The lynching of Jesse Washington on May 15, 1916 was so barbaric it led to the rise of the NAACP. Nothing in Waco, Texas acknowledges it ever happened. Do you believe memorials are necessary to keep the memory of atrocities alive? Or is it better to let the past stay the past?
so much can be said but it really comes down to a simple request fro black people when it comes to sins America has commited against us ,,”just admit what u did man”,,but the country is incapable of doing that ,,they would prefer to lie or ignore it ,,,that’s the real American way
Yes, we all need to take a long look at the “strange fruit” hanging from the poplar tree (Billie Holliday). It can be redemptive. James Cone, in his book The Lynching Tree, says that “If America has the courage to confront the great sin and ongoing legacy of white supremacy with repentance and reparation there is hope “beyond tragedy”.”
Memorials-observances-curriculum should all be mandated in Waco. We don’t want anyone to forget the Holocaust do we ? Why then forget a seminal moment in American History ?
I think it is very important. Especially growing up in a community that is mostly African American if your parents did not teach you or you did not have the finances to purchase encyclopedias, you were at a huge disadvantage. For instance I live about have a mile from one of the oldest public parks here in Miami. The park is Bunche Park. I was taught as a kid about Dr Ralph Bunche and I read in my encyclopedia about his contributions. I wonder if the kids selling dope in the park even know who he was.
Remembering those that were sacrifices so as to pave the way for a more moral approach and higher equality within the arena of sports is especially important. We are ambassadors of the countries we represent and should always try to remember that there was a start somewhere, somehow and that it might not have been peaceful or welcomed but it was a Start. Remembrance brings about a humbleness which envokes appreciationfor being able to compete.
Sometimes we all need reminders that we are good and decent humans beings…sometimes we need reminders that there are monsters among us…keeping the closet door close will ensures the monsters will be there tomorrow.
Reading the story about Mr.Washington made me sick.Today There many African Americans being released from prison of a crime they did not pursue, great example “The Park Five” and many others. Yes, Memories are necessary to keep but ask yourself this question,Can we take action? and have Supreme Court look over these cases and bring justice to all the Black Families in America? Instead of talking about our opinions we as black people need to start taking action. Marching, protesting is not going to make it better either.
I do believe memorials are important to remember atrocities. I’m from Tulsa, OK born and raised, I’m 22 years old. Tulsa was once Black Wallstreet but was destroyed due a racist upheaval. A memorial now stands in downtown Tulsa where Black business once thrived. So yes, memorials are important. I’ve recently visited the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park in downtown Tulsa with my cousins and girlfriend to share with them what North Tulsa once was and what it has become. I write, 1 cousin plays ball, 1 makes music. Sons of Black Wall Street 918, North Tulsa, OK.
There will never be justice for Jesse Washington or his family. The people in this community who don’t feel the need for remorse or accountability will never change nor will their offspring. The stories of the 2,842 known men brutally murdered will go greatly unknown. The memorial more than keeping the memory of the act alive should give Jesse what he never had in life; honor and respect. The memorial will also give “Black Waco” a release from the fear and anger that controls them today. The memorial will give power to the people in life and in death.
History will always be interpreted by the living. Generation to generation, as our values change so do our judgements of what came before us and what they mean. A memorial is one way to keep one generation’s evaluation of history alive for longer, but eventually that too is reappropriated by the living. No matter how we interpret it however the ripples of history are always felt by the living