It never ceases to amaze me how the crimes, violence, buffoonery and stereotypical acts committed by African Americans get broadcasted and disseminated rapidly. However, the great acts of bravery, triumph, heroics, and success shown by African Americans hardly gets into the news and is often unknown. Why? Because Media is controlled by those who only want to portray a negative image of us.
I go into detail on media control in my post here https://blackwomenwhoknowtheirworth.wordpress.com/2013/07/21/the-portrayal/
Antoinette Tuff
Antoinette Tuff is a bookkeeper at the Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Decatur,Georgia. Her fast thinking and bravery prevented a school shooting from happening. Without her quick and courageous actions another Sandy Hook incident could have occurred, and many children’s lives could have been lost.
On Tuesday, Michael Brandon Hill, 20, slipped into the school behind someone who was buzzed in. He entered, Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy, an elementary school from pre- kindergarten to fifth grade armed with an AK- 47 and other weapons.
Michael Brandon Hill, school shooter.
Hill then went into the administration office and demanded to get near the children. Tuff refused to allow him near the kids. Hill then told Tuff that he was planning to die and wanted to get the news there. Tuff convinced him to stop his mission of death and give up his weapon by talking to him.
In an interview with Diane Sawyer Tuff recalls that “He had a look on him that he was willing to kill.” “He said that he didn’t have any reason to live and that he knew he was going to die today.” “I knew that if he got out that door he was gonna kill everybody.”
Tuff calmed Hill down by telling him about the problems in her life. She is heard on 911 tapes telling Hill “Don’t feel bad, baby.” “My husband just left me after 33 years…I’ve got a son that’s multiple disabled.” “It’s all going to be well.”
She then relayed to the 911 operator she was talking to for over 20 minutes, that “He said he don’t care if he dies, he don’t have nothing to live for. He said he’s not mentally stable.”
Tuff talked to and calmed Hill down, while informing the 911 operator of his actions. Talking to Hill enabled police to safely evacuate students and teachers from the building. Outside students and teachers boarded school buses that took them to a nearby Wal-Mart, where they could meet their families.
Children boarding the buses to Wal-Mart.
Tuff’s calming of Hill’s rage continued as she asked him to put his weapon and backpack on the ground. He complied after a short shoot out with the police, where there were no casualties.
This can be attributed to the quick and fearless thinking of Antoinette Tuff. Authorities later revealed that Hill was carrying 500 rounds of ammunition. He could have killed many innocent lives, if it was not for Hill and her bravery.
Hill with a gun.
This story has not been widely spread. Sure there are a few articles written about it. However, it will NEVER, get the mass dissemination throughout the country the way negative news about African Americans does.
There are a few reasons why this is so. Besides the negative portrayal of African Americans in media, there is also the people in the situation. You have a black woman who rescued black children from a white perpetrator. Lets examine this.
Black women are one of the most, if not the most discriminated against oppressed people. Our lives are plagued with a double dose of racism and sexism. Our weakness, and ability to be used is perpetuated in media, television, movies and our daily encounters. where we have to let people know…. “I AM NOT that F*C*ING stereotype. Yes, black women we have all been through it.
Black children are not cared about in America. We live in a country where we make up less than half of the population., but over 50% of our children go missing without follow up. Our children are killed without any reports, or police work done to find them. It is just believed and accepted that black children go missing and it is okay. SMDH! Now, you know I do not believe in statistics, but having a few friends who work in the police department and doing research of my own, I know that most black children missing are not found.
Jordan Davis(R) and Trayvon Martin(L). Both teens were unarmed, but killed anyway.
Our children are killed and it is deemed okay and acceptable in the legal system. The lives of black children mean nothing to America. Unless… Unless black children are being saved by some amazing good ole white person who has welcomed the world of intellect and prosperity into the lives of less fortunate urban children. America always loves a good charity story where whites are the ones giving back, taking a pay cut, adopting and traveling to 3rd world countries. You know the speal of white charity, and the “oh I help minorities I do not uphold white supremacy”, stuff. Its kind of similar to the “I have black friends, I am not racist,” statement. You see, a part of white supremacy is receiving gratifaction that the lives of people you deem inferior can only have elevation in their lives, if you are in it and help them. As well the fact that minorities can only succeed so far, without their help.
Angelina Jolie and her adopted African daughter Zahara.
Then, there’s the fact that the shooter was a white man. This is an image that is often attributed to school shooters. However, his gender and race guarantees him the usual cop outs. He “had a troubled life.” “He suffers from mental disorders” “He has had a lot of emotional difficulty.” “He had a horrible childhood.” These scenarios are experienced by numerous black men and women, however we can never use these phrases as copouts. We are termed as violent, gangsters, whores, victimizers, etc.
Believe it family. The language and actions change depending on the gender and race of the characters involved. I say this all to express that our depiction is controlled by those who want us to look and be categorized as stereotypical, violent driven buffoons, who are in need of help and guidance by white people. That is how it always is. How many movies, ads, shows, celebrities push this agenda. Thats it. It is an agenda. Open your eyes and see it.
The movie “The Help,” where a nice white person who cares about black people helps them out and elevates their troubles. SMH!
I applaud Antoinette Tuff and her actions of bravery. She is a resounding message that we black people, specifically black women are not the depiction of negativity that surround us. We are courageous, powerful and capable. We can accomplish and do great things without charity. Sister Tuff, I am giving your time to shine with this article. I am implanting your name and image in the minds of my readers and others, for we should all know about amazing women like you who everyday change the lives of others, and do great things.
You know thats right, black women.
Family, we are all like Antoinette Tuff. We do not have to fulfill the negative portrayal that is spread of us. We fulfill our destines, and demonstrate who we are. Do not let the perpetuation be you, be the one who disproves the lies at every turn. -M. Millie
Antionette Tuff
Black Women Who Know Their Worth 