Rock Creek Park by Dr. Jeffrey Fearing (c) 1990
Anamakeesuk Sekwun
Today is Spring
Happy new year! Spring is the season that begins a new year. It is a time for celebrating new beginnings, new life and new hope. The planted seeds will germinate and begin to grow in the womb of Mother Earth as the warmth from Father Sky enfolds her and the rain moistens her. There are gatherings and meetings of the people in the early days to see who survived the cold winter. These meetings are Katamu Sekwun or in English, June Meetings. They are happy reunions (sometimes). During Sekwun, it is also the time of the Strawberry Moon. Our gatherings are loaded with lots of food made with strawberries! Even the leaves. When dried, strawberry leaves make a good tea. Strawberry tea is good for women’s health especially during her moon time. I never met a strawberry pie or slice of strawberry bread I didn’t like. Here’s to our new hope and another chance to rededicate ourselves to well being, joy and health.
Wanatowush Sekwunanit
Blessings in the Spirit of Spring
Thank you for visiting!
IN EVERLASTING GRATITUDE
There have been many experiences and connections that have been life changing for me. One of those pivotal moments came through an introduction to Neely Fuller, Jr. I am always working on how to clarify my ideas since coming to realize the workings of systemic oppression, resolving my personal childhood trauma and the overall chronic racism growing up in America. Mr. Fuller was one of those people who could dissect the effect of racism/white supremacy instead of internalizing or reacting to it. I was introduced to him by Harry Allen, hip-hop activist, journalist, historian, teacher and presenter who at the time invited me to participate in a panel he was moderating for “The Source.” He gifted me a copy of Mr. Fuller’s book, THE UNITED INDEPENDENT COMPENSATORY CODE/SYSTEM/CONCEPT: A textbook / workbook for thought, speech and/or action for victims of racism (white supremacy). I am proud to brag that I have an autographed copy of this book in our Longhouse collection. I am also honored that he has read my first little book Taking Another Look about all that is normalized in America and listened to my recording on the same topic, “A Beginning to an End”. I have shared on many occasions his words of wisdom that have been instrumental in adding another layer to presenting systemic oppression. He said:
“If you don't understand white supremacy/racism, everything that you do understand will only confuse you..”
I saw this as a direct clarification to what I refer to as systemic oppression as I try to present it. White supremacy/racism is systemic oppression which comes in many forms. It is my opinion that his statement could actually be a fill-in-the-blank of other oppressive structures. When I make reference to him, I say his words first then I add that if you don’t understand your oppression, everything that you do understand will only confuse you. For example, if one is a victim of repeated assault and battery (domestic violence), those words apply to those who don’t understand their oppression and consequently what they do understand (apologies, gifts, honors and oaths…) confuses them into more of the same.
I recently learned of his passing on February 1, 2025. He was 96. I couldn’t even begin to detail his incredible life, his publications, and his decades long activism. Visit producejustice.com where his work continues and you can see it and hear t all. There’s hours of recordings. I know the subject of racism is frightening to many but I promise, a straight forward confrontation is healing and sustaining.
Be back!
“... a lot of times people see, …. battles and skirmishes on TV, and they say, “Aha, the revolution is being televised.” Nah. The results of the revolution are being televised. The first revolution is when you change your mind…”
A Talk: Bluesology / Black History
Gil Scott-Heron
To be continued.
In the meantime, be happy, be healthy, be safe and just be...
See. Hear. Feel. Think. Speak. Care. Share.
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Asiba
Matinecoc Nation
Confront oppression
All it takes is a change of mind
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Rock Creek Park by photographer Dr. Jeffrey J. Fearing appeared on the very first issue of my print newsletter, “The Spirit of January Monthly” in 1990. Rock Creek Park is in Washington, DC where we both attended Howard University in the late 60’s. It was a golden time at a phenomenal institution where I met Jeff, a friend for life, Nemot - my brother. I am honored to share this photograph once again 30 years later.