Thomas Ray

The Bright Future from our Near Past

Revisado: 01-15-25

This book was amazingly witty in conveying the monumental work of Houston and Marshall. The personal insight into their lives as a way of sharing the passion of these American giants is only surpassed by the results of their bravery and effective work. Lastly, the coalescence of effort from multiple facets of African American life and advocacy from the NAACP to the nations first black fraternity, Aloha Phi Alpha, to the commitment of black yeomen north to south made this book a must read for any person desiring a true and powerful telling of American history.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

The Truth

Revisado: 06-17-23

And they shall know the truth, and the truth shall make them free! When the lies cease the nations will heal.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Our Language

Revisado: 03-08-22

I found this book a strong yet simple approach to the wonders of African American language. It’s not a mistake, error, or gross ignorance. African American language is not a purposeful rebellion. It is a language, a distinct fusion of speech and experience. It’s ours

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Comprehensive and Cutting

Revisado: 12-30-21

The 1619 Project (Project) is a comprehensive review and evaluation of the American Experiment. The Project conveys a view of America that is disregarded because of its purposefully effectuated cruelty. Empire building is a gruesome undertaking and America, as it is known today, is no exception.

The Project contains information found in numerous other texts; however, those texts are singularly focused. The mastery of the Project lays in its scaffolded approach; revealing how issues are not isolated but multidimensional, overlapping, and yes - systemic. While the repetition is rather irritating for the learned on these topics, it is essential for the novice.

Why such a vicious backlash to the Project? Why such degrading commentary about the Project? Why such a challenge to the scholarly work and presentation of the Project’s contributors? Simple. When what is done in the dark comes to the light, the perpetrator suffers exposure of their hypocrisy and evil.

To divorce America’s success from its 250 plus years of free labor is to tell a child that a stork brought it into the world. Let the fables cease and fairy tales be regarded as such. America’s origin is ugly. It is brutal. It is frightening. Yet, America stands as a beacon of hope to many throughout the world. Let America also stand as an example of truth, inclusion, and forgiveness too.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 99 personas

Black Conservatism: More Popular Than Assumed.

Revisado: 06-17-21

Candace Owens’s political treatise “Blackout” is far more engaging and informative than one might assume. A forgotten segment of the African American community, the Black Conservatives have more than a lengthy history in America, but an effective one.

Owens brings to the forefront the values which undergird the Black Conservatives resulting in their economic success and political power. It’s not rocket science; Owens reminds the reader it’s hard work, family first and Christian faith. No excuses, no blame shifting, no crying, just a sheer determination to make it in America.

Owens is not mistaken in her assertion, but does negate the general impact of Jim Crow upon the whole of African Americans. Her stance in regards to Affirmative Action based upon data from colleges where the program was ineffectively implemented paints a dismal picture of it; however, without Affirmative Action and improvements in hiring practices most African Americans would have stood no chance at becoming middle class much more wealthy.

While this critique is given, Owens’s presentation of Black Conservatism is effective and truthful. Memories of my family and childhood are nestled quite beautifully in the pages of “Blackout”. While her verbal presentations may enrage many, her written work is masterful. Many accolades to Owens for embarking on a subject that is taboo but necessary.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A True American Outlook on Slavery

Revisado: 06-15-21

This exhaustive economic examination of slavery is telling. More so, it is surprisingly complex yet comprehensive. The contributors are careful to examine, without emotional or political stance, America’s dependence upon the forced labor of millions of Africans and their unfortunate descendants. The interconnection of the global economy of the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries proves how very complicit all European governments were in regards to African slavery. Ultimately, it was a political belief, according to the contributors of this volume, not a capitalistic necessity or a religious indignation that liberated Africans from grotesque enslavement in the paradoxical “free” American Republic.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Their Story is My Story

Revisado: 06-01-21

Isabella Wilkerson’s biographical history of three African Americans from the depths of the south to the unknown promise of the north and west conveys the heart of an oppressed people. A people, among the first to call this landmass known as America home, denied all of its privileges and luxuries, even humanity, for the first time since their initial departure from the shores of west Africa, seized control of their own journey. From Slavery, to Reconstruction, to Southern Redemption (a.k.a. Jim Crow) millions of African Americans made a journey only akin to that of Abraham, leaving Mesopotamia for Canaan with nothing more than a promise.

Wilkerson takes the Abrahamic biographical sketch and reveals its relevance and practice in America by the least likely. Abraham left with all of his goods in tow, African Americans left with very few goods and many with nothing more than the clothes upon their backs.

Thank you Wilkerson for making plain my story. That is the often silent accounts of my Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Great Aunts, Great Uncles, my mother and every African American I encountered as a child in New Jersey. As the old Baptist deacons used to shout to the preacher “ Make it plain, Reverend, make it plain”.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña