A Family Legacy

In The Piano Lesson by August Wilson, there exists an ongoing debate on whether or not the piano should be sold. Bernice and her brother Boy Willie argue about this conflict until the very end, where she ends up winning the fight. After learning about the history of the piano and seeing the legacy that it holds over Bernice and her family I see why she refused to sell it. I thought that Boy Willie’s desire to sell the piano in order for him to own land was very selfish and he didn’t think much of the sentimental values that the piano holds. Some things in life are simply worth way more than money and are priceless. Boy Willie is a character that I saw never truly learned that lesson, he stayed fixed on selling that piano until the end. He didn’t really change. Usually characters like him get a rude awakening but Boy Willie turned out just as stubborn as his sister Bernice. It was good to see that in the end Bernice got to keep the piano because she is now able to hold on to that strong painful legacy her family has left her.

A Division

In Malcolm X essay message to the grass roots, I feel like he touches upon a very important topic. The division that he acknowledged between the house slaves and the field slaves still exist today. Today this division can be seen between the middle class of the African American community and the lower class of the African American community. As a middle class, middle class African Americans are suppose to support the underclass. They are supposed to use their mind, heart and pocketbooks to help them out. Some African Americans that are able to be successful in life seem to be in denial of being a member of the race and tend to imitate a more Eurocentric lifestyle; a way of life that does not lend help to other African Americans trying to make it. I feel that no one should forget where they come from and when u make it somewhere in life it is your duty to make sure you give back to the community that shaped you and help others achieve what you have achieved. Malcolm X understood this very well. He acknowledged how some blacks today are used to appease us and are used by white people as means of controlling the African American community. I believe that as a race we should all stand united, and help others of the race reach the success they seek.

Convocatiom

Although, I didn’t attend convocation second semester, I did attend convocation at the beginning of the year. The guest speaker was the prime minister of Bermuda Ewart Fredrick Brown. The speech he delivered was so inspiring and got me very motivated to succeed here at Howard. He mentioned Howard’s great legacy, and how our four years here will be a journey. He mentioned the names of people who have sat in the same seats we were seated in and have gone to do great things. His speech made me very eager and it got me looking forward to what I will achieve here at Howard. At times I question if I will be able to do this but this convocation speech had me feeling like I can do anything. I know that being here at Howard is a great opportunity and after hearing the prime minister speak he got me looking forward to what’s to come.

The Issue About Hair

Growing up, I very often heard the phrase “good” hair and “bad” hair. In the Dominican community that I grew up in, hair is very important. It was essential to a women’s beauty. I myself grew taking a lot of pride in my hair, but one thing I could never rap my mind around was the “good” hair “bad” hair concept. What some people considered good others considered bad and at times I just felt that everyone had their preferences. People do what they can and what ever comes easier to them. I for one began to straighten my hair because it was easier for my mother to handle. My hair is thick and I have a lot of it so I can see where it can get tiring.

In an essay by bell hooks called Straightening Our Hair, she discusses how many black people do it to conform to white people’s definition of beauty. I feel that although some might see that way, I think that today it’s not as much as conforming but what it easier for people and what’s the style. Bell hook’s reasoning for people straightening their hair seems very radical. I can see where she is coming from. I also believe that when blacks and other minorities began to straighten their hair it was for conformity, because at that time it was important to get the stamp of approval from whites; it was important to pass. Celebrities today that straighten their hair or get weaves is because their physical appearance is what they make a living out of. They wear the latest clothes, shoes, jewelry, make-up, accessories, and yes, hair. Looking at today I see the whole straight hair issue as just a style and not a matter of conformity.

Threat to Society

Society is plagued with fear towards the black man. Many people generalize that all black men are aggressive and that they pose a threat to citizens in the street. In Black Men and Public Space by Brent Staples he is a victim of this stereotype that black men are dangerous. It is very common to hear about black men getting pulled over by police in suburban areas simply because they raise suspicion due to their portrayal in society. Any women walking down a dark street at night will get nervous with a man, regardless of race, walking behind in close range. It’s sad to admit that many are more worried some when that male is black. Unfortunately Black men have been depicted very viciously, but one must not forget that every race has everything. In every race you will find a murderer, a rapist, a burglar etc. Society’s cultural assumptions have made black men seem like the biggest threat, when in reality they are no less dangerous then any other males.

The Determinant Factor

The issue discussed in Roberto Santiago’s Black and Latino essay is an issue I have thought about every now and then while growing up. Many people who glance at me in the street will simply assume that I am black. People a little closer to me know I am Dominican and refer to me as so. While in a predominantly white school where my sister and I were the only Hispanics, we were pushed into the group of black students at our school. I am not complaining because I felt way more comfortable with them then with the other white students. Even though they are my closest friends today, we share many differences in our cultures. The Black American, Caribbean and Hispanic culture have many similarities and differences. Roberto Santiago states, “the culture is the predominant and determinant factor.” While we shared similar skin tones with our friends, my sister and I had a category of our own due to he major differences in culture and language. I have grown to understand that all people from the Caribbean share African blood. I don’t deny my African heritage, for it is very prevalent in the Dominican culture. But the mixture that we Hispanics share with the Spanish and Indios of our countries make us different from others. I see why Roberto Santiago feels he is black and Latino. I just think of myself as Hispanic because I focus so much in the cultures but this essay has given me a new perspective and has definitely got me thinking.

“Music is the universal language of mankind.”

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” That is a very strong reason for why many people’s perception of music changes during struggles and world tragedies. Bernice Reagon’s perception of black music changed during the civil rights movement. She noticed that black musicians have the task of letting the world know about their struggle and their feelings.

Music is form of expression just like any other form of art but music has a way of speaking to people. In face of the tragedy in Haiti many artists, despite of many differences, came together to do a remake of we are the world, in order to raise awareness and to let Haiti know we are here for them. Artists from all different races and from different musical genres came together for one common cause. Music has the ability to let others inside others people’s perturbations.

The different tragedies that I have seen during my life time and the myriad musical collaboration I have seen, have made me see how music does allow others to hear people’s struggles and worries. Black musicians for decades have used their music as a tool to fight the struggle against racism and discrimination and to have their voices heard. Their history has shaped the perceptions of black music of many people.

"Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory." ~Oscar Wilde