rondabarber.com

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  ronda watson barber

Dissension founded America.   It's a good thing.

We've got to work to save our children and do it with full respect for the fact that if we do not, no one else is going to do it. -       Dr. Dorothy Height

The Revolution will not be televised,
but it is on the Internet! - Ronda Barber

We have to improve life, not just for those who have the most skills and those who know how to manipulate the system. But also for and with those who often have so much to give but never get the opportunity. - Dr. Dorothy Height

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Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.
SOPHOCLES

 

Editor's Note:  I DO NOT solicit information about the local NAACP and its leadership.  Truly, folks just come up and tell me stuff.  I am just minding my own business then...

I heard the love doctor ...Donna (she is encouraging me to take the high road) says that I can't tell what I heard. Everyone appears to know and she insists that the latest antics with a high-profile woman speaks for itself and really takes things to an all time low.(9-14-04)

I have received many comments on my choice of the Most Embarrassing Black Person in Newark. Most comments have been positive and they have agreed with my choice and my position. 

A few comments didn't approve of my frank and candid views. Some felt that I shouldn't try to embarrass a Black politician and that problems in the Black community should stay in the Black community.  (For the most part, it was the same critique that Bill Cosby got for commenting on the parenting skills and educational support of some Black parents.) I do believe that what is wrong in the Black community, the Black community can fix. With that,  I strongly contend that if the present Newark City Schools Board President was bold enough not to support a program that is assisting Black students achieve academic success, I am bold enough to tell it, particularly when he foolishly put it in writing. (He can't as he has in the past, call me a liar now!) Enough on him, all that agreed with me have stated they will voice their negative disapproving views of him in the ballot box. (9-10-04)

The most Embarrassing Black person is
Newark City School Board President Jeremy Blake.

As Board President, he was asked to write a letter of support for a grass-roots summer reading program that caters to Black students on Newark's East Side. The program was writing a proposal for funding.  Mr. Blake refused to write a letter to support the program because he was mad at the founder and coordinator of the program. 

Previously, he was a supporter of the program and often used the program for photo opportunities.  The summer reading program founder has made negative but true comments about his character in the past so Blake took his personal feelings out on the children the program serves. 

Thus, in my opinion he doesn't have the maturity or integrity to hold public office.  For the record, all other elected officials who were asked to penned a letter did with the exception of school board member Karen Kreager, but then I have been told my numerous folks that she and her sister stole my campaign yard signs and she probably takes direction from Blake.  What kind of Black man doesn't earnestly support a program that helps Black children, especially when there appears to be a wide gap in the achievement rate of students of color.  He's a bootlicker, who's  interest isn't  in the children in our community. He is a politician who is looking out for his career.

Back by popular demand!  The second annual  Most Embarrassing Black Person in Newark Award.  Last year's winner was Rita Jackson, Newark City Schools Diversity Coordinator and President of the pitiful Licking County NAACP.  She has sold Black folks out for personal gain and local media attention.  The runner up was  Anita Waters.  Cast your votes today, just drop me an email.  I'll put my list up tomorrow.  It will be interesting reading and my picks may surprise you. 5/27/04.

Was yesterday's Newark  Advocate article on the NAACP comedy or what?  "First we need to define the problem." LOL  The problem is the NAACP is a joke and as diversity coordinator and/or multicultural specialist for Newark City Schools and the chapter president (who had a conflict of interest from day one.  you can't monitor or police your pay source.) sat on her ass, got paid and did absolutely NOTHING.  So she doesn't need to look very far, because actually SHE is apart of the problem.  It is apparent the Licking County NAACP is a snake without fangs.  Pretty useless as the forum's attendance numbers and school district participation reflect. 5/26/04

What rock has the NAACP been under? Oh yeah, they have been busying planning social events, banquets and giving awards to themselves.  What do they do with all the money they raise? The achievement gap, curriculum and discipline rates for Black children have been issues within Newark City Schools for years.   As a parent, I have been asking questions for the past 10 years.   I read the reports the district produces and it's the primary reason why I sacrifice (I would rather drive the newest Volvo wagon.  It's cute! I would rather have a bigger house.) and send my Black kids to private schools.  A good education is priceless.  It's valuable.  We can't give our children a better gift.   It's also the reason why I work really hard to to establish programming to tutor/mentor the children in our community and encourage summer reading.  My children are fortunate to attend good schools.  My advocacy and commitment to the Newark's children  is to make sure all kids achieve academic success. 5/26/04.

I have always said, "If Tyrone can't read in school.  Tyrone can't read at home either."  What's wrong in the Black community, the Black community can fix!  5/24/04 

Cosby's remarks challenge us to discuss race honestly
By LEONARD PITTS JR.
Knight Ridder Newspapers

Maybe somebody spiked his Jell-O.

I bet the audience seriously considered the idea when Bill Cosby performed last week in Washington at a commemoration of Brown v. Board of Education.

According to the Washington Post, Cosby's routine ridiculed "lower-economic people" in the black community for their values, their mannerisms, their dysfunctions. He described them as "knuckleheads," complained that they'll buy $500 sneakers — "and won't spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics. ... They can't speak English. I can't even talk the way these people talk: 'Why you ain't? Where you is?'" There was more, but you get the gist.

The Post reports that Cosby's rant elicited "astonishment, laughter and applause." A "stone-faced" Howard University president H. Patrick Swygert went onstage afterward and pointedly reminded the crowd that many of the black community's problems are not self-inflicted. Which is true. It's also beside the point.

Have you ever wondered why it's almost impossible for blacks and whites to discuss race honestly? This episode is an answer in microcosm.

Blacks seldom publicly concede that some of the dysfunction suffered by the black underclass is self-inflicted for fear of giving aid and comfort to bigotry. So when analyzing racial progress or the lack thereof, black folk tend to emphasize racism.

Whites, on the other hand, are often loath to concede that racism remains the great ball and chain of black life for fear the admission will besmirch their benign self-image or be used to make them feel guilty. So they tend to emphasize dysfunction instead.

Blacks and whites have a way of talking past each other.

The fact is, Cosby said nothing about black underachievement that black people have not said before. His mistake, if you want to call it that, was in speaking publicly. Because publicly, we — black and white — prefer to stick to the script that makes it easiest on us, demands the least from us.

So let me say something for the record. Much as some white folk pretend otherwise, racism didn't vanish one fine day long ago. It lives, here, now, still. And it isn't something black people can cure through self-improvement. Racism doesn't care how educated, wealthy or decent you are. It will still call you ignorant, deny you a loan and throw you in jail. It will still give white people unearned advantages on the basis of their whiteness.

And yet this also is true: For all the woe it brings, racism is not the proximate source of all the ills that beset the black underclass. We do not need white people's approval or even their involvement to correct much of what ails us — to require that our children spend less time with BET and more with BOOK, to reconnect our fathers with their families, to abandon the misbegotten mind-set that equates ignorance and thuggery with authentic blackness.

Poverty and miseducation are a petri dish for dysfunction, no matter what color you are. If you don't believe that, go hang around a neighborhood of poor and miseducated white people sometime.

So we ought to be able to raise these issues without it being seen as a sop to bigotry. In pitting racism against self-inflicted dysfunction, we embrace a false dichotomy. These are not contradictory truths but the indispensable halves of a complex whole.

Yes, Cosby's comments were stereotypical, maybe downright mean. But for all that, his routine also reflected a willingness, rare in black people and white ones, to confront the obvious and raise issues that require more of us than the ability to feel put upon.

Maybe somebody did spike his Jell-O. Maybe they should spike ours, too. (5/24/04)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MALCOLM X! (5/19/2004)

Hopefully your messages will inspire us Today to better our community for our children and our futures!

By Any Means Necessary (Audio Speech)

About Malcolm X
"…I always had a deep affection for Malcolm and felt that he had a great ability to put his finger on the existence and the root of the problem. He was an eloquent spokesman for his point of view and no one can honestly doubt that Malcolm had a great concern for the problems we face as a race." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a telegram to Betty Shabazz after the murder of Malcolm X.

“Here – at this final hour, Harlem has come to bid farewell to one of its brightest hopes – extinguished now, and gone from us forever…. Many will ask what Harlem finds to honor in this stormy, controversial and bold young captain – and we will smile. …We will answer and say unto them, ‘Did you ever talk to Brother Malcolm? Did you ever really listen to him? …For if you did you would know him. And if you knew him you would know why we must honor him.’” Ossie Davis, actor, in his eulogy at Malcolm X’s funeral

What made Malcolm X Shabazz a great man, is that he had the guts to say what nine-tenths of American Negroes would like to say but don't have the guts to say. a Chicago doctor

Quotes from Malcolm

o        Without education, you're not going anywhere in this world.  

o        The only way we'll get freedom for ourselves is to identify ourselves with every oppressed people in the world. We are blood brothers to the people of Brazil, Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba -- yes Cuba too.  

o        Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.  

o        Student's all over the world today are standing up for their rights and fighting for their rights, but here in America, the so-called Negro students have allowed themselves to be maneuvered under a tag of "sit-in". The word sit itself is not an honorable tag, anybody can sit, and old woman can sit, a coward can sit, a baby can sit, anything can sit, but it takes a man to stand.... Rather than to force our way into someone else's restaurant or public place that they have established, we should get our own. Once we have our own, we're respected for the fact that we can create our own. That's equality right there.  

o        You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it. 

o        I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against. 

o        There was two kinds of slaves. There was the house Negro and the field Negro. The house Negroes - they lived in the house with master, they dressed pretty good, they ate good 'cause they ate his food -- what he left. They lived in the attic or the basement, but still they lived near the master; and they loved their master more than the master loved himself. They would give their life to save the master's house quicker than the master would. The house Negro, if the master said, "We got a good house here," the house Negro would say, "Yeah, we got a good house here." Whenever the master said "we," he said "we." That's how you can tell a house Negro. If the master's house caught on fire, the house Negro would fight harder to put the blaze out than the master would. If the master got sick, the house Negro would say, "What's the matter, boss, we sick?" We sick! He identified himself with his master more than his master identified with himself. And if you came to the house Negro and said, "Let's run away, let's escape, let's separate," the house Negro would look at you and say, "Man, you crazy. What you mean, separate? Where is there a better house than this? Where can I wear better clothes than this? Where can I eat better food than this?" That was that house Negro. In those days he was called a "house nigger." And that's what we call him today, because we've still got some house niggers running around here.  

o        We didn't land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us

o        Dr. King wants the same thing I want. Freedom.
 

o        I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color. 

o        You don't have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being. 

o        Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you're a man, you take it. 

o        The political philosophy of black nationalism means that the black man should control the politics and the politicians in his own community; no more

o        Look at yourselves. Some of you teen-agers, students. How do you think I feel and I belong to a generation ahead of you - how do you think I feel to have to tell you, "We, my generation, sat around like a knot on a wall while the whole world was fighting for its human rights - and you've got to be born into a society where you still have that same fight ." What did we do, who preceded you ? I'll tell you what we did. Nothing. And don't you make the same mistake we made.

All of us are black first, and everything else second.

Thanks to ALL teachers.  We really appreciate your efforts!

The things you hear in the beauty shop.  First of all,  my hair looks good.  I heard that the public officials (mayor, police chief and school officials) were AGAIN duped by the local NAACP.  Rumor has it that they didn't know what the topic of discussion was going to be at the recent "emergency" meeting.   They received a phone call a few hours before the meeting and were told it was imperative that they attended. Some cancelled previously scheduled engagements.   I still don't get why anyone would trust a liar.  You don't trust a thief with money.  Anyway, this probably explains why many sat red-faced.  They were unprepared and deceived.  5/3/04

Question of the Day:  If Newark City School officials contend that there is a race issue within the District and particularly on the high school campus, why are they eliminating the District's Diversity Coordinator position?  Although since it's inception there hasn't been a professional in the position (being "elected" president of a civil rights organization by a bunch of white people from Granville doesn't count as professional experience). Who within the District will be assigned to this important task?  Previously the District hasn't taken students of color and their issues seriously.  In the last school levy campaign for example, the communication department and director felt it appropriate to depict a group of school children in printed materials, minus students of color.  A picture is worth a thousand words.  (I called to complain and suggested establishing an advisory group help communicate to the entire community.  No response. They just don't it get! In my marketing and public relations classes, we learned that consumers respond to ads that reflect their values, cultures and to folks that look like them. Again this speaks to the respect NCS gives to the Black community.) 5/3/04

Well they have seen the light... I have been voicing the same sentiments penned by the Hills since the NAACP and the NCS diversity position were co-mingled.   I have repeatedly questioned officials on why the NAACP has an active presence on campus.  Additionally, I have questioned why Newark City School resources (equipment, phones, long distance, computers, paper and time) are being used to promote the local NAACP.  A January diversity newsletter had 3 articles on NAACP fundraising activities. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/news/stories/20040429/opinion/320710.html

People are talking on the internet and now in the local paper.  I wonder who she is going to report the Advocate to for personally identifying information about her, her boss and their organization in their newspaper without her written consent. 4/30/2004

I still don't get why Newark City Schools is in bed with the NAACP.  Why didn't the district have its own forum to communicate with parents and citizens on the threats made against Black students?  Many in the community, particularly the Black community, do not respect the local NAACP.  This was not the best vehicle to communicate. 4/30/2004

By popular demand I am posting the false police report filed against citizens who attended a Newark City Schools diversity forum.  Nothing was done as no criminal activities were committed.

·         (Yes, NAACP materials were made available at a public school event.) For the record, after reporting the incident to school officials and the school board, NOTHING was done.  Those falsely accused didn't even get the courtesy of a written acknowledgement of receiving the complaint.  The district's response.  "You talk about her on the internet."   For the record, comments were made about the local NAACP on the internet, but what does that have to do with Newark City Schools?  Again, co-mingling Newark City Schools and the local NAACP.  4/30/2004

§         Page 1 (pdf format) or Page 1 (jpg format)

§         Page 2 (pdf format) or Page 2 (jpg format)

§         Oct 7 email  (pdf format) or Oct 7 email (jpg format)- does this sound threatening? Since when can't citizens attend public school meetings?  The police blocked out the emails addresses.  Those cc'd included Jeremy Blake, Keith Richards and Cara Riddel.

§         My response to the police (pdf format) or jpg format (page1) jpg format (page 2)

§         My response to Keith Richards or jpg format (page 1) jpg format (page 2

The big talk around town is racism. Everyone is going around discussing whether people are racists.  The reality is that America is RACIST.  There are two Americas.  One Black and one white.   There isn't a white person in the country who would switch skin tone and live as the average black person.

The country's founding principles are based on a racial hierarchy. Great wealth was created off of the free labor of slaves and  subsequently the oppression of Blacks.   Things haven't changed much.  White privilege, unearned benefits and opportunities based solely on skin tone,  is alive and well. Today, banks and insurance companies still redline.  Law enforcement racially profiles citizens.  Our judicial system disproportionately  prosecutes and incarcerates Black and brown people.  Employers tend to hire people who look like them.   In the Newark City School District, Black students are disciplined more often  than white students. Judging people simply on appearance and skin tone is a reality. 

The beauty of being an American is that people can think and believe whatever they chose. The issue isn't whether or not people are racist.  The issue is whether or not their actions impede on others rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

As a Black woman, I could care less whether racist white people like me. But in public places and establishments that receive public dollars, I am to be respected.  All Americans  have a right to feel and believe what they chose.  I have always taught my children that those who chose to use racial slurs are actually demonstrating THEIR character, spirituality and intellect -- not yours. 4/25/04.

Are the people of color who live in this community abnormal, in that we don't live in a community with large numbers of similar ethnicities?  (I really can't believe educated white people implying this.  How can white men comment on the life experiences of Black people? For the record, most Black people want the same American Dream as whites.  I want to live in a good crime-free neighborhood, pay less in taxes and  send my kids to good schools.  These traits aren't exclusive to the white community.) Additionally, I don't consider myself a minority because I have Black skin. Worldwide, there are more people who look like me than those that have white skin.  The term minority marginalizes and often has a negative tone.   4/25/04.

My phone rang off the hook after yesterday's NAACP emergency meeting. I almost missed the best parts of The Bachelor.  I can't believe Trish is still in the running.   Some of the comments about the meeting included,

·         "Rita is so out of touch with the Black kids.  She tried to put a good show on for the few in attendance, but I feel that she should take some of the blame for the incidents.  Isn't she the district's multicultural specialist? "

·          "Since when did Newark PD become friends of the Black community?  The same guys that harass and profile Black men are now standing up saying they will protect our children - PLEASE!"

·         "The meeting should be a wake-up call to Rita.  Where were her supporters? Only about 30 people were in attendance.  It is a shame that the NAACP couldn't rally the community around this important event.  Every Black person in town should have been there, but who considers Rita Jackson their leader?"

·         "Yes, Rita tried to sell NAACP memberships at her emergency meeting."

·         "The School officials in attendance were pitiful and on occasion very red-faced. How could they not know if multiculturalism is included in the curriculum?  Celebrating Black History month and Martin Luther King's birthday is not enough.  Are Black folks only included in social study lessons? 

·         After hearing the comments and reviewing the news accounts of the emergency meeting, I am really glad that I made the wise decision to send my high school students to very good college-prep schools (The Wellington School and The Columbus Academy). The responses of the administrators are totally unacceptable.  WAKE UP!  I would rather make the sacrifice and flip hamburgers after hours to help pay tuition at private schools to get my children a good quality education in an environment that RESPECTS all, has 100% graduation rate and where everyone goes to college after graduation.