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Predatory Blending

Black History:  Special Delivery!!

Today, I came across a quote I shared on social media on “predatory blending”. It is just as true today as it was 11 years ago and inspired more reflection to flow from my pen:

Beware of “Predatory Blending”.  Your associations should embrace you not erase you. -Enid Gaddis, Black Mail Founder

I created the term, “predatory blending” to describe the assimilation that can be expected from black people or other people of color as we navigate, infiltrate, integrate, and situate ourselves in various settings from employment, entrepreneurship,  community involvement, civic engagement, education, etc.

There are times when our “acceptance” or even or “eligibility” for inclusion is based on our ability to assimilate. Assimilation leads to erasure. When assimilation is required for acceptance, the often hidden but powerful forces of “predatory blending” are at work.

Don’t allow your wisdom, wit, and work to be manipulated and re-worked so that your influence and imprint is watered down and unrecognizable. Don’t let systems and shysters mine the riches of your intellect and innovation co-opting it for causes that refuse to accept the totality and phenomenality of your essence and presence. Bring the fullness of YOU into these spaces. Refuse to be erased.

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Nikki Giovanni Quote

Black History: Special Delivery!!

Style has a profound meaning to Black Americans. If we can’t drive, we will invent walks and the world will envy the dexterity of our feet. If we can’t have ham, we will boil chitterlings; if we are given rotten peaches, we will make cobblers; if given scraps, we will make quilts; take away our drums, and we will clap our hands. We prove the human spirit will prevail. We will take what we have to make what we need. We need confidence in our knowledge of who we are.

-Nikki Giovanni
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Trachette Jackson:  Black Mathematician Making An Impact In Cancer Research

Black History:  Special Delivery!!

Trachette
Dr. Trachette Jackson

Dr. Trachette Jackson (1972 – ) is a professor and mathematician.  Jackson has focused her mathematical research in the area of cancer oncology.  She and her research team,  are exploring how mathematical modeling can be used to gain a broader understanding of cancerous tumor growth and how it is initiated.  Her research has gained international attention. Jackson received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1994 from Arizona State University and earned her masters and Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 1996 and 1998.  Her Ph.D. thesis focused on mathematical models and their connection to chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients. Continue reading “Trachette Jackson:  Black Mathematician Making An Impact In Cancer Research” →

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Barbara Hillary:  The First African American Woman On Record To Reach Both The North and South Poles

Black History: Special Delivery!!

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Barbara Hillary (1931 – )

Barbara Hillary (1931 – ) is the first known African American woman to reach both the North and South Poles. She was born in New York City and raised by her mother. Her father died when she was just a year old. Hillary earned both a bachelors degree and masters degree from the New School University in New York City. She worked in the field of nursing until her retirement. Hillary is also the founder, editor-in-chief of The Peninsula Magazine, a multi-racial publication and non-profit located in Queens, NY.

Continue reading “Barbara Hillary:  The First African American Woman On Record To Reach Both The North and South Poles” →

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Nancy Wilson Has Died

Black History: Special Delivery!!

Iconic vocalist Nancy Wilson died on December 13, 3018 at the age of 81. Her career spanned five decades. Well known known hits included, “Love Won’t Let Me Wait”, “If I Had My Way”, and “How Glad I Am”. Wilson was born in Chilcothe, OH and began singing as a young child. She retired in 2011. Many don’t know that Wilson was active in the Civil Rights Movement and that she participated in the Selma to Montgomery march in 1965. Suprisingly she did not consider herself to be a traditional jazz singer; but rather an “interpreter” of lyrics she sang. She was the epitome of style and grace. It was said of Wilson that she, “turned songs into to stories”……and that she did!! May she rest well.

#ripnancywilson #nancywilson #blackentertainer #chilicotheohio #blackwoman #blackhistory #africanamericanhistory #jazzsinger #lovewontletmewait
#selmatomontgomery

Sources:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/1058801/Nancy-Wilson-dead-jazz-singer-Grammys-Nancy-Wilson-songs-cause-of-death-pictures/amp

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2018/12/14/obituaries/nancy-wilson-dead-jazz-singer.amp.html

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Winnie Mandela – Dead at 81

Black History: Special Delivery!!

Nomzamo Winifred “Winnie” Madikizela-Mandela has died at age 81. The former wife of Nelson Mandela, the two were married for 38 years. However over three decades of that time was spent in separation sure to Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment due to his opposition of apartheid oppression.

Source:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/world-africa-43621112

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Happy Birthday 74th Birthday Diana Ross!

Black History: Special Delivery!!

The legendary songstress was actually named Diane not Diana. Her name was, incorrectly printed as Diana, and that’s what folks started using. Another interesting fact about Diana Ross is that her neighbor growing up in Detroit was the legendary Smokey Robinson. Many also don’t know that her group, The Supremes original name was The Primettes.
What’s your favorite song or movie featuring Diana Ross?

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When The “Public” You Collides With The “Private” You….

Black History: Special Delivery!!

A powerful quote from our Black Mail founder, Enid Gaddis.

Something for my sisters to ponder……..

“When the public you collides with the private you……. My dear sister, whatcha gonna do?”

Stop hiding behind true lies.

Watcha gonna do when your sleeping giants rise?

The cape is ripped.

Your wings are clipped.

That shiny halo was just a disguise.

Whatcha gonna do when you sleeping giants rise.

Enid Gaddis ©2017 All rights reserved.

We must not “lose” or “loose” ourselves to be anything less or more than who we actually are. Sometimes, being your authentic self is a radical and defiant response to the demands that society and individuals will place upon you.

Remember you are wonderful. But you are not Wonder Woman. So excel at being your own brand of wonderful.

You are beautiful, but not Beyonce beautiful. Excel at being your own brand of beautiful.

Revel in, and relish your own complicated, complex, imperfect, got-it-going-on, one-of-kind, phenomenal self!

-Enid Gaddis, Black Mail

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Dorothy Height Drops Wisdom

Black History: Special Delivery!!

“If the time is not ripe, we have to ripen the time.”

-Dorothy Height

This quote powerfully speaks to the life and legacy of Dorothy Height.

Dorothy Height (1921-2010) was a commanding leader of the civil rights movement. She was a strong advocate for women’s right; particularly African American women. She is perhaps best known for her leadership of The National Council of Negro Women. She led this organization for 40 years. Height is also known for her work with “Wednesdays In Mississippi” which created opportunities for black and white women from the north and south to increase dialog and collaboration. Height also was employed by the the YWCA and was instrumental in helping the organization’s integration efforts.

Born in Richmond, VA, Height was raised in Rankin, PA. She received a $1,000 scholarship from The Elks, an African American social and benevolent organization, which helped her pursue a college education in the field of social work. Height was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and served as its national president from 1947-1956.

Height never married and had no children. She died at the age of 98.

Sources:

http://www.encyclopedia.com/people/social-sciences-and-law/social-reformers/dorothy-i-height

http://www.blackpast.org/aah/height-dorothy-irene-1912

https://www.google.com/amp/www.latimes.com/local/la-me-dorothy-height-20100420-story,amp.html

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