This incident is more evidence of an increasingly less “post-racial” society and a sad testament to the unwillingness of some people to grow. We are human beings, less defined by any biological “racial categories” than our own ideas about them. While it is easy to dismiss the bigoted comments of Keith Bardwell–the justice of the peace who denied the license–as idiotic, antiquated, and racist, it is also an opportunity to remember that public officials often make decisions in their professional capacity that reflect their individual biases.

“There is a problem with both groups accepting a child from such a marriage,” Bardwell is quoted as saying. “I think those children suffer and I won’t help put them through it.”

“The children” have often been the scapegoat for a racist frame around love, but as the wife of a biracial man, having grown up with a biracial best friend and several bi- and multi-racial friends in the diverse San Francisco Bay Area, I can tell you that “the children” are just as well adjusted as any of us are in a racially-stratefied society filled with people who think and act like Bardwell. Those in their right mind understand that love has no race…people barely have one.

Stop hating, Bardwell, and practice the justice mandated by federal law, not that of your narrow, personal perspective.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

While we all recognize that a symposium is but only a first step toward reducing racial disparities, it was great to be a part of this initial phase. Led by officers and law enforcement executives who understand that the discretion they hold is one of the most powerful and key indicators of disparity in the justice system, this effort could go a long way. Law enforcement decisions on who gets issued a warning or who gets arrested, where officers are dispatched, who gets asked to stop, and who gets searched, among others, are all important to determining who enters the justice system, and who doesn’t. As such, law enforcement agencies are key partners in any quest for equal justice.

And with a history tainted by abuse and misconduct, and a contentious relationship with the communities of color in Oakland, it took special courage for Oakland’s Police Department to step out and say, “we can do better.” But they are not alone. Just as DMC is not caused by one entity, it takes more than one entity to reverse the pattern.

A lot more must be done to achieve “Justice for All,” but Oakland’s Police Department and their partners should not give up the good fight. This is a step in the right direction and I, for one, am glad they took it.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

“No, baby…your school scheduled it during working hours, and I am presenting at the Congressional Black Caucus at that time…I’m sorry, baby,” I said.

“Who is Congressional Black Caucus?” she asked in her sweetest, five-year old voice.

I laughed, relieved that she seemed to understand the demands of the working mother. I explained to her about the U.S. government and its legislative branch. It was the most elementary version of social studies I could muster.

She nodded, as if she understood and then asked, “Well, then…what are you going to say?”

Hmm, I thought. I’m presenting a brief overview of the history of African American wealth accumulation and denial, as a precursor to a discussion about subprime lending and other practices that have denied wealth or directly correlated with a loss of wealth to African Americans…

How do you explain that to a five year old?

“Mommy’s going to talk about how hard it has been for African Americans to own a home and why that’s important,” I said. It was the best I could do, as I walked her into her preschool.

She nodded, somewhat satisfied. Lucky for me, she quickly became preoccupied with discovering what each of her friends was wearing for “picture day.”

It was nothing more than a moment in the day of the life of a working mom…Of course, there’s a lot more to the story of African American wealth accumulation and denial.

If you are in Washington, DC and planning to attend the 2009 Congressional Black Caucus conference, stop by the session being convened by Congressman Al Green, from the Ninth Congressional District in Texas. Details are noted below:

Congressman Al Green
“Stolen Legacy: How Racial Government Policies Denied African American Wealth”
Washington Convention Center
801 Mount Vernon Place, NW
Friday, September 25, 2009
12:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Admission is free and open to the public

Serena is a powerful, passionate tennis player. She’s fought to be a major contender in tennis and won many battles–including 11 Grand Slam titles. But this one, she was losing to Kim Clijsters. Then, there was the call. Then the snap.

Should Serena have been more professional? Yes, but she wasn’t. She blew up. She screamed and yelled many in sports before her–like the celebrated Bobby Knight. Like John McEnroe. Is it because she is a woman that her tirade seems more offensive to some?

Serena lost her good sportsmanship, her temper, and the match. No doubt, these were mistakes, and she has to pay–$10,500 to be exact. However, the talks of a potential ban are simply outrageous. While the Grand Slam Committee has the authority to strip Serena of her total prize for the tournament and her ability to compete in future tournaments, I hope they do not.

The mistakes that cost her a match should not cost her an amazing career. People should have the right to redeem themselves–especially in sports.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

“Monique,” she said, “The water is polluted in Dixon. The officials warned the White residents, but they didn’t say anything to the Black ones, and now people are getting sick. Sometimes we have a hard time sharing with you just how much race is still a factor for us…”

She didn’t have to explain at all, really. Being from the Bay Area–where toxins pollute the Bayview/Hunters Point area of San Francisco and petrochemical plants poison the air of thousands of children in the East Bay–I know all too well the environmental justice issues that plague our communities.

Still, in Dixon, TN, where the Holt family drank water contaminated by the Dixon County Landfill for 12 years, the situation is dire. The family is sick and in need of a strong community voice not only against the injustices of environmental oppression, but also the opportunity to promote sustainable communities through “green” strategies and a ban on dumping. A “Justice for Dixon” rally is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2009 to help raise awareness about the prevalence of the injustice against families like the Holts, who continue to live in unsafe–even toxic–environments, not abroad, but right here in America.

For more information on “Justice for Dixon” contact Pastor Jerry Jerkins (Tennessee Missionary Baptists Convention) at info@jerryjerkinsministries.com or Jimmie Garland (Tennessee NAACP State Office) jimmie.garland@hotmail.com.

Resources

“Poisoned Water, Government Response, and Race”

“Dickson County, TN – Toxic Terror in a Tennessee Town”