Category: Sancti Fly History

Juneteenth Independence Freedom Not Free

6/19/2022

Now let us make it all the way real! This why we need to study our history. All of the folks (they know who they are) who are still rocking with the same spirit and residue of their colonizing ancestors but jumping on the bandwagon to celebrate the capitalistic part of Juneteenth need deliverance. I am going to need you guys to use that same energy in your politics, institutions and yes, in your overall, one-of-a-kind reluctance or supremacy to treat melanated people the same as you. How about all of that? If a nerve hits you, then yes, I am totally talking about you.

Look at us! We are still fighting for the same things. You are shedding fake tears about a replacement theory. Melanated people just want equality. Period. Never forget!

Sancti-Fly History and Culture

6/15/2022

WILLIE MAE (BIG MAMA) THORNTON

In a white-male dominated world, this brown skin mama was rocking her pearls as a rhythm and blues singer magically in the music industry. Ms. Thornton was born in Alabama as Willie Mae Thornton. The stentorian strength of Willie Mae God-given vocals gave birth to her music name, Big Mama Thornton. In black churches where Ms. Thornton's musical foundation came from, they would say women like Willie Mae can sang not sing, if they had a voice like hers. They said 'sang' and they meant it! Ms. Willie Mae Thornton also played the drums and the harmonica. When you think about Willie Mae Thornton, there are definitely some Big Mama Thornton vocals in the Jennifer Hudsons of the world. We can't forget about our Syleena Johnsons of the world either. Black women songstress got some of Thornton's vocal ingredients in them. Big Mama Thornton was such a major influence in the music industry to a lot of black women. She also rubbed off on other people. Particularly in the white community, like Elvis Presley. The Era of the 1950s and 1960s wouldn't be the same without Ms. Thornton purpose and destiny to sang like she did. Some of you reading this right now have little girls and boys with distinctive voices just like Big Mama Thornton, who are born to share some of their gifts with the world! Go ahead. This year's Women's History Month is dedicated to Big Mama Thornton. I have listened to some of her other songs, and I LOVE IT! I wish I had been introduced to her sooner. I am learning about her right along with some of you! Big Mama Thornton rocked that mic so hard.

If you really want to know who the queen of rock 'n roll is, it's a black woman by the name of Big Mama Thornton. Hound Dog is a song that was originally written for Big Mama Thornton to sing by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The song did very well, and it blew up Leiber and Stoller careers. The song, Hound Dog sold 2 million copies! Big Mama Thornton was only 25 with a hit song on her resume. Big Mama Thornton was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984 after she died at the age of 57. The unsurprising sad part was, Big Mama Thornton only received a check for $500. Yes! Where did all that money go? Mama Thornton definitely is the number one reason why black folks should own everything they do in the music industry and lawyer up. Ensure that you have an attorney who is looking out for you, that you can really trust. They say Mr. Presley stole the song Hound Dog and made lots of money. When you hear the song, you think about Elvis, not a black openly gay woman who shouldn't be in the background. Elvis Presley made the song very famous. I don't know if Mr. Elvis Presley asked for permission to redo the song or not. I wasn't there but it is documented that black folks have had plenty of their originality copied and stolen by their colonizers throughout the inception of time. If you want some evidence just look through the chronicles or our American Black History. It should fill you up with plenty of proof. They love our music and culture but not our freedom and equality!

Sancti-Fly History and Culture

6/8/2022

VICENTE GUERRERO

Melanated blood is spilled over in all races. We are mixed up with some other bloodline. No one is 100% anything anymore. This is why before slavery and after slavery, Europeans decreed if you have one drop of black blood in you, then you are black. It's a real strong gene. You should be proud and honored. Some folks are ashamed to have it in them, but they enjoy the benefits of black culture. Vicente Guerrero is the first Afro-Mexican black president of Mexico. Yes, we have a huge lineage in Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia, and America! That melanated blood is everywhere. In 1829 President Guerrero wanted his people to be free so he abolished slavery. Texas was part of Mexico so when Guerrero stopped the free labor they were not in agreement. Texas removed from Mexico to fund their lifestyles.

Guerrero parents were a mixture of Indian, Mexican and African. Wow! President Guerrero was a man that actually cared for his community and people. He was not for racial oppression. It wasn't in his nature! Guerrero was against those who tried to abuse the civil rights of others. He was betrayed and executed for his principles. Vicente Guerrero was against colorism, but it remains in Mexico even to this day. Afro-Mexicans are erased out of the history of Mexico. The darker skin Mexicans are not acknowledged because of the African blood that shows up in their skin. Those Mexicans that know the history of Guerrero and appreciate his legacy call Guerrero "the greatest colored man." Isn't it nice to know about the rich heritage of Black History? I think so because our children need to see examples of melanated people doing extraordinary goodness in the land who looked like them.

Sancti-Fly History and Culture

8/11/2021

🖤✊🏽OLIVE MORRIS✊🏽🖤

The more our history is hidden the more we seek, search, and find out about it. I am so thankful and proud of our sister, Olive Elaine Morris. Ms. Morris was born in Jamaica but most of her legacy and damage to white supremacy are indelibly marked in the UK. Olive parents migrated to South London when she was a nine year old child. Olive was drawn to equal rights for her people at a young age! As a black teen, she joined the British Black Panther organization to bring relief and equality to her people in the UK, specifically to black women. Olive Morris was passionate about ensuring melanated people were free from racial injustice and oppression. Olive E. Morris died at the age of 27 doing what she loved, without fear. Olive Morris definitely had the feisty signature of a melanated black woman crafted in her heart for the battle. As a community activist, Olive E. Morris hunger and thirst to unleash all of her black excellence into the universe towards liberty and justice grew. Olive Morris created her own platforms like The Brixton Black Woman's Group and the Organisation of African Women and Asian Decent to combat the unruly cycles of racism. Olive E. Morris did not like her name but I want you to remember that name (Olive Elaine Morris)!

Olive Elaine Morris is inspirational warfare just like you and all the other freedom fighters today. Thankfully, she did not sit down, wait around, or remain passive in an effort to obtain liberation for black women. Olive Elaine Morris was a victim of police brutality which did not stop her magic. It only fueled her movement! Morris founded many organizations and remained proactive during her time here. If she was alive today she would be that woman who would be raising lots of hell about how they are arresting melanated girls and boys at 8 and 5 years old. Just like you, she would always speak out against police brutality especially when a black man tries to convey that he is a paraplegic but isn't given the benefit of belief. Instead he is treated like his life does not matter and throne around like a piece of trash. I believe that if Olive was here she would've joined forces with some American organizations to demand policy is changed. Police officers who often engage in violation of their oath would have their pensions taken away. I bet all of that brutality will stop. This is why it is imperative to acknowledge women like Olive Elaine Morris. When they start, our resistance can't stop and it won't stop!

Olive Morris cousin, Ms. Annette Pateman speaks candidly about Olive life, her education, and activism. This proves how our struggles of oppression is a nation to nation problem. It also teaches us how black people fought back and resisted their colonizers from tampering with their freedoms. It illustrates how we always have to continue rising above white supremacy and against it!

This Fisk is Up For All of Us (Juneteenth)

6/19/2021

Juneteenth is not taught in American history but it should be. I know it is 2021 but I am trying to understand why those responsible for sharing black history in their curriculum won't do the right thing. I mean, come on you guys (wypipo)! Why would you force black folks to only learn your history and not their own? Or hide and keep a lot of their history from them? We know America hasn't fully dealt with, slavery. America you have got to release those spirits of European haughtiness. June 19, 1865 is known as Black Independence Day. Black folks in Galveston, Texas were completely freed from slavery. The slaves in Galveston, Texas found out a few years later in the month of June (Juneteenth) they were allowed to pursue their freedoms. General Gordon Granger was responsible for telling the slaves in Galveston they were no longer oppressed and controlled. They were free! It was time to party! President Lincoln wrote a document called the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1,1863 declaring an end to slavery throughout the United States of America. Galveston rejected the news of the memo. In light of not having enough representation of Union soldiers to enforce the new law in the state of Texas, the slave owners in Galveston opposed the law. Some of the masters in Texas did not want to let all that free labor go! They just could not rearrange their brains for the change.

This is why we celebrate June 19th. This is why we organize and fight against those who wish to cut off our freedoms and lust after building more prisons to plot and scheme against broken poor melanated people.

'I GOT A BLACK FISK BALLED UP AND IT'S NOT JUST FOR ME IT'S FOR ALL OF US"

AS I WAS SAYING LAST YEAR AND WILL CONTINUE TO SAY, AGAIN AND AGAIN...

"How are you going to get mad when people don't stand for an American flag
that don't even honor it's own American citizens, who pay taxes, and are not fully treated as American equals. Every since black people of African descent were kidnapped from their homeland and brought to this American nation, raped in European colonization, they ain't never been given full access to the same rights as white people. They all know it! Preachers know it but will not show it. A blind man can see it. Politicians have witnessed the difference but for some reason are not willing to put on the armor of courage to make the difference. Why? It took the death of George Floyd for the other part of America to realize that all lives does not matter unless black lives matter. You would have thought all of the horrific, animalistic murders of black men like George Stinney and Emmett Till would have given America a renewed mindset and a change of heart. Here we are still pressing the repeat button again! I am hopeful for the legislation that is coming. I am thankful to know we have folks of all skin colors who are on the right side of history fighting together to make changes."
HAPPY JUNETEENTH

Sancti-Fly History and Culture

6/19/2021

John Henrik Clarke

John Henrik Clarke is an American Professor of African American History. He is the man who developed a curriculum for African American Studies. He was fluid in his pedagogy knowing European historians did not and would not tell the history of folks with melanated skin, honestly. He made it his duty to change the narrative. John Henrik was born in Alabama and died in New York. Dr. Clarke was very fond of Malcom X. Clarke authored several books and he also wrote about Malcolm X. He outlived Malcolm X and Dr. King. John Henrik Clarke was unapologetic about uncovering the validity of black history. John Henrik studied at the best schools and he trained with some of the best historians. John Henrik was dipped in a hot batter of Pan-Africanism. He was a King-Papa who could tell you the luxury of African-American History. We are still learning all of the hidden figures of African American History today.

In an effort to distinguish himself from other men with the name John Henry, he changed his name to Henrik. During the era he was born in, John Henry was a common name given to men in his community. It symbolized heroic strength. It is imperative that Dr. John Henrik Clarke books, posters, and all memorabilia are added to your homes. Our family, friends, and children's children will benefit from knowing about John Henrik. I truly adore the mindset of African American men or aboriginal men like John Henrik, who think about how to empower their people with basic economics and self-employment. I love that kind of mind. Dr. Clarke was thinking of some of us before we were born. I appreciate his message to us to deal directly with each other. Cut the middle man out. He emphasized for us to take care of our house first. Let's master and take back our assignments. To do for ourselves is our jobs.

Read some of John Henrik Clarke quotes. You'll fall in love with how his thinking is relevant to helping us tackle some of the same issues, today. Most importantly, he acted out all of his thoughts. Some of us need this extra encouragement and push.

“We have been educated into believing someone else's concept of the deity, and someone else's standard of beauty. You have the right to practice any religion and politics in a way that best suits your freedom, your dignity, and your understanding. And once you do that, you don't apologize."
-- John Henrik Clarke

Stop giving irrelevant people the period to your sentence. We understand we are not the minority. They are the dominant society due to unfair practices and labor. They are still shouting about diversity but will not allow you to wear your hair in a natural way you want. Your hair is beautiful and they can't define you.

“If you expect the present day school system to give history to you, you are dreaming. This, we have to do ourselves. The Chinese didn't go out in the world and beg people to teach Chinese studies or let them teach Chinese studies. The Japanese didn't do that either. People don't beg other people to restore their history; they do it themselves.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

It is time for us to do for ourselves. If you are a parent, now is the time to get involved in your children's academic affairs. Most educators want to work with you because they care about your child. So step up. Stay on your kids.

“It is unfortunate that so much of the history of Africa has been written by conquerors, foreigners, missionaries and adventurers. The Egyptians left the best record of their history written by local writers.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

The number one reason why we tell our own stories and make our own opportunities come to us.

“I want to make it clear that the black race did not come to the United States culturally empty-handed. The role and importance of ethnic history is in how well it teaches a people to use their own talents, take pride in their own history and love their own memories.” -- John Henrik Clarke

I smell the fragrance of a new Black Renaissance mixed with heavy droplets of Black Wall Street

“Racists will always call you a racist when you identify their racism. To love yourself now - is a form of racism. We are the only people who are criticized for loving ourselves. and white people think when you love yourself you hate them. No, when I love myself they become irrelevant to me.”
-- John Henrik Clarke
Oh well, continue loving thyself.

“The acceptance of the facts of African-American history and the African-American historian as a legitimate part of the academic community did not come easily. Slavery ended and left its false images of black people intact.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

“If we are going to be masters of our destiny, we must be masters of the ideas that influence that destiny."-- John Henrik Clarke
THIS!!!!

“It is too often forgotten that when the Europeans gained enough maritime skills and gunpowder to conquer most of the world, they not only colonized the bulk of the world's people but they colonized the interpretation of history itself. Human history was rewritten to favor them at the expense of other people. The roots of modern racism can be traced to this conquest and colonization.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

“When the early Europeans first met Africans, at the crossroads of history, it was a respectful meeting and the Africans were not slaves. Their nations were old before Europe was born.”
-- John Henrik Clarke
History lessons 101!

“She was not a white woman. She was not a Greek... Until the emergence of the doctrine of white superiority, Cleopatra was generally pictured as a distinctly African woman, dark in color.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

Would you believe me if I told you they are still doing this? She was an African woman.

“We will have taken one giant step forward when we face this reality: Powerful people never teach powerless people how to take their power away from them.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

“Nothing the European mind ever devised was meant to do anything but to facilitate the European's control over the world.”
-- John Henrik Clarke
Ouch the truth hurts!

“I only debate my equals. All others I teach.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

“Everything that touches YOUR life, must be an instrument of YOUR liberation or tossed into the trash cans of HISTORY”
-- John Henrik Clarke

“White people think when you love yourself you hate them. No, when I love myself they become irrelevant to me.-- John Henrik Clarke”
Oh well, continue loving thyself.

“Most human behavior is controlled by images. Image is a factor in how people look at themselves and what they use to reflect themselves. The control of images is a major factor in world power.-” ― John Henrik Clarke

“I saw no African people in the printed and illustrated Sunday school lessons. I began to suspect at this early age that someone had distorted the image of my people. My long search for the true history of African people the world over began.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

Image and representation was a huge part of Dr. Clarke's appetite.

The people and the cultures of what is known as Africa are older than the word 'Africa.' According to most records, old and new, Africans are the oldest people on the face of the earth. The people now called Africans not only influenced the Greeks and the Romans, they influenced the early world before there was a place called Europe.-” ― John Henrik Clarke

History lessons again!

“To be black and beautiful means nothing in this world unless we are black and powerful.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

“Powerful people cannot afford to educate the people that they oppress, because once you are truly educated, you will not ask for power. You will take it.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

Power...power...power! The most respected thing.

“Religion is the organization of spirituality into something that became the hand maiden of conquerors. Nearly all religions were brought to people and imposed on people by conquerors, and used as the framework to control their minds.”
-- John Henrik Clarke

Yes I agree that religion was used to destroy and control. Sadly it's still true. If the shoe fits, yes this quote is for you.

This video is lengthy but it is definitely worthy of your time. Study what Dr. John Henrick Clarke was trying to deposit richly into the minds of melanated people. If you have to borrow from his radiance, please use it. New revelations are yours. Dr. John Henrik Clarke was cheering for everybody black! Unlike some of these so-called black leaders who lust after making love to their own self-interest, he was not against you. He was for you!

Sancti-Fly History and Culture

6/14/2021

CICELY TYSON

RIP Cicely Tyson (1924-1921)

Black girl magic is her shadow. Cicely Tyson melanin has always been popping. Before Beverly Bond coined the phrase "Black Girls Rock" Ms. Cicely Tyson was already wearing that garment, fiercely. Cicely Tyson is the culmination of black heritage coupled with excellence. She is black history. There is no way to speak of the black experience without bringing up an unapologetic African American woman who rocked many different shades and waves of grace. She intentionally used her platform to positively change the narrative for black people. Ms. Tyson allowed those writers and producers of the dominant society to snuggle up close to her worth. As an American actress Cicely Tyson only accepted roles that laid a solid foundation for black women in film and television. She did not let rejection move her to settle for less. She knew she was the best.

My absolute favorite movie of Ms. Cicely Tyson is Madea's Family Reunion. She played the role of Aunt Myrtle. She was the personification of an aunt Myrtle that we all had. In the movie aunt Myrtle was speaking to all the young people in her family at the reunion about loving each other and representing the family values passed down to them from their bloodline. Every word aunt Myrtle spoke in the movie was powerful. It was overflowing with inspirational warfare. It was just a character role Cicely Tyson was playing. Each person who watched the movie was encouraged to do better and be better. Especially black folks. I didn't know Ms. Tyson personally. I do know someone who has met, sat, and talked with her. Cicely Tyson wanted all of us to soar high in what we are called to do. Ms. Tyson represented strength, unity, and love in a genuine way. It didn't matter who you were or your status. Tyson wanted black people to know they were valuable. The person living a street lifestyle, college students, and those in her industry knew they could change and do better. When Ms. Tyson spoke, people listened. Cicely Tyson has so much reverence in the black community. If you look closely you will see Cicely Tyson footprints everywhere. We continue to take notes.

A few days after Cicely Tyson released her new memoir "Just as I am" she died. Please add this book to your library. Tyson talks about her faith, daughter, and her longevity in the entertainment business. I had no knowledge of her fashion modeling days. Ms. Tyson was a fashion model before she started her acting career. It's no surprise she would get a contract to model because she was quite beautiful.

“The lie of Black inferiority was built right into America’s infrastructure, and to this day, that framework remains stubbornly intact.” Cicely Tyson

We will forever love, adore, and miss Cicely Tyson. Ms. Tyson was a part of our heartbeat. She was the epitome of an example given to society to dispel all the negative stigmas unequally distributed towards black women. Tyson victoriously embraced God's favor and goodness. Tyson believed she deserved it! Take this opportunity to know you deserve it! Cicely Tyson lived a great life on purpose! She knew she was part of the greater and not less than. We are thankful for the 96 years of Cicely Tyson impactful life that she was able to share with us. Her legacy and contributions shall always be celebrated.

Sancti Fly History and Culture

8/31/2020

MISA HYLTON BRIM

At the young age of 17 in the middle of the 90's, Misa was spraying her styling scent creatively, on Jodeci. On any given day or occasion, Misa rejuvenated the hip hop nation with her purpose driven 'gone girl' melanin vision. Can't nobody hold Misa Hylton Brim down. She has been behind the scenes as a top rated, never duplicated, Power Pretty Mama fashion designer for over 20 years. Misa is a bad mamma Jama, planting seeds in the pages of Japanese, Jamaican and African American history. Misa's influences are phenomenally stitched on some of your favorite artist like Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott plus Jay and Beyoncé.

Misa has behaved in the best Sancti Fly way to encourage you to pursue your truth. No matter what your aspirations are, you can make it happen! She ate, drank, and slept in waiting for the opportunity to style those individuals in the hip hop community. Most importantly, she was ready. They say you can't be in love with two at the same time. Misa was in love with hip hop and fashion at the same time so that's not true. She blended her two passions into an everlasting empire. Companies like Pepsi, Amazon, and Viacom seek her alliance for their brands. Please try your best to cultivate your kids and loved ones gifts and talents in the fashion industry. Don't step hard on their dreams. I do understand parents, family and friends don't mean any harm by indicating a career in fashion is not realistic. Misa is a testament that proves it is!

Sancti-Fly History and Culture

8/8/2020

SELMA BURKE

Who is Dr. Selma Hortense Burke? Dr. Selma Burke was a Power-Pretty navy lady, a nurse, a model, an educator dipped in rich thick black girl magic, and an American sculptress. Oh how America have lusted after dimming the shinning light on black history. Dr. Burke was a powerful piece of strength to the Harlem Renaissance. Selma is renowned for sculpting President Franklin Roosevelt. Oh yes a black woman did that. When you look at the dime, it was designed by Dr. Selma. She survived and thrived all the Jim Crow and hate that was thrown her way. Just like you!

America has always been biased with history. European history was and still is the dominant factor within the educational curriculum. I wish I was taught about Dr. Selma Burke. It is crucial for black and brown folks to see history reflective of them. It is conducive to the soul of the black child to experience being taught by role models and images that look like them. I have nothing against any white women educators. I know lots of good teachers who are European. This is not my opinion, it is factual that white women overwhelmingly are hired to teach in black and brown communities. Why is that? It’s not like there is a shortage of black professional qualified teachers. Here is the thing. You will never ever see a majority of black women teaching in a predominately white city or suburb. So why is it like that for black communities? Revamp those policies.

If there is a community of Spanish speaking children or bilingual Latinos, there should be a majority of educators who look like them; who can speak language like them and add to their culture. It is simple. It is not hard. Black kids have had a corrupt bloodline when it comes to their history. We were brainwashed with the majority of our history glamorizing slavery. Slavery is not the only part. There are many chapters needed to be shared. If black kids had teachers brave enough to teach their kids the hidden gems of black history, that knowledge would have possibly changed their lives. I am convinced those who purposely orchestrated the educational curriculum to cater to Europeans only, knew that. Blacks refined and reclaimed their history. Thank goodness we know more than we did yesterday. We are still unpeeling new levels and making history.

To all the black women, men, and guardians of black children, your kids are not throwaway kids. They may have issues. They may have weaknesses. We all do. They also have intelligence and some other strengths. You may have a child that has behavior problems. You probably call the child bad. If your child can draw anything you place in front of him/her, that is a gift from Yahweh (God). If your child has the gift of drawing or the Dr. Selma Burke gift of sculpting, they are not inoperable, they are unstoppable. This is why we must know our history. We must study it. It tells us there are smithereens of black excellence we can aspire to be like. It makes us feel good to know someone that looks like us did it and made it happen. It is great for our mental wellness to witness it in light of all the things we still have to fight for due to economics and skin color. Dr. Selma Burke is definitely someone our community should know about. You don't know what the creator has in store for your children's future so please share examples of their wealthy history with them.

Sancti-Fly History and Culture

8/8/2020

CHARLES HARRISON

Charles Harrison is another hidden figure of black history we didn't know about. This brother worked as a freelance designer for Sears Roebuck & Company.
I wonder if Sears ever mentioned this publicly? Surely Sears could have shared this around Black History Month! It is so crucial to do your own research and work when it comes to black history, black people. This is why I was motivated to start the creation of Sancti Fly History and Culture content. We have to seek out information and be proactive in our history. European history is not the only story that should be told. It is very healthy for black people and black children to see individuals who look like them; who accomplished their goals and dreams.

Oh my goodness! As a child, I remember I had my very own View-Master. All the kids in my neighborhood did as well. The View-Master was an extremely popular gift on Christmas. Mr. Harrison's design of the View-Master was a well-known toy. I didn't know a black man invented the red little gadget. Mr. Harrison had a great business mind. Harrison is also credited for his designs of the first plastic trash cans and for a variety of sewing machines specifically for Sears Roebuck & Company. It is significantly imperative for young black innovative minds to have examples of aspiration personalized to them. It will help our sons and daughters emulate those images and create a path of their own legacies.

If Yahweh gave Charles Harrison the vision and purpose to design and create, it shall be done for your bloodline. Lord only knows what your babies were born to do and be. Support them! They can do it too! Harrison is our evidence of limitless possibilities.

Yes, a black man by the name of Charles Harrison did this!