culture off'?

It's making a space to look at issues that typically don't get attention because...well, because white people still tend to dominate the media, politics, etc.

You can't just pretend its a level playing field. It isn't.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"If people wish this kind of behaviour to go away then perhaps less talk of who did what too whom or continually separating black culture off from human culture possibly might cure this.

How is black history month 'seperating black culture off'?

It's making a space to look at issues that typically don't get attention because...well, because white people still tend to dominate the media, politics, etc.

You can't just pretend its a level playing field. It isn't."

Thank you, and ebonynivory, for your comments.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Correct it isnt a level playing field and hasnt been for many years.

I myself am most definately anti racist in everyway.

Please answer this.

If i put forward a " White Awareness Month " , how long would it take you too jump all over that and treat me as a racist.

Try living life as a homosapien not as a black, white, yellow or any other damn colour.

Also if you are going to talk of black culture then please inform the forum exactly what that is .

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Correct it isnt a level playing field and hasnt been for many years.

I myself am most definately anti racist in everyway.

Please answer this.

If i put forward a " White Awareness Month " , how long would it take you too jump all over that and treat me as a racist.

Try living life as a homosapien not as a black, white, yellow or any other damn colour.

Also if you are going to talk of black culture then please inform the forum exactly what that is ."

You seem determined to press this so here, once again, is the answer. If you posted a thread on 'white history month' I would respond to that based on the question you asked. I don't feel there is a need for white history month as it is that every single month of the year. You know what, I do live my life as a human being. It's other human beings that have influenced how I am treated as a black person, as mixed race person, as a woman, as a 47 year old and so on.

I don't homogenise black culture, or any culture, so how would you suggest I explain 'exactly what it is'. Anthropoligically, culture is the range of human behaviours and practices that do not relate to their genetics or race.

Start a thread on homosapiens you admire if you like. I will continue to pose my questions in terms I am happy with.

Peace be with you.

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By *orkieMan over a year ago

Who knows

For me it would be Rosa Parks, that gal had balls. Martin Luther King for obvious reasons. Nelson Mandela - unbreakable. the guy who the film "Men of Honour" was based on - the highest ranking Afro American diver in the US military.... Berry Gordy??/ dunno bout that one, read the real stories bout the Motown singer and how many were used and died in poverty like Florence Ballard (from the Supremes)

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

As the great Marvin gaye once sang, Abraham, Martin and John. Martin Luther King, because of his peaceful protest for equality. It alway amazes me how many people who fight for peace in a peaceful manner, die violently.

Sporting wise, Jesse Owens, Ali, Tommy Smith, John Carlos, Joe Louis

Someone mentioned Sammy Davies Jr. His story is really inspiring, when you read they way he fought racism in the way his bookings were done, especially in Las Vegas. Chuck Berry has to be in the mix as well.

George Washington Carver, his work on farming techniques helped former slves become self sufficient after the American Civil War.

I would like to read more about Mary Seacole, as she seems an inspiration.

From a personal point of _iew, I would add Tony, my schoolmates mum. She was a from Trindad and taught me many things about West Indies culture. Introduced me to chicken and rice, Bob Marley and reggae. Also I would like to nominate a girl called Carmen, a lovely Caribbean girl I lost my virginity to!!!

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"As the great Marvin gaye once sang, Abraham, Martin and John. Martin Luther King, because of his peaceful protest for equality. It alway amazes me how many people who fight for peace in a peaceful manner, die violently.

Sporting wise, Jesse Owens, Ali, Tommy Smith, John Carlos, Joe Louis

George Washington Carver, his work on farming techniques helped former slves become self sufficient after the American Civil War.

I would like to read more about Mary Seacole, as she seems an inspiration.

Thank you for a lovely contribution. Do look up Mary Seacole as it does change the received story of Florence Nightingale somewhat. No banknotes with Mother Seacole's picture though.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Mayo angelou"

Patron saint of condiments?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Barack Obama - I really wish he had more with his time in office. "

Unfortunately there is very little any US president can do with their time in office, they are merely puppets to the real rulers - Big business

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By *unky monkeyMan over a year ago

in the night garden

A tad frivolous but are we allowed fictional characters?

Some of my favourite Marvel superheroes are black; Luke Cage, Black Panther and Falcon.

If not I will go for Malcolm X. A complex person who was as much wrong as he was right. Yes he was a bit of a tool in his earlier years but I think gave more confidence and strength to black Americans than even MLK did.

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By *abioMan over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

"Why oh why are people still going on about black history or about things white.

Grow up people let it go, its hunan history jeez"

probably for the reason why you know more about Florence Nightingale and not so much about Mary Seacole..... for example...

Probably the reason why history is littered with stories about great men, and not so many about great women.......

the history written and told tend to mirror those who wrote about it......

my background and history... carribean and a child from the south, hearing stories from my grandparents and great grandparents about the times and tough times they had growing up... slavery, and the civil rights movement.. so that is where a lot of my reading comes froms and where a lot of my heroes originates...

martin luther king, rosa parks, the little rock nine (read the story cause it will just seem unbelieveable), and from a sporting sense jesse owens, and jackie robinson.. the first black man in baseball....

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"A tad frivolous but are we allowed fictional characters?

Some of my favourite Marvel superheroes are black; Luke Cage, Black Panther and Falcon.

Funky, I welcome the addition of fictional characters. There are so few of them that it is great when you find them AND they are superheroes.

I have mixed feelings about Malcolm X but I agree that he did much to bolster many African Americans.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Anyone who steps past that barrier where others tell them no, they're not good enough and they don't listen.

Sporting, political, musical, business, it makes no difference to me.

Mary Seacole, the students who attended college in Alabama at the height of the civil rights movement, Dr Martin Luther King, Nelso Mandela, Rosa Parks,Jesse Owens,Willie O'Ree the list goes on But these are just the famous ones.

To me, it's my uncle who moved from Barbados to Canada to marry my Aunt. A soft spoken man with a PhD in Biology who changed the opiniions of my grandmother with a simple "hello".

Every day we hopefully move closer to a day where Racism becomes as rare as polio, where people such as Barak Obama are not seen as an oddity, but as another President who we admire for being good at his job, not for being a black man who's good at his job. My children are hopefully part of the generation who say goodbye to the crap that is racism.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

On the music front, I think Billie Holliday stands out but my all time favourite for the way that he literally did not give a shit and did things as he chose, making Oliver Reid look like Philip Schofield, has got to be Sonny Boy Williamson

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Anyone who steps past that barrier where others tell them no, they're not good enough and they don't listen.

Sporting, political, musical, business, it makes no difference to me.

To me, it's my uncle who moved from Barbados to Canada to marry my Aunt. A soft spoken man with a PhD in Biology who changed the opiniions of my grandmother with a simple "hello".

Thank you. My grandfather was Bajan so maybe yours crossed paths with mine.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Frederick Douglass was an astonishing man, advisor and sometime critic of Abe Lincoln - he did as much as anyone to hasten the Emancipation Proclamation.

There are a perhaps surprising number of black people throughout the history of the radical movement in Britain (which I have studied for many years) - my favourite character being William Cuffray, the Chartist Leader whose speech from the dock when tried in 1848 was a major recruiting tool for the movement.

I read Merle Hodge's "Crick, Crack Monkey" a while back and thought it wonderful - well worth a read for a personal _iew of post-colonial Trinidad.

I've always admired the poetry of Louise Bennett, who makes you laugh and think at the same time. I recommend "Back to Africa" as a particular favourite.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Why oh why are people still going on about black history or about things white.

Grow up people let it go, its hunan history jeez"

Well, not sure to start with this. Perhaps if you knew more about it, then the question would be moot.

Or perhaps, it's not "ancient" history to many, it's actually their grandparents or parents who weren't allowed to rent rooms in London, or couldn't (and often still can't) get a job even with the same qualifications as a person who's not black, or perhaps the move towards equality based on the idea that skin colour is purely a pigmentation issue rather than an IQ/Behavioural/Social issue isn't quite over yet?

To many people the scars are still deep, I was born in North America and although white, I grew up in a world where black people were seen as less than white people. Of more recent history, we have South Africa where the white minority (aided by much of the western world) treated black people as one step up from slaves.

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By *abioMan over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

see I left malcolm X out as well.. I think his hear was in the right place, and for some people he will be as influencial as MLK... just the way he went about it was much more "confrontational"...

the "take what we are owed here and now" vs "bringing everyone on board and getting there together"...

and thats why MLK is lauded by everyone, as opposed the malcolm X is lauded by parts of the black community...

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By *izzy RascallMan over a year ago

Cardiff

"Swingers site ??????????????

Correct....it's a Swingers site

Next question?"

Why dont we have a White history month? A muslim history month, Seikh or even Jewish history month?

An Asian month taking in countires such as Japan, China and Korea/s?

I love Black History month on the radio as even though its way before my time Motown is one of my fav 'ages'.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Thank you. My grandfather was Bajan so maybe yours crossed paths with mine."

Having lived there for first 5 years of my life and being a constant part of my life for the next 20 years, I'd say given there's a small population on a 14x7 coral rock, then I'd say probably

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Frederick Douglass was an astonishing man, advisor and sometime critic of Abe Lincoln - he did as much as anyone to hasten the Emancipation Proclamation.

I read Merle Hodge's "Crick, Crack Monkey" a while back and thought it wonderful - well worth a read for a personal _iew of post-colonial Trinidad.

I've always admired the poetry of Louise Bennett, who makes you laugh and think at the same time. I recommend "Back to Africa" as a particular favourite."

Thank you so much. I have never heard of Louise Bennett so off the explore now. One of the kids has been given a homework assignment of writing a poem about slavery and will enjoy reading poetry that makes you laugh and think.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

The slavery museum in Liverpool Docks is an amazing experience and dreadfully sad. It looks at the slave trade all the way to the current day.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Swingers site ??????????????

Correct....it's a Swingers site

Next question?

Why dont we have a White history month? A muslim history month, Seikh or even Jewish history month?

An Asian month taking in countires such as Japan, China and Korea/s?

I love Black History month on the radio as even though its way before my time Motown is one of my fav 'ages'.

I've answered why I don't think a White History Month is needed. BHM is supposed to encompass, non-white, but I agree the name will mean some will see it as just Black history. I would welcome times to learn and celebrate the history of other ethnic and gender groupings.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I put up an Olympic quiz during the summer to bring forward some of the unsung pioneers. I know it was too hard (I had to look hard to come up with the questions) but it was about recognising the whole story and not just the most published version.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

MLK was a sexual predator and a plagiarist. Just saying

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By *izzy RascallMan over a year ago

Cardiff

"Swingers site ??????????????

Correct....it's a Swingers site

Next question?

Why dont we have a White history month? A muslim history month, Seikh or even Jewish history month?

An Asian month taking in countires such as Japan, China and Korea/s?

I love Black History month on the radio as even though its way before my time Motown is one of my fav 'ages'.

I havent read all the thread so may have missed the debate about why a 'white history month' isnt needed.

I can only look back to school when I had 'History' as a chosen subject. I can't remember one 'non white' subject we learned about, sad isnt it. Thankfully that was 20+ years ago and hopefully the curriculum has changed, I know it has in religious studies, which at times will touch on the subject.

I kind of have a problem with 'Black History Month' just as I do with 'The MOBO's' (Music of black origin awards). Ok non 'black' (hate that aswell) win awards, but to me there shouldnt be a seperation as to wether History covers a white person or not and same with music.

A white history month is offensive

A music awards just about white origins of music is offensive.

In my opinion I would have HISTORY MONTH and MUSIC AWARDS.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"MLK was a sexual predator and a plagiarist. Just saying"

And you are fully entitled to say so. Thank you for contributing.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Swingers site ??????????????

Correct....it's a Swingers site

Next question?

Why dont we have a White history month? A muslim history month, Seikh or even Jewish history month?

An Asian month taking in countires such as Japan, China and Korea/s?

I love Black History month on the radio as even though its way before my time Motown is one of my fav 'ages'.

I havent read all the thread so may have missed the debate about why a 'white history month' isnt needed.

A white history month is offensive

A music awards just about white origins of music is offensive.

In my opinion I would have HISTORY MONTH and MUSIC AWARDS."

I understand what you are saying but the argument is still needed. There are music awards for all sorts of origins - the country music awards, the classical music awards and so on. MOBO is just that, a recognition of where a style of music started. Awards are made to musicians of all hues.

I will continue to argue for BHM as history is still not taught in an equal way. There are programmes on TV about historical and contemporary black figures because they can be attached to a month. Try and get them commissioned without this and it is almost impossible. I have seen two things about Mary Seacole. How many have been made about Florence Nightingale?

As the centenary of the Great War comes closer I would hope there will be some space for the contribution black people (I use the term politically) in the coverage.

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By *unky monkeyMan over a year ago

in the night garden

"see I left malcolm X out as well.. I think his hear was in the right place, and for some people he will be as influencial as MLK... just the way he went about it was much more "confrontational"...

the "take what we are owed here and now" vs "bringing everyone on board and getting there together"...

and thats why MLK is lauded by everyone, as opposed the malcolm X is lauded by parts of the black community...

I totally agree he was like that initially but when he converted to being a Sunni Muslim did he not drop his more malicious _iews claiming he had been brain washed by Islam?

He then went on to promote a more "bringing everyone on board and getting there together" type approach as you put it. Either way he was fearless and furious and engendered those traits which on the whole, in the end, were more positive than negative.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Why oh why are people still going on about black history or about things white.

Probably the reason why history is littered with stories about great men, and not so many about great women.......

the history written and told tend to mirror those who wrote about it......

Ah yes... Whomever tells the "his"story or "her" story... hearing about anthropologist and writer Zora Neale Hurston was music to my ears. She was a pioneer in the Harlem renaissance movement and actually transcended race by saying things like "the cosmic Zora emerges" Mary Seacole who travelled even more widely than Florence and paid her own way ... Jesse Owens, remarkable... Feel on hearing the true facts of different histories... Lets not forget Isaac Julien, James Baldwin, Audrey Lorde bell hooks, Patricia Cumper, Alice Walker Angela Davis, Claudia Jones Paul Botaeng, Zadie Smith, Darcus Howe Oona King, Diane Abbott..... Writers and politicians who changed history through what they wrote or said... Methinks we are doing it now changing history in a swingers forum... Methinks we all are changing history/history through contributing to swinging... We're so diverse a community and I think that's cool... Thanks for pioneering this post Licketysplits! Nuff respect, o

Ebony

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Zora Neale Hurston"

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Oh and - bell hooks (the lower case letters are deliberate)."

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I'm adding this brave young woman to my list: Malala Yousafzai.

Shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls to be educated. Shocking.

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By *orflondonerMan over a year ago

Wood Green

Walter Tull

Ex footballer for Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton.Being one of,if not the first black footballers.

Also the first black person to become a commisioned Officer in the British army.Died in France, in 1918 during WW1.

A brave mane who over come a lot of prejudice in his life.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Not as grand as some mentioned but had a direct effect on my thoughts, attitude and musical tastes from the time I first heard Sonny's Lettah on one of John Peel's late night sessions ... Linton Kwesi Johnson.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Musical youth.....This generation...rule the nation...with version.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"was never taught any black history in school in the mid 60's to the mid 70's..

felt a real sense of anger that many of the big expensive streets 'up town' were named after several very rich slavers who the city then clearly honoured by the naming etc..

as citizens we should be taught about the bad that has been part of our history as well as the good...

And the Slave Trade was begun by the British anyway - often it is only associated with America - but we began it in the 17th century - I have a good book about it by James Walvin."

The slave trade was begun by the British. Hmmm. I think the Vikings would have disagreed, and before them the Romans, the Greeks, the Assyrians etc etc.And if we are going to pretend that it was only 'black' people who were enslaved and only by 'white' people then we must also pretend that the Bugandans, Ashanti, Zulus and Matabele didn't enslave other 'black' people and also of course that 'black' chiefs in West Africa didn't sell other 'blacks' into slavery.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Why oh why are people still going on about black history or about things white.

Probably the reason why history is littered with stories about great men, and not so many about great women.......

the history written and told tend to mirror those who wrote about it......

Ebony

I don't think Angela Davis would be happy with being lumped together with a fat, rich hypocrite like Diane Abbot !!

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"was never taught any black history in school in the mid 60's to the mid 70's..

felt a real sense of anger that many of the big expensive streets 'up town' were named after several very rich slavers who the city then clearly honoured by the naming etc..

as citizens we should be taught about the bad that has been part of our history as well as the good...

And the Slave Trade was begun by the British anyway - often it is only associated with America - but we began it in the 17th century - I have a good book about it by James Walvin.

Thanks for adding to the thread. You will see that others have raised the same point on slavery, just using other words. All very valid points.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I don't think Angela Davis would be happy with being lumped together with a fat, rich hypocrite like Diane Abbot !!"

Like it or not, Diane Abbott is still part of Black History.

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I went to see The Central Park Five today. I remembered the story of the five black teenagers in New York who had assaulted and raped a white female jogger. I have no recollection of the story of their sentences being vacated when the real killer came forward 13 years later.

A very moving documentary.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I don't think Angela Davis would be happy with being lumped together with a fat, rich hypocrite like Diane Abbot !!

Like it or not, Diane Abbott is still part of Black History.

My feelings about Diane Abbot have nothing to do with colour. She is an awful self serving person. Its a disgrace that she is in an influential position

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 16/10/12 10:09:25]

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Johnson Beharry

his book is very good, as an ex squaddie reading what he did was very impressive..

a deserved holder of the VC.."

He's a good bloke, I was briefly at Cimic during the siege and met some of the guys he saved (he was wounded a couple of days before we arrived) but I've met him twice at reunions.

He definitely deserved the VC.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I don't think Angela Davis would be happy with being lumped together with a fat, rich hypocrite like Diane Abbot !!

Like it or not, Diane Abbott is still part of Black History.

My feelings about Diane Abbot have nothing to do with colour. She is an awful self serving person. Its a disgrace that she is in an influential position"

Yet again the fact is she is still part of Black History... Lived in Hackney for a while and it was mainly the community leaders and local peeople who got things moving... Yes she said stupid things yet the fact remains she is still part of Black. History... Ebony

(

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"MLK was a sexual predator and a plagiarist. Just saying"

And Nelson Mandela is a murderer.

Still, they had a massive impact on the human rights movement which benefited millions.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 16/10/12 10:22:39]

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

I wish I knew how it would feel to be free

I wish I could break all the chains holding me

I wish I could say all the things that I should say

say 'em loud, say 'em clear

for the whole round world to hear.

I wish I could share all the love that's in my heart

remove all the bars that keep us apart

I wish you could know what it means to be me

Then you'd see and agree

that every man should be free.

I wish I could give all I'm longing to give

I wish I could live like I'm longing to live

I wish that I could do all the things that I can do

though I'm way overdue I'd be starting anew.

Well I wish I could be like a bird in the sky

how sweet it would be if I found I could fly

Oh I'd soar to the sun and look down at the sea

and I'd sing cos I'd know that

I'd know how it feels to be free

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Jackie Robinson.

The first professional black baseball player.

His biography is out on 14th September and from the trailer it looks great.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Cyril Regis when I was a kid I wanted his autograph I waited outside the hawthorns and he just brushed past, 30 years later my ex wife met him and told him the story.

He on my birthday I was having a meal with my daughter and some friends and presents were being pased to me suddenly a book about the first black players in the top flight of English football was passed to me I looked up to see who had got me such a thoughtful gift and there was the man himself he stayed for an hour or so bought me a drink and signed autographs best birthday ever lol

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By *ammyjayneWoman over a year ago

hull

"Mayo angelou"
I love her work

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By *or Fox SakeCouple over a year ago

Thornaby

"Johnson Beharry"

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Micheal Jackson ( bit of a grey area)

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By *or Fox SakeCouple over a year ago

Thornaby

"was never taught any black history in school in the mid 60's to the mid 70's..

felt a real sense of anger that many of the big expensive streets 'up town' were named after several very rich slavers who the city then clearly honoured by the naming etc..

as citizens we should be taught about the bad that has been part of our history as well as the good...

And the Slave Trade was begun by the British anyway - often it is only associated with America - but we began it in the 17th century - I have a good book about it by James Walvin."

No offence but the slave trade predates Britain by a few thousand years. Most cultures regardless of skin colour used slavery. To try and "pin" slavery on a single group or culture is s bit silly.

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By *iss_tressWoman over a year ago

London

"was never taught any black history in school in the mid 60's to the mid 70's..

felt a real sense of anger that many of the big expensive streets 'up town' were named after several very rich slavers who the city then clearly honoured by the naming etc..

as citizens we should be taught about the bad that has been part of our history as well as the good...

And the Slave Trade was begun by the British anyway - often it is only associated with America - but we began it in the 17th century - I have a good book about it by James Walvin.

No offence but the slave trade predates Britain by a few thousand years. Most cultures regardless of skin colour used slavery. To try and "pin" slavery on a single group or culture is s bit silly. "

Indeed: slavery predates written history!

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Cyril Regis when I was a kid I wanted his autograph I waited outside the hawthorns and he just brushed past, 30 years later my ex wife met him and told him the story.

I only found out about him at the end of last year. I can imagine your joy. My Tommy Smith experience still makes me beam when I look at the pictures.

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By *B9 QueenWoman over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Mary Seacole

Mother Seacole was sidelined in favour of the Florence Nightingale story for too long. A remarkable woman."

And she applied to Florence Nightingale to go to the Crimea with her - she was snubbed. So, at her own cost, she went anyway. You should read her book - really very interesting. A remarkable woman.

I admire Maya Angelou also - incredibly strong woman.

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By *unky monkeyMan over a year ago

in the night garden

I vote Morgan Freeman for calling black history month ridiculous.

Amen to this inter_iew with Freeman and Mike Wallace...

---------------------------------------

Wallace: Black History Month you find...

Freeman: Ridiculous.

Wallace: Why?

Freeman: You're going to relegate my history to a month?

Wallace: Oh, come on...

Freeman: What do you do with yours? Which month is White History Month?

Wallace: Well...

Freeman: Come on, tell me.

Wallace: I'm Jewish.

Freeman: OK. Which month is Jewish History Month?

Wallace: There isn't one.

Freeman: Oh. Oh. Why not? Do you want one?

Wallace: No. No.

Freeman: Alright. I don't either. I don't want a Black History Month. Black history is American history.

Wallace: How are we going to get rid of racism...?

Freeman: Stop talking about it. I'm going to stop calling you a white man. And I'm going to ask you to stop calling me a black man. I know you as Mike Wallace. You know me as Morgan Freeman.

---------------------------------------

FTW FUCK YEAH!

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By *B9 QueenWoman over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Zora Neale Hurston

Interesting. I have not read any of her work but I should rectify that soon - Black anthropology."

I have one of her collections called - Spunk. Obviously the word had different connotations at the time.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Marcus Garvey

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By *B9 QueenWoman over a year ago

Over the rainbow, under the bridge

"Oh and - bell hooks (the lower case letters are deliberate).

I don't know bell hooks. I love finding out about new people. Why this person for you?"

One of the first black feminists - when the feminist movement was pretty much all about white middle class women. She was the one who dared to point out that their experience did not speak for the black woman's experience.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"No offence but the slave trade predates Britain by a few thousand years. Most cultures regardless of skin colour used slavery. To try and "pin" slavery on a single group or culture is s bit silly. "

True - but the Atlantic Slave Trade was quite different to previous forms of slavery. We didn't start it - the Portugese were doing it before the British, but we did literally build cities out of the slave trade so it is something that ought to make up an important part of education in our history.

Re. The original post I've never really had a 'hero' but Mandela is somenody I'd have loved the opportunity to meet.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Did you ever look up Louise Bennett Lickety? If so, what did you think?

Apropos of nothing, here's a Jamaica joke that made me laugh when I read it:

In a recent trial, a Mandeville prosecuting lawyer called to the witness stand his first witness, a grand motherly, elderly woman named Miss Ivy.

The lawyer approached her and asked, "Miss Ivy, do you know me?’’

She responded, "Why, yes of course me know you, Mr. Williams. Me know yu since yu was a likkle pissen tail pickney, and wata big disappointment yu is to yu fambily. Yu is a ole liard, yu cheat pan yuh wife, yuh chat people bizniz, and yuh red-eye, grudgeful and licky-licky. Yu tink yu is a big shot now but yu no realize seh yu will never amoun to nuttin more Dan a Two-bit paper pusher! Yes, me know yuh very well alright!!"

The Lawyer was stunned! Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, "Miss Ivy, do you know the defense lawyer?"

She looked over at the defense lawyer and replied, "Of course, me know Mr. Bradley since him was a likkle bwoy too. Him lazy, and good-fe-nutten, him boasy, and him always a gwaan like him white. Him caan build nuh normal Relationship with any ooman. Fe him law practice a di worse eena Jamaica. Him chat nuff, him a ole teef, him dutty and narsty. A tree different ooman an four man me hear seh him a grine undah covah, an one a di ooman dem a fi yu missis (points at juror member)!!

Yes sah, me know him well."

The defense lawyer almost died of embarrassment.

The judge ordered both counselors to approach the bench, and in a very quiet voice, said, "If eeda of you rassclaat bastard arks har if she know me, a gwine lock up oonu bumbo-claat eena jail fi contempt!."

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By *londeCazWoman over a year ago

Arse End of the Universe, Cumbria

I haven't read the whole thread, I've skimmed it, but I'd have to nominate my sister's friend's parents...In 1973 they adopted a young girl who happened to be black - at the time you could count the number of "persons of colour" on 2 hands maximum in Arse End (and we're talking mixed race here, not black, which for some folk round here is "better")...the story most of us all remember is Mam and Dad taking her out for a walk in the pram, local person looking in and saying something along the lines of "What a cutie, shame she's black". This friend of ours has had a lot of stick over the years and was always "the only black in the village" until recently - however, she's my sister's friend, my friend and a well loved community member to most (not all) folk. Therefore - Mr & Mrs B, I salute you

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By *icketysplits OP Woman over a year ago

Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound

"Did you ever look up Louise Bennett Lickety? If so, what did you think?

Apropos of nothing, here's a Jamaica joke that made me laugh when I read it:

In a recent trial, a Mandeville prosecuting lawyer called to the witness stand his first witness, a grand motherly, elderly woman named Miss Ivy.

The lawyer approached her and asked, "Miss Ivy, do you know me?’’

The Lawyer was stunned! Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, "Miss Ivy, do you know the defense lawyer?"

Yes sah, me know him well."

The defense lawyer almost died of embarrassment.

That made me laugh - I haven't heard that one in years.

Yes, I did look her up and recognised the colonizin' England in reverse poem.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

The Aborigine in a Crocodile Dundee film (the 2nd? ),the one who asked if he could eat the foreign captives if they tried to escape.

Why? For being able to crack a joke about his racial stereotype which a) was funny and b) didn't have part of the world up in arms. Or to cause third party offence.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Martin Luther King

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Just to balance things up:

I've just read a biography of King that was pretty critical of his character and decision-making abilities. Great speech-maker though

Plus, Malcolm X was a knob

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By *rishmochaMan over a year ago

Herts

"Barack Obama - I really wish he had more with his time in office.

Rosa sat so that Martin could walk. Martin walked so that Barack could run."

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Martin Luther king or Nelson Mandela for me.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

big mama Thornton , Betsy smith ( lesbian so not just colour prejudice against her ) , Robert Johnson , lead belly and my all time fave sonny boy William's and many more that defined and created blues

hero's in my book

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By *ukus 62Woman over a year ago

Essex

Miriam Makeba for me

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Denzel Washington.

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By *lackshadow7Man over a year ago

Toronto

Nelson Mandela.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

stephen lawrence

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Diana Ross, yes Diana Ross - people are not aware that when she emerged onto the public consciousness that black entertainers were still being treated as second class citizens!

Due to her success as a performer she broke in2 areas where blacks had before been unwelcome

A question was raised in Senate regarding the Stop! In the name if love video which featured black n whites dancing together. A senator declared it was so disgusting to _iew it made him wanna be sick!

She was also first actress nomination for Oscar as a leading actress in a film (there had been previous nominations for support but not lead actresses)

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By *obbygggMan over a year ago

Birmingham

Rev Al Sharpton.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Who's that weird guy off the telly?..yeah him.

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