Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad

Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake

Welcome to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad. How is everybody feeeling? Did you watch the half-time show at the Super Bowl? There was P. Diddy, Nelly, Justin and Janet Jackson who were rocking that stage. Oh, and in case you didn't know, there was a "costume malfunction" during a duet between Janet and Justin. Oh well, these things do happen. Actually, Janet and Justin once dated. OMG, SHOCK AND AWE! "I'll have your naked by the end of this song", words from Justin's song last night.

One day after the Super Bowl and one day until Super Tuesday! It's getting so exciting!

Our dessert today will be Fresh Peach Cobbler with Dumplings. Ummmm, hot out the oven and it melts in your mouth.

We can look forward to Black History Month which I will explain about in more detail.

Newcomers to Mondays 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad will receive a proper welcome and I will roll out the red carpet for your arrival.

Again, welcome to Mondays 'IN' The UGRR

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, International Scholar/Researcher, Historian

February starts the celebration of BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Monday's 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad will have activities lined up throughout February to celebrate African-Americans and their contributions to history, but, in an abstract way. Abstract? Well, I want to focus on African-Americans who are not famous, in fact, you've probably never heard of them! That's what makes their contributions special and exciting. As things tend to unfold around here, I think you'll understand just what I mean.

I'm sure many of you wonder, what is Black History Month and how did it start? Excellent question! Actually, Black History Month originally started as Black History Week in the month of February. Why February? It is the birth month of two outstanding leaders for the abolitionist cause: orator and editor Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. Also, February was chosen because of the tremendous number of African-American pioneers and institutions born in this month -- from W.E.B. Du Bois and Langston Hughes to the NAACP and the first Pan African Congress.

Still, how did Black History Month start? Who created it?

May I introduce you to Dr. Carter Woodson, the former son of Virginia slaves, who went from poverty to academia. Woodson's journey began in New Canton, Va., on Dec. 19, 1875. Dr. Woodson didn't graduate from high school until he was almost 22 years old. But in 1912 Dr. Woodson received his Ph.D from Harvard, becoming the second African-American to do so. Dr. Woodson then traveled to Asia and Europe, where he spent a semester at the Sorbonne in Paris. He mastered several languages, which enabled him to teach in the Philippines.

In 1915, Dr. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life. He was convinced that the role of African-American history was being ignored or misrepresented. Through the Association, Dr. Woodson began his quest to educate America about the accomplishments of black Americans and in 1926 his dream became a reality and Negro History Week was born.

In 1976, on the 50th anniversary of Dr. Woodson's achievement, Negro History Week was expanded to Black History Month by one of the proclamations issued during celebrations marking America's bicentennial.

Dr. Woodson's group is now know as The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASLAH).

Like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Carter Woodson had a dream also. In the book "Mis-Education of the Negro," Dr. Woodson wrote:

"When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder.� He will find his 'proper place' and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary."

So the man of a slave understood that African-Americans are gifted, even unique! Slavery, in a very strange way, empowered us for the freedom that awaited us. If there is NO DOOR, we will make our own. Our culture, our pride and our accomplishments are relevant yesterday, today and always.

I thank you Dr. Carter Woodson. HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

Mary-Agnes Miller Davis

Mary-Agnes Miller Davis was awarded The Michiganders of the Year Award. She gave so much to the community. But her most important project was The Co-Ette Club. African-American "young ladies" as she would call us, were trained to give hours of service to important charities. We would attend the opera (with our opera glasses) and learn how to dress appropriately for the opera. Mary-Agnes taught old-fashioned virtues of social grace, leadership and charity. She would teach us to appreciate culture; the arts, music, theater, and how to give to others less fortunate. Every year there was a "Charity Ball" and there was a court. I was on the court once and it was truly a wonderful experience. You were selected to "sit" on the court if you raised the most money for your charity. My charity was The United Negro College Fund

Mary-Agnes Davis attended Wayne State University and graduated with a degree in Social Work. She was truly remarkable! As a young teenager, she truly inspired me and to this day I will never forget her.

To learn more about Mary Agnes Davis click here

Tanya Williams-Bell, co-founder and CEO of Rejoice! Inc. Foster Care and Adoption Agency

A very important component of African-American empowerment is self esteem. Feeling positive and good about yourself, your skin, your hair, your attitude! These are issues that are important and unique to black Americans. Enter Tanya Williams-Bell, a together sister who understands the plight of African-American children in the foster care system and is devoted to them. She is also a speaker! As a matter of fact, Ms. Williams-Bell served on the Pennsylvania Governor's Task Force on Expediting finalization of the State Wide Adoption Network.

The mission of Rejoice! Inc. is to find homes for children who are not babies, primarily boys of minority decent, sibling groups of two or more. Why is this important? Because black males must actively combat the negative messages of racism. Black males have mountainous obstacles to overcome in American society. From conception to adulthood, they are forced to run the gauntlet of American abuses, such as racial profiling and job discrimination. Therefore, paying attention to black youth is vital for building self-esteem and helping them cope in a white society. And that means education and finding families who will nurture and enhance their overall well-being.

Ms. Williams-Bell has received numerous awards including the Mayor's award for distinguished Public Service and has made appearances on several radio and television shows including, The Today Show.

Rejoice! Inc. is that important piece of the puzzle that promotes empowerment and success for children that are hard to adopt but easy to love.

The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder

Questions of the Day

1. Was the Super Bowl Half Time Show **starring** Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, indecent exposure or much ado about nothing?

2. What color is your bedroom?

3. What is your favorite flavor of ice-cream ? ! (Yummy)

OK, I'm OUTTA. I will see you next Monday, same time, same place 'IN' The Undergroundrailroad.