DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

Dr. Martin Luther King was the glorification of manna; leading black folks in a nonviolent movement towards a more perfect union of freedom. He rocked civil rights and human rights with all of his Sancti-fly might! Granted, there were obstacles of wicked vines growing in the land, trying to stop Dr. King. He went to jail, he was attacked by dogs, and he was abused by the police. All Dr. King wanted was some "peace" of the pie to be allocated to the brothers and sisters on his side. Martin Luther King endured the hope of promise. He had a dream and humanized it very well. Dr. King was impregnated with purpose and completed his assignments. Dr. King embodied love and faith in a way that made men of all backgrounds and of all races engaged in what he had to say. He is the culmination of culture and Sancti-Fly History.

MALCOLM X

To articulate that Malcolm X was a great leader is certainly an understatement. The fearlessness Malcolm X rocked is an indelible mark in the hearts of many black and white Americans who studied his full life. Malcolm X was an epic soldier. Even if you do not believe as he did, you have to respect the fight and power he personified as an organizer of freedom and justice for black people. Poignantly speaking, brother Malcolm is the prime example why we as a society cannot give up on our young people (pull your pants up young men). Take a little time to get to know the vicissitudes of his life before and after he became a Muslim. Malcolm X has an abundance of Sancti-Fly History. 

MUHAMMAD ALI (THE GREATEST)

Muhammad Ali really did float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. No matter how much money he earned, he cared about the plight of his community. Nothing or no one could stop or block him for caring the way he did! He soared in love for the black community; speaking out against oppression. Ali rocked courage so free! He did not care what you thought about him. He was a champion that exemplified conviction! Ali made people think! He made folks listen! He is black history!

NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela was a South African revolutionary man of freedom and justice! He is the father of love. His legacy reminds us to rock some daily love goals of grace, dedication, and philanthropy. He is the prime example of love, peace, and divine strength. This warrior was imprisoned for years and when God set him free he became the president of his country. You cannot rock Black History more harder than that.  Nelson Mandela was and is so Sancti-Fly! What are your love goals for the day?

MAYA ANGELOU

She was eminent, dripping in pure excellence as an activist, author, singer, dancer and actress. This describes a little bit of Maya Angelou. She was definitely a prolific thinker of love. Dr. Maya Angelou taught black women and all females how to rise again; rock and win! What did she not do; what could she not master? Keep on going and don't you dare give up. Maya Angelou had the spirit of the ancestors dwelling on the inside of her. It was and still is an unbreakable resilience which says "Nothing can stop you!" It is one of the very reasons why black folks continue to rise and shine and make Black History!

DR. SHIRLEY JACKSON

Dr. Shirley Jackson rocked so much black girl magic and Sancti-Fly History in light of being the first black Sancti-Fly woman to earn a PhD in physics from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology); specializing in theory. She invented fiber optic cables and solar cells. Dr. Jackson rocked her love for science real hard at an early age. She is no different than you or your scholar babies. She is proof that you can do the exact same thing. You can see the results of nothing stopping or blocking her from reaching her goals. The truth is nothing can stop you from the plans and destiny the creator has for your life. 

The power of science-fiction writing received an elevation of finesse when Nnedimma Nkemdili Okorafor stepped on the scene. Dr. Nnedi Okorafor is an accomplished Nigerian-American author of several award-winning books. She is also a professor. As an international novelist, her afrofuturist writing style has been featured in a plethora of magazines. Her prognosticated greatness received worldwide attention when Marvel Comics noticed all of her black girl magic. They had to grab it. As noted in ABC7Chicago, Okorafor has been writing about her passion and the advancement of Africa way before Marvel Comics. She began writing a series of narratives for Shuri from the Black Panther movie. Okorafor’s brilliance and recognition of her talents caught the attention of Marvel Studios. Marvel Comics desired to have her write comic books for them now.

Nnedi Okorafor is unquestionably making black history. Science-fiction writers used to be a white male dominated field. Nnedi Okorafor has made the impossible things possible for all women and for all girls. No one will be able to whitewash her history. This magical, imaginary woman is blending her Nigerian and American elements for the betterment of the Sancti-Fly sisters who can and will be using her blueprint as their examples; for all Power-Pretty Mamas who shall rock the ultimate girl power!

Don't be afraid to tell your story! I hope Nnedi Okorafor can impact the right kind of nourishment in you and inspire you in all of your aspirations. Enjoy this first week and entire month of Black History. Check out some of Nnedi Okorafor's books.

February is the shortest and coldest month of the year. It is also Black History Month thanks to an educated moxie like Carter G. Woodson. In light of Carter G. Woodson reluctantly sanctioned and forbidden to read and write; born in that time of 1875, he gormandized his education at the age of 20. To you I say, it is never too late to titillate your brain with knowledge. Incidentally, there are African Americans who celebrate Black History every day. The month of February is just the extra melanin sauce shared with the world; enhancing the foundation Mr. Woodson laid. Black History is American History. Ms. Lula (my grandma) continuously shared with me how instrumental it is. Knowing who you are in this world is vital to your survival. I so get why all of my elders and a few educators encouraged me and others to take serious sips into Black History. You have to understand your past to prepare for your future; to enrich your bloodline.

What if those young people who don’t understand who they are or where they originated from, had an opportunity to learn about their history. I'm talking about all of their black history, not just the fact that their ancestors were enslaved? The fruitfulness of who they are. The ancestry of Kings and Queens stuck in their bloodlines. What if they were taught that their bloodlines are linked to every continent and country of the world? The African presence is found in many different nations. I am convinced a positive change would caress their minds with self-examination and self-realization. If you have children it is your job to teach them their history. I encourage you to take some huge dips in wonderful sips of discovery to educate your kids and yourself about Black History.    
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African American kids all over this world are full of European History. European history is the governing curriculum in all of the schools across the United States. I believe it needs to change. Why isn’t there any text books on the Moors, the black Island of Fiji or the positive images of Africa? When I grew up, all the descriptions I saw of Africa was negative. I had no idea there were castles and opulence in Africa, built by Africans. The only thing the history teacher slightly touched on when the subject of Black History came up was Africans being slaves. There is so much more than that! Do your kids know about the African rulers of Mali? Do they know about the great African Empires of the Sudan and Nile Valley? What about the African presence in Greece? Yes, there were Black Greeks! Black kids need to know that; white kids too. All kids! Black Students can tell you about the Stamp Act or the Boston Massacre. Can they tell you about Crispus Attucks? You can’t have a conversation about the Boston Massacre without leaving Crispus Attucks out of it. He was the first African person killed in the Boston Massacre. Black children can tell you about the Louisiana Purchase but I bet they can’t tell you about the Buka Natives or the Bombings of Tulsa Oklahoma, known as Black Wall Street. I bet they can’t tell you about an Arabic Black poet named Antar? They have to learn the constitution. Black History is an element of enlightenment that should be learned as well. They can also tell you about all the European presidents who have dominated this country as leaders. What is so wrong with your children learning about an African ruler from Ghana named Tenkamenin? I am thankful we have had one African American president. I adore Dr. King and Malcom X but there is more to African American (black) History than Malcom and Martin.

It would benefit the entire world if everyone took the dips of time to sip and learn about Black History; especially your sons and daughters of African descent. Black History can dispel a lot of ignorance. It can show others that African American people are human beings. They have been an asset to the civilization of nations; to not be afraid of them. Maybe there wouldn’t be so much racism if other folks understood African American History. If black and brown people of color want to know their history they have to delve into it boldly; independently. I get why folks take a proactive sip to do their own research to self-indulge in Black History. Black History is NOT embraced or celebrated like others. When black folks talk about their experience they are told to “get over it” or “that was years ago so stop living in the past.” Every person on planet earth deserves to know who they are and where they came from! This includes black people.

In my Sancti-Fly effort to encourage black folks to study their history I created Sancti-Fly History and Culture to share black history with the world. In the month of February I try to share information once a week. During the year, I try to share black history at least once a month. 

What is it that you get? Do you allow understanding to slip by you with no evidence of empathy and sympathy attached to your humanity? Are you a person who is always so quick to judge, drowning in stereotypes with all of your lovely might? As my Lula (grandmother) use to say, keep on living, you'll get it. I pray that you will!

Exceptional black girl magic has graced our society affirming powerful sprinkles of inspiration to the world, one book at a time. Her name is Marley Dias. In fifth grade (2015) she was required to read books like ‘Shiloh,’ 'Old Yeller’ and ‘Where the Red Ferns Grow.’ All of these books were about little white boys with dogs. Marley was starving and thirsting to see images in books where little black girls were the major and not the minor characters. She was not alone. In her proactive efforts to feed her hunger; making black girls as the main character, she launched her campaign for #1000BlackGirlBooks and to her surprise she received an overwhelming support of 11,000 books. Marley Dias fantasticated her love for literacy making history. 

Some of you probably don’t recall or never had any books as a child that had black girls as the main characters. Thanks to Marley Dias going around that tough terrain mountain; trailblazing her way to make #1000BlackGirlBooks the main characters in the hearts of black girls and children everywhere, it has changed. I encourage all educators, especially those who work as teachers in black communities to ensure having a selection of books where black girls and children are the main characters. I mean, why not! It is imperative to have healthy representations of black children as the main characters in books where they can make connections to characters that is about them! It is not equivalent if all of the black and brown kids are only reading books about everyone and everything else with them being absent. It is crucial to know the background and culture you educate. 

Canadian-American is the nationality of Elijah McCoy. Incidentally he is also an African American man. Mr. McCoy is renowned for his 57 inventions during the 19th century. He was a patrician of mechanical engineering; giving the world the luciferous wisdom it needed to lubricate steamed engines; trains and ships. McCoy razzle-dazzled the industry making an automatic lubricator for oiling engines. He worked on his craft and designed it better, one patent at a time. Yes, I said 57 patents graced the stardust of his ingenuity. This was a big deal back in his time. All 50 of his patents originated from lubrication. McCoy also had patents on a lawn sprinkler and a folding ironing board. Although Elijah McCoy was born a free man in Canada, his parents (George and Mildred) were fugitive slaves from Kentucky and benefited from the Underground Railroad in hopes of instauration; a new life in Ontario Canada. 

“The Real McCoy” is the terminology given to Elijah McCoy in light of so many other lubricant patents being on the market. McCoy’s oil-drip cup invention was superlative and in high demand so if there was a request for it, folks would say they wanted the real thing, the real McCoy! So when you are driving in your car and a train comes, please don’t think you are stuck by a train. Instead, look at those railroad trains and remember it was McCoy’s invention that helped them to run faster and better.

Elijah McCoy’s legacy proves to black children and to all people that no matter how hard your beginning is, you can have a palmy middle and ending. His father was a farmer and his mother gave birth to 12 children. It inspires all of us to know we can be the antithesis of a maladroit group of people that some wish to attenuate black history with. Elijah McCoy attended a segregated school in Colchester Township in Canada. When he turned 15 he was blessed to attend Edinburg, Scotland for a chance to study mechanical engineering. This was the beginning of the benevolence McCoy would give to the world. He went from being an oiler to an inventor. There is the possibility that your children can and WILL do heartsome things; leaving their mark in this world. You don’t know who your children will be one day so please share African American History with them so they can see themselves in Elijah McCoy.

The bossdom phenotype of the inexplicable Ivory Bangle Lady was featly originated in Roman York (Eboracum). Her skeletal remains were discovered in 1901 around the second half of the fourth century. There is no evidence of her real name. Examination of her remains show that she was around 19 when she died. Archaeologist research concludes that the woman known as the Ivory Bangle Lady had a bloodline mixed with North African and European blood flowing in her wealthy veins. The findings of this woman dispelled the fact that she was a slave in light of the jet and elephant ivory bracelets, earrings, pendants, and beads found on her at the time of discovery. This signified that the Ivory Bangle Lady was more of a plutocrat than a poor woman. The human remains of the Ivory Bangle Lady has been preserved and is displayed at the Yorkshire Museum.

The Ivory Bangle Lady helps us to cerebrate intensely, the possibilities of our own genotypes. What is in your DNA? Do you have some African blood in you? The Oblivescence of Black History is not conducive to black children. It is imperative for them to know about the Ivory Bangle Lady. It certainly makes a bold statement that African Romans ruled in Britain. It also encourages our kids to research their ancestry to find out what is in their bloodline.  

Pressed down shaken together in the abominations of stanchless pain; chains, iron collars and the separation of families immediately ended on June 19, 1865. The slaves in Galveston, Texas found out 2 years later in the month of June (Juneteenth) they were permitted to drown and bleed in the pursuit of some form of happiness. General Gordon Granger was responsible for informing the slaves they were unrestricted to be human beings. It was a jamboree! President Abraham Lincoln wrote a document called the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, declaring an end to slavery. 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, Texas opposed the law. They did not want to give up their free labor! This is why we celebrate June 19th. The slaves were freed! It was the end of a chapter of bondage for them. All they ever wanted was to be Black American citizens with the same rights and privileges.

July 4, 1776, gave White Americans their Independence Day. Black folks were slaves during that time. Independence Day did not apply to them. June 19, 1865, is known as Black Independence Day. The captivity and liberation of Juneteenth is more crucial now than ever, as pointed out in the Vox. Colorism and self-hate begets the residual consequences of slavery. The psychological effects of seeing black people and people of color treated less than American citizens when it comes to inequality, racism and racial injustice is a direct effect of slavery in America. The seeds of white supremacy has taken root in the earth and it is too stubborn to die; to let go! The corruptible beginnings of slavery made inhumane treatment towards Black Americans bleed heavy. Our minds have been conditioned in judgments passed down from generation to generation about black folks and white folks. The history of slavery is not a resource for blamestorming. No one is saying you are guilty of what your ancestors did. If you are repeating the pattern you are certainly adding to the problem that America has not fully dealt with, slavery.

Hast thou not heard of such a buoyant group of people who only wanted to be created equally? Their bloodlines were renewed by God and their strength was increased when they were weary. We have every reason and right not to forget about Juneteenth. Ignorance avails very much when we choose not to confront our past. The celebration of Juneteenth represents Black American History for all to study. 

There are so many magnificent reasons why Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy is celebrated with an amative stimulus of strength throughout the world. How can you not love a man who used passive resistance coupled with love to fight for the human rights of all people, especially black people? If the United States constitution was not enforced for all Americans, how can you expect those Americans to pledge their allegiance when they had none?

Dr. King affirmed, “All we say to America is, Be true to what you said on paper.” Dr. King was uniquely endowed with a stentorian voice leaking in fearlessness to remind the United States of America about the laws they enacted; their 'illegal injunctions' is what Dr. King called it. The 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution blatantly contradicted itself when it came to the lives of African or
black American citizens. African Americans were not able to assemble together peacefully to protest against the sweltering hate thrusted upon them. To refute the ugliness of America even further, black Americans did not have equal access nor protection under the laws; as written in the 14th Amendment for all American citizens to have. The federal government undeniably legitimized the injustices that were done to black Americans during their fierce movement of freedom and justice. Black folks, as well as activist, (black and white) were murdered in their homes and churches. Black people were attacked by the police and their dogs. They were bullied, terrorized, and water hosed by firemen. Dr. King’s home was also bombed. All of this immorality was performed on black folks because they wanted to have the meticulous rights of their freedoms like the rest of the (white) Americans. Disgraceful and appalling was the face of America. Black people armed themselves with the greatest dignity and self-respect as they fought for their freedoms; as witnessed in history.

During the fruitful 1955-1956 Montgomery Bus Boycott, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. decided to take a ride for freedom. I am so pleased he did. This is another great reason why we love his motivation. Martin's anointed presence in the civil rights movement helped to desegregate the city buses in Montgomery Alabama. Black Americans could finally ride the buses with white Americans. In regards to equal treatment, black Americans were not granted equality on bus rides before King stepped on the leadership scene. God used Dr. King to powerfully equalize the situation. Dr. King aggressively armed himself in the awareness of racism being the way of life for the majority of white people who lived in the south. The flavor in the south was white supremacy. The mood and the tone unfortunately has not been fully altered for some who desire to keep white supremacy alive today. Dr. King believed freedom belonged to black people who were Americans. He took a stand for liberation by applying his non-violent movement; teeming with peaceful protest. Martin King and other peaceful protesters were consistently arrested for organizing peacefully (marches, sit-ins). They too were black American citizens. Although the law stated American citizens had the right to protest peacefully, it was not applied towards black people. Dr. King proved countless times that wickedness will always bow down to righteousness.

In July of 1966 Dr. Martin Luther King’s footsteps crossed over into the City of Chicago to bring peace and justice to segregated public accommodations for the open and fair housing issues. Dr. King stated that Chicago was one of the most hostile and hateful cities. His plan was to do what he did well. He wanted to bring the evil out into the open. He labeled Chicago the city of shame. As I watch the history of Dr. King; his documentaries and his speeches, I am not too surprised by the actions of others. Sometimes I've often wondered if the people who were caught in between harvesting the pain and humiliation towards black people ever realized how completely foolish they would someday look (for years) as whites were bravely filmed illustrating how stiff their necks were. It was hard for them to accept people that were different from them. The heritage of embarrassment has continued for some who show no shame. 

Dr. King had superlative logic and love. The yokes of terrorism, discrimination or segregation could not stop him. No surge of racism could stop black folks in their movement for freedom and justice from turning around. Black folks kept on going despite the heavy burdens of opposition and challenges staring them in the face daily. Black families wanted their emancipation by any means necessary. Martin thrived continuously. He not only marched, he negotiated the best deals for black folks. Dr. King accomplished what he was purposed to do! King forced America to confront their unhealthy issues they had politically, socially, and economically with African Americans. He raised his voice and raised the consciousness at a national level.

In April of 1968 the man who was full of faith, love, and goodwill towards all men was killed; assassinated. He could not be broken so I surmise killing him was the only way they thought they could stop him. Fortuitously, Dr. King spirit of service, legacy of love, freedom, and justice lives on, stronger than ever. Dr. King brought deliverance from the plantation to rock an unbalanced nation with the promised liberty and justice for all. This is why we will never forget the sacrifices of his light (love). We are far from the Promised Land. Times are different. At times it feels  the same. Dr. King did bring monumental changes in racial equality for all men. King insured voting rights and human rights for men to be treated as men. 

The oppressor has you in domination because he plans to keep you there. – Dr. King 

How long will prejudice blind the divisions of men? No lie can live forever. – Dr. King

Marion, Indiana flaunted the truthiness of love and justice as they allowed the lynching of Thomas Shipp and Abe Smith in 1930. Shipp and Smith were black teens accused of murdering a white man and raping a white woman. History has taught us that these terrorist attacks were never justified. They were used unjustly against black folks in light of the demonic mentality whites consumed during that time. If you were white and you were against lynching; helping blacks, you were lynched too. If you study the picture above, it appears they are dressed up to go to church; men and women gathered in their best attire. Children were known to be present at these murders, sadly. It was normal for church folks to come home from church and attend a lynching. I don’t know what bible they were reading back then but I thought God was love. I understand why some people don’t want to embrace Christianity. A lot of white supremacy was used to control black folks through religion. They lusted for the intimidation and control of black people with lynching as their ammunition! 

Unfortunately, there are scientific elements of hate and white supremacy dripping dangerously in the "heart of the great Anglo-Saxon" of America and in other countries that keeps racism effective and in place. They are the remainders of the George Wallace effect; mass incarceration, oppression, discrimination and all the other abominations tied to lynching. It's time for atonement.

Toussaint is the naissance of the Haitian Revolution. He eradicated colonial supremacy by defeating the English and Spanish armies. He unified his people (the Haitians). The Europeans were out skilled and mentally unprepared for Toussaint’s military strategies. Toussaint is a Haitian American hero that black children can aspire to emulate; his strength, his ingenuity and his military brilliance is worthy of recognition in American history no matter how painful or truthful it is. It is such a shame American text books do not acknowledge him and the important role he played in history. If they are bringing up Napoleon Bonaparte’s name in the history books, there is no way to ignore Toussaint’s presence in history. Toussaint’s crew annihilated Napoleon’s troops and freed Haitian slaves. Napoleon did not like losing a battle to an extraordinary black man like Toussaint so he caught Toussaint off guard with deception and trickery, which lead Toussaint as his prisoner. He died in prison at the hands of Napoleon. There is not extensive awareness taught to black students or children in general on the fact that some slaves did not lay down and submit to slavery. They fought back! Toussaint’s martial talent is the best evidence of that. There was an insurrection of slave revolts going on. Unfortunately, the history books do not confirm all the black American conquerors like Toussaint who left his munificent stain in the unknown pages of history. If you ask most children who Toussaint L’ouverture was, they would not be able to tell you.

Toussaint’s bravery illustrates how important it is to stand up for yourself. It does not matter how big your enemy appears or how small you are. Toussaint had a small army and they overpowered giants. His image stands for the formula to fight against injustice anywhere and everywhere. He is Black History! All children have a right to study and know about Toussaint L’ouverture. Toussaint refused to submit to European colonialism. His actions sparked rebellions all over the world as men and women; black and white, fought for their freedom. He was born in 1743 on a plantation as a slave; enriched with intelligence as a leader and teacher. He spoke, Latin, French and Creole. He died as a warrior in 1803.