A Long Time

It’s been quite a while since I’ve written anything here.  I would by lying if I said nothing has taken place during that time but I don’t have time to get into now.  Since I last posted a message my friend Jake and Erin have started their Peace Corp duties.  They will surely be missed.  Jake if you happen to read this, I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to say adios before you left but I know that we will be in touch.

 I don’t deal very well with people departing regardless if they are close or casual friends.  I guess that is something I can write about later….lol

 Until Next Time!

 Russell

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  I don’t have any resolutions that I can list out as most people do but I do resolve to be a better husband, friend, and a better overall person.  I have so many great examples, both good and bad, to take note of, which should give me a solid foundation on what it takes to accomplish this.  I owe the positive examples to my friends, family and those unknowing souls who walk the walk each day and live life to the fullest.  I wish all a wonderful and prosperous new year and may all of your wishes and goals be fulfilled.

The Color Line

     W. E. B. Dubois once said that the problem of the 20th century world was going to be the problem of the color line.  Not that it wasn’t a problem in the 19th century or the 17th or even the 16th.  I guess he was calling attention to the fact that the issue of race needed to be addressed, or, like a cancer, would continue to plague our society and world.  If asked I’m sure Dubois would have thought issues such as politics, education, and overall perception African Americans in the US would be drastically different than when he uttered those words so long ago.  But if you have scanned the local papers recently, you’d see that we still have  a long ways to go.

There is an electric, exciting buzz in the air.  People’s eyes light up when you mention the 2008 election.  There are a number of names that raises ones pulse but the one that seems to be on most tongues is that of Barack Obama.  According to the U.S. Senate Historical Office, he is the fifth African American Senator in U.S. history and the only African American presently serving in the U.S. Senate.  Let me repeat, the fifth in history!  And I belive the first to be elected since reconstruction!  As he determines if a run in 2008 would be the best move politically for him, the one question that looms in the back of most people’s minds is, can we elect a black man as president.  Yes, as we move into 2007, we are still asking that question.  Obama speaks to his credentials when asked such questions but my question is why is it still an issue in our society where most are quick to say….”I’m not racist.”  With a person who is as educated, has more Washington experience than what our current president had upon his election, and who seems to unite people of all races, sexes, and political affiliations, why does this question continue to come up?  The article never dove deeper into the issue but I feel it’s time to hold people’s feet to the fire and ask why do you feel or don’t you feel a black man can or can’t be elected to the highest seat in our nation?

 A few days ago Affirmative Action opponent Ward Connerly, head of the American Civil Rights Coalition, was invited to speak to a group of lawmakers as the UW Board of Regents considers its affirmative action policies as it relates to the UW’s admissions process.  The Capitol Times article mentioned Connerly feels Wisconsin should not use race as one of its criteria when considering admission.  Connerly has had successful bids previously by pushing ballot provisions banning race and gender in university admissions and government hirings.  A large number of students and citizens from around the state crammed into the state capitol hallways and conference room to listen to the controversial speaker, some holding their hands over their mouths as he spoke in protest.

 I could go on and on but I wanted to bring up these recent articles and events that I ran across.  My point with all of this is….we are in the 21st century and we are still talking about some of the same issues W.E.B. Dubois mentioned so long ago.  We as a country have not addressed the issue of race.  It’s unconceivable to think that the problems facing black kids let alone black america could have gotten any worse than they were in the early 1900’s but access to jobs and education, the great equalizer, continues to have road blocks placed in front of it.  We cannot think of having blind admissions practices in higher education until we level the playing field for all in our k-12 schools.  We have to create better access, empower parents, compensate teachers, teach kids to respect others.  But until we gain a seat at the university, government and coporate tables, we, not just African Americans, will never see our true potential as a society.  We need to face the demons within and ask ourselves the tough questions of why hasn’t there been a black or female president of this country?  Why are black kids lagging so far behind as a group in comparison to their white counterparts?  It’s time we take a look in the mirror and put aside our selfishness and fears and start treating all with the dignity and the respect we all deserve as human beings.

What will the problem of the 22nd century be?  Will we finally be able to put to rest the cancer that now seems to be flourishing around the world?  I hope for everyone’s sake that it’s not still the color line.

The Day After/Reflections

Nothing new to report today, however I did finish a small photo collage for my office of photos I took during the Cantebury Run/Walk.  If I can ever figure out how to put pictures on here I’d be happy to share.  I was amazed at how beautiful a day it was.  It was a pleasure to contribute my entry fee for the walk just to have the opportunity to walk places I’ve probably walked thousands of times.  It goes to a good cause.  Literacy is one of the most important things affecting our kids today.  It’s because of the efforts and work of the literacy council that the playing field is being leveled for disadvantaged kids.  I support them regardless but hosting this event on such a beautiful day was (if I may borrow this over quoted line) priceless!

Hello world!

This is my first post and I want to thank my friend Jake for turning me on to WordPress.com.  I really enjoyed viewing his site…thanks for the inspiration Jake, I hope you know that you will be missed once you move to Africa.  The two of you will be off adding another chapter in your lives and making the world a better place.  Best wishes and I hope we can get together before you leave.

What A Beautiful Day

You know it’s that time of year when the holidays are near.  There’s a chill in the air but the great thing is…the sun’s shining!  I’m looking forward to a little R&R and all that the holidays has to offer.  I’m still learning this blogging thing so here’s my second attempt with a little twist…I’m adding a picture I took during a visit to Nashville back in May.  Wish me luck!