Diversity Task Force: February Edition

DIVERSITY TASK FORCE BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION

Scriptures selected by Illya Lawrence

Internal Reflections

Internal Reflections: written

by Wye Huxford

"Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (John 8:31-32) "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17)

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Internal Reflections

Some of the world’s best writing was born in the dark and dank cells of prisons. A prime example would be the apostle Paul, who perhaps wrote four of his epistles from a Roman jail. John Bunyan wrote "Pilgrim’s Progress" from jail and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s "Letters and Papers from Prison" are stunning testimony to the power of the Christian gospel.

On April 16, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King wrote "Letter from Birmingham Jail" from a prison cell in that city. It was addressed to “My Dear Fellow Clergymen.” It is impossible to read King’s letter without being convicted that Christians can never afford the luxury of “hands off” when it comes to issues of justice.

He was in jail because he was trying to help bring to an end decades old policies and practices rooted in discrimination at best and pure racism at worst. Much of the clergy of the city had decided that King was little more than an “outside agitator” It is in this context that King makes one of his most often quoted statements: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Among the many refreshing ideas found in this letter is the deep and abiding love King has for the church – despite his disappointment with so many churches who chose to sit on the sidelines rather than join the call for economic and social justice. In talking about the early church (about which we read in Acts), King says, “In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of a society.” That approach was in stark contrast to what King saw in Birmingham. He said of those churches (and modern Christianity in general), “Far from being disturbed by the presence of the Church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church’s silent and often vocal sanction of things as they are.”

In words that sound prophetic, King says, “If the Church of today does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early Church, it will lose its authentic ring, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century.” All of us at Point should think soberly about those words. Our culture and nation desperately need a church that has “recaptured the sacrificial spirit of the early Church.”

Years ago, I regularly taught a course titled The Life and Literature of Paul. It was a fun class to teach!

One of the assignments in that class required students to read "Letter from Birmingham Jail" while we were looking at Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul talks about the role of government in Romans 13.

Students had to create a dialogue between Paul and King based on Romans 13 and King’s letter. I can still remember some of the great, creative papers that were turned in for that assignment.

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Internal Reflections One year, on the day the assignment was due, a young, very bright African-American male student came up to me and thanked me for the assignment. College professors don’t get that kind of comment often so I said, “Why?” He said, “I went to the Atlanta public schools from pre-K through my senior year. You are the first person to ask me to read anything Dr. King wrote.” Over the years I’ve often asked students in my classes, “Have you read anything Dr. King wrote?” Or “Have you read 'Letter from Birmingham Jail'?”

Seldom does anyone raise their hand.

May I suggest that a great way to acknowledge Black History Month at Point would be to take a few minutes to read this letter Dr. King wrote almost 56 years ago. You will be blessed – and if you want to have a conversation about it – my office door is seldom shut.

Who do you personally admire, celebrate, and honor in Black History?

Why?

ViewPoint: Faculty & Staff Courtesy of Valarie Williams

"I am sure that many people would mention him, but I have to say Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He had so many powerful moments and inspired so many people through his actions, words, and faith. I admire his wisdom and passion, and I am grateful for his powerful influence and message that continues to impact lives. I would also have to include some of the incredible black women who are in the world today like Michelle Obama, Oprah, Serena Williams and so many more that promote and exemplify strong women with powerful messages and impact." - Tiffany Wood

"While it may be the “easy answer,” I have to say Martin Luther King, Jr. In the book I have been reading recently by Simon Sinek, “Start With Why,” Sinek speaks about MLK in a different way. Specifically, he speaks to how 250,000 people gathered in D.C. to hear his “I Have a Dream” speech. What Sinek describes in the book is that there was no social media blast, call campaign or letter distribution but a commonality in that people were inspired by what MLK believed in. He didn’t have a “I have a plan” speech but inspired a nation because of his honest values and belief. In that crowd, it was not just African Americans but people of a wide variety of backgrounds and ethnicities that were united by those same beliefs. His energy and passion were contagious and allowed others to dream and even others to plan. The combination of those elements just gives me more respect for a highly respectable man." - Rusty Hassell

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ViewPoint: Faculty & Staff "An often unsung hero, Mildred Jeter Loving is a woman that I greatly admire. If it weren’t for her and her husband challenging the ban on interracial marriage in 1963 (and winning in the Supreme Court in 1967), then I wouldn’t be able to legally have the most wonderful and amazing, interracial marriage and interracial daughter that I have today. My life would look unspeakably different without the positive outcome of Loving V. Virginia. The people that I love dearly would not even exist in my life without threats of jail, social discrimination or even hate crimes. To think that she was full of faith, courage and love in a time of fear, hate and violence but stood up anyway for her beliefs is beyond extraordinary. She fought to change history for her family but paved the way for so many families…mine being one. You can celebrate her legacy on June 12th each year with Loving Day, but I celebrate her everyday with my gratefulness for my husband and child." - Valarie Williams "One of the figures that stands out to me is W. E. B. Du Bois. He understood early on that education was vital for the advancement of African Americans. He understood that excellence and achievement were means of recognition in a culture that disparaged minorities. Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, which he managed to do before the advent of the 20th century. And I’m just stunned that he accomplished this with the meager resources that he had available to him. How well educated were his parents? What type of foundation did he have to build upon? Du Bois was not a self–made man, of course, so in his past were individuals who began working against their surrounding culture in order to lay the bricks that would serve as the stepping stones for him to reach the heights that he did. And then Du Bois, in his turn, made it possible for others to continue to climb the stairs of accomplishment that led to greater equality." - Dr. DJ Dycus "Ida B. Wells was an African American journalist who was one of the earliest leaders to speak out again lynching following the Civil War. She was an “early Rosa Parks” – she was kicked off of a first-class train to make room for whites, even though she had purchased a ticket. She travelled around the world speaking out for equality at home and in England. She was also one of the founders of the NAACP, although she isn’t listed in the official register (probably because she was a woman).

Wells had many strikes against her, not least of which was her race and her gender. Yet she was outspoken, going toe-to-toe with powerful white men of her day, and even calling out AfricanAmerican men who she thought were not vocal enough to spark change. She did this all while knowing that she could be jailed or even lynched herself. I admire her spunk, truth-telling and leadership. Her tenacity paved the way for others to follow, even during the civil rights movement, long after her death. She left quite a legacy." -Dr. Holly Carey

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ViewPoint: Faculty & Staff

"I really appreciate and respect the work of Bryan Stevenson who founded the Equal Justice Initiative and conceived of the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, which honors the victims of lynching in our country's history. He seeks to call our attention to the United States' history of unjust racism not in order to simply condemn us in our past but to propel us into a more hopeful and equitable future." - Dr. Jennifer Craft

"I really love the contemporary painters Titus Kaphar and Kerry James Marshall, two African-American artists who in their own ways invite us to question the history of racial power and identity in society and art, while opening up a new space to acknowledge the important place of the black figure in society." - Dr. Jennifer Craft

"I love watching anything Cicely Tyson, who is 94, acts in. The movie I really enjoyed watching with Ms. Tyson was “The Family Reunion,” where she called her family together after taking a walk with the Matriarch and addressed them about their behavior and appearance. It really hit me how she spoke to her family, but she was speaking to all family members and how they should act and treat each other with respect and love. I enjoyed "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," "Fried Green Tomatoes," "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," "The Help," and many other movies she has acted in." - Lee Murray "Another woman that I think a lot of is Gladys Knight. She is 74 years old now and has seen a lot, been through a lot and made a successful life for herself. The beautiful lady Just the other day at Super Bowl LIII, she took a stand for her country and herself after she was attacked for singing the National Anthem, and simply stated these words: “ I am here today and on Sunday, Feb. 3, to give the anthem back its voice, to stand for that historic choice of words, the way it unites us when we hear it and to free it from the same prejudices and struggles I have fought long and hard for all my life, from walking back hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from using my voice for good — I have been in the forefront of this battle longer than most of those voicing their opinions to win the right to sing our country’s anthem on a stage as large as the Super Bowl LIII,” Knight continued. “No matter who chooses to deflect with this narrative and continue to mix these two in the same message, it is not so and cannot be made so by anyone speaking it. I pray that this National Anthem will bring us all together in a way never before witnessed and we can move forward and untangle these truths which mean so much to all of us.” - Lee Murray

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ViewPoint: Faculty & Staff

"Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry and is credited with a list of plays, movies and television shows spanning over 50 years. In the movies I have seen her in, she has the same effect on me that the other two ladies do. So much depth, a loving person, humble and kind in a way that helps you understand we are all made by one, and we should love each other as one. So much has changed in my life looking through God’s eyes over almost seven years at Point. I want to always listen to the voices of others and recognize that not only are these women but all women are amazing and worth listening to. I pray that my heart will be open as well as my ears so that I’ll never stop learning. I want to be the person that when something touches my heart and makes me smile and take in a deep breath, I’ll embrace it and never let it go." - Lee Murray "I admire Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We talk a lot about him in my social studies for early childhood and middle grades course. He is a towering figure for kids in elementary school. MLK Jr. was a man of honor, a peacemaker and a brave leader for civil rights for black Americans. It amazes me to realize all that he accomplished in his relatively short life. I am also impressed by the ability he had to convince people to fight peacefully for civil rights when so much violence and ugliness was hurled toward him, his family and his many followers. When I visited Washington D.C. a few years ago, the monument that was most memorable to me was the MLK monument. It is a towering figure, just like MLK!" - Dr. Lacey Southerland "I admire Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He stated, that “All you have do to be a leader is to serve and by that definitions anyone can be a leader because everyone can serve.” I admire how he used nonviolence as a means of social change." - Dr. Josh Boyd "I honor, respect and admire Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King. As a Baptist minister, he used his faith and Christian belief in God to advance civil rights through inspiration and non-violence.

Dr. King was the instrument used in the pivoting of desegregation American history. Dr. King passionately used his voice to inspire all to come together in unity. He was a great model to the values that I hold today: family, ministry and higher education including theology. King’s iconic oratory “I Have a Dream” speech resonates in my heart today. King’s legacy lives on as a monument to the nation. Because of his voice, faith and determination for equality, I am living the vision of that dream he spoke of, and I’m able to demonstrate the power of his influence and impact today." - Priscilla Howard

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ViewPoint: Faculty & Staff "Someone I admire and choose to personally celebrate is Cathay Williams. Cathay was the first African American woman to enlist in the United States Army. Her bravery is untouchable and her determination unbreakable. She enlisted under the alias William Cathay and disguised herself as a man. She served our country when our country did not serve or recognize her as a person. Cathay embodies the true meaning of selflessness and love of country. As a true “Buffalo Soldier” she fought not only for her survival but for the survival of many! Cathay Williams served our country from 1866-1868 as a member of the 38th U.S. Infantry regiment."

- Bethany Brown "There are several historians that I admire and champion their research as it relates to history.

When I am asked about Black History Month, I always mention Carter G. Woodson, who is known as the “Father of Black History” because of his extensive work in acknowledging African Americans' impact in history. Carter G. Woodson realized that African Americans existence and contributions were omitted in school systems that were educating our students. I feel that we as a society have made steps in recognizing African Americans contributions in history, but these steps are not milestones. When we study WWI, the 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly referred to as the Harlem Hellfighters (an all African Americans unit) should be mentioned because of their great fighting in WWI. In WWII, the school systems should recognize the Tuskegee Airmen legacy (the first African American military aviators.) My history text books in middle school and high school did not cover these outstanding all African American military units, and I have been out of high school for 30 years. My son's (who is currently taking 9th grade World History) text book does not mention the 369th Infantry Regiment or the Tuskegee Airmen. We still have work to do." - Eric Flournoy "I am continuously in awe of Toni Morrison (1931-present) and her fiction, no matter how many times I read it. I’m especially fond of her short story “Recitatif,” which I share with students every year. In it, readers are introduced to two young women, one of whom is black and the other is white—but Morrison omits the stereotypical racial codes we use to identify who is who. The story intrigues students and later encourages them (and myself) to think critically about their own racial prejudices. I love how the impact of Morrison’s writing prompts an honest exploration of how we situate ourselves, individually and collectively, in American culture as a whole." - Jessica Mazaheri

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Bucket List: 10 places to visit in GA & AL Courtesy of Dr. Dedra Woolfolk

The month of February is recognized nationally as Black History Month. This time of acknowledgement and celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans in all aspects of life was spearheaded in 1927 by historian Dr. Carter Woodson, a Harvard graduate. It began as Negro History Week, but since 1976, the celebration has officially been expanded over the entire month. Celebrating black history not only honors notable African American men and women and recognizes black culture, but increases awareness among all people – as black history is American history. There are numerous places that you can visit in celebration of Black History Month to reflect on infamous examples or to learn something new about more obscure individuals or events. The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. (the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history and culture) would be an ideal destination to commemorate Black History Month; however, if you are unable to travel that far, here are 5 local sites in Georgia and Alabama that you can reasonably add to your travel bucket list!

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Bucket List: 10 places to visit in GA & AL

1. DEXTER PARSONAGE MUSEUM - DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING HOME (MONTGOMERY, AL) Visitors of the parsonage museum declare that it is a must see site! The restored parsonage of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church appears as it did when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family resided there during his pastorate from 1954-1960. Much of the furniture presently in the living room, dining room, bedroom and study was actually used by Dr. King. The parsonage was bombed several times during the fight for civil rights, but fortunately no one was injured. An Interpretive Center is located adjacent to the Parsonage and houses an orientation room for viewing videos and discussion groups on Dr. King’s family, community and pastoral life.

2. CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS (ATLANTA, GA) Want to be educated, inspired and empowered? You must visit this center! It is an engaging cultural attraction that connects the American Civil Rights Movement to today’s struggle for global human rights. The center exists to create a safe space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings so that they leave inspired and empowered to join the ongoing dialogue about human rights in their communities.

3. TUSKEGEE AIRMEN HISTORIC NATIONAL SITE (TUSKEGEE, AL.) Learn about the Tuskegee Airmen, their pioneering contribution to World War II, and the subsequent drive to end racial segregation in the American armed forces. Visitors will gain new insights into some of the struggles faced by those daring young men and women as they reached out for full acceptance as United States citizens.

The museum showcases the center for the rigorous training of black air personnel and takes the visitor back on a journey to the 1940's. It houses two World War II era training aircraft, and a full-sized replica of a Red-tail P-51 Mustang serves as centerpiece of the museum.

4. BIRMINGHAM CIVIL RIGHTS INSTITUTE (BIRMINGHAM, AL) Did you know that Birmingham is considered to be a cornerstone of the civil rights story? Visit the BCRI and learn more. The institute is part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. It is "a cultural and educational research center that promotes a comprehensive understanding for the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017, BCRI reaches more than 150,000 individuals each year though award-winning programs and services.”

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Bucket List: 10 places to visit in GA & AL

5. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK AND THE KING CENTER FOR NONVIOLENT SOCIAL CHANGE (ATLANTA, GA) Can you ever learn too much about Dr. Martin Luther King, one of the most notable and visible activists of the Civil Rights Movement? Tour the birth home of Dr. King, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and the World Peace Rose Garden. You can also observe the final resting place of Dr. King, Jr. and exhibits on him, Coretta Scott King, and Mahatma Gandhi at the King Center. The King Library and Archives at the King Center houses the largest repository of primary source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the American Civil Rights Movement in the world!

6. ROSA PARKS LIBRARY AND MUSEUM (MONTGOMERY, AL) Catch a glimpse of a time gone by--of a segregated South of the past. Located on the campus of Troy University and the nation’s only museum dedicated to Rosa Parks, the Rosa Parks Library and Museum serve as an active memorial to the life of civil rights icon Rosa Parks and the lessons of the Montgomery Bus Boycott that brought racial integration to transportation and international attention to civil rights. The mission of the Rosa Parks Library and Museum is to honor her legacy and that of the boycott by providing a platform for scholarly dialogue, civic engagement, and positive social change.

7. HERNDON HOME MUSEUM (ATLANTA, GA) If you want to learn about one of the most prominent African American families in Atlanta’s history, visit the Herndon Home! The Herndon Home opened as a tour museum in 1983 and is a lasting tribute to the hard work and talent of the Herndon Family. The Herndons sharply reflect the city’s distinctive development as a center for African American business, education and culture. From Alonzo Herndon’s rise from slavery to leadership in the African American business community, the Herndons are a unique resource of local and national significance in the interpretation of African American struggle and achievement.

8. FREEDOM RIDES MUSEUM/HISTORIC MONTGOMERY GREYHOUND BUS STATION (MONTGOMERY, AL) Do you think you are too young to make a difference in your community? Think again! Learn how 21 young people helped change our nation’s history using nonviolent protest. Black and white, male and female, (none of them older than 21), these young people stepped off of a bus at this station on May 20, 1961, knowing they would be met with violence. Their goal was to help end racial segregation in public transportation, and they did.

The bus station has been rehabilitated and restored to how it looked in 1961 and is the site of the attack on Freedom Riders when they arrived at the station.

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Bucket List: 10 places to visit in GA & AL

9. BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL (COLUMBUS, GA) This trip is less than an hour away. The nine-mile Black Heritage Trail in Columbus is an urban concrete trail which lies on existing sidewalks and city streets. Portions of the trail provide excellent scenic views of both the Chattahoochee River and the urban historic district, which features unique architecture dating back to the 1800's. The tourist may walk, bicycle and drive by car or tour bus to view the site. There are about 30 different points of interest and historic monuments on the trail that recognizes the legacy of the 187 year history of blacks in Columbus, documenting both sadness and triumph.

10. SELMA TO MONTGOMERY NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL (AL)

Why do you celebrateBlack History?

ViewPoint: Students

The right to vote should not be taken for granted. Both black and white non-violent supporters, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., fought for the right of African Americans to vote, and you can trace their 54-mile march on this trail. It commemorates the events and people of the 1965 Voting Rights March and follows Route 80 between Selma and Montgomery. Visitors to the trail may stop at a number of sites – at the beginning of the first march in Selma, Alabama (including crossing the Edmond Pettus Bridge to commemorate “Bloody Sunday,” March 7, 1965), at the end of the last march in Montgomery, Alabama, and along several stops in between. Many of these sites along the trail are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

“I celebrate because it’s a time for me to reflect on my ancestors and their accomplishments.”

- Joe Stone ‘20 and exercise science major

“I celebrate because I think there’s a lot of key accomplishments African Americans have done in this country that are important to celebrate. America is a melting pot of different cultures, so we have to embrace things all people have done for this country.”

- John Ramsey ‘20 and biblical studies major

“I celebrate because it makes me aware of injustice and how I can contribute to equality today.”

- Jen Espinoza ‘22 and accounting major

“I celebrate because it’s a part of my heritage, and it reminds me why I am proud to be an African American.”

- Diamond Moss ‘22 and marketing

Courtesy of Teresa Munoz Lopez

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ViewPoint Students

“I celebrate because it’s important for me to celebrate the many African Americans that have contributed to important events and parts of history that lots of people look over.”

- Kaegen James ‘22 and psychology major

“I celebrate because it’s nice to remember those who fought for the freedom I have today.” - Thea Roland ‘19 and biology major

“I celebrate because it brings us together as one.” - Keiry Bonilla ‘22 and secondary education major

“I celebrate because I like to remember the African Americans who paved the way for future generations.

Like MLK because he was the man.”

- Demarcus Cunningham ‘19 and business major

POINT UNIVERSITY DIVERSITY TASK FORCE PRESENTS

BLACK HISTORY MOVIE NIGHT

Featuring 42: The True Story of an American Legend WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27 | 7 P.M. IN THE HUB FREE PIZZA PROVIDED

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