The Legacy of Black Fatherhood
Some write and speak on the importance of embracing the historical contributions and legacies of our ancestors who were enslaved because of the significant role they played in shaping American society and culture. They emphasize the need of knowing where we come from in order to plant a stronger foot on the path to our future. However, few of us embrace the historical examples and legacies of family structure and life as set by our ancestors; in particular our male ancestors.
Despite the images of enslaved Black men, depicted in history books as lazy, cowardice beings, they were loving, nurturing and protective fathers. There are several periodicals and resources written by enslaved men and women as well as a collection of voice recorded interviews with former slaves who serve as witnesses to the true make up of the enslaved family and their communities. More importantly they document the positive images set forth by Black fathers during that era. They were said to take great pride in their ability to care for their families and would sacrifice their lives for their children with the same compassion and love as enslaved women. Many would purchase their wives and children with money or in exchange for extra labor in order to keep their family members out of slave auctions.
"Researchers acknowledge the business acumen of enslaved Black men. Their research shed light on the slave owners who acknowledged this as well. There are documented accounts of business transactions of enslaved men; how they brokered for land, bought their relatives freedom and made decisions which benefited their families' future. My great-great-great grandfather Frank Cooper was an astute enslaved businessman. Although he was responsible for driving his owner, he was also a Minister who later organized and founded five churches.
The founding of these five churches led to the Frank Cooper Missionary Baptist Association. My family's first church, McCanaan Missionary Baptist Church, was built in 1875 in Sardis, Georgia, Burke County. This area is known as "Cooper Hill" named after my family. Unfortunately the original church was destroyed by fire in the early 1890's and reconstructed in 1912. According to researchers, the church was more than likely burned down by klansmen. Today, this church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural design. He rebuilt the church on his property, over 340 acres, where he raised his twelve children and tended to his farm. My family still owns and farms on this land today. The land includes a family cemetery where several generations of my ancestors rest.
Black men during this era were dehumanized, humiliated and oppressed; however it did not deter them from being nurturing, loving, fathers, caretakers and entrepreneurs. They were able to rise above the social system set against them by pulling on their inner strength and love for their families. Even though some inevitably fell prey to the institution of slavery, there are more than enough documented stories and recorded family histories which evidence the significant and prominent role of Black fathers. These men were able to overcome the adversities of the institution of slavery on the strength of their family; leaving us a legacy to reconnect with. "
The above is an excerpt from my book, "Black Fatherhood: Reconnecting With Our Legacy." My main goal in writing this book and accompanying documentary was to show despite mounds of derogatory statistics about Black men in their roles as fathers, there is a strong legacy of Black men (from their time of enslavement to present) who were and presently are proactive fathers. However, in order to reconnect with this legacy, I felt it was imperative to unmask the many extraneous circumstances Black fathers face.
I interviewed over 360 Black men for my project and counting; there will be a part 2. No one has sat down to ask Black men who aren't in the home what keeps them from being a part of their children's lives or what their immediate family structure entailed. Most of the books and statistics published concerning Black men are based on erroneous "findings" and the authors' personal ideologies on the issue. This is dangerous and sets precedent for the perpetual cycle of negative stereotypes of Black fathers overall; casting an even darker cloud on Black men and families. I included Black men who were absent from the home in this project as well so we can clearly understand, explore and define their issues. Once defined, these issues can guides us as we take a proactive role towards alleviating as many of these circumstances as possible; laying a foundation of tools to build stronger Black families for future generations of Black fathers. This should be viewed as a small task when compared to our ancestors who were able to be proactive Black fathers while enduring the harshest physical and mental treatment known to mankind. It's time to reconnect.
Dana Ross is a filmmaker/author and has written a book and documentary entitled, "Black Fatherhood: Reconnecting With Our Legacy." To view the documentary visit her site, http://www.purequality.com.
Dana can be reached directly via e-mail dross@purequality.com.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Benefits Of Human Hair Wigs
The Benefits of Human Hair Wigs
Article Submitted by: Vikram Kumar
Wig wearers have been debating over the two most common types of wigs: human hair wigs and synthetic wigs. There has been much discussion as to which is better. But when it comes to advantages, wigs made from human hair are considered more favorable. When you opt for a human hair wig, you will be able to obtain a more natural appearance. Human hair wigs tend to be softer and less glossy. Although these types of wigs can cost more, the end result is worth the price. Wigs made from synthetic hair may be affordable, but the hair may look more artificial. This is due to the fact that synthetic wig strands may be stiffer or have sheen than real hair.
If you want to wear a wig, you have several options. You can have it custom-made at a salon or a store. Another option is to buy directly from your local mall or wig shop. More conveniently, you can also shop for human hair wigs over the web. There are numerous sites on the Internet that sells wigs and hairpieces for women. One of these is Vogue Wigs, which offers wigs and wig care products. Among its best selling brands are Sepia, Forever Young, Raquel Welch, Beverly Johnson, and Alan Eaton. You can also shop by different lengths such as long, medium, and short.
Other than human hair wigs, Vogue Wigs also offers synthetic wigs, African American wigs, hairpieces, children's wigs, costume wigs, hair extensions, wig accessories, and wig care products. The human hair wigs of Vogue Wigs are versatile. Similar to real hair, you can straighten them with a flat iron on a low heat setting. You can also choose to curl your human hair wig with hot curlers or rollers also on low heat settings. What is more, you can utilize styling chemicals to obtain your desired style. There are a lot of wonderful things that you can do, when you opt to wear a wig made out from human hair.
There are several benefits that you can obtain from human hair wigs. First, these last longer, especially if you know how to take good care of your wig. Compared to synthetic wigs, you can stay near fireplaces or other hot areas without worrying about ruining your human hair wig. It is easier to dye human hair wigs as well. However, it is not advisable to dye it several times since this can damage the wig. You can style your wig naturally because of its versatility. The feel of wigs created from human hairs is natural. Touching it is just like touching real hair. Lastly, these types of wigs are more breathable making them easier and more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Some human hair wigs are processed with bleach and chemicals. This is to obtain the desired color or style that the wearer wants. There are some human hair wigs that still contain hair cuticles. This kind of human hair wig is known as Remy. If your budget is unlimited, you can opt for a Remy wig since this is more durable and more natural. Whatever choice of wig you prefer, you can find it over at Vogue Wigs.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
If you're looking for something comfortable and natural, human hair wigs may be for you. Visit online resource for human hair wigs.
Article Submitted by: Vikram Kumar
Wig wearers have been debating over the two most common types of wigs: human hair wigs and synthetic wigs. There has been much discussion as to which is better. But when it comes to advantages, wigs made from human hair are considered more favorable. When you opt for a human hair wig, you will be able to obtain a more natural appearance. Human hair wigs tend to be softer and less glossy. Although these types of wigs can cost more, the end result is worth the price. Wigs made from synthetic hair may be affordable, but the hair may look more artificial. This is due to the fact that synthetic wig strands may be stiffer or have sheen than real hair.
If you want to wear a wig, you have several options. You can have it custom-made at a salon or a store. Another option is to buy directly from your local mall or wig shop. More conveniently, you can also shop for human hair wigs over the web. There are numerous sites on the Internet that sells wigs and hairpieces for women. One of these is Vogue Wigs, which offers wigs and wig care products. Among its best selling brands are Sepia, Forever Young, Raquel Welch, Beverly Johnson, and Alan Eaton. You can also shop by different lengths such as long, medium, and short.
Other than human hair wigs, Vogue Wigs also offers synthetic wigs, African American wigs, hairpieces, children's wigs, costume wigs, hair extensions, wig accessories, and wig care products. The human hair wigs of Vogue Wigs are versatile. Similar to real hair, you can straighten them with a flat iron on a low heat setting. You can also choose to curl your human hair wig with hot curlers or rollers also on low heat settings. What is more, you can utilize styling chemicals to obtain your desired style. There are a lot of wonderful things that you can do, when you opt to wear a wig made out from human hair.
There are several benefits that you can obtain from human hair wigs. First, these last longer, especially if you know how to take good care of your wig. Compared to synthetic wigs, you can stay near fireplaces or other hot areas without worrying about ruining your human hair wig. It is easier to dye human hair wigs as well. However, it is not advisable to dye it several times since this can damage the wig. You can style your wig naturally because of its versatility. The feel of wigs created from human hairs is natural. Touching it is just like touching real hair. Lastly, these types of wigs are more breathable making them easier and more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Some human hair wigs are processed with bleach and chemicals. This is to obtain the desired color or style that the wearer wants. There are some human hair wigs that still contain hair cuticles. This kind of human hair wig is known as Remy. If your budget is unlimited, you can opt for a Remy wig since this is more durable and more natural. Whatever choice of wig you prefer, you can find it over at Vogue Wigs.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
If you're looking for something comfortable and natural, human hair wigs may be for you. Visit online resource for human hair wigs.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Weekly Inspiration
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:101
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” Isaiah 30:15
How many times have you asked God where are you, or can you hear me, or why haven’t you showed up yet?
Often times we go through life in a world succumbed to money, fame, fortune, and image. We build our lives and family upon the same principle. Where is the principle of God and are we living in a matrix are we in a world that doesn’t show us the real truth? We tend to remember who God is and the power that God holds when trouble veers its ugly head on the horizon. This is usually the time when we pray, fast, pray, cry, pray, and pray. God’s angles may show up instantly or they may come later after we have dismissed God’s ability to handle the problem or situation. Have you stopped to think why God hasn’t showed up yet or did you just discount God and allowed the devil to use you for his purposes? It took David 21 days to receive his message from God’s angel. The first angel was held up battling Satan's angels so God sent another angel to deliver the message. There is another world beyond what we see and it is the spiritual world that is full of warfare. The fight will continue which is why waiting on the Lord is always the best answer. Who else better equipped to handle all of your burdens?
While in the mist of trouble times, wait on him. Waiting doesn’t mean taking matters into your own hands. It means casting your cares and burdens on the Lord after you have prayed and asked God for his help and guidance. Let him lead the way. His angles are battling for you everyday and if they are held up in battle, another one is on the way!
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength” Isaiah 30:15
How many times have you asked God where are you, or can you hear me, or why haven’t you showed up yet?
Often times we go through life in a world succumbed to money, fame, fortune, and image. We build our lives and family upon the same principle. Where is the principle of God and are we living in a matrix are we in a world that doesn’t show us the real truth? We tend to remember who God is and the power that God holds when trouble veers its ugly head on the horizon. This is usually the time when we pray, fast, pray, cry, pray, and pray. God’s angles may show up instantly or they may come later after we have dismissed God’s ability to handle the problem or situation. Have you stopped to think why God hasn’t showed up yet or did you just discount God and allowed the devil to use you for his purposes? It took David 21 days to receive his message from God’s angel. The first angel was held up battling Satan's angels so God sent another angel to deliver the message. There is another world beyond what we see and it is the spiritual world that is full of warfare. The fight will continue which is why waiting on the Lord is always the best answer. Who else better equipped to handle all of your burdens?
While in the mist of trouble times, wait on him. Waiting doesn’t mean taking matters into your own hands. It means casting your cares and burdens on the Lord after you have prayed and asked God for his help and guidance. Let him lead the way. His angles are battling for you everyday and if they are held up in battle, another one is on the way!
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