Mondays 'IN' The UGRR (The Final 2003 Edition) - December 29, 2003

[undergroundrailroad]

Hello DU and welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad. This is our final edition in 2003 and finally, the HALLELUJAH year rolls in for our presidential election! The votes will get counted this time or it's "HELL NO WE WON'T GO !!!" until they are! So let's bring in 2004 with a little New Year's day tradition. You gotta eat those black-eyed peas for luck!




How about sampling this wonderful dish that I am preparing for New Years ? Black-eyed peas and potato curry will serve as a perfect one dish meal and take care of that Southern tradition of eating black eyed peas to bring good luck and fortune for the New Year. Prepare a side of humble corn pone aka corn bread, to accompany your peas. Top it all off with a cold pitcher of iced-tea and perhaps a dessert of strawberry shortcake. Ummmmm, I can't wait!

Also, Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad will discuss Kawanzaa and remember prominent African-Americans who said farewell in 2003.

To those who are newcomers to Mondays IN The Undergroundrailroad, I welcome you to the forum. I will roll out the red carpet for you and make sure you have a proper welcome. I can assure you that you will like it here with our regular UGRR "bunch" who are a fun group. Please, take off your shoes and make yourself at home.

On behalf of Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad, Happy New Year! .



To learn more about black-eyed peas as a New Year's day tradition, visit http://missvickie.com/library/newyears.html.

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First Kwanzaa stamp issued by the United States Postal Service

KWANZAA

I remember as a young woman in the late 1960's, mentioning to a friend about the observance known as Kwanzaa. Well, this brother looked at me like a three-headed martian from outer-space! Gasp! Do you mean the "black people's Christmas??" Shaking my head, I thought why, why, WHY does the mention of Kwanzaa immediately bring comparisons to Christmas? In concept, Kwanzaa, a seven day celebration is incompatible, in practice, with the traditions of Christmas. Yet so many at that time, and that includes African-Americans who did not understand the concept of Kwanzaa, saw it as an unnecessary substitute for a religious holiday and rejected it. Additionally I was asked by my employer, "what's Kwanzaa?"

Kwanzaa does NOT compete or replace Christmas and it's NOT a religious holiday. In view of the deep religious roots based in the African-American culture, many have attempted to connect religion to Kwanzaa and this has sparked much debate. Therefore, it is important, according to Dr. Maulana Karenga (a BRILLIANT Black brother, btw!),] who is the actual **CREATOR** of Kwanzaa, that a website is maintained to give an "accurate and expansive account of it's origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice. I couldn't agree more.

Kwanzaa was created in the 1960's to celebrate ONE THING ONLY, African-American culture. I repeat, Kwanzaa is about African-American CULTURE, *our* culture. For centuries we had felt inferiority for so long it was difficult to grasp the image of Blacks NOT being in positions of servitude. African-Americans were beginning to blend into society and as strange as this may seem, some whites had only seen Blacks as maids or domestics, not doctors, politicians or educators. It was during this time that African-Americans, "Negroes ", were not quite sure of their boundaries, or should I say, the boundaries that were in place for us to follow by law. Consider those invisible lines that sat us in the back of the bus or prevented us from eating at the Woolworth's counter, they were starting to disappear. We had so much history, but who was teaching it? Who knew HOW to teach it or what that "history" was? How did the world see us, now out of bondage and a free people? How did we see ourselves? But before we could teach OUR history, we would have to know how we saw OURSELVES first, before anyone could define us. There was not much "history" on the surface to learn about ourselves. Slave traders did not keep genealogical records and often jumbled different ethnic groups together so that they could not plot revolts against their masters. Now, we were no longer in bondage. We were no longer considered "property". We were not just a "THING" of value. We were 100% human, and most important we had the capacity to LEARN AND GROW. We could make great speeches and not be accused of sedition. Yes, it was a brand new day! Finally, Dr. Karenga invented the cultural seven day observance known as Kwanzaa and it's rituals to empower Black communities right at the time of the Black liberation movement. Kwanzaa brings cultural authenticity to our race and to our diverse group of Black ancestors who are to be herald and honored as heroes.

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This is what Kwanzaa means in practice of the SEVEN PRINCIPLES:

Umoja (unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Kujichagulia (self-determination): To define, name, create and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (collective work and responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (cooperative economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia (purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

(-Courtesy of Wesley Chapel AME Church)

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In discussing the seven principles, Dr. Karenga indirectly criticized the war in Iraq saying it was wrong to "conquer" and "destroy" other nations and then be surprised at resistance.

"What kind of arrogance is that?" he said.

Well, I don't have an answer to that question, but a "peacock" comes to mind.

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December 26 - January 1

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MONDAYS IN THE UNDERGROUNDRAILROAD remembers the following African-American greats who died in 2003:



Nina Simone February 21, 1933 - April 21, 2003


LynneThigpen December 22, 1948 - March 12, 2003


Edwin Starr January 21, 1942 - April 02, 2003


Celia Cruz October 21, 1925 - July 16, 2003


Gregory Hines February 14, 1946 - August 09, 2003


Nell Carter September 13, 1948 - January 23, 2003


Barry White September 12, 1944 - July 4, 2003


Gene Anthony Ray May 24, 1962 - November 14, 2003


Compay Segundo November 18, 1907 - July 13, 2003

Fred "Re-Run" Berry (no picture) March 13, 1951 - October 21, 2003

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The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder

http://images.ucomics.com/comics/bo/2003/bo031228.

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Questions Of The Day

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

---

OK, I'm OUTTA. I will see you next year on Monday, January 5, 2004, same time, same place 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad.

[JohnKleeb]

1. afternoon

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.
I would say MLK or Congressman John Lewis or maybe WEB Debois
2. What are your New Year's eve plans?
Have none
3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?
Good bye year, met some good peeps this year, been tough, but what the hell, hoping for liberation from Bush next year, amen.

[undergroundrailroad]

12. Hi John!

I bet your enjoying that extra sleep while on vacation your school.



I think you have selected an excellent lunch partner! I think Dr. Martin Luther King is something else! I would LOVE to have lunch with him! Actually, I have met him during a Freedom March and he is a LARGER than life individual. It was SO surreal ! What an honor in this lifetime to have met him.

Well, we're going to have "liberation" from BUSH! I'm thinking positive.

(((Hugs))) to you John! Stay cool.

Love,

Mina (UGRR)

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

2. (1) Whoopi, (2) Copacabana beach, and (3)...

...it's been a good year for me and mine, and I'm thankful.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

4. Or maybe

the guy who "shows America" in Letterman's show -- I forget his name.

[undergroundrailroad]

16. JCCyC, I'm clueless in the UGRR? Perhaps one of our UGRR readers could

help us out.

UGRR :hi:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

30. Found: Biff Henderson

http://www.identitymatrix.com/biffhenderson.htm

Frequent Letterman viewers will have no problem recognizing this gentleman.

[undergroundrailroad]

15. Hi JCCyC and welcome to Mondays IN The UGRR. Let me roll out the red

carpet for you!

Welcome to Mondays iN The UGRR JCCyC! Is it OK if I call you JC? You can find us every Monday, 24.7. Our gang is so much fun and we just, well, we just talk about any and everything and ignore the HECK out of "spell check"!


So, let me see what your responses look like:



Well, I found Whoopi and she's looking good! Great selection for a lunch partner.
When 2004 finds you, it will be at Copacabana beach. Sounds good!
I'm glad your 2003 was a good year for you. I agree, we should be thankful for some of the positives things in our life when we leave 2003.

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JC, thanks so much for stopping in to say hello and checking things out here. Have a very Happy New Year!

Peace,

UGRR (Mina)

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

28. Let's make a band. JC and the Sunshine Band.

I LIKE this train! I'll be a regular. :hi:

[rbnyc]

3. Hello!

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.

Danny Glover

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?

working at community center

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

Please let things stop getting worse and worse. I'm ready for good news. I'm ready for joy and abundance. I'm ready for the restoration of democracy. I'm ready for good health. I'm ready to be a mom.

[undergroundrailroad]

17. Hello RB! I'm so glad to see you, here's a ((hug)). How are you feeling?

I found a picture of that FINE Danny Glover! Would you mind if I tagged along with you guys?

I see your plans for NY's eve will be at the community center where your work. That is very nice RB and I'm glad to see that your back to work.

As for your 2 minute warning to 2003? Make RB a Mom 2004 and good RIDDANCE Bush! It's time to restore democracy!

Well said RB. Here's another :hug:

Have a wonderful New Year's day!

Love,


Mina

[Zomby Woof]

5. here goes

1. James Baldwin. My favorite African-American writer, for his novels, short stories, and especially his essays. If no one here has read his essay "The Fire Next Time", do so TODAY. Best short story collection: "Going To Meet The Man". Best novel: "Go Tell It On The Mountain", or "Giovanni's Room".

Baldwin is so powerful and succinct, so vivid and clear with his writing. He passed away in 1987, a major loss for every one.

2. Make dinner for KadeCarrion and I (need to decide!), and celebrate with sparkling cider and some music. Big kiss at 12!!! :D

3. Last thoughts: "Where did I leave the remote?"

:hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

22. Wow! James Baldwin!! What an outstanding selection Zomby Woof!

James Baldwin was an outstanding writer and strong supporter of the black civil rights movement. His words remain powerful in those who read his many novels, including "GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN".

Thanks for making an excellent choice in dining partners.

You will make dinner, toast with sparkling cider (I drink that also) and a BIG kiss when the clock strikes 12!

Here's a :hug: ZW.

Peace,


UGRRMina

[Punkingal]

6. Hi, my friend,

Thanks so much for the information about Kwanzaa! I am ashamed to say I was completely unfamiliar with this. I love the seven principles. All of us would do well to practice those.

1. I would love to have dinner with you, Mina, more than anyone I can think of.

2. We always stay home on New Year's Eve, and just enjoy the evening by ourselves. This year we will have my son, and my sister here, which will be nice.

3. This was a difficult year, so I won't be sorry to get a fresh start. It somehow seems easier to feel like you are starting something at the new year. I intend to use those final 2 minutes to project positive thoughts for 2004, for all of us.

Have a Happy New Year, Mina! Love and Hugs!

PS I bought my black-eyed peas yesterday!

[undergroundrailroad]

23. Hello Sweetpatatapie and punkin pie! How are you today!

So many are unfamiliar with the holiday and that was the point of the article. Some African-Americans reject it because they wrongly conclude it means a A"second" Christmas.

OMG, Punkin! You picked me to have lunch with :) That is just so sweet. I'm going to promise you that we *WILL* have that lunch because I would love to dine with you also :) :hug:

I will also stay home on New Year's Eve. At least thats the plan. I am pondering two invitations. I usually like to remain home New Years Eve because I am cooking my black-eyed peas and I like to light a candle and ponder my thoughts (2 min. before and after).

I agree, we should hope for a positive outlook as we leave 2003 and hopefully, we will learn from our mistakes.

Have a very Happy New Year to you and your family. I am so grateful for the friendship I found in you in 2003. Enjoy those black-eyed peas.

Love and peace,

Mina :loveya: :hug:

[GoGo1]

7. Hi Mina! Ummm that dish of black-eyed peas looks good. I think

I might give that recipe a whirl. It looks good and it's a meatless!

Thanks for your article regarding Kwanzaa. That was very interesting. During the 60's very few people knew about Kwanzaa, but as you point out in the article, many did not understand the observation. I think you made the points very well Mina ! Very good read.

Also, your "far well" to so many African-American greats! Barry White and Gregory Hines were two of my favorites. I loved Barry White's music and I enjoyed watching Gregory Hines in the motion picture TAP. They will be missed.

On to the questions:

1. The African-American I would have lunch with would be Frederick Douglass. I would want to know more about those brilliant speeches he made !

2. New Years Eve. I will go to my sister's house to watch the ball drop in Times Square.

3. My final thoughts would be, thanks for all I have learned in 2003 but, I look forward to 2004! I want MORE Democrats to win elections.

Mina have a wonderful New Years and thanks for all of your Mondays In The UGRR editions. I have enjoyed them each and every Monday.

Happy New Years DU!

GoGo

[undergroundrailroad]

24. Umm, don't those black-eyed peas smell good! Happy New Year GoGo :-)

Thanks for the kind words. On behalf of Mondays IN The UGRR, I thank you. I thank you for your visits, commentary and support. This column would not be possible without the readers and members at The Democratic Underground.

WOW! Frederick Douglass as a lunch partner. I wonder what he would think about the progress of the Civil Rights Movement to date?

Enjoy your New Year's eve at your sister and I agree with your final 1 minutes of thought. GO DEMOCRATS in 2004!

Happy New Year GoGo!

Love,


Mina :hug: :loveya:

[supernova]

8. Hey UGRR!

:hi:

Speaking of black-eyed peas, I couldn't find any fresh ones in the grocery store yesterday. *scratching my head* I hope they were just out. I'll check back tomorrow.


1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.

Second the John Lewis nomination. Also Julian Bond. I'd really love a visit with him. What a classy gentleman. :* When I worked in downtown DC, we literally bumped into each other! I was coming out of my office building at the end of the day Friday. He was going in to tape his public affairs show. WHAM! We both said "Excuse me!" and laughed. My but he's a LOT taller than I imagined. I've had a crush on him eversince.


2. What are your New Year's eve plans?

Party at a longtime family friend's house. Mental note to take that champagne bottle in the fridge.

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

Glad my family's AOK. Lots to look forward to this year! Both brother and sister's families are building new houses. I'm finding a new direction. Here's hoping the election is as rewarding as we DUers are putting our energy into it being. :thumbsup:

[undergroundrailroad]

25. Hi Supernova! Happy New Year! Here's a ((hug))

You have selected two *living* ICONS of African-American history and I couldn't agree with you more. And you met Julian Bond! Now, I really liked that story and how he seems much taller, etc. That is a story you can tell people over and over because it's so unique! What a great story. Thanks for sharing that in the UGRR today.

Sounds like your having a fun New Year's Eve at your longtime friend's home. Friends are very important. I also treasure my friendships including the friends I have met at DU, including you Supernova.

On New Years Eve, in it's final minutes, I like to go outside and look toward the sky, just thanking the universe that I am still alive *THIS* year. I LOVE stars Supernova and wishing on them :) And YOU Supernova are a SUPER STAR!



Enjoy your final 2 minutes in 2003 and here's to you and your family a successful 2004 !

Love, always,


Mina :hug:

[blazinjason]

9. Hey Mina! Another GREAT edition of Mondays IN The UGRR

Happy 2004 to you also.!

Wow! Can't wait until we get to the finish line and elect our Democrat (whoever that is, I will support ! Motto ABBB!!)

Very nice article on Kwanzaa. I agree, a lot of people have heard of Kwanzaa but they don't know much about how it's observed. Thanks for your link to the official Kwanzaa web site!

Can't believe all those great faces have left us. What an appropriate honor Mina. You cover it all.

My answers:

1.I would like to have lunch with Oprah.
2. Going to a New Year's eve party.
3. Good riddance to 2003, YUCK! But the "yuck" is for *. I do thank 2003 for my good health.

Have a very Happy New Year Mina and thanks for presenting DU with your wonderful, interesting and up-beat columns on Mondays. It has "jump-started" my week every time.

Peace DU!

BJ

[undergroundrailroad]

27. Oprah is one beautiful person. I have to admit

Oprah is most definitely the most larger than life African-American role model of all times. But I have had some ambivalent feelings about Oprah and it revolves around her interview with President Bush on her show during election 2000. I think the hugs and kisses were misunderstood, however, it helped Bush, not Al Gore who she also interviewed. You know, maybe she didn't realize it and just returned the hug (and kiss) out of courtesy. Some of my friends and family felt she was for Bush NOT Gore. I'm not certain this is true. But Bush has destroyed this world and is responsible for one of the most brutal wars and mass destructions of all time. He disenfranchised the minority vote and as Gov, he has used the death penalty more than any Gov. in this country. I wonder how many were able to use DNA before they were brought to death? And she hugged this man? I suppose that is her job to maintain a journalistic posture and I respect that. The one thing Oprah has done is focusing a spot light on Africa and HIV. I think this is an outstanding use of her celebrity and I will contribute to her cause.

Have a great time at the party on New Year's Eve! Let's make sure we all work hard to get * OUTTA the house.

Happy New Year and thanks for your support of Mondays IN The UGRR,

Love,


Mina :hug: :loveya:

[VolcanoJen]

41. Mina, those are very fair comments about Oprah.

I will always admire her, for what she represents, for how she has empowered women, and for what she has accomplished, but I've felt uneasy with her political influence ever since that interview with Bush. I'm not certain that Oprah even understood the depth of her influence during that piece...

[undergroundrailroad]

42. Hi Jen! Happy New Year Friend!! I loved those comments and

i think your correct. Oprah perhaps didn't understand the depth of that hug AND KISS.

Perhaps she knows now.

Love ya,


Mina :hug:

[proud patriot]

10. happy monday everyone

Questions Of The Day

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with. hmm this is hard to pick, but I think
Richard Pryor would fun to eat with and spend
an evening with.

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?
none nadda nothing ..pretty typical for
our family to spend a quiet evening at home

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?
Woo hoo election year here we come ...

[undergroundrailroad]

31. Hi PP, Happy New Year! Well, my goodness, lunch with Richard Pryor!

how COOL is that! Very original PP!! I LOVE Richard Pryor and purchased his albums and enjoyed watching him in his movies.
I haven't heard much about Richard Pryor lately and hope he is doing OK. That would really be a cool lunch .

A quiet evening at home on New Year's sounds great! And FINALLY PP, we can do it again. Elect *OUR* President.

Have a Happy New Year to you and your family PP!

Love,

Mina :hug:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

32. Most recent photo I found is from 2000

Looks kinda battered, but he's most certainly alive: http://www.rhino.com/news/articles/pryor.lasso

[proud patriot]

37. Thanks JCCyC

That man is the king of comedy to me

[undergroundrailroad]

43. Thanks JC for the updated photo. Here it is:

[proud patriot]

36. Thanks Mina

:hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

44. Your welcome PP. Great post!

Mina :hi:

[TahitiNut]

11. Just one? Just ONE? (sheesh!)

Questions Of The Day

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.

Well, among the famous and near-famous, the names that flash across my brain pan include Maya Angelou, MLK, Dr. Ralph Bunch, Malcolm, George Washington Carver, Whoopie, Oprah, Jesse Jackson, Cecil Williams, Cynthia McKinney, Barbara Jordan, Harry Belafonte, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Lee, ... (sheesh! there're so many!) ... uhmmm... OK, Barbara Jordan. :shrug:

Among the not-famous, well ... what're you doing for dinner tonight, sweetpea? :evilgrin: (Or perhaps I can join you and Jan?)

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?

Breathe in. Breathe out.

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

What an odd year.

[supernova]

14. Ohh, Barbara Jordan

Excellent Choice! :thumbsup:

We sure do miss her!





Barbara Jordan Tribute at PBS Newshour:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/remember/jordan_1-17.html

edit: I would give anything, ANYTHING!!, for just two minutes of her level-headedness and grace about *. :cry:

[TahitiNut]

19. Amen! I got goosebumps just remembering her keynote speech.

She was an astonishing human being, imho -- and our nation was graced by her service. She had it all: courage, wisdom, wit, warmth, integrity, perspective, intelligence ... in all, a truly beautiful person.

[undergroundrailroad]

48. Thanks SuperNova For those beautiful pics of Barbara Jordan!

Wasn't she something!

I would give ANYTHING for just two minutes of her time to gain insight about our world. 2 MIN and yes, she could do it in her most eloquent speaking style. There will only be *ONE* Barbara Jordan :cry:


Mina

[undergroundrailroad]

33. WOW, Barbara Jordan!

You picked so many African-American icons ! Well, since you highlighted Barbara Jordan, we'll go with her. I love Barbara Jordan and just listening to her speak. Her orator skills were outstanding!

Thanks for the lunch invitation TN! That so sweet of you. I would LOVE to have lunch with you (and Punkin) !



OK, square breathing for New Year's Eve and reflection on 2003, An "ODD" year. I couldn't agree more!

Happy New Year!

Love,

Mina :hug: :love ya:

[kimchi]

13. Great UGRR!

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.

Josephine Baker--what an incredible journey she had on this planet! I've always been amazed at what she accomplished, and especially her "rainbow tribe" idea.

2. What are your New Year's eve plans? Sit here with the hubby and eat unless I can find a babysitter.

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

May the next year be full of more life, more love, more freedom, and more joy for us all.

[undergroundrailroad]

47. Thanks Kimchi! Josephine Baker! What an excellent choice!!

I have always been amazed at the talent and activism of Ms. Baker! I consider her contributions to the causes of Civil Rights to be very important. I hope you enjoy the picture and thanks for your positive thoughts as we leave 2003.


May you and your hubby have a wonderful New Year and I hope you find that babysitter!

Happy New Year my friend,

Love,

Mina :hug:

[BigMcLargehuge]

18. Feliz Natal Senora Mina!

And goodbye to all those we've lost in '03 :-(

Good morning Mina let me congratulate you on another fantastic article to close out 03!

Kwanzaa is such an interesting holiday. I’d like to see the seven principles adopted by all levels of society. Imagine how civilized we could be!

Go figure.

These are so enlightened they need repeating!

Umoja (unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Kujichagulia (self-determination): To define, name, create and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (collective work and responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (cooperative economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Nia (purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.


Questions Of The Day

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.

Great question! I’d love to have dinner with UN Secretary General Kofe Annan. I would love to discuss international relations with him. Whenever I see him on television I cease all activity and sit and listen. He has such an amazingly passionate mind, and such gentle reassuring speech, that just speaking to him one-on-one would be an honor. I’d probably even feel better about the state of the world after that dinner. Hell, I might even ask him for a job!

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?

Have a few close friends over to ring in 04 with The Three Stooges and Mystery Science Theater 3000. This will be first year since Cindy and I were married that we aren’t hosting a large party. It’s been so hectic this year all we want to do is sit and relax.

OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

Last chance to make an ‘03 baby fading fast… 120… 119… 118…117…

[undergroundrailroad]

49. LOL! Better hurry up for/03 that tax deduction!!

Thanks for your comments on Kwanzaa. I do agree, the seven principles could be adopted by many levels of society because the principals are so grounded in daily living regardless of race/religion. The rituals are just beautiful!

Thanks for repeating the seven principals in the UGRR and I encourage others to reread them as often as possible.

OK, questions of the day in our final 2003 edition! (Big Mac I've loved your contributions to the UGRR in 2003! :cry: )

WOW! Having lunch with Kofi Annan, now wouldn't that be SOMETHING! Know you BigMac, you would have an interesting lunch and you would probably write about it!! Excellent, EXCELLENT, CHOICE of dining partners and YES he would give you a job!!

Well, once again, the influence of your mother and your childhood play a prominent role in your New Year's Eve. celebration. I refer to the old classic films and TV programs. Your mother is someone who I have become to love via my own column. Now when I watch old Science Fiction movies, I think of her. I grew up watching the Three Stooges!

Well, Big Mac, I'll see you next Monday on the flip side.

Thanks for all that you have contributed to Mondays IN The UGRR and for your support.

Love and Happy New Year!

Mina :hug: :loveya:

[UrbScotty]

20. Hi Mina!

Thank you for your article about Kwanzaa. I learned a lot.

1. Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan). He apparently threatened impeachment of Duh-bya. I would like to talk to him about that, as well as getting Duh-bya out of office this coming year.

2. Since December 31, 1995, I've seen the ball drop on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve" on ABC. (The guy has been doing that for 32 of his 74 years!)

3. I suppose this year has been like a bottle of wine. It got better with age. I started off this year in the dumps (probably in some part due to the war), but things got better as time went on. My dog died, and my dad lost his job, but those were low points in an otherwise okay year.

[undergroundrailroad]

52. Hello ih8thegop! Happy New Year!

---

Well hello ih8thegop! Where have you been?? Let me get the RED CARPET out for you!



So! You would like to have lunch with Rep. John Conyers. I have actually met him many years ago! He is very popular in Detroit and I personally like his style. I remember when he was for impeachment of * then all of a sudden it went away. Rep. Conyers has his own mind, thats what I like about him.

About Dick Clark. What would New Years Eve. be without Dick Clark "rockin" the New Year's in? Dick Clark is ageless!

I promise you ih8thegop, 2004 is going to be a BETTER year for you and your family. You can tell me next year!

Have a happy New Years!

Love,

Mina (UGRR)

[MaineDem]

21. Happy Kwanzaa, Mina!

And a Happy New Year to you, as well. Thank you so much for the info on your holiday. The principles are some we can all learn from.

I'll have to check into that blak-eyed peas and good luck thing. That's news to me. But as a northerner maybe I'm not meant to know about those southern traditions. :)

On to your questions...

1) Oh, for sure, Barbara Jordan!!! If she could impart just a tiny shred of her abilities to me I'd be so thankful. She was one of the best orators going. I miss having her voice and her ideals in the world.

2) Nothing big planned for New Year's Eve here. Maybe go see some fireowrks at the ski area but probably just a quiet evening at home with a fire, a bottle of bubbly water, and Mr MaineDem.

3) My first thought is...only one more year of Bush!!! I know it; we can make it happen.

Happy beginnings of 2004 to you, Mina, and all the travelers on the UGRR in DU!

[undergroundrailroad]

55. Hi MaineDem! Thanks and Happy New Year to you!

The seven principles really transcend the celebration and are applicable to everyday life.

I included a link in the main body of the UGRR about the Souther tradition of black-eyed peas and good luck in the New Year. Sylvia's, the famous owner of the Harlem, NY restaurant, Sylvia's, sells black-eyed peas in the can. I really like to make my own but when I'm in a rush and have a taste for them, I use hers. All you need is one teaspoon for that good luck! ;-)

Here's Sylvia's take on black-eyed peas.
http://store3.yimg.com/I/foodlocker_1773_22629319

OK, Barbara Jordan is you choice of luncheon partners! That terrific! I have *always* been so proud of her and loved to hear her speak.



WOW! Fireworks at the ski resort, that sounds so romantic. I want to say how much I appreciate your support of Mondays IN The UGRR! You are just a treasure here. Well, here's a toast to you and Mr. MaineDem, have a very happy and healthy New Year! May all your dreams come true in 2004! :hug:

Love,

Mina :loveya:

[fortyfeetunder]

26. Happy New Year UGRR

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.
I hope you weren't inferring to anyone famous... the person I would most like to see is my maternal grandmother who died when I was a child, to get her recipes and get the stories I was too young to understand before she passed away.

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?
I don't know.


3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?
I am glad this year is over with. Hoping 2004 will prove to be better.

[scarlet_owl]

29. I love black-eyed peas! But I'm the only one who'll eat them

in my house. Hoppin' John sounds mighty good about now...

Now to answer your questions

1. No question about it-Sojourner Truth. She has been my hero since I was a little girl. You know how sometimes kids find a subject they really love and won't shut up about it? That's how I was about Sojourner Truth. I'd tell anyone who stood still long enough all about her.

2. We're going to see "Return of the King" with my mother-in-law.

3. Final thoughts, eh? I just wish everyone happiness and blessings all the time.

New years blessings to you and yours, Mina.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

46. In Brazil they're called "Little Friar Beans"

Most often eaten salad-like, with olive oil, finely chopped tomatoes, onion and... huh... these things (how are they called?)

[undergroundrailroad]

57. Peppers

here is link for a salad with black-eyed peas.

I might make this one.

Mina/UGRR

[undergroundrailroad]

56. WOW! Sojourner Truth joins our dining table!

I just LOVE the responses to the dining question!


Like Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth (I love her self adopted name!) helped reveal the cruelties of slavery and fought for women's rights. She also had the honor of meeting President Lincoln! I am extremely grateful to her because Slavery might to this day still be in place. Someone had the guts to say NO MORE!

Thanks for selecting Sojourner Truth scarlet_owl :)

Wishing you and your family a wonderful, happy and blessed 2004. Here's a :hug: scarlet.

Love,

Mina :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

34. Good evening Mina! I am late, late, late today!!!

But, I wanted to check in on the Daily, and say hello!

1. W.E.B. DuBois and George Washington Carver.

2. None, yet.

3. I am glad this year is over; may 2004 be a damn sight better.

[undergroundrailroad]

58. I will be sitting at the dining table with you! Happy New Year my friend!

DuBois went on to become the leading black intellectual of the twentieth-century United States. My mother and father talked about him constantly.

As an adult, all my life, I have studied and have been fascinated by this African-American ICON.
Next to Harriet Tubman, I would want to invite Dr. W.E.B DuBois to my dining table. Those two have always absolutely fascinated me.

Well, if you have no plans for New Years, why not ring in the New Year at DU? I'll be here!

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your constant support every Monday here, in the UGRR. You are one of the original members of Mondays IN The UGRR and this column would not be possible without your support GOP. No matter how busy you are, you made the time to stop in and post. I appreciated that so much.

Here's a New Year's :hug:

Here's to better things in 2004 and I promise, they WILL get better!

Love you very much GOP,

Mina :loveya:

[undergroundrailroad]

59. Here are the pictures and a bio that I wanted to include:

W.E.B. DuBois was born in Massachusetts in 1868. An excellent student, he enrolled on scholarship at Fisk University in Nashville in 1885. He received a B.A. from Fisk in 1888, and then received a B.A. (1890) and an M.A. (1891) from Harvard. He became the first African-American to receive a Ph.D from Harvard in 1895. Taking a teaching position at Atlanta University in 1897, DuBois explored and confronted the South in person and in the studies of he directed of Southern society. Although he stayed in Atlanta until 1910, DuBois and his wife never became comfortable there. The selection here from his greatest work, The Souls of Black Folk (1903), tells of the death of his young son in Atlanta; in that piece, DuBois expresses the rage, sadness, and frustration that he submerged in his less personal writing. DuBois went on to become the leading black intellectual of the twentieth-century United States. In 1905, DuBois founded the Niagara Movement, which became the NAACP, in opposition to the conservative approach to issues concerning African-Americans taken by Booker T. Washington, as well as to the perceived machine-style tactics used by Washington to stifle opposition. DuBois edited The Crisis, the publication of the NAACP, from 1910-1934. He organized the first four Pan-African Congresses (1919-1927), and presided over the fifth. A prolific writer capable of expressing himself in many disciplines, DuBois, among other works, wrote a sociological study of blacks in Philadelphia (1899), historical books on abolitionist John Brown (1909) and on Reconstruction (1935), and fictional novels such as Quest of the Silver Fleece, (1911). In 1961 DuBois joined the United States Communist Party and in 1963 he expatriated to Ghana, where he died that same year

[Amaya]

35. Hi Mina!

It's been a challenging year for Amaya. Losing love, finding love, losing it again, grief, sickness, and finding strength that I didn't know I had. But I wouldn't change too much...

Now for the questions:

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.

I'd love to have dinner with Alice Walker. She's one of my favorite writers and she's an extraordinarily brilliant person.

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?

New Year's eve plans? Well, I was going to go to NYC with my sister. But I think I'm going to stay home and snuggle with my kids.

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

My final thought before the years end would be:
'I made it'

[undergroundrailroad]

60. Hi Amaya! Happy New Year :-)

Thanks for stopping in Amaya and participating in the UGRR today! I always love seeing you :hug:

Now, I see you have selected the Pulitzer prize winning author Alice Walker as your dining partner! How exciting!



I think staying home, snuggling with the kids sounds good!

As we leave 2003 we call all take that collective sigh of relief. YES! We made it!!

Amaya, thanks for stopping in to say hello and have a wonderful New Years! :party:

Love,

Mina :hug: :loveya:

[Brewman_Jax]

38. G'day, Mina!

:hi: I have the week off, so I haven't been at the computer. That's an excellent read about Kwanzaa--what it is and what it is not. Always room to learn more.

Now, the answers:

1) There are so many choices in so many areas and I'm looking forward to eating many dinners this lifetime. One I like to meet is Aaron McGruder. I've seen him on C-SPAN and the various talkshows.

2) I have a dinner invite early in the evening. Other than that, the calendar is open.

3) Time to start the new year, stick a fork in this one.

Always good to see you, Mina! :hug:

[undergroundrailroad]

61. Hi Lurking Argyle. I missed you last week and I was worried about you.

Anywho, I have a sweater for you and I found your dinner partner, Aaron McGruder.





Aron McGruder

Please reserve a spot for me, I'm tagging along with you!!

Yep, I agree! Let's stick fork in this year and bring in the NEW PRESIDENT!

Have a great New Year and thanks for your support of Mondays IN The UGRR.

Love,

Mina :hug:

[VolcanoJen]

39. Kickin' It! It's Tuesday, and I'm late, but who cares?

And, Happy Holidays and New Year, everyone!

Questions and Answers:

Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with:

a) Rev. Jesse Jackson

I would ask him how he would correlate his inspirational speech at the Democratic National Convention of 1988 with today's changing world. I would ask him where he feels his role as a leader stands in today's Democratic Party, and what he will do to advance his opinions and wisdom in these troubling times. It would be such an honor to share an evening of wonderful food, fine wine, and enlightening conversation with Rev. Jackson.

b) Denzel Washington

Just so I can sit across the table from him and think "mmmmmm" to myself.

Hey, it's my list...

What are your New Year's eve plans?

Working... :-(

OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

Oh, no!

What a year it's been. It started out with the distant war drums beating, and ended with the ever-near war drums in constant, tragic cadence. It's been quite a horrible year, and one that I'm happy to kiss goodnight. It was a year of uncertainty, and a year for history. A year that may very well be looked back upon as the year that made, or crushed, the United States. Who can say what might have been?

I look forward to a year filled with new awakening, and optimism. I only hope that we somehow, as a people, manage to do the right thing. We are condemned to repeat history, I am afraid. But 2004 brings opportunity and hope, and it is our time to seize, well... our time.

Thanks for another wonderful Monday Thread, Mina, and your last of 2003!

Happy New Year, and Good Tidings to All!

- Jennifer

ON EDIT: Isn't Mina's Memoriam wonderful? They were each beautiful, shining stars, but I will especially miss Gregory Hines, Nina Simone and Celia Cruz, who all touched my life in a way I cannot express.

[undergroundrailroad]

62. Happy New Year Jen and thanks for all those kind words about Mondays IN

The UGRR!

How about your dinner partner to start the New Year off ;-)

Jen thanks for the WONDERFUL job you do in moderating LBN! You are FABulous and a very dear friend.

Love and peace,

Mina

[CanuckAmok]

40. 1) MLK. 2) I'd like to do nothing, but Mrs. Amok has "plans" for us...

3) A progressive President in 2004!

Thanks for the great Mondays, Ms. Railroad!

[undergroundrailroad]

63. Welcome to Mondays IN The UGRR CanuckAmok (getting ready for 2004!) and

I have the red carpet for you CanuckAmok!



May I be the first to announce you in the closing moments of 2003, as we ROLL into 2004 to Mondays IN The UGRR on WED :)

I hope you will continue to visit us on Mondays and we really have an outSTANDING time all day long (and yes, sometimes it continues into the week!).

You have selected an outstanding dinner companion in the DR. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thanks for stopping in and checking things out in the UGRR.

Warmest regards,

UGRRMina

[indigo32]

45. Hi UGRR

I've been remiss in stopping by... but I always love your posts, so Tues or no I'm checkin in.

We lost some amazing people this year didn't we. I'm especially a fan of Gregory Hines nad Nina Simone.

Questions Of The Day

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with. Thurogood Marshall

2. What are your New Year's eve plans? Dinner and a movie with GF

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year? Hmmm... may 2004 bring better things for everyone.

[undergroundrailroad]

64. So 2004 or NOT, I'm checkin in! Happy New Year indigo32 !

---

You know, you guys are picking out some African-American GIANTS!

I am so TRULY impressed and that is why I am ***determined*** to finish this thread because it will go down as the BEST of Mondays IN The UGRR.

So, I present Thurgood Marshall, a man who changed my life in a very personal way.

Indigo, you are one of our original, I speak of the UGRR "bunch", group, gang and I am so happy you stopped in to share your New Year thoughts and answer the questions of the day.

May 2004 bring you everything your heart desires.

Love,

Mina

PS: Your the FIRST member I would like to welcome in the UGRR in 2004 :)

[Pithlet]

50. Hi, UGGR

This reminds me of the old Daily threads we used to have! I particpated in those, but this is my first Monday post. :hi:

[undergroundrailroad]

65. Happy 2004 Pithlet and Welcome to Mondays IN The UGRR. Red Carpet

arrival please!



May I officially welcome you to Mondays IN The UGRR on Thursday 04!
The thread kicks off on Monday and we really have a great time with the questions or just saying a quick hi/bye. It's the one consistent thing we all keep giving to each other on Mondays and I read every post and answer. I always post, no matter how long it takes me and this is a one woman show.

Thanks for all the kind words and I'll take the comparisons to the original DU Daily threads.

Thanks for stopping in to check us out and now, your a regular.

Love and peace in 04,

UGRRMina

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

51. Hey UGRR! :)

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.
Steven Biko

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?
Going over to a friend's house, don't really want to!

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?
That I need to put behind all the stuff that bothered me this year and move forward.

[undergroundrailroad]

66. What a wonderful person to select LPFF! Happy New Year :-)

Well, it's now past midnight and you should still be at your friend's house or on your way home.

Thanks for checking into the UGRR and selecting Steven Biko as your dinner partner.
Very nice!

Well, we're IN 2004 and I wish you a wonderful, prosperous and healthy 2004!

Love,

Mina :hug:

[pmbryant]

53. Another late post!

Thanks for telling us more about Kwanzaa, Mina. Happy New Year to you. :hi:

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?

(1) Frederick Douglass. I have always been fascinated by him, and would love to learn more about his thoughts and experiences.

(2) None at the moment. Probably dinner by a fire at home with my S.O., as we have done the last few years.

(3) I have been waiting for 2004 for a long time and it is finally here. Time to oust Bush!

--Peter

[davidinalameda]

54. my responses

Questions Of The Day

1. Name one African-American (alive or deceased) you would like have dinner with.--UGRR :hi:

2. What are your New Year's eve plans?--sitting home because my partner has to work

3. OK,**** 2 minute**** warning before 2003 ends. What are your final thoughts as you leave this year?--what time is Martin gonna get home so I can go to bed