BETWEEN RACE & FRIENDSHIP

"Black consciousness therefore takes cognizance of the deliberateness of God's plan in creating black people black." ~ Steve Biko 

Many things are evident in a smile, a moment between friends, and lovers. Many things are between friendships that mean something, or could mean something if it were not for the racial and societal barriers set up by history between people, groups and governments.

Today, there is a startling difference in the friendships between American Blacks and Whites compared to the end of the Civil Rights movement. The tension and fear are absent as they were then in part because it eventually became evident Black Power was harnessed by a greater need to assimilate. Largely white administrators in charge of educating American children decided to stifle children's growth collectively through cruel measures of manipulation and take away policies that took the creative aspect of learning from the children. Black children creatively reacted by creating from the morass Go Go music in Washington DC, and in New York came Hip Hop. Go Go returned the soul of 'Chocolate City' to its African roots and explored family and community and unity and solidarity with the rudiments of African rhythms,  and chants. In New York city expression through Hip Hop grew into an international voice of a generation and the divides between people fell in unforeseen ways.

- Gregory E. Woods,

5.16.13

"It is better to die for an idea that will live than to live for an idea that will die." ~ Steve Biko