Monique W. Morris - Author, Scholar, Social Justice Advocate

A Presidential Address to Remember

Administrator — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:28:20 +0000

Last night, at the 2009 NAACP’s Spingarn award ceremony where Julian Bond was awarded the “gold medal” for his efforts to advance civil rights, President Barack Obama spoke eloquently and passionately about elevating standards for African American children. He began with comments that reflected upon the “structural inequalities” that plague our pursuit of justice for all and that contribute to a society in which African American and Latino communities are less likely to be employed, more likely to receive a substandard education, and more likely to be imprisoned. Noting that we have to break down these barriers in order for “every child” to succeed, he also reminded us that we cannot use these inequalities as “an excuse.” In his words, we have to “turn off the X-box and put our kids to bed at a decent hour.” I know that’s right, Mr. President!

It is always important to acknowledge the fact that adults often struggle with transfering something to children that they don’t have themselves. In other words, it is hard for a mother with no ambitions to inspire her child to do better, but it can be done. Our goals should never be limited by only that which seems possible. My own mother used to tell me, “I don’t care what you do, just be the best at it” and though she didn’t have a college degree at the time, it was always expected that I would have one. Sometimes, we have to take it a little higher–elevate the standards for ourselves and our children–so that what might seem impossible now can become achievable after all, with some dedication, focus, and tools (e.g. education). I’m inspired, Mr. President. I hope others are as well. Thanks.

A Centennial Convention with Justice on the Mind

Administrator — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:17:46 +0000

More than five thousand NAACP activists in New York, and today was quite a day! For me, it was filled with highlights. Among the leading events was a press conference that I shared with actor Jeffrey Wright, who was gracious enough to share his experience with law enforcement to help launch the new reporting technology that we are unveiling through the NAACP website. In fact, our developing framework around shifting the public discourse from being “tough on crime” to being “smart on crime” was somewhat of a theme for the day–at least for me. Benjamin Jealous, the President and CEO of the NAACP, even let a few tears flow as he described how painful it is to watch innocent people die because of racial bias in the justice system. Then, later, an amazing panel that consisted of San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, Georgia Supreme Court Justice Robert Benham, Isis Sapp Grant, Rob Carmona, Ethan Nadelmann, and Dr. Stephanie Bush-Baskette–all deserving leaders in the criminal justice world–shared a stage to discuss their vision of “smart and safe” justice. They were thoughtful and engaging. Check the NAACP website in the next few weeks to watch a video of the session.

This was all particularly moving because this morning, the New York Times announced that African Americans are four times as likely as their white counterparts to be unemployed in New York City. As Professor Charles Ogletree said earlier this evening, “criminal justice is an economic issue.” Indeed, he said “civil rights are economic issues”–ones we will need to continue to focus on and elevate if we are to rise from mire of injustice.

I’ll be here all week…sharing what I can, when I can.

REPORT INCIDENTS OF POLICE MISCONDUCT TO THE NAACP!

Administrator — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:16:49 +0000

Around the country, incidents of police misconduct are under-reported. While there are many law enforcment officers and leaders who care deeply about ensuring public safety in a fair and equitable manner, there are others who abuse their power. Victims and witnesses of police misconduct and abuse can now report their incidents online–and include any video and audio associated with the incident-to the NAACP. Data will be collected and shared with the local branches of the NAACP, as well as to federal and state-level policymakers who are responsible for policing policy, training, and standards.

We need an accurate account of incidents that occur in our communities in order to be effective advocates for change in policy and practice. This effort is about making our communities safer. Let’s be a part of the solution.

For more information, please visit the NAACP.

Tired of Tired Ol’ Jokes

Administrator — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:49:10 +0000

A few days ago, a Republican legislative aide in Tennessee circulated an e-mail containing a presidential collage in which President Obama was represented by two bulging, white eyes staring out from a black square. Just eyes–without a face, without a sense of humanity–harking back to the dehumanizing void that once dominated art that depicted African American people. This is supposed to be funny?

And then there’s the comment made by William Brunson “Rusty” DePass, Republican activist and former Chairperson of the South Carolina State Election Commission, who referred to an escaped gorilla from a local zoo as the ancestor of Michelle Obama. (Sigh) As we used to say in middle school, this is so funny, I forgot to laugh. (UPDATE: DePass issued an apology)

I find it sad that in our modern society, where there is access to so much information that could inform an intelligent debate, we’re stuck with the same, lame, tired racial slant to a critique of our nation’s political leaders. The problem, of course, is that these aren’t jokes. They’re just hate speech and propaganda.

Ten years ago, I attended a conference in Alabama, declaring that the old South was gone and that the new one was ready to embrace a racial inclusiveness that rejects the restrictive, unproductive and often racist (or at least racially insensitive) practices of the past.

Well, it seems there is more work to do.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has seen an increase in the development of white hate groups since Obama has taken office; and there are reported incidents from other sources–including local NAACP branches–that suggest a still divided nation. Though we aspire to be the “Great American Melting Pot” that was once the subject of children’s cartoons, we’re still a gumbo–and only a mediocre one.

You see, gumbo is delicious when its cooked right. When the chicken compliments the crab and the shrimp accents the okra, and they are enhanced by the file-flavored roux, then we can have the best damn gumbo there is!

We have the ingredients, now let’s move the haters out of the way so we can get to work.

Congratulations, Achievers!

Administrator — Mon, 25 May 2009 15:43:32 +0000

May is time for more than just Spring Cleaning. It is also a time to celebrate! As young scholars toss their graduation caps in the air and celebrate their journey toward the next phase of their lives, I just want to offer my best wishes. And to my baby sister, Yvette, who just graduated from a conservatory of music, I send a special note: I know your voice will ring louder than a roaring sea–sing your song!

Despite my ridiculously busy schedule, I was fortunate to participate in a few of these celebrations. Here are highlights from some of the events I attended this month:

May 1st- East Kings County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated their 2nd Annual White Tie & Tiara event, where Brooklyn’s Youth Empowerment Mission and Girls Inc. were honored for their outstanding service toward the healthy development of our young girls. Everyone looked beautiful and it is always good to share in the celebration of sisterhood!

May 2nd- Eighth Annual Freedom Weekend in Detroit. People might say a lot of things about what’s happening in Detroit right now, with the auto industry and mortgage crisis taking their toll–but the commitment to the pursuit of social justice remains strong. Congratulations to Rev. Wendell Anthony and the Freedom Institute for another great weekend of “edutainment”–education for the mind and entertainment for the soul. Can’t wait until next year!

May 19- The DuBois Circle, founded 103 years ago in honor of Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, celebrated another successful year of service and intellectual development in Baltimore. Thank you for the warmth you showed to this California native. The next phase of our journey in this movement toward human rights will indeed be worth celebrating–I can feel it!

Congratulations to all of you achievers–now let our work continue!