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The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States in 2008 was a significant and historical moment for many African Americans, and it was viewed as a monumental step in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial equality. However, many of us can remember being told in winks that Obama actually wasn’t our first African-American President; rumor has floated for some time that Abraham Lincoln was of a much “ruddier” complexion than those of his time — which could be attributed to his growing up in a log cabin as an outdoorsman.
However, those rumors could also be attributed to some people who believe that the complexion of Lincoln’s skin is tied to his “ethnic roots” going back to his Black lineage. Now, it’s time for us to finally explore these unsubstantiated rumors that have floated around for more than a century and cast some light on Abraham Lincoln’s relationship with race and slavery, as it evolved significantly during the course of his political career.
2024 just so happens to be the 160th anniversary of one of the biggest political media hoaxes in US history. This story rather incredible similarities to the political scene of the 21st century and the age of disinformation that is currently taking over the media — including the web. It involved then-President Abraham Lincoln, a covert government program focused on miscegenation, pro-slavery politicians, and their newspaper editing marionettes. Apparently, fake news isn’t a novelty.
In February 1864, Abraham Lincoln’s re-election campaign was shaken by the alleged “proof” of the President’s secret plan to address America’s “race problem” through miscegenation — a term derived from “mixed” and “species” — that would result in the creation of a new “American race.” This “proof” was in the form of a pamphlet whose unknown author called upon the Republican Party — the abolitionists — to openly admit to their desires for mixing of races by adding it to Lincoln’s political platform for re-election.
Of course, the whole thing was a forgery created by the then-managing editor of The World, David Goodman Croly, who was in charge of editing the leading pro-slavery newspaper in the North. Of course, Croly wasn’t alone in his endeavor, but he was the mastermind behind the deployment method: the pamphlet was actually the favorite format of anti-slavery writers since they were cheap and easy to produce with contemporary technology. His devious plan worked, and the format just gave more credibility to the lies.
By the time Lincoln’s administration caught wind of what was going on, every major newspaper in the nation had dubbed the Emancipation Proclamation (Lincoln’s executive order that declared all enslaved people “then, thenceforward, and forever free”) the Miscegenation Proclamation. Regardless of how that particular political fiasco ended, the rumors of Lincoln’s love towards African-Americans began to take on new shapes.
Some claimed that his mother, Nancy Hanks, was of African descent, some rumors suggested that he was part African-American due to his very dark skin, and even Lincoln described himself as a “long Black fellow” and his complexion as “dark.” However, it’s unknown whether either was meant in an ancestral sense. Whatever it may be, the rumors of Abraham Lincoln’s African-American heritage are largely considered unsubstantiated and haven’t been acknowledged by historians.
The rumors themselves, whether true or not, did contribute to a form of symbolic identification. For some African-Americans, the very notion that Lincoln might’ve had African heritage adds a layer of personal connection, given his pivotal role in abolishing slavery. However, it’s important to remember that Lincoln was very much a figure shaped by his times and places. While a good portion of the African-American community still sees him as a Great Emancipator, the facts are that he was born into a racist family in a racist region during a racist era of American history.
Thus, it’s safe to assume that Lincoln’s early life was undoubtedly influenced by the prevailing viewpoints and attitudes of his environment. This means that, despite his role in abolishing slavery, Lincoln still harbored views that were explicitly racist. He opposed slavery not out of his empathy for the slaves but because the practice conflicted with the free labor ideology that was the core of his political philosophy. Lincoln firmly believed in individual’s rights to the fruit of their labor, and slavery was the polar opposite of that principle.
Additionally, despite his opposition to slavery, Lincoln didn’t actually advocate for racial equality. In fact, he opposed voting rights for African Americans, interracial marriage, and social and political equality between the races. And these weren’t just his personal views but the broader sentiment of the white public, which he, as a politician, couldn’t safely disregard. Lincoln’s legacy is, thus, a study of contradictions. While he took significant action toward dismantling the institution of slavery, his views on race were still a product of the prejudices of his time.
In the end, history is a fickle mistress that always paints its figures whether by race, creed, or virtue and shows them in different lighting. One thing external to her influence are the annals of politics, in which Abraham Lincoln might’ve been painted as the Great Emancipator, but he was still the white man’s President who opposed slavery on nothing else but cold economic grounds.
The post Was Abraham Lincoln Black? Let’s Talk About It appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States in 2008 was a significant and historical moment for many African Americans, and it was viewed as a monumental step in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and racial equality. However, many of us can remember being told in winks that Obama actually wasn’t our first African-American President; rumor has floated for some time that Abraham Lincoln was of a much “ruddier” complexion than those of his time — which could be attributed to his growing up in a log cabin as an outdoorsman.
However, those rumors could also be attributed to some people who believe that the complexion of Lincoln’s skin is tied to his “ethnic roots” going back to his Black lineage. Now, it’s time for us to finally explore these unsubstantiated rumors that have floated around for more than a century and cast some light on Abraham Lincoln’s relationship with race and slavery, as it evolved significantly during the course of his political career.
2024 just so happens to be the 160th anniversary of one of the biggest political media hoaxes in US history. This story rather incredible similarities to the political scene of the 21st century and the age of disinformation that is currently taking over the media — including the web. It involved then-President Abraham Lincoln, a covert government program focused on miscegenation, pro-slavery politicians, and their newspaper editing marionettes. Apparently, fake news isn’t a novelty.
In February 1864, Abraham Lincoln’s re-election campaign was shaken by the alleged “proof” of the President’s secret plan to address America’s “race problem” through miscegenation — a term derived from “mixed” and “species” — that would result in the creation of a new “American race.” This “proof” was in the form of a pamphlet whose unknown author called upon the Republican Party — the abolitionists — to openly admit to their desires for mixing of races by adding it to Lincoln’s political platform for re-election.
Of course, the whole thing was a forgery created by the then-managing editor of The World, David Goodman Croly, who was in charge of editing the leading pro-slavery newspaper in the North. Of course, Croly wasn’t alone in his endeavor, but he was the mastermind behind the deployment method: the pamphlet was actually the favorite format of anti-slavery writers since they were cheap and easy to produce with contemporary technology. His devious plan worked, and the format just gave more credibility to the lies.
By the time Lincoln’s administration caught wind of what was going on, every major newspaper in the nation had dubbed the Emancipation Proclamation (Lincoln’s executive order that declared all enslaved people “then, thenceforward, and forever free”) the Miscegenation Proclamation. Regardless of how that particular political fiasco ended, the rumors of Lincoln’s love towards African-Americans began to take on new shapes.
Some claimed that his mother, Nancy Hanks, was of African descent, some rumors suggested that he was part African-American due to his very dark skin, and even Lincoln described himself as a “long Black fellow” and his complexion as “dark.” However, it’s unknown whether either was meant in an ancestral sense. Whatever it may be, the rumors of Abraham Lincoln’s African-American heritage are largely considered unsubstantiated and haven’t been acknowledged by historians.
The rumors themselves, whether true or not, did contribute to a form of symbolic identification. For some African-Americans, the very notion that Lincoln might’ve had African heritage adds a layer of personal connection, given his pivotal role in abolishing slavery. However, it’s important to remember that Lincoln was very much a figure shaped by his times and places. While a good portion of the African-American community still sees him as a Great Emancipator, the facts are that he was born into a racist family in a racist region during a racist era of American history.
Thus, it’s safe to assume that Lincoln’s early life was undoubtedly influenced by the prevailing viewpoints and attitudes of his environment. This means that, despite his role in abolishing slavery, Lincoln still harbored views that were explicitly racist. He opposed slavery not out of his empathy for the slaves but because the practice conflicted with the free labor ideology that was the core of his political philosophy. Lincoln firmly believed in individual’s rights to the fruit of their labor, and slavery was the polar opposite of that principle.
Additionally, despite his opposition to slavery, Lincoln didn’t actually advocate for racial equality. In fact, he opposed voting rights for African Americans, interracial marriage, and social and political equality between the races. And these weren’t just his personal views but the broader sentiment of the white public, which he, as a politician, couldn’t safely disregard. Lincoln’s legacy is, thus, a study of contradictions. While he took significant action toward dismantling the institution of slavery, his views on race were still a product of the prejudices of his time.
In the end, history is a fickle mistress that always paints its figures whether by race, creed, or virtue and shows them in different lighting. One thing external to her influence are the annals of politics, in which Abraham Lincoln might’ve been painted as the Great Emancipator, but he was still the white man’s President who opposed slavery on nothing else but cold economic grounds.
The post Was Abraham Lincoln Black? Let’s Talk About It appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) was not the usual gathering. It was a historic event that stood at the crossroads of progress and unity, addressing key issues like climate change, healthcare reform, reproductive rights and economic equity. With a myriad of groundbreaking speeches to celebrity appearances to performances, the four-night convention gave us what it needed to give and then some.
Whether you’re a true political junkie or a curious observer, these highlights offer a window into the great moments that defined this landmark event.
I always look forward to the DNC. You really get to see who the rising stars and unsung heroes will be. This time, the atmosphere was different because of the unique circumstances. I also loved how the melanin just came forth with the magic.
The first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was a tribute to President Joe Biden’s legacy, as Democrats celebrated his accomplishments and set the stage for the party’s future. In a surprise appearance, Kamala Harris opened with praise for President Biden and his “historic leadership” and struck an optimistic note saying “This November, we will come together and declare with one voice, as one people we are moving forward with optimism hope and faith.”
United States Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Jasmine Crockett rose to the occasion on the first night. AOC spoke on behalf of the working class, as she spent years waitressing before being elected to the house of representatives.
Jasmine Crockett has become somewhat of a household name this year for her unapologetic presence. She gave us the greatest quote of the night with “Kamala Harris has a resume. Donald Trump has a rap sheet.” This is why we love her.
Hillary Clinton received an epic standing ovation that lasted two minutes. It was rightfully deserved. She spoke hopefully about writing a new chapter and the future being here right now. She evoked the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.
President Biden took the stage with the expectation he would pass the proverbial torch to his Vice President Kamala Harris. Although he spoke confidently, even being the last speaker of the long night, I just don’t feel he fulfilled the assignment. What Biden did achieve was recapping his accomplishments during his administration, and reiterated that his work won’t be done for another five months. He missed the moment to endorse her capability as a leader.
I believe we all anticipated our forever President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama. Michelle didn’t come to play as she wasted no time letting us know that “Hope is making a comeback!”
Throughout her speech, Michelle was direct and candid, particularly when discussing the racism that she and Barack faced during their eight years in the White House — racism that was often fueled by Trump himself. In a moment that resonated deeply with all of us, Michelle delivered a mic drop. “Wait, I want to know: who’s going to tell him that the job he’s seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?” referencing the controversial comment Trump made during a presidential debate on CNN.
The importance of Michelle Obama proudly sporting a protective hairstyle should not be lost on us. Throughout her time as First Lady, she faced increased criticism about her appearance, particularly her hair, which she chose to keep straight to avoid negative reactions. Although her natural hair may not have been accepted by America at that time, she confidently embraced a gloriously braided hairstyle at this year’s convention, disregarding all criticisms.
Our favorite poet Amanda Gorman graced us with her eloquent words, emphasizing the need for unity. Democratic Senate Nominee Angela Alsobrooks, whose victory would make history in her own community, recounted the first time she met Kamala Harris and rallied the crowd.
A poignant moment was had when the members of the “Central Park Five,” (now known as the “Exonerated Five”) addressed the convention on Thursday, in support of Kamala Harris. Yosef Salaam, Korey Wise, Raymond Santana, Kevin Richardson, and Antron McCray were wrongly convicted of rape and assault as teenagers in 1989. The case became a racially charged flashpoint in New York City at the time, intensified in no small part by Donald Trump, who took out full-page ads in several newspapers, including the New York Times, calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty against the boys who were then ages 14 to 16.
On the final night, women delegates wore white to honor suffragists who fought to earn women the right to vote more than 100 years ago; a movement that culminated with white American women securing the right to vote in 1920.
Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the party’s nomination for president of the United States. An historic moment in that she is the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major party’s ticket.
With the weight of this legacy on her shoulders, Harris described the upcoming election as a rare and pivotal opportunity for the nation to “forge a new path ahead.” Starting off, she crafted a personal story designed to connect with individuals from all political backgrounds. She shared her childhood experiences as the daughter of immigrant parents — an Indian mother and a Jamaican father — raised in a humble community in the Bay. This relatable narrative has formed a solid basis for her campaign.
Harris’s rise has brought racist and misogynistic attacks, including from Donald Trump who has minimized her intelligence, mocked her laugh, and falsely suggested that she “happened to turn Black.” Many undecided voters are still unsure about her, expressing concerns that she may be too progressive. Her speech directly addressed those doubts and reinforced her position as a unifying and practical leader.
For the majority of Harris’ first term as vice president, she was burdened with low approval ratings, along with criticism on voting rights and migration at the southern border. Some Democrats didn’t even consider her, as Biden dropped out of the election.
Yet, in the one month since launching her bid for president, Kamala Harris has united the Democratic Party, packed campaign rallies, overtaken Republican nominee Donald Trump in key battleground states and raised over $500 million in campaign funds.
When we say that Black women are magic this is what we mean. It speaks to a revolution and the courage to say we are more than the labels placed on us. In many ways, this year’s Democratic National Convention was as much a jubilant recognition as it was an urgent call to action.
The post Kamala Harris and Historic DNC Moments of 2024 appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
The 22nd annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) kicked off August 2 with nine days of programming, movie screenings, panels, and parties highlighting Black filmmakers, actors, and producers. At the backdrop of the festivities was Martha’s Vineyard, a quaint Massachusetts island on the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod marked by lighthouses, sandy beaches, and farmland.
Each year, the festival brings together vibrant celebrations of culture and community that spotlight successful Black professionals, creatives, and trailblazers. This year, about 70 shorts, features, TV series, and documentaries were screened at the MVAAFF. It was established in 2002 by Run & Shoot Filmworks principals Floyd and Stephanie Rance to amplify Black voices, storytelling, and culture and is now an Oscar-qualifying annual film festival in the short film category.
In addition to attending screenings, panels, and social events, festivalgoers reveled in the beauty of the Vineyard — a charming New England colony that has been a summer escape for Black vacationers and luminaries for generations. In the 20th century, when segregation barred Black Americans from beaches, pools, and resorts, they flocked to the island town of Oak Bluffs. The destination attracted Black families as well as prominent leaders and artists including Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Massachusetts Senator Edward W. Brooke, and Maya Angelou. Today, the small island is a haven for Black Hollywood and high-profile figures like Jennifer Hudson, Spike Lee, and the Obamas.
Here are some highlights of the events and programming that took place during the MVAAFF.
World of Hyatt on the Vineyard
On August 8, the World of Hyatt held Bar Noir featuring an evening of cocktails, conversation, and community building at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Vineyard Haven. During the event, Tyronne Stoudemire, the Senior Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, talked about the hospitality brand’s commitment to advancing and supporting Black entrepreneurship.
“Many organizations either reacted or responded to the death and murder of George Floyd,” said Stoudemire, a recognized global DEI thought leader. “We responded with a program that’s called Change Starts Here.” Launched in 2020, Stoudemire touched on the initiative’s effort to address systemic racism through three key areas: who they employ, develop, and advance; the communities they support; and who they buy from and partner with. In addition to employment opportunities, the program also opens doors to further managerial advancement, community development, and supplier diversity. Furthermore, it has provided $1 million over three years to six community-based organizations located in Chicago, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.
“It’s just not about the money, it’s about care. It’s just not about care, it’s about helping people to grow [and] invest in businesses,” he added.
The Black Excellence Brunch
Over 200 guests dressed in all-white ensembles gathered for The Black Excellence Brunch held at the Aria, an outdoor venue in Edgartown, on August 9. The invite-only affair honored actress and director Sanaa Lathan for her contributions to Hollywood over the past 20 years. During a live fireside chat with Trell Thomas, founder of The Black Excellence Brunch, the 52-year-old Love & Basketball star opened up about her family’s history with addiction and her own journey to sobriety.
“I stopped drinking six years ago,” Lathan revealed. “Addiction runs in my family. I just did Finding Your Roots and it was crazy because I found all these generations of alcoholics that had literally died.”
The Brown Sugar star also mentioned the impact alcohol had on her life. “It was affecting my health. The people that I was allowing to be around me wasn’t right. And so, I decided, this is something that’s in my family. I need to nip it in the bud.”
Rather than enrolling in Alcoholics Anonymous, Lathan says she quit drinking on her own shortly before the pandemic. She then went on to direct and co-star in On the Come Up on Paramount+ in 2022, where she played a recovering addict and mother.
The brunch, which was sponsored by Camille Rose and offered specialty drinks provided by Ciroc, also included notable attendees like filmmaker Will Packer, Orange is the New Black star Uzo Aduba, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Win With Black Women founder Jotaka Eddy, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard cast members Alex Tyree and Nick Arrington.
“The Black Excellence Brunch was beautiful,” said Arrington, likening the event to the vibrant sense of community felt at an HBCU homecoming or Black family reunion. “It was a beautiful thing, and everybody looked good,” he continued. “I think the best way to describe Trell’s brunches are, it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of us.”
Founded in 2017, Thomas said he created the event series to foster community and connection while paying tribute to the legacy of Black excellence. The series reimagines the Sunday dinners he had with his family while growing up in South Carolina. What started as a local gathering in Thomas’ home has since morphed into a global celebration of under-recognized cultural figures from New York to New Orleans to South Africa and Ghana.
“Martha’s Vineyard is no stranger to excellent Black people, and it was amazing to join in on the celebration of Black Excellence hosting our first-ever Black Excellence Brunch on the Vineyard,” said Thomas, a seasoned media expert, in a statement to BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It was truly an honor to give flowers to so many amazing people and celebrate the cultural icon that is Sanaa Lathan.”
The Director’s Brunch
On Saturday, August 10, MVAAFF, Comcast NBC Universal, and Black Experience on Xfinity teamed up to present “The Director’s Brunch” in celebration of storytellers of color. Held at the Aria, the soiree included a buffet-style brunch, live DJ, and a panel discussion featuring MSNBC president Rashida Jones, award-winning filmmaker B. Monét, director Gia-Rayne Harris, Robert Baltazar, NBCU Launch’s Vice President of TV Programming DEI, and moderator Loren Hudson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Comcast Cable. During the discussion, the panel touched on the challenges Black filmmakers face when trying to break into the business.
“I think the path of being a director, especially if that’s what you want to be, it’s not just cut and dry,” said Monet. It’s not “like you go to film school and then you’re just going to make it. You know? I mean, the rules, unfortunately, are different for us,” she said.
Rather than pursuing a linear path, Monet encouraged young filmmakers to try to explore alternative methods to break into the industry, such as producing short films and shadowing other producers and artists.
Fight Night
The MVAAFF ended with a punch featuring a special screening, star-studded panel, and after-party for Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist on closing night.
The evening kicked off with live music from DJ Trauma before the festival’s founders, Stephanie and Floyd Rance, introduced acclaimed filmmaker and the series’ executive producer, Will Packer, who participated in a one-on-one fireside chat with journalist Danielle Cadet on Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago’s iconic gold couch.
“All kinds of interesting people have sat on and have had conversations on this couch. This is the kind of cultural thing that is for us [and] that we get to do at a Martha’s Vineyard film festival [and not] elsewhere,” said Packer to a sold-out audience.
The show, which will be released September 5 on Peacock, tells the story of a brazen armed robbery that took place in Atlanta on the night of Muhammad Ali’s famous return to the ring in 1970. Based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist chronicles how the infamous robbery ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.”
The story centers on a hustler named Chicken Man (played by superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart) who hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest and most notorious gangsters. However, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (played by Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice.
Following the screening, Packer returned to the stage with showrunner, creator, and executive producer Shaye Ogbonna and cast members Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, and Chloe Bailey for a discussion moderated by journalist Tiffany Cross.
“I have always loved and admired working with Will, and to have this opportunity come to fruition was really, really cool,” said Bailey. “I’m an Atlanta native and I have never heard of this heist story. And then to hear that I get to work alongside Taraji and Don and Samuel (Jackson) and the most incredible actors in the game meant so much to me.”
To close the evening, Peacock hosted the Closing Night Party of the festival at The Loft in Oaks Bluffs. The 70s-theme party was decorated with roses, disco balls, and plush red carpets. Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, songwriter Ledisi, actor Glynn Turman, President of MSNBC Rashida Jones, and Destiny’s Child singer LeToya Luckett were in attendance.