Black Voices, Volume 5

Vol. 2 | November 2021 INSIDE THIS ISSUE inside this issue

VOICES Black Church Christian Nationalism
& Social Justice This American Life
Our Democracy
Black Aviation in Danger

+MORE + MORE

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

Table of Contents

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the
only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African
American life, history, and culture. See more on Page 23.

14 Bessie Coleman
16 Co-Opted: How Extremists
6 Interview with Esthelda Can Turn a Democracy into
“Stell” Parker Selby a Toxic Theocracy

8 Say No to Politicians 18 Southern Delaware Alliance
that Will Not Protect Us Education Committee

10 The Golden-Stevenson 20 How You Are Seen is How
Family Legacy of Love You Are … Treated
and Educational Justice
for All 22 Together, We Can End
Racial Disparities in
Maternal Health

24 On the Brink of a
Modern Civil War

The Frederick D. Thomas Middle SchNoAoSlCAR and

24 its Diversity

The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice and Black
Voices express their appreciation and congratulations to the Cape
Henlopen School Board for its decision to name the new middle
school building after Frederick D. Thomas, the first African Ameri-
can Administrator in the district. It is clear from personal conversa-
tions that Mr. Thomas had a huge impact on both Black and White
students and community members. Nothing could summarize this
more than a former (white) student saying, “We just didn’t want
to disappoint him. He was such a good and kind man.” Perhaps,
using his guidance, we might find our way back to times when we
encountered each other in all our diversity as human beings, all of
us deserving of respect and kindness and justice.

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 3

Introduction Editorial Board

Volume 5 brings us to the 2nd year of Black Voices. Our thanks to all our EDITORS:
readers. Your feedback (We would always love to hear more.) has been Charlotte King,
much appreciated. Special thanks to all the writers who have made the Founder and Chair of SDARJ
magazine what it is. Sara Ford, Editor-in-Chief

Over the last year, each edition has followed organically from the Susan Goekler, proofreader/editor
last. The same is true for this edition. Sadly, this means that our country Rev. Dania Griffin, contributor
continues on its dangerous trajectory towards authoritarianism, and the Esthelda Parker Selby, contributor
divisions that were so violently demonstrated on January 6 continue, with Jessica Clark, contributor
no easy solution in sight. Diaz Bonnville, editor-at-large

And so, Dania Griffin writes a powerful and devastating article about Black Voices is a quarterly (Febru-
Christian Nationalism from both a personal and national level. Some ary, May, August, November) pub-
of the scariest symbols visible on January 6 were those worn by self- lication of the Southern Delaware
proclaimed Christians. Our two young writers speak to the physical Alliance for Racial Justice. Black
violence that is engulfing our country, particularly directed at Black Voices articles may be copied for
people, and the possibility of a modern-day civil war. Joe Lawson’s personal use, but proper notice
article is a plea to recognize that America’s fascination with guns, of copyright and credit to Black
obscene at this point in comparison to the rest of the world, has made Voices must appear on all copies
the slaughter of our children so commonplace, it takes up barely a week made. The views expressed do not
of a news cycle. The recommended podcast for an episode of “This necessarily represent positions of
American Life” is a stark reminder that all the Black Americans killed in a SDARJ.
Buffalo supermarket were human beings, not statistics, that those who
lost them continue to suffer, and that the trauma of these events goes on The Editorial Staff is committed
and on, passed down generationally. to producing a publication that
is a truthful learning opportunity
Violence isn’t always physical. As Senator Marie Pinkney’s article makes for the entire community. All are
clear, the experience many Black women have through pregnancy and invited to lend their voices via
childbirth, including the large number of maternal and infant deaths, is letters to the editor, commentaries
a form of violence perpetrated by a health care system that does not and articles of interest. Submissions
treat women of color the same as it treats white women. Christy Taylor’s are reviewed by the editorial board
personal experiences of micro/macro aggressions in schools are other and may be edited for brevity and
examples of violence. The Ku Klux Klan cross that burned on Estelle Parker clarification. We regret we cannot
Selby’s lawn when she was a child was a form of violence, the burning cross return any unsolicited articles,
a symbol of the threat for future violence directed against her and her photos or other materials.
family, a symbol that continues to evoke fear.
Contact us at:
All of these stories speak to the danger our democracy has faced in [email protected]
the past and continues to face. Yet, they also contain hope, hope that
resides with us. Aa’Khai Hollis suggests that preventing a new civil war Your donation to the Southern
is up to us; Charlotte King’s article about Bessie Coleman, while pointing Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice
out how little is known about Black people’s successes, speaks to the is important to us. Please scan to
power of persistence and determination; inside Dania Griffin’s article is the donate or send your
counter to his warning: hope. We can take charge of this frightening and donation by mail:
sometimes overwhelming situation in America today. We can say no and
let that word resonate through our actions. Southern Delaware Alliance for
Racial Justice (SDARJ)
One last note: SDARJ, led by its History Committee’s Chair, Tom Irvine, P.O. Box 306
has brought to statewide attention the Confederate flag flying at the Lewes, Delaware 19958
Georgetown Historical Society Museum. Although we chose not to add
another article to all that has been written, we would be remiss if we did Creative Direction
not offer our deep thanks to Tom and the History Committee. Tom has Tara Marks
written countless letters and spoken with government officials, and Joe Design
Lawson has been a constant presence at meetings, speaking out on behalf
of SDARJ’s opposition to the flag’s presence, opposition that will continue Abby Workman
until the flag is removed. Thank you. Mallery Galaska

SARA FORD
Editor-in-Chief, Lewes, DE

People to Know, Things to See

Lizzo made history as the first person to play james madison’s 200-year-old crystal flute. No one had ever heard what is souned
like. Now we do. A glimmer of hope as to how far we’ve come in two centuries. PHOTO: Shawn Miller/Library of Congress

Are you liking Black Voices? Do you want to hear more? Our thanks to
Matt Haley Trust
Black Voices is a quarterly independent newsmagazine funded by
SDARJ, its supporters and some grant money. These funds help to pay The Southern Delaware Alliance
cost of layout, printing and distribution. Please help us continue with for Racial Justice extends their
and grow this publication dedicated to publishing news and viewpoints deepest appreciation to the
of Black citizens. Here is how you can help: Matt Haley Trust for its generous
grant that has helped us grow
Donate: Black Voices is currently offered to its readers without a paid and expand the readership of
subscription. However, we would deeply appreciate donations. If you Black Voices. Thank you also to
wish to donate to Black Voices, please go sdarj.org website, find the Patricia Riviera, owner of Hook
donation button and click to donate. PR and Marketing, who serves as
our liaison to the Trust.
Advertise: Black Voices will begin to accept advertising in our August/
September edition. Black Voices has a circulation of 17,100 that is inserted
into the Cape Gazette and other publications in Western Sussex County,
a growing list of other hard copy readers to whom we mail directly, and
a large digital audience across the state and out of state. Our rates
are competitive, only $300 for a full page. For more information about
advertising contact us at: advertiseblackvoices.sdarj.org

For more info about SDARJ:
Go to www.sdarj.org. Membership to the Alliance is $25 per year. Should
you wish to donate, please specify the purpose of donation, the Black
Voices, scholarship, general administration etc.

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 5

Interview with Esthelda of a class leader. I talked a lot;
“Stell” Parker Selby and because I always finished
my work ahead of time, my
I had the great privilege because it often smelled like 1-3rd grade teacher asked me
and joy of interviewing the fish from the Fish Factory, to help other students, which I
Stell for this edition. as we called it! enjoyed. I guess teaching was
Our conversation was already in my system. My 4-6th
delightfully non-linear, Religion was very important grade teacher was very strict.
though we always did in our family. My great great She required a lot — proper
wend our way back to grandmother was a freed slave, grammar, sitting up straight,
the questions. For space and everyone was connected listening, and getting all your
sake, I have omitted them. through the church, St. George work done correctly. She would
I paraphrase in places AME. We prayed all the time; red mark your papers as teach-
because I can’t type as fast when there was thunder and ers did in those days, and I
as either of us can talk! lightning, we said a prayer. knew my father wouldn’t have
- Sara Ford accepted those red marks!
Our grandparents were a lot
I was born in Milford, but my of fun. They didn’t have a lot I remember when I was some-
parents moved right away to of money, but they were hard where between 10-12 years old,
Lewes, my father’s birth and workers. My grandfather was my father was meeting in secret
home place. a waiter for 36 years at the with some white educators to
famous Corner Cupboard Inn, work on planning a nonviolent
Lewes was a positive communi- now demolished, in Rehoboth integration process in Sussex
ty in terms of Black and White Beach, and my grandmother County schools, and that was a
race relationships. Many of was a culinary arts person, no, no in the 1950’s. So unfortu-
the children played together; sought-after by every little nately, our family experienced
we went to each other’s hous- restaurant in Lewes and Re- a Ku Klux Clan cross burning in
es. Because of the Jim Crow hoboth and even Duquesne our yard. It was very traumatic
era, restaurants, churches and University. We had good food for both my brother and me at
schools were segregated. My when she cooked, and there such young ages. My father sat
father’s childhood friends were was always lots of laughter us down and explained it to us
with the Choreman family, to- during dinner.
day known for their crop-dust-
ing business, and the Britting- When I was 5, my father
ham family, who owned Lewes moved my family to Milton
Dairy. Lewes was a unique because he could buy land
town, partly because of the there and get us settled
integration of Black and White before I went to school. I
people on a personal level. And, went to 196-C, (C stood for
Colored), a two-room Dupont
school down the street from
my house. I knew how to
read and write before I went
to school, so I was somewhat

6 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

and emphasized that when we Henlopen High School who went gaining an emphasis in today’s
grew up, we had to be educat- on to become successful. They modern world. My job was to
ed so we could deal with hatred put Cape on the map with their prepare all students for a com-
and ignorance such as this. He successful academic and ath- petitive world. We taught crit-
told us to handle it with love letic performances. When Black ical thinking skills and valued
and intelligence. He didn’t gen- teachers started to retire, they creativity and each student’s
eralize it to all Whites either. In weren’t replaced, and that is worth. My students became
fact, we never grew up with the when a tremendous gap began successful citizens without all
idea that all Whites were full of to be noticeable. of the testing teachers have to
hate and out to do us harm. give today.
When I was a teacher, I instilled
I went to the William C. Jason in my multiracial student body AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Comprehensive High School, an that in order to move forward,
all-Black high school in George- you had to be educated. When Estelle Parker-Selby
town, now known as Delaware I first started teaching, I knew
Technical and Community Col- there was some doubt about Stell is currently running for Delaware
lege. Integration had occurred whether Black teachers could Representative of District 20. She is a
on the books earlier, but Sussex educate the White students. retired educator and administrator, who has
was slow to integrate. I grad- This attitude changed over touched the lives of many with her positive
uated from there and went on time. Teachers were able to and caring spirit.
to Delaware State College, now teach. We had proven ourselves
Delaware State University. in our education college class- Stell lives in Milton, DE.
es, and when we graduated, we
My family was so important to were prepared to teach.
the person I became. We were
a kind of Black “Leave it to I was tough presenting the
Beaver” family. We ate dinner academics, but I showed that
together; we prayed together; I cared for all of my students.
my father drove me to Lewes I didn’t see race as a barrier,
to play with my friends there; an attitude that seems to be
education was a priority for all
of us.

There was a time when approx- Interviewer’s Note:
imately 36% of Cape Henlopen
students were African Ameri- Stell radiates light and spirituality, a humbleness in
can, but the teacher population positivity, humor and relation to the “Universe.”
never matched the student openness. At the end of We are all children of “God,
population percentage-wise. our talk, I asked her how “ the “Universe,” whatever
African American role models she keeps her positivity, word one chooses to speak
were limited yet needed for all especially when our times of a greater power.
the students, no matter their feel so dark. She spoke about This faith underlies the way
family, the love and warmth she lives her life and the
race. Historically that was and she grew up with, and choices that she makes.
continues to be an on-
going discussion in the
education community.
In the 1970’s there
were many student
athletes from Cape

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 7

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Joseph Lawson

has been a social activist since high
school and served as the President of the
National Association of Multi-Ethnicity
in Communications which was devoted to
increasing the number of people of color in
the media. He is the proud father of 4 college
graduates two of whom live in Delaware.

Stell lives in Milton, DE.

Say No to Politicians Of those deaths, 135 occurred
that Will Not Protect Us in Delaware. Any death is a
tragedy, and although Dela-
By Joseph Lawson ware has so far been relatively
lucky as far as firearm-caused
deaths, how long will that luck
hold out without more restric-
tive laws on firearms that are
designed to kill people, such as
AR15-style rifles?

Child safety and indeed public to 21 and to limit the size of The pro-gun extremists make
safety start with the word NO. magazines that could be sold in flawed arguments, such as
We do not want to see a Uval- Delaware, it is not enough.  equating common sense gun
de, Buffalo, or Sandy Hook On the plus side, Delaware now safety laws with the end of
mass murder happen here in has the 12th most restrictive the second amendment or
Delaware. It is time to say no to gun laws in America. Neverthe- suggesting some far-fetched
politicians of any party who op- less, our laws would not have paranoia-fueled dystopian
pose even the simplest common prevented many of the 693 idea that such gun safety laws
sense gun safety laws, such as mass shootings that occurred in would lead to a mass seizure
stricter background checks, red 2021 in America. of law-abiding citizens’ guns.
flag laws and assault rifle bans. Even a first grader could tear
Although the Delaware legisla- According to USA facts, in apart such arguments! And
ture did pass laws this year to 2020, 45,222 people died from anybody who knows a person
raise the age to purchase a gun firearms in the United States. suffering severe mental illness
understands how dangerous

8 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

and ill-advised it is to put an It is time for us to make it a party. If the person in your party
AR 15 in his or her hands, re- priority to protect our children of choice will not commit to com-
gardless of age. and neighbors, not protect the mon sense gun safety laws, when
political power of our preferred election day comes, just say NO.
Meanwhile, politicians vot-
ing against gun reform collect Podcast Recommendation
millions in contributions from
the NRA. In turn, the NRA is This American Life
funded by the gun industry that
has made over 1.1 billion dollars Ep. 777, August 12, 2022
from the 11.5 million assault
rifles sold in the last 10 years. In this time of mass shootings own humanity.
The NRA’s financial backers say and individual killings, it is In this episode of This
they are working to protect the all too easy for the victims
second amendment. Common and murderers to slip into American Life, we meet,
sense gun safety advocates the category of the general. through stories told by some
believe that the NRA is just try- “Victim” merges into the who knew them, each victim,
ing to protect its billion-dollar category “victims”; murderer returning each one to his or
baby. If a few hundred kids die merges into its plural; mass her singularity, personhood
every decade as a result, shooting, its plural; hate crime, and humanity. This is an
so what? just one of many. episode that doesn’t allow us
to forget and simply move on.
Because the public has cried Most of all this generalization It connects us to each of these
wolf so long, politicians no lon- allows us far too easily to let go human beings and, in doing
ger believe us when we say we of the truth that each death is so, reconnects us to our own
are angry about the unneces- the death of an individual hu- humanity and the fragility and
sary deaths. They think they can man being, a person who lived wonder and value of each and
just “wait it out.” Let people a life, loved, sang, danced, every life.
blow off steam, and ultimate- argued, grieved, celebrated,
ly they will forget, so why do struggled, who had families,
anything? And they are right. friends, all people who are left
Our attention spans are short. behind. These generalizations
And so, we continue to vote for allow us to forget these devas-
them, even though as long as tating events, merge them into
we do, they are not going to one collective story that has
change. That puts our children become so familiar, so nor-
and the general public at large malized, we, bit by bit, in our
in ever-increasing danger. forgetting, lose a piece of our

If we want the laws to change,
we have to change the politi-
cians, regardless of party. And
the politicians who refuse to
support the 80% of Americans
who want common sense gun
safety laws must come to be-
lieve that if they do not change
their positions, they will be vot-
ed out of office.

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 9

The Golden-Stevenson Family Legacy
of Love and Educational Justice for All:

The Vision of Equitable Education in Sussex County

By Christy Taylor

The importance of love and
educational justice for all was
instilled in me from an early age
through stories about my great
great grandparents, my grand-
parents and my own parents.
Ours was a family bonded by
strong love and a belief in the
value of critical thinking, cre-
ativity, entrepreneurship, and
justice. Education based on
these values was central as the
means to both personal and
professional empowerment
and success.

Our mother, Alyce Gertrude Our father, Howard Carlton ried as young teens in Lewes,
Golden Stevenson, born August, Stevenson, was was born in DE. His educational journey
1929 in Philadelphia, PA, went August, 1929 in Georgetown, from attending the Richard
to the prestigious yet racially DE to parents who were mar- Allen School in Georgetown,
segregated Simon Gratz High
School in Philly, where she loved
learning science, math and
English fundamentals in writing
and where she quickly mas-
tered clerical skills. Yet, when
her name was called during at-
tendance and she replied to a
substitute teacher that she was
Alyce Golden, the teacher re-
plied, “Sit down. That’s not your
name!” These are the foun-
dational events that formed
my mother’s determination to
strive for educational equity.
She was tenacious and worked
up the ranks to EEO and then
Budget Analyst for Dover Air
Force Base and led as Minister
of Music at Calvary Baptist for
over 15 years.

10 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

DE to graduating from Howard between the business owners
High School in Wilmington, DE in the family, the teachers, and
required tenacity and a curi- the richly talented musicians,
osity that helped him become we could imagine the visions we
fully educated, despite the had for our future as possible.
logistical challenges of long
distance traveling. His parents’ As youngsters, we witnessed on the bus or in school involv-
goals for him went beyond the the pressures of nationwide ing any of us. There was an
limits of the unstructured high racial turmoil in cities during instance when my elder broth-
school curriculum offered at the mid 1960’s and desegrega- er Howard was called the “N”
the RAS. They sent him to live tion. These pressures influenced word. Our mother knocked on
with a pseudo family/friends our societal view, especially the family’s door and said, “You
to complete high school. After the impact of civil rights that see these 3 children? Don’t you
serving in the US Army during emerged along with our moth- ever look at them or speak to
the Korean War, he went to er’s narrative about “educa- them again, or you are going to
Barber school and had a year tional justice” as we watched in get my fury!”
of formal collegiate studies at real time the multiple assassi-
Temple in Philly, enhancing his nations of national leaders My educational memories begin
clerical skills. His eldest sis- on television. with looking up at Estelle Selby
ter, my Aunt Elyse Burney, was on the playground as a 5-year-
a teaching assistant at HOB I was blessed not to experi- old, and then having the one
Elementary school in Milton, DE ence direct racism; however, Black teacher, Martha Shockley,
in the 1960’s, where she provid- I watched it occur to others in second grade and then my
ed prideful witness to me as a more melanated than me. I also music mentor, Thelma Drain.
young child. Our Aunt Primrose, witnessed poor white children Without them, I wouldn’t have
who lived next door, always in my elementary years, who become a music teacher. These
kept a loving, watchful eye suffered daily bullying, jeering three leaders, who looked like
on us. She modeled the value and taunting. In the teachers’ me, were adults I trusted, and
of education when she went and bullying students’ minds, they, along with my mother,
back to school as an adult and these children were a blight gave me the confidence to
attained her educational goals. and a target. I remember one pursue my love of music as
My father’s brother Charles was girl in particular, Joy, whom I I moved through my Jr and
another talented musician, as tried to befriend. Alas, she had Sr. High school, sang in State
well as an inventor of mechani- difficulty trusting anyone. I am Choir, and learned the French
cal devices and the enchanting still haunted by her life journey, horn, trumpet and trombone.
uncle who loved to make us and wonder what became of I took their lessons as I moved
laugh. We heard stories about her. Did she stay strong and on to college and, in my senior
how famous Black recording fierce throughout her life? Did
artists, including members of she become a leader? Did she
the famous “Rat Pac,’ stayed finish her educational goals,
at my aunt’s hotel in George- despite pregnancy by perceived
town because they couldn’t rape/ incest when she was 14 -
stay at any of the hotels where 15 years of age. Are we respon-
they played in Wilmington. We sible for each other?
tried to comprehend why Black
folk couldn’t sleep in hotels In my formative years in the
where they were performing, Cape Henlopen School system,
yet another lesson to us about our mother immediately cor-
racial injustices. Nevertheless, rected issues of mistreatment

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 11

year, was the student director reminded me daily where I “You should recruit more white
and sang the soprano role of stood in leadership: all alone, students, minorities will be an
Susanna in Mozart’s Le Nozze not looking like anyone else. I embarrassment to the district.”
de Figaro. From there, I went witnessed how ignorance, big- Another painful statement was
to Morgan State University and otry, sexism, and racism chal- a comment made by a grand-
studied with the renowned Dr. lenged my sense of self-worth. mother of a high school singer.
Nathan Carter and achieved my I experienced countless micro This woman waited and ap-
Masters of Arts in Music. During and macro aggressive attacks proached me after the Christ-
my professional music career, against what I represented in mas concert, excited to tell me
my vision expanded. The choral music leadership to diverse how much she had enjoyed our
experiences, in particular, student populations. I was not choral concert. We had ended
helped shape my future music seeking validation from par- with a rousing Spiritual featur-
goals and develop lifelong ents or community but rather ing the tenors and baritones
relationships, especially my 12 acknowledgement that their in call and response style. She
years as choir director of Lewes children were gaining worth- said, “I really enjoyed your last
Presbyterian, during which I while music experiences under piece. It reminded me of the
initiated the Annual Christmas my direction. While teaching slaves on the plantation singin.”
Tree Lighting Ceremony in in a western Delaware middle
Lewes, DE. school, I shielded the children Now I have come full circle.
from hatred directed at Black I have owned Taylor Music
In my career teaching primary students. The language was Studios since 1983. There I can
and secondary grade students not veiled. In my first teach- follow my belief that “music is
in lower and western Sussex ers’ observation, the principal a healer” in our rural coastal
County, numerous incidents wrote as a recommendation: communities and have wit-

12 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

Children’s Book Recommendation:

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Daddy Will Fix It is a sweet,
positive book for both
Christy Taylor young children and adults.
It focuses on the loving
"I try to live life in a purposeful way, striving relationship between a
for excellence in creative arts by modeling father and his daughter,
compassion and love to all!" who is able to rely on her
dad to take care of things
Christy lives in Georgetown, DE. when they go wrong. The
illustrations, all creatively
nessed greatness in music from computer generated,
all ages and diverse back- are bright and colorful
grounds. I think of my family and reflect the loving
legacy of intelligence, ingenui- relationship between the
ty, self-preservation, and vision little girl and her dad.
for the future, each generation The language, in simple
building upon the last. Now, my sentences on each page, is
own daughters Mia and Victoria excellent for early readers.
are mothers of young children
in Sussex County schools. My
youngest, Mia, is a teacher in
Kent County.

We are all charged to life with Cindara Moore
purpose. I am so inspired by
Bryan’s words: Cinarda Moore is a local Delawarean. As well as being an author
and poet, she is a licensed pediatric nurse and has worked in
“Change the Narrative” various settings as both nurse and healthcare provider.
“Do Uncomfortable Things” Daddy Will Fix It is available on Amazon.
“Get Proximate” and
“Be Hopeful”. ago about how we planned to tional access, resources for all,
spend our time. We decided and restorative justice, so that
This is the vision of the Bry- then to embark on this vision, young minds never experience
an Allen Stevenson School of and our ancestors have led the mistreatment in education.
Excellence (BASSE) (to open way through their stories and
in Fall, 2023). It will serve as modeling, like in the scriptures Our mission is to educate great
a public charter school im- of Nehemiah: get prepared and minds to engage in social jus-
mersed in public service and complete the vision. tice and to nurture leaders and
learning. Our family is very warriors for the love of human-
excited! My cousin Dr. Teresa We take these lessons our fam- ity. We all have family experi-
Berry, a high school adminis- ily instilled in us, each inspiring ences like mine. Let’s encourage
trator in Dorchester County , the next layer of truth and jus- each other to be mentors, as
MD, and I discussed five years tice through equitable educa- were our family members.

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 13

BESSIE COLEMAN become a pilot, despite the prohibitions towards
Blacks and women in the field of aviation? Bes-
By Charlotte King sie Coleman was born in Dallas, Texas on Jan-
uary 26, 1892. The daughter of a sharecropper
SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA father and a domestic worker mother, she was
already 5-years-old when Amelia Earhart was
born in 1897. Unlike Amelia, Bessie lived with all
of the disadvantages of America’s legally sanc-
tioned system of segregation, deprivation and
oppression. Nevertheless, as a young adult, she
dreamed of becoming a pilot, to soar unfettered
in the sky, the only place where she could experi-
ence a real sense of freedom.

Coleman in 1923 Both Amelia and Bessie were rejected by every
flight school in the U.S., Amelia because she
Who is not familiar with Amelia Earhart, consid- was a woman, Bessie because she was a Black
ered to be one of the most inspirational Ameri- woman. Unlike her white counterpart, whose
can figures in aviation? Born in 1897 into a life family could afford the cost of early airplane
of economic and social opportunities and pos- experience and language preparation for
sessed of much determination and motivation, school in France, Bessie had to save funds for
she was able to become a female pilot. She is French lessons by working as a manicurist in
known throughout the world as a beloved histor- a Chicago barber shop. She finally went to
ical icon, an aviator pioneer who paved the road France and studied at the Caudron Brothers’
for other women to enter the field of aviation. School of Aviation. She received her inter-
Her legacy has been preserved through national national pilot’s license on June 15, 1921 from
recognition, literature, historical documents, and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale,
permanent memorials throughout the country. becoming the first African-American/Native
Her name is synonymous with all that is related American to receive a pilot’s license and to
to aeronautic exploration, including heroism, earn an international pilot’s license. Amelia
courage, bravery and daring. Earhart received her pilot’s license from the
same organization on May 19, 1923.
Who is familiar with Bessie Coleman, the first
African American/Native-American woman to In 1922, Bessie Coleman performed the first
public flight by an African American Woman.
Ms. Coleman, often affectionately referred
to as “Brave Bessie” or “Queen Bess,” became
known in America and around the world for per-
forming death defying flying stunts. To support
her dream of owning a plane and opening her
own flight school, Ms. Coleman gave speeches
and showed films of her air stunts in churches,
schools, and theaters, and toured the country
giving flight lessons and performing in flight
shows. She used every opportunity to encourage
African Americans and women to learn how to
fly. She performed for very large groups around
the country, and used her expanding popularity

14 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

to speak out against America’s racism. She A road at O’Hare Airport in Chicago is named
refused to speak or perform in any venue that for her, as is a public library in Chicago. In
maintained a segregated environment or 2019, the New York Times published an obitu-
discriminated against African Americans. She ary for the pioneering aviatrix in their “Over-
became famous and admired for her beliefs in looked” column.
racial and social justice, inspiring many to pur-
sue their professional dreams while maintain- In August, 2022, American Airlines honored
ing hope about acceptance and full participa- the 100th anniversary of Bessie Coleman by
tion in the American Dream. operating a flight out of Dallas with an all-
Black, all-female crew. The Airline stated in its
Bessie Coleman died tragically at just 34 years news release, “She bravely broke down barri-
of age during a test flight on April 30, 1926. We ers within the world of aviation and paved the
can assume that Ms. Coleman was known and path for many to follow.” The release noted,
admired by many people, even if her death and however, that Black women are still greatly
life preceding it were not covered by the white underrepresented in the aviation industry,
press. An estimated 10,000 people attended currently making up less than 1% in the com-
her funeral in Chicago, Illinois. The service was mercial airline industry.
performed by Ida B. Wells-Barnett, a famous
civil rights activist. To this day, the Challeng- Bessie Coleman’s life and achievements offer
er Pilots’ Association flies over Ms. Coleman’s us encouragement: Barriers can be overcome,
grave on the anniversary of her death. Though and dedication, perseverance, and belief in
late in being honored and recognized as a oneself are the determinant factors in realiz-
brave pioneer aviator, Ms. Coleman received ing our dreams.
many rewards following her death.

The United States Postal Services issued a People to Know, Things to See
stamp in her honor in 1995, 69 years after her
untimely death and 37 years after Amelia Ear-
hart received similar recognition.

Ms. Coleman was inducted into the National
Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Na-
tional Aviators Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2014,
she was inducted into the International Air
and Space Hall of Fame.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Among some 24 books featured in the History Book Festival, which took
place on September 23rd, Zoe Sivak’s “Mademoiselle Revolution” tells
Charlotte King the story of a biracial heiress who escapes from Haiti to Paris during the
French Revolution.
Charlotte King is the Founder and Chair of the Southern Delaware
Alliance for Racial Justice. She is a retired social worker and ther-
apist, and a passionate advocate and champion of racial justice.

Charlotte lives in Lewes, DE.

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 15

Co-Opted: racial groups, across socio-economic strata,
across a multitude of cultural backgrounds and
How Extremists Can Turn included many non-Christians. I am indebted to
a Democracy into a Toxic all of them.
Theocracy
I learned that redemption can only come from
(One Christian’s view of Christian Nationalism) God. I came to know that the price for redemp-
tion is to intentionally live a better life. The debt,
I am a Christian. My family is overwhelming- however, can never be fully repaid. Despite the
ly Christian. I believe in God. I believe that odds against us, we must continually give our
Christ died for my sins. I believe that if I best: To continually Love, continually Trust, con-
live my best life, by God’s grace, I will tinually Hope, and continually Believe.
one day see Him face-to-face. In these
things, I will not, can not equivocate. That’s why I’m perplexed by the Christians
who claim to “…love God who they have not
As a child, I attended Mt. Zion AME seen but hate their brother who they have
church. It wasn’t until I was twenty and seen.” (1 John 4:20 (NIV)). Who say they
incarcerated in the Youth love Christ, but hate other Christians. Who
Center (aka, Morris Cor- declare themselves to be the arbiters of
rectional Center) that I
was baptized when Rev. righteousness and holiness,
Rudolph W. Coleman, but whose actions are so
then pastor of Mt. Zion, diametrically in opposition
arranged for a kid’s pool to be to these qualities. Who
brought into one of the classrooms. As promulgate false doctrine
I recall, so many members of Mt. Zion and profanity.
were in attendance, it was standing
room only in the small classroom. This We’re In The Upside Down
“great cloud of witnesses” watched as I They say hate is love. They say thou shall kill.
was received into the redeemed fel- They say thou shall steal. They say adultery
lowship, the body of Christ. They knew is OK (or at least excusable). They say idols—
that Jesus’ love is not limited; for- graven or otherwise—are OK. They say that
giveness is free even for those who are neither repentance nor forgiveness is neces-
locked up; salvation is possible for ALL. sary. They abhor respect for those in author-
That’s the Christian message. ity, unless they are in authority. They reject
Micah 6:8’s definition of goodness which is “...
to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk
humbly with thy God… .”

Mine is a redemption story, redemption History is replete with examples of profiteers,
that would not be possible without an on- politicians and potentates who, with ambi-
going, ever-growing, ever-strengthening tion and personal enrichment as their only
relationship with a supreme and supreme- guidepost, bent, rewrote or ignored rules.
ly loving God. Furthermore, that redemp- And religion was often the vessel they used to
tion would not have been possible without the justify their moral flexibility. Their faith was one
multitude of Bible-believing Christians who ex- of convenience rather than commitment. They
emplified the love, patience, and forgiveness that were not Christians; they were opportunists.
resulted from their own salvific relationship with
God, through Christ. These were men and women, Christian Nationalism?
boys and girls from across denominations, across Christian nationalism is the latest rendition of all

16 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

of the above. In a series of 1950’s speeches, Gerald mate in racial degradation”
L.K. Smith, the National Director of the Christian ■ Decried the use of federal troops to enforce
Nationalist Crusade and acknowledged founder of
the movement, expounded: civil rights actions and argued against the
Federal government’s authority in public
“The motive behind the term Christian nationalist school desegregation
is easy to interpret. We believe that the destiny ■ Advocated for states’ rights over Federal au-
of America in relationship to its governing author- thority in the enforcement of civil rights
ity must be kept in the hands of our own people… ■ Promoted anti-Semitism
We must keep control of our own money and our ■ Argued that “the vitality of the white race
own blood.” and its commitment to the Christian religion
constitutes the strength of what we call Western
He continued, “…Subversive forces exploiting sen- civilization.…”
timental nitwits are reading into the constitution
(“All men are created equal,” etc.) a code of conduct Christian Nationalists co-opt the Christian message,
which threatens to mongrelize our racial self-re- mold it to their need, and shape it in their image.
spect and enslave the white man….” And then, reimagining their version of God as THE
God, they posit a theocracy that rules with a ruth-
Smith’s xenophobia was revealed in his reference to less ferocity, with absolutism born of self-righteous-
“blood”. The blood of “white” persons was some- ness and a sense of moral superiority that results
how different from and superior to the blood of all from self-identifying as “God’s Chosen.”
other humans. The term “racial self-respect” was a
dog-whistle for “racial segregation.” The irony of this position is that its foundation was
written thousands of years before the white/Eu-
Smith continued, “…fight mongrelization and all ropean ascendency to the world stage. The Bible,
attempts to force the intermixture of the black so relied upon by Christian Nationalists, described
and white races…”. (Intermixture referred not just God’s relationship with the people of Africa, the
to racial marriage but to all areas of life, political, Arab Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Southern
societal, educational, etc.) “…Preserve America as Europe, even describing those indigenous to the
a Christian nation being conscious of the fact that area as God’s chosen. Although Northern Europe-
there is a highly organized campaign to substitute ans were not included in the text in ANY significant
Jewish traditions for Christian traditions…” way, they insist that their claim to exceptionalism is
found in the Bible.

Further, in his 1958 book, “Matters of Life and I am not oblivious to the historical abuses and
Death: A Handbook for Patriots dealing with the misuses of the Christian message. As a Black man
issues on which America will rise or fall,”[sic] Smith: in America, I am painfully aware how cultural,
financial, and personal ambition can overwhelm
■ Described interracial marriage as, “The Ulti- the spiritual compass that leads to the revelation

Continued on Page 19 ➜

Did you know?

…that Michael Jackson sang about institutional racism, stirring up a lot of controversy 17
at the time. This video uses his song to explain the devastating cycle created by
systemic racism. Thanks to the Racial Equity Challenge series, sponsored by United
Way of Delaware and the Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative, for including the
video in day one of this quarter’s challenge. Watch Here ➜

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

SPOTLIGHT ON

Southern Delaware Alliance
Education Committee

The mission of SDARJ’s Educa- The African American Achieve- humanity as a whole, therefore
tion Committee is “to collab- ment Campaign partners with increasing the success rates of
orate with students, schools, local schools to identify and rec- all groups. I am a student on the
and the Sussex County com- ognize students for excellence Racial and Social Justice panel
munity to promote a shared in citizenship or academics. The where we discuss troubled areas
understanding of the history of recognition includes awarding a within our district and solutions
racism and the urgency of racial gift certificate and book pre- on how to further improve our
justice, in support of the larger sented by the SDARJ Education community.  One of the most
SDARJ mission.” Committee in partnership with pivotal solutions we came up
Browseabout Books.  with led to the commemora-
Its goals are to: 1)  Offer en- tion march honoring civil rights
richment workshops for youth This year the Education Commit- activist John Lewis.  The nonpar-
and award scholarships to local tee Charlotte King Scholarship tisan walk across the inlet Bridge
Black/African American students program moved to electronic marked the anniversary of the
with concern for advancing the applications and increased the 1965 march across the Edmund
cause of racial justice; 2) work di- award to $1000 per recipient. To Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala-
rectly with Sussex County schools receive a scholarship, students bama.  The march truly epito-
and teachers to help develop submit an application that in- mized my reasons for fighting
curricula that equitably repre- cludes an essay about why they over and over for racial justice:
sent the history, achievements, value working for racial justice students of all different back-
and contributions of Black/Afri- and how the award will benefit grounds marching toward the
can Americans; and 3) engage their educational journey. The idea that although progress
the community in discussions of Committee selected eight dis- has been made since the 60’s,
racial justice and equality. tinguished students from across advocates such as myself are
Sussex County. In Volume 4 of still walking for full equality
The Book and Film Group reach- Black Voices, Tia Jarvis, one of the and for eliminating the sup-
es out to the community in part- recipients, wrote a moving and pression of voters and preserv-
nership with the Lewes Public thoughtful article about the “de- ing our democracy.”
Library to offer hybrid in-person pletion of our democracy.”  She
and online monthly discussions also wrote strong answers to the “Becoming a recipient of the
of books and films on topics two questions, excerpted below. Charlotte Kings Scholarship [can]
relevant to SDARJ’s mission. The assist me in the ability to study
Education Committee develops “Advocating for racial justice is a the major of financial business at
and offers educational modules topic of importance to me be- an HBCU.  By doing so, I will ac-
on topics related to antiracism. cause it unifies communities by quire the ability to set myself up
This summer it partnered with closing the gap between white for a life I have always wanted. 
the Dagsboro Boys and Girls Club people and people of color. Coming from a childhood where
and used these modules with a Instead of focusing on race, the our household income was con-
group of middle school students. focus shifts to how we can better sistently irregular, I have always

18 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

Continued from Page 17 ➜

Anjolie Suberro Ashlynn Toppin of our better angels. And I am painfully AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
aware of the ways in which ecclesias-
Nicolas Francois Trinity Harris tical authority has often been used to Dania Griffin
accomplish illegal, immoral and horrific
outcomes. Dania Griffin has served as
pastor of Antioch AME Church
This does not change the fact that the in Frankford, DE, since 2014.
Christ of the Bible exemplifies Love. In He’s an avid comic book,
1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul said sci-fi, and history enthusiast.
that love is patient, kind, NOT envious, He’s also an accomplished
NOT boastful, NOT proud. It does NOT songwriter. While he likes all
dishonor others, is NOT self-seeking, is genres of music , his songs
NOT easily angered, keeps NO records of can best be described as
wrongs, does NOT delight in evil. It re- Spiritual/Gospel with a R&B &
joices in good. It always protects, always Country twist.
trusts, always hopes and always perse-
veres. This is still the Christian message.

I can find neither Christ nor Christian in Dania lives in Frankford, DE.

“Christian nationalism.” Theirs is not the

Christ I met in Sunday School at Mt. Zion

AME church. Not the Christ who received

me when I was baptized. Not the Christ who shepherded me

Tyler Maltbie Tia Jarvis through many of my trials and tribulations. Not the Christ who

sheltered and continues to shelter me. Not the Christ I studied in

seminary. Not the Christ I have preached on Sunday mornings for

wanted my career to place me in a more than two decades. Theirs is not Christianity.
situation where financial instabil-
ity is never an issue.  As for career In Closing
goals, I’m a young Black woman Martin Niemoller, an early 20th century Lutheran pastor who
who sees herself climbing my way first supported then later became an outspoken critic of Naziism,
to the top three to five percent of offered these words as a warning to all of us:
executive positions within corporate
America.  My end goal is to become “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—be-
a familiar face in most households cause I was not a socialist
and thereby increase representa-
tion for young ladies of color every- Then they came for the trade unionist, and I did not speak out—
where.  I believe that in supporting because I was not a trade unionist.
me you are supporting the right
person to absorb knowledge and Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out
impact the world for the better.” —because I was not a Jew.

This fall, Tia and the other schol- Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak
arship recipients embarked on the for me.”
first leg of their journey, enrolling
in various colleges. Tia is enrolled Once again they are coming. If you are the only one left stand-
at Delaware State University. ing, who will speak for you?

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 19

How You Are Seen

is How You Are… Treated

By Iyanna Mims

Imagine a concept so corrupt that skin tone should not be overlooked or negated. It is essen-
dictates whether or not one deserves a chance tial to recognize the extent to which this
at life. Imagine a hatred that runs so deep that racially motivated violence has enough influence
individuals commit heinous acts because of the to reshape minds. It is not and should not be
color of their victim’s skin. normal to witness such gruesome events, espe-
cially when the sufferer shares your skin tone.
By definition, race is a way to categorize a
group of people through their appearances. This vicious cycle of racism is not a natural in-
While the concept of race should be a beautiful stinct, nor a survival tactic. It is a taught be-
way to celebrate our differences as one people, havior. Sadly, however, this cycle thrives in our
it has instead been used as a motive to unjustly society, exacerbated and normalized and de-
separate and target specific groups. Racially structive. It is a threat that looms over many
motivated violence is the largest occurring hate innocent lives, undeserving of such cruelty. Will
crime category by far in comparison to other there be a change?
motives, including gender identity, religion, and
sexual orientation. Following the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric
Garner in 2014, multiple movements have been
This violence has unjustly ended and abruptly initiated on small and large scales to address
changed lives for a multitude of Black people this issue, one being the Black Lives Matter
across our nation. Specifically, African Ameri- movement which has become nationally influ-
cans are the target of hate crimes motivated by
anti-Black bias 56% of the time. Moreover, these
hate crimes targeting Black individuals have
increased in recent years.

Violence is not only affecting African Americans
physically but also scarring them emotionally in
the process, especially the youth. It is incredibly
unsettling how accessible depictions of violent
crimes are across the internet. With the conve-
nience of social media and technology, it has
become disturbingly easy to scroll across a
graphic video of police brutality and other
violent attacks.

Just in 2020, following the death of George
Floyd, timelines across Facebook, Instagram,
TikTok, and even Snapchat were filled with vid-
eos of him taking his last breath under the knee
of a police officer. The impact of this new reality

20 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

ential. In 2020, following the death of George Video
Floyd, these protests increased. Nevertheless, Recommendation
the racial violence continues. Regarding this
indisputable pattern, you have to ask yourself,
when will this end? Or even better, is there an
efficient solution when one’s complexion is
inevitably perceived as a threat?

There seems to be none, unfortunately, because
how you are seen is how you are… treated.

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Empathy: The Human Connection
to Patient Care — Cleveland Clinic
Iyanna Mims
Although this is a video set in a hos-
As a senior at Woodbridge High School, Iyanna is heavily involved pital among patients, it is ultimately
in numerous team sports and extracurriculars, including Varsity a story about empathy. It moves us
Volleyball and National Honor Society. In her free time, she enjoys to feel the meaning inside the saying
art, literature, and other creative outlets. about “before you judge, walk in
another person’s shoes.”
Iyanna lives in Bridgeville, DE
Perhaps practicing this kind of aware-
ness and empathy even a moment
or two a day is the most healing and
impactful action we can take to break-
ing through this wall of hatred and
anger and selfishness we find
ourselves in today.

Watch
the full
video here

https://youtu.be/
cDDWvj_q-o8

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 21

Together, We Can End Racial
Disparities in Maternal Health

By Sen. Marie Pinkney Let me be clear: our nation is Black babies are nearly three
currently failing all expecting times as likely to die before
While the United States was mothers. As the only “devel- their first birthday as white
founded on the principle of all oped” nation with no paid babies, while half of all birth-
men being created equal, we parental leave policy, a wide- ing parents who die during
know this nation has never truly spread lack of maternal care childbirth are Black, despite
treated all of its citizens equally. providers and very little support accounting for only a quarter of
Far too often, women in America for new mothers, we have the all births.
today – particularly women who single highest maternal mortal-
look like us – are still treated far ity rate with two-thirds of the This disparity isn’t caused by the
differently than men and our 700 pregnancy-related deaths color of our skin. It’s caused by
white female counterparts. that occur in the U.S. each year the disparity in how we are treat-
being entirely preventable. ed because of our skin color.
Perhaps nowhere are those
disparities starker than when But there is no question that Thankfully, a record number of
we look at the grave inequity the main driver of those horrific Black women were elected to
in outcomes between women statistics is race. the Delaware General Assem-
bringing white and Black chil- bly since 2020, and they are
dren into this world. Here in Delaware, for instance, stepping up to take action. I

22 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

joined my colleague and friend Thanks to the help of my good are leading to our deaths and
Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, who, friend Sen. Sarah McBride, we the deaths of our children are
like me, works in the health- also reduced the time frame unacceptable. Individually and
care profession, in securing the for infant blood screenings and collectively, we must refuse to
successful passage of six bills passed legislation to make Del- accept them.
aimed at improving maternal aware just the 12th state in the
health outcomes for all women, nation to offer workers up to Stand with us and demand
but especially Black women. 12 weeks of paid parental and better from our hospitals, our
medical leave. doctors and our medical pro-
Affectionately referred to by fessionals. Push for reforms
our fellow legislators as the While these are all critical that will end racial disparities
Momnibus package, these bills reforms that will help to reduce in maternal health. Help each
were recently signed into law the deadly disparities that we other find doulas and midwives
by Governor John Carney. all know exist in the healthcare who will help to advocate on
profession, our work is far our behalf.
They will extend healthcare from complete.
coverage for low-income fam- Our lives – and the lives of our
ilies through the first year of And we can’t do it alone. babies – depend on it.
motherhood, create mandatory
bias and cultural competency Black women have been forced AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
training for all healthcare pro- to learn how to navigate in
fessions, and require our state’s a world that is unfair, unjust Marie Pinkney
leading healthcare agency to and inequitable. We are also
produce a plan for providing expected to teach our daugh- Sen. Marie Pinkney represents the 13th
low-income families with free ters, our sisters, our aunts and District, which stretches from the Christiana
access to doulas. yes, even our moms how to River south to Red Lion Road and encom-
navigate an unfair and ineq- passes dozens of neighborhoods along U.S.
They also improve the way we uitable health care system as Route 13. A social worker/case manager
collect and review childbirth we continue to demand better at Christiana Care, she became the first
data to better recognize racial for ourselves from systems that LBBTQ+ person of color ever elected to the
disparities, identify solutions, were never designed to operate Delaware Senate in 2020. She currently
and mobilize our healthcare in our best interest. chairs the Senate Corrections & Public
professionals to address them. Safety Committee.
We must continue to teach
And they protect some of the each other how to advocate for Senator Pinkney lives ini Newark, DE.
most vulnerable mothers in our ourselves. We need to encour-
state by preventing correction- age and help each other to ask
al officers from putting preg- questions and to demand an-
nant women and new mothers swers. And we need to hold the
in restraints and guaranteeing door open for one another when
pregnant parents in our we find the strength to walk out
correctional system access to when a doctor isn’t listening.
midwives and doulas.
The health disparities that

For More Info: 23

To learn more about the multiple pieces of maternal and infant health legislation
signed by Governer Carney, scan the QR code or visit: https://news.delaware.gov/

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

On the Brink of a
Modern Civil War

By Aa’Khai Hollis

Before reflecting on the pres- free.” But America has never Many in the U.S. would rather
ent, we must first seek to been that promised land; it has put Black history under a mi-
understand the past. The date never given minorities a chance croscope and ban it from being
was April 12th, 1861, the day at progress and relief. taught than take a step back
the Civil War began. The battle and realize the country where
between the United States and Basic human rights laid the minorities have worked so hard
the Confederacy was a battle foundation of this country. Yet, to earn a seat at the table is
like none before. Citizens who many American citizens treat crumbling. It's a slap in the face
ethically should have been these rights as if they are just a and a show of disrespect for all
able to live together couldn't piece of paper. In the wake of the pain and suffering our an-
because of enslavement, injustice in America, the Su- cestors went through to give us
which led to war. Racial issues preme Court overturned Roe V. the country we have now.
still cause tension between Wade, defying women's rights,
the right and the left and are taking away women’s choice Delaware has taken some pos-
amplified because of modern- to make decisions about their itive steps like passing HB-198,
ization, society’s standards and health and survival. This Su- which mandates Black studies
social positionings. Wars are preme Court decision, much in the K-12 curriculum. Also, a
now fought with modern-day like many decisions, proves that cohort of youth advocates are
technology, and attack strat- America is moving in reverse hosting Black Student Summits,
egies evolve to fit the current rather than driving forward to which foster Black leaders in
social status. becoming a peaceful country. Delaware’s schools. The country

The United States is heading
towards a civil war, one aimed
at the eradication of ethnic
and color minorities. To say
the least, minorities have been
brutally murdered and taken
advantage of for centuries.
This situation has gotten worse
because of social media and
the election of Donald Trump
as President in 2016. These two
factors have triggered citi-
zens to pick a side and refuse
to budge, which increases the
divide in America.

The nation seems to be regress-
ing rather than progressing,
losing instead of gaining. It's
disheartening that minorities
live in a country that was once
thought to be “The land of the

24 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

People to Know, Things to See

A peek inside the African
American Museum of Black
History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is
a Smithsonian Institution museum located on the National Mall
in Washington, D.C., in the United States. It was established in
December 2003 and opened its permanent home in September
2016 with a ceremony led by President Barack Obama.

needs more states to start ini- this country seems on the brink AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
tiatives like those in Delaware of a modern-day civil war, one
to counter legislation that sup- that would look different from Aa’Khai Hollis
ports the banning of teaching the Civil War taught in U.S.
Black History. history. Nevertheless, states Aa’Khai Hollis is a Freshman at Bowie State
and citizens can take steps to University Studying Biology(Pre-Med) but
This country has too many stop this progression toward has a love for writing. He is originally from
first-hand accounts of injustices civil war. There isn't always a Wilmington, Delaware an Alum of St.Georges
against people of color, includ- middle ground and place of Technical High School.
ing the brutal killings of George common understanding. It’s a
Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud risk we take living in the “land Aa’Khai lives in Bowie, MD.
Arbery, Sandra Bland, and so of the free.” Citizens must start
many other beautiful Black to lead by example. It is time
lives. With all the injustices to stop turning a blind eye to
and wrongful profits that some this country’s wrong doings and
Americans have experienced hold America accountable.
due to the actions of others,

Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022 25

People to Know, Things to See

Black Women First State Corn & More, with its custom-made corn roaster, is
in Business now open outside Rehoboth Beach, off Route 1. It’s a family-owned
business. Pictured are (l-r) Desiree Robinson, owner Kathryn
The DD Entrepreneurial Foundation an- Robinson, Riana Willis, Damian Robinson and owner James Petion.
nounced it will soon open applications for a CHRIS FLOOD PHOTO
new grant program to support future fe-
male entrepreneurs and business leaders. First State Corn & More
The foundation will provide start-up capital
to new businesses and grants to existing Looking to bring a new food offering to the
businesses led by female entrepreneurs Cape Region, Kathryn Robinson and her
and fund entrepreneurial opportunities for husband James Petion opened flame-roast-
young women via education and intern- ed First State Corn & More. Located off
ships. $20,000 in funding is available for Route 1, in the parking lot behind Chick-
three grant finalists. A Grand Prize recipient fil-A, First State Corn offers fresh-roasted
will receive a $15,000 grant, a Runner-Up corn eight different ways, including cobless
will receive a $3,000 grant, and a Second in a cup. In addition to corn, the roaster
Runner-Up will receive a $2000 grant. The is great for baked potatoes, which is why
annual grant program is funded by proceeds Robinson also offers eight flavors of loaded
generated from the sale of DD Project Wines. potatoes plus uinque, daily specials.

DD Project Wines, a purpose-driven We are excited to be partnering with
non-profit, created in loving memory of the United Way of Delaware and Dela-
founders late mother, Diane Rizzo (Dick- ware Racial Justice Collaborative,
erson), a trailblazing entrepreneur and and we thank them for their generous
co-founder of the Capriotti’s Sandwich contribution to Black Voices.
Franchise. An organization with strong local
roots, currently, a Pinot Grigio, Rose, and
Cabernet are sold exclusively in liquor stores
and restaurants in the state of Delaware.

Black-owned businesses and women of color
are encouraged to apply.
Applications opened November 1st, 2022
and close March 1st, 2023. Businesses must
be majority female-owned and must al-
ready be duly organized.

To learn more and submit an application,
visit ddefoundation.org

26 Black Voices | Vol. 5 | November 2022

“ Fear and anger are
a threat to justice.
They can infect a
community, a state, or
a nation, and make us
blind, irrational, and
dangerous.”

BRYAN STEVENSON,
JUST MERCY: A STORY OF JUSTICE AND REDEMPTION

OUR GOAL:

To educate, inform and

advocate for racial justice

and social equality for all.

What We Do: • Regular Commentary on Individual and
Systemic Racism in local papers
• Dialogue to Action
• Legislative Advocacy • Supplemental Educational Modules on
• Monthly Town Hall Meetings Black History
• Student Scholarships
• Book Club • African-American Film Festival
• Go West (in Sussex County)
• Youth Ambassador Program • Public Speaking Engagements
• Higher Education for Incarcerated Regarding Racism

Individuals • Special Forums on Racial Justice Issues

Visit www.sdarj.org for more info.