May Is Black Blogger Month

[williamjackson]

May Is Black Blogger Month
Wm Jackson, M.Ed.
MyQuestToTeach.WordPress.com/

The month of May has been christened Black Blogger
Month to celebrate the dynamic abilities of Black Bloggers
and Bloggers of Color. Representative of the importance
of sharing content that engages, excites, inspires and
importantly teaches creating content that is positive,
progressive and diverse.

History of Blogging
The history of Blogging can be traced back to the
emergence of blogs in the late 1990s,as technology
grew so did blogging in its outreach and popularity.
Web publishing tools allowed for the expansion
of the writers ability to post content. The history of
Black Blogging can be traced over a few years from
2004 to the present.
The perception is, writing is not seen as a passion that
Blacks would engage in by the general white literary
society, this perception is totally incorrect with the
vast interests of Blacks in many facets of technology,
Social Media, fashion, relationships, natural hair,
parenting, fatherhood and the list continues to grow.
As with any successful venture when Blacks started to
excel in Blogging, non-Blacks tried to replicate these
successes by imitating, copying and even trying to
hire Bloggers that could duplicate Black Blogging
styles without hiring Black Bloggers.

Transpiring Skill
Blogging is a natural transpiring skill, even before
the advent of technology, looking at the writing history
of Blacks all that needs to be done is to mention the
names of Dunbar, Wright, Johnson, Ellison, Haley,
Balwin. Names respected in the literary field for
excellence.
Lets’ not forget nor dishonor the names of sister writers
that paved the way for female Bloggers of today:
Giovanni, Walker, Hansberry, Angelou, Brooks, Morrison
and Hurston.

These are names of men and women of writing
prominence, there are more. In their own ways they
are iconic and literary geniuses throughout time and
global influence. Their writing essence can be found
on Blog sites in text and through video. Continuing
to influence future generations of Bloggers, allowing
for growth and maturity and an new generation to be
take the lead.

My Motivation
My own Blogging did not start until 2006, a young
lady making the comment to me in my Educational
Technology class at a local HBCU, that there were no
intelligent and progressive Black men. This made me
angry because I knew my intelligence, engagement
in my community, my school where I teach technology,
involved in my church and my involvement with my
children as a caring and supportive father.
These elements are important because they define me
to the world. They show my willingness to be engaged
in events in my world, the level of my humanity, what
influences my Blogging. Life experiences and life’s
relationships define our perception and reaction to
the world. Black Bloggers are important because of
their “Voice” in the world, thus for me “My Quest To
Teach” was born http://MyQuestToTeach.WordPress.com/

Connections
Blogging and Social Media platforms allow writers to
connect with people of like mindset. The traditional writing/
blogging, to the developing micro-blogging of Twitter and
its 140 character limitations now integrating several seconds
of video through Apps, the use of audio podcasts and the
growing video podcasts that are being used to Market and
Brand people not just businesses. The use of YouTube and
Vimeo video platforms that allow anyone to be directors,
producers, actors, news anchors. The limits are only limited
by the imagination for Blacks in creating content. 
Additionally, Blogging has transitioned to the realm of Blog
Talk Radio where thousands of channels are available to
digest, dialogue, diagnose, and dissect issues important to
Blacks that traditional media refuse to cover or only with
negative content. 

Blogging has gone ballistic in the past few years because of
the passion Blacks have in their abilities, talents, and shedding
of their fear of using technology to express their passions.
The growth of developed online communities that allow Blacks
to share content, to release their passions through digital text
and with advancements of the web now text has transformed.
Transformations to multimedia elements that provide almost an
emotional and religious relationship. Black Bloggers bring several
dynamics to Blogging, one of them is passion, this passion
brings an emotional connection. Because Blacks are people of
emotion, passion, zeal and enthusiasm.

If you performed a Google search on “What is a Black Blogger?”
the search results would bring forth sites specifically for Bloggers
of Color. Eager to share their ideologies, the passion for life and
living, experiences with children, families, husbands, wives, the
dynamic and sometimes complicated relationships that we are
involved in. Blogging allows “Blacks to tell their story” and
“create their own Scandals.”
Listening to the great Nigerian writer and story teller Chinua
Achebe, he states that “no one can tell your story better than you can.”
An Evening with Chinua Achebe (Youtube) Library of Congress
2009.

Spreading the Word
The sharing of knowledge and wisdom comes in many forms, when
Blacks unite, collaborate, coordinate it is now outside of the church
house, school house, barbershop, and hairsalon. Black Bloggers are
now leading Meetups, Conferences, Workshops and online sites for
Bloggers of Color.
Growth in a talent is not active alone it takes the sharing of ideas,
creating the atmosphere of learning, creativity, innovation and unity.
May is an awareness month to the diversity of Black Bloggers and
Bloggers of Color. United in multiple digital environments that
transverse the World Wide Web, Blogosphere, Internet, WWW3 or
other terminology that seems relevant to Social Media platforms
that Black Bloggers can Bless with their content.

A New Era
This is the beginning of a new era in Black communication and
the power of Social Media. Just as the poem “Still I Rise” by
Maya Angelou. Black Bloggers rise from the darkness of
traditional media, creating content that represents the struggles,
challenges, successes, victories, and achievements of Blacks.
No media run by any other culture can share the passion and heart
of Blacks and People of Color than Black Bloggers. Their value and
importance is immeasurable.

[sandyshoes]

Mr. Jackson, no disrespect is intended, but I have to be candid and to the point.  Exactly what struggles are blacks having nowadays? Are they the same daily struggles everyone else has, or do blacks still think they are being kept down by "The Man" like they were in the 1960s and 1970s?   I thought we all were supposed to be one.  Why are blacks always having Black this and Black that?  I don't understand at all, and instead of wanting to blend in blacks seem to keep drawing that line in the sand themselves and crying "racist" louder than anyone else. And before anybody blasts me with their self-righteous indignation, remember that the purpose of a forum such as this is to share ideas and ask for information and educate ourselves and others.  I'm not going to fight anyone on the playground.   

[KenFSU]

Remember that the purpose of a forum such as this is to share ideas and ask for information and educate ourselves and others.

Which is why, I must admit, I find William a bit off-putting. It's not his message that I object to, as I have really liked many of his pieces, but you have to admit, he uses MetroJacksonville as a dumping ground for his columns. Looking back through his last year of his posts, he has never once responded to a question or comment about his articles, or weighed in on any other subject. Just hit and run. It's good to hear the sound of your own voice, but by its very definition, a forum is supposed to be interactive, give and take. Cool guy, good writer, but it comes across as very aloof.

Just my two cents

[rvrsdediva]

Mr. Jackson, no disrespect is intended, but I have to be candid and to the point.  Exactly what struggles are blacks having nowadays? Are they the same daily struggles everyone else has, or do blacks still think they are being kept down by "The Man" like they were in the 1960s and 1970s?   I thought we all were supposed to be one.  Why are blacks always having Black this and Black that?  I don't understand at all, and instead of wanting to blend in blacks seem to keep drawing that line in the sand themselves and crying "racist" louder than anyone else. And before anybody blasts me with their self-righteous indignation, remember that the purpose of a forum such as this is to share ideas and ask for information and educate ourselves and others.  I'm not going to fight anyone on the playground.   

If you are truly interested in the answers to these questions, www.timwise.org is a very good place to start to do your own research.

[thunnus]

Check the gas prices at the Shell Station on Main St. and MLK. Compare to the Shell Station on St. Johns and 17.  Look at the demographics. Gas is regularly 17-33 cents per gallon higher on Main Street. 

Check the beer and cigarette prices at the same two establishments. Both are less.

The price of leaving the 'hood? Higher.

The price of staying and slowly dying of cancer? Lower.

[Tamara-B]

Mr. Jackson, no disrespect is intended, but I have to be candid and to the point.  Exactly what struggles are blacks having nowadays? Are they the same daily struggles everyone else has, or do blacks still think they are being kept down by "The Man" like they were in the 1960s and 1970s?   I thought we all were supposed to be one.  Why are blacks always having Black this and Black that?  I don't understand at all, and instead of wanting to blend in blacks seem to keep drawing that line in the sand themselves and crying "racist" louder than anyone else. And before anybody blasts me with their self-righteous indignation, remember that the purpose of a forum such as this is to share ideas and ask for information and educate ourselves and others.  I'm not going to fight anyone on the playground.

You sound incredibly ignorant. Honestly, how dare you? For you to basically say, "It's 2013, blacks have it easy now. Everything is fine, so stop complaining." BULL! It's still hard for black people today. In society and the work place. We still have to, MOST TIMES, work twice as hard as whites if we are competing for the same job, especially if you're a black woman. Why? Because whether you want to admit it or not, it's the truth. It's not only that, but there's even discrimination within the black community itself, as far as light-skins versus dark-skins. Last year, a Mississippi church refused to marry a couple because they were interracial. If a black person speaks like an articulate individual, they're accused of being an "oreo" or "not being black enough." THOSE ARE THE STRUGGLES BLACKS STILL GO THROUGH. Unfortunately, there are many people who still battle with prejudice against black people, even when they try hard to be more open-minded.

You say the purpose of a forum is to share and educate? Well, I'm SHARING my opinion of how I think your post was on the ignorant side and I'm EDUCATING you on the struggles blacks still go through, since YOU asked "Exactly what struggles are blacks having nowadays?"

[sandyshoes]

Tamara, here's how I dare - I dare to ask because I want to know.  I asked to understand why.  Thank you for comprehending and daring, yourself, to answer the question honestly.  I don't think it was necessary to swing your fists, however.  I always ask the questions that piss people off because I want to KNOW what I don't understand.  Used to piss off my mom, too, always asking WHY?  Because I want to know.     

[Tamara-B]

Okay, well NOW YOU KNOW.

[Tamara-B]

Tamara, here's how I dare - I dare to ask because I want to know.  I asked to understand why.  Thank you for comprehending and daring, yourself, to answer the question honestly.  I don't think it was necessary to swing your fists, however.  I always ask the questions that piss people off because I want to KNOW what I don't understand.  Used to piss off my mom, too, always asking WHY?  Because I want to know.   

As far as "swinging my fists," please. That was me being nice, trust me.

Then again, you know what? It's pretty pathetic that you admit you ask certain questions, knowing it might piss someone off, yet you want to say "Swinging your fists isn't necessary" when that pissed off person reacts?

Hmm, that's like purposely poking a bear, then wondering why it mauled your ass afterwards.

[sandyshoes]

Tam, you've called me ignorant and pathetic.  Is name calling the best you can do?  I've noticed that you only seem to pop up on this forum when you want to be mean.  Is there some unwritten rule that participants need to be aware of before they get on here and get torn to bits?  I am not responsible for NOT knowing what everyone else in the world seems to know, but I AM responsible for finding out for myself in the only way I know how, and that is by asking.  If it pisses you all off because I am not as educated, formally or otherwise, as the rest of you seem to be, then how about making your ground rules known to all and posting them so that no one else assumes it is open to everyone?  Also might be helpful if you let us know who the "Boss" is here, so that people like Tamara don't run people off by barking at them.  My limited life experiences are what they are.  My parents were not educated, therefore they did not stress the importance of education in our home.  Maybe that's why my mom was always pissed when I asked her "why", because she couldn't answer me, either.  Sorry to have trespassed once again on your most holy and sacred grounds.  All Hail Tamara.

[Tamara-B]

Sandy, my friend. Your post actually made me laugh. By all means, I am not trying to bark at anyone. You just come off like someone who puts their hand on the stove, then howls in confusion & pain, as if you weren't expecting to get burned. Your original post touched on race, which is a very sensitive topic, like it or not. I apologize if I came off bitchy as hell, but your post seemed insensitive and I tend to get on the bitch side when I perceive someone's actions to be insensitive. I don't visit this forum to be mean to anyone. I just like sharing my opinions, as well as anyone else.


As far as "trespassing on my holy & sacred grounds," ha! I have no such grounds, for I am the most imperfect person you'll ever meet! I can't even get a one-year lease on such grounds.

Once again, sorry if you thought I was barking. I'll try purring from now on.

[williamjackson]

In reply to the "dumping ground" comment. I do not use this forum in such a way. If you read or have read past blogs I state that I use my writings to share my experiences as a educator, man, Black man, participant in my community and mentor.
Truth be told as a Black man in Jacksonville I' am treated differently not just by Whites, but by others as well.
I do not totally attribute this to racism, racism does have a foothold in to many of our lives if we want to admit it or not. I listen to the media, read newspapers, etc so the media shapes and molds our perceptions of each other.
My caution is when I talk to people is do not judge me by my skin color, that is how I feel, but I'm constantly judged
because of my skin color.
Tamara-B has very valid points, case in point, I have only one article printed in the TU, but others have multiple that are not Black.
Even when I blog about Bullying in the schools, in our community there is no respect for my education, educational background and the fact that I speak at seminars, conferences and summits on Bullying, Social Media safety for youth and teens. I have contacted TV stations, radio stations and other media to talk in Jacksonville about
ALL our children's safety when it comes to any Social Media type, but I'm ignored and passed over for
others that are NOT in our schools and even in our community. So..the issues I blog about are related to the community that is in some cases not educated or provided information about situations and circumstances that
our local news media either refuses to cover because of the demographics.
I appreciate everyone's comments and outlooks because it allows me to grow in my craft as a educator, mentor, role model and teacher. If you would like to discuss more just let me know...

Wm Jackson

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

It's not only that, but there's even discrimination within the black community itself, as far as light-skins versus dark-skins. Last year, a Mississippi church refused to marry a couple because they were interracial. If a black person speaks like an articulate individual, they're accused of being an "oreo" or "not being black enough." THOSE ARE THE STRUGGLES BLACKS STILL GO THROUGH.

You're kidding us with these statement, right?

Hell, I guess I should say that we whiteys are going through the same struggles, then. 
It's the gingers v/s the bronzed ones, I guess....  I really wish those people going to the tanning bed would be more white!!!! Seriously, who do they think they are?

[MEGATRON]

[InnerCityPressure]

You're kidding us with these statement, right?

I'm not black, but I work exclusively with black students - 100%.  You better believe there is black on black racism in schools.  It is a daily occurrence that the dark skinned students are called out for looking "African" or like a "gorilla."  In the same way, the light skinned students are belittled for looking white.  These are the same kids that make fun of fat people, nerds, kids with dirty shoes, etc.  They are not KKK violent racists, but making fun of skin tone is a thing.

However, in my experience, these behaviors are determined more by SES (socioeconomic status) than being an element of the black community as a whole.  I also have all black co-workers.  Many have risen from poverty to make something of themselves.  This type of behavior certainly does not exist in their world, unless it is coming from an ignorant segment of the society of poverty from which they have separated.  I would venture to say it is the same as my country relatives saying I look gay because I wear size small shirts and skinny jeans.  Then, that starts a very insensitive conversation about homosexuals, their perversions, etc. 

Ignorant people will be ignorant until they are no longer ignorant.