The Life of Anna Arnold Hedgeman!

Today we celebrate the life of Anna Arnold Hedgeman. Hedgeman is not known by many, but her accomplishments are grand and important. She was an American civil rights leader, politician, educator, and writer. EVERYDAY is Black History.

Anna Arnold was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, to an encouraging family that believed in the power of education and hard work. She was encouraged by her parents to seek educational greatness. She attended Hamline University, a Methodist College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and was the college’s first African-American student. In 1922, Hedgeman became the first African-American graduate, having earned a B.A. degree in English. Inspired by the passion of W. E. B. Du Bois, she decided to succeed as an educator. For two years, Hedgeman taught English and History at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where she experienced the humiliation of segregation for the first time.

Anna and A. Philip Rudolph

She then worked for the YWCA as an executive director in Ohio, New Jersey, Harlem, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn. In 1944, she became the executive secretary of the National Council for a Permanent Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC). In 1946, Hedgeman served as assistant dean of women at Howard University. In 1954, she became the first African American woman to hold a mayoral cabinet position in the history of New York. She served as an assistant and advisor to Mayor Robert F. Wagner from 1954 to 1958.

Anna and Mayor Robert F. Wagner

In 1958, she held a position as a public relations consultant in Fuller Products Company. She became an associate editor and columnist for New York Age in 1959. Then she held a position as a Coordinator of Special Events for the Commission of Religion and Race of the National Council of Churches in 1963. It is in 1963 that she met A. Phillip Rudolph and Bayard Rustin and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She worked with Rudolph and Rustin in helping plan logistics for the March on Washington of 1963. In later years, she owned Hedgeman Consultant Services in New York City.

Anna and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Hedgeman has served as teacher, lecturer, and consultant to numerous educational centers, boards, and colleges and universities, particularly in the area of African-American studies. She traveled to Africa and lectured throughout the United States, primarily in black schools. She has stressed to students the importance of understanding history as a basis to achieve equality. Hedgeman held honorary doctorates from both Howard University and Hamline University. She also is also the author of two books The Trumpet Sounds (1964), The Gift of Chaos (1977), as well as and articles in numerous organizational publications, newspapers, and journals.

Anna Arnold Hedgeman is another unsung black female pioneer and heroine. She is a black woman who knew her worth, and cold not be held bond by her race or gender. We can all learn from this black women. Your race and gender does not have to stop you from reaching the highest of heights. You can become great too. Hedgeman also used education and a desire to attain success to aid her in her life. She also demonstrated great skill and work ethic, for others recognized her work and she gained numerous opportunities because of it. Family, know that when you use education and hard work, success will come your way. Build a reputation of excellence, paired with your education. Achievement will follow you and you will find that life’s hurdles will never set you back far enough, for you have the power and will to overcome. Learn from the life of Anna Arnold Hedgeman. Know your history, gain your education and work hard. You will become limitless. ~Know Your Worth~

Jim Kelly: An amazing man!

I would like to offer my condolences to the Jim Kelly family. June 29th the world lost the first African American superstar martial artist Jim Kelly. He was 67.  Jim Kelly was a prominent African American martial artist/actor having worked with Bruce Lee in “Enter the Dragon.”

Jim Kelly and Bruce Lee Training.

He also appeared in many other films with actors such as Jim Brown and Fred Williamson throughout the 1970’s and 80’s. Kelly was also a professional tennis player. He has also been active recently having had starred in a few movies and a Nike commercial with Lebron James. Jim Kelly died from cancer.

Watch the commercial here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q22VEviS-Os

I will most definitely miss him because he helped usher in the popularity of martial arts among African Americans in the 70’s. He also portrayed a confident, skillful black man as well. I remember hearing him be interviewed at 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International, and he was such a humble man. He expressed that he felt moved to motivate his people positively and let them know that they too can become great in whatever they seek.

Jim Kelly with a fan, 2009 Comic Con

I remember the first time I watched Jim Kelly across the television screen. I was watching “Enter the Dragon”. I thought he looked so cool with his afro. He was also very smooth and an excellent fighter. I wanted so much to learn about the man behind the character. When, I learned that Kelly was a world class fighter, having competed in competitions and being trained in  Shorin-ryu karate and trained Okinawa-te karate, I was amazed. He received a black belt in Okinawa karate. He also studied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and trained in boxing with boxer Muhammad Ali. Kelly along with martial artists Bruce Lee, Joe Louis and Chuck Norris helped introduce the art of mixed martial arts before the existence of the UFC.

Jim Kelly and Muhammad Ali.

Kelly has also been a martial arts choreographer. He also went on to open his own dojo (karate school). He has trained many up and coming African American martial artists.

He was educated in his craft, and sought to teach people about it. He also sought to motivate African Americans into training in martial arts as well. This was a man who strived to become great despite the hurdles of race he experienced. I loved this about Jim Kelly. He will be missed. His confidence and humbleness will be missed. May his accomplishments and life continue to further influence African American/black martial artists and visionaries alike. -M. Millie

PAULA DEEN! MY THOUGHTS!

When, there are trending stories, I like to take my time to respond. I like to first, fully understand the scope of the situation and details revolved around the controversy of a topic. Once, I understand the situation and/or controversy fully, I can make an educated opinion and response that is based on facts.

Now, I know that many people have been talking about the racist statements made by Paula Deen. I had to personally educate myself on who she was. I really did not know who she was before the controversy surrounding her surfaced. Upon, me learning who she was I understood why everyone was so upset.

Firstly, she was a beloved food network host who portrayed herself to be loving, wholesome and no where near racist. This is why this news is so hard to bear. She represented herself the total opposite of how she is being revealed to really be. Her true biased and racist self has come out and disappointed the fans that believed she was a unbiased, Oprah friend, loving person. SMH! You see games eventually end. Magic tricks are fake and shows eventually conclude. The facades people put up eventually end. They do not last forever. This is why her empire is crumbling because people realize who she really is.

Her actions further confirm to me that there are many people in power and celebrities who use facades, and smokes and mirrors to control their image and gain economic power. There have been many celebrities like Alec Baldwin, Michael Richards, etc who created an image of unbiased and equality, but eventually showed their racist attitudes. The truth always comes to light. People always show who they are eventually.

Next, the fact that people want to excuse Paula Deens actions because rappers use the N- word is ridiculous. Yes, rappers and Paula Deen used the N- word. Thats one comparison. Yes, Paula Deen and some rappers used the N- word to degrade others. That is the last comparison.

Most, rappers use the N- word as a term of endearment. Yes, it is derogatory and degrading, but most rappers use it as a positive. Next, when Paula Deen used the N- word she used it to racial degrade people of color. That is not what rappers do when they use the N- word. Yes, many rappers use the N- word as a term of endearment and ridicule, but never as a means of racial degrading people of color. This is why we CANNOT justify Paula Deens words because rappers use it. Rappers usage of the N- word along with Paula Deen’s usage are both wrong and are unacceptable. However, DO NOT, say Paula Deen can use the N- word because rappers do. That is a sad cop out to justify white supremacist racist attitudes.

I applaud the worker who has spoken out against the racial and sexual harassment they endured while employed by Deen. I am happy they are suing her and seeking damages from the lawsuit. Her comments should not be taken lightly. Racism has caused psychological, economic and mental distress on African American/black people for over 300 hundred years. We need to speak out against the continued racial prejudice we endure. We deserve respect and the equal treatment this country is supposed to be built on. I wish the former employee good luck on their trail.

Well. thats my take on the Paula Deen controversy. I welcome comments and feedback. What are your thoughts on the Paula Deen controversy? -M. Millie