Volume 4 Issue 45…Dedicated to the Dialogue on Race…November 16, 2001

 Note: The DISH is based on themes from T.H.I.N.C. (Teaching Humanity In New Consciousness): The Chrysalis of Evolution. According to the President's Initiative on Race, "The issues that this book brings to the forefront are important in our efforts to achieve the goals set forth by the President for the Initiative. This work will serve as a solid resource for us as we begin to examine these critical issues." For your copy of T.H.I.N.C., The DISH or to submit comments, contact ICIM, Inc. at (404) 244-6023. The DISH © 2001

by Carl A. Patton

For black Americans born between 1930 and 1960 and grew up in urban areas, Big Ralph: Reflections of a Black Police Chief is a stroll down memory lane. Ralph Henry Cothran's early childhood and adolescence detail their experiences with Jim Crow segregation and racial discrimination. Educated in Chattanooga, TN segregated schools, Ralph lived through efforts at integration following the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954). He witnessed the destruction of what had worked for black communities in the name of desegregation, rather than genuine efforts to provide all children a quality education.

While Brown outlawed the 'separate but equal' doctrine of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), which reaffirmed American commitment to the first law of the land- Article 1 Section 2 of the United States Constitution- integration efforts were met with white resistance and frustration. Equalizing resources to assure parity was never entertained as a solution to racial discrimination in public education. White flight worked to minimize any real integration in Ralph's hometown. There are school systems today, like DeKalb County, Georgia, where black and white schools are funded differently, and busing to desegregate is a dead issue.

Ralph was the "good black." Intelligent, he knew his country's history, yet, he wanted America to be "home of the brave and land of the free," where justice and equality included the black family. Only, like all good blacks that struggle to realize the American dream, he learned that the 3/5 Compromise lives. Sanctioned by law and fed with racist attitudes, glass ceilings break the backs of blacks and stop their climb up the ladder of corporate America. Big Ralph is the side of America's story rarely told; it is a refreshing look at America's history from a uniquely black perspective. Email Big Ralph inquiries to Calpatton@aol.com.

A Bit of History

In 1947, American urban areas began the arduous task of integrating law enforcement agencies. The Atlanta, Georgia police department's experience in integration is a microcosm of the experience of blacks in police departments across the country. Kevin Griffis' look at Howard Baugh, Sr.'s experience in Atlanta reflects Ralph Cothran's experience in Chattanooga, TN. (See Kevin Griffis- kevin.griffis@creativeloafing.com- "Pension with Prejudice," Creative Loafing, 10/9/01 and Carl Patton's Big Ralph: Reflections of a Police Chief)

Racism was overt. Black men were lynched for minor or imagined offenses. Black cops could not use the same locker rooms as white cops. In Atlanta, black cops dressed at the black YMCA, rather than the police station. Black cops could not carry weapons or ride in patrol cars with white policemen. According to Griffis, "Black police officers were not allowed to arrest white suspects. The police chief himself was an unabashed member of the Ku Klux Klan." Black cops lacked any real authority; integration was purely cosmetic.

The first and second wave of black police recruits that integrated urban police departments are now eligible for retirement, if they survived the employment. Cothran in Chattanooga did not enjoy retirement, the job and lifestyle killed him. "Baugh, a veteran of Iwo Jima, "took it (the blatant racism) in stride, telling himself, "Be patient. Hold out." After 24 years on the job, Baugh stopped holding his breath and retired. However, he still must live with the economic fallout from past racist policies, which reduced his retirement income. Baugh and other blacks were excluded from joining the tax-funded police pension plan, so a black cop's monthly retirement check is much smaller than a white one.

Disgruntled says: Even as a candidate, President-select Dubya jawboned down the economy. Recession makes his right wing agenda plausible. With low expectations all around, the media made Dubya's appearance of success believable. As the economy tanks, Bush Architects of the New World Order give new meaning to voodoo economics. All things considered, these evildoers wreak a lot of havoc.

Disgruntled feels: Negroes are drowning in blues! A black woman with yellow hair won the Atlanta mayoral election without a runoff, pending a recount. Less than 100,000 people voted in the city too busy to hate. Apathy reigns supreme among blacks in the home of Booker T. Washington, where, according to the late Rev. Hosea Williams, "this plantation is filled with Uncle Toms and Aunt Tomasinas!" That's depressing! Hum!

Disgruntled wants to know: If Dubya's approval rating is in the high 80% range, I will eat my biggest hat. In half an hour, name the time and place, and you can pour on the hot sauce when I devour felt, straw or some other material! But first, you must scientifically explain how Bush can enjoy a high approval rating and be losing the propaganda battle in his war on terrorism?

by Dot

Since 9-11, our in-box has been inundated. Thanks to all our readers for the valuable insights on subjects as diverse as the conflict of interests posed by resident George Bush's closest advisers and family members, particularly former president George H.W. and James Baker. Board members of the Carlyle Group, they are posed to gain tremendously from a protracted engagement in Afghanistan, especially if they can control the oil and gas output. The Bush clan's connection to Nazism eugenics, gas and plastics, through Prescott Bush's WW II banking connections scream news, but the media are silent. As we digest and investigate more, we will share what we discover. Keep communicating!

While the box is full, we have yet to receive answers to questions raised by the proposed expansion of Seminole Landfill and the Snapfinger Creek Waste Treatment Plant in South DeKalb County, Georgia. All is silent from our elected representatives. Not a peek in answer to our questions! New issues have cropped up, but the unresolved old ones continue to be unresolved as far as the community is concerned, but the plans to increase the funk goes forward without a hitch. Indeed, no one has expressed an interest in pursuing DeKalb environmental racism in court. At least with a court challenge, we show we are serious in our opposition to the racist placement of funk factories in our neighborhoods. It is time to act! T.H.I.N.C. about it!

When George W. Bush was installed as president of the United States by the Supreme Court, the world lowered the bar on American democracy, in much the way the media downsized expectations of Bush's intellectual abilities during the presidential campaign and afterwards to make his lack of gravitas appear normal for a leader of the 'free world.' His C performance gets a B because his opponent is considered inferior or he is simply 'naturally' superior. Either way, Bush gets a bye all over the place. Hence, the international community, the people, not their leaders, are even less enamored of George W. Bush, the son, than they were before the 9-11 destruction of the New York World Trade Center and plane crashes in Pennsylvania and Washington.

Unlike former President Bill Clinton, George W. does not draw adoring crowds when he visits foreign countries. Instead of huge crowds that cheer, protestors jeer, hiss, boo and burn him in effigy. Without question, he is losing the propaganda war on terrorism. His most recent actions helped cemented feelings throughout the Third World community and across the European Union. Worse than his bum-rushed decision on stem cell research, Bush brought the world face to face with the twin evils of war - death and destruction. In a nuclear age, world war cannot be entered lightly, indeed, armed conflict should be avoided for the sake of humanity. Bush is destined to lose the war of words, since the path to peace is paved with diplomacy, not war and hostility.

A public school student, the Dark Knight-Batman/White Ninja/Zorro is on a tight schedule. He has no time to engage in idle conversation. When asked for comments this week, the Dark One/Ninja/Zorro said, "Grandma, I have three words for you. Leave me alone!"

At historically black Tennessee State University and other black colleges struggling to achieve diversity, "minority students with a 2.5 grade point average and a 19 average, out of a possible 36, on the ACT attend for free." This means whites can attend Tennessee State for free with a C average. At the same institution, a black student needs a 3.0 and an ACT of at least 21 just to be considered for a scholarship." (Janita Poe, jpoe@ajc.com Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 11-4-01)

At historically white institutions, such as the University of Georgia at Athens, the court struck down a diversity plan that gave minority black students with B averages and above average SAT scores half a point on the school's Total Student Index (TSI), which is used to determine a small portion of each freshman class. To achieve diversity, free admission is not used to attract and retain black students with C averages at these public institutions. At the same time, white students enjoy legacy status, which translates into points on the TSI. Because blacks were not allowed to attend these historically white institutions, primarily white students receive the preference afforded by their legacy status.

The difference in treatment accorded white and black students in white and black institutions' under the auspices of achieving 'diversity' screams racism and reeks of inequality. Obviously, the diversity plans approved for black institutions view them as inferior to white ones. As a black American, it is unacceptable that white students are perceived as superior such that a white student's C equals a black student's B. White students that are mediocre among their racial peers become superior among blacks at historically black colleges. The thinking that produced this dichotomy in how black and white students at historically black and white public universities are viewed is grounded in white supremacy. Sanctioned by the courts and supported by local, state and federal governments, it is racism at its ugliest, yet, it is acceptable based on the country's first law (Article 1 Section 2). Sadly, the Booker T. Washington brainwashed talented ten percent at these black colleges accepts this inequality.

Blacks must have better than average SAT scores and grade point averages at historically white universities, plus they must pay tuition. These schools do not award scholarships to mediocre black students in the name of 'diversity.'

A review of the differences in approaches used to diversify black and white public institutions of higher education follows the racist pattern Carl Patton identifies in his book Big Ralph: Reflection of a Black Police Chief Patton debunks the whole notion of school integration and desegregation. To highlight the blatant hypocrisy found in both efforts, Patton quotes former Georgia state legislator Julian Bond, "America gave birth to the rhetoric of democracy while it breathed life into what became institutionalized racism." Such hypocrisy shapes the approaches taken to 'diversify' American higher education, while assuring racist inequality.

DISHing It Up Hot!

by Dot

I love the ocean. Oceanside is a great place to mediate and reinvigorate. Like the mountains, these natural creations telegraph man's insignificance, as though most of us need reminding that we are powerless. Especially now, the reminder comforts, giving us reason to hope, even when the situation seems hopeless. Their presence says something bigger than you and I works to control this sphere. And, because there is something bigger, we can hope it is kinder than man is to man.

Imagine Osama bin Laden or George Bush ruled the universe? It would belong to men who feel slavery is in the black man's best interest, and a woman's place is in the kitchen. Perhaps, it is the fear that mankind's destiny rests in these hands that drives many to church on Sunday and so many more to seek solace in mosques, cathedrals and synagogues on days they are empty.

Too often, Sunday preachers sound like fanatics beseeching God's blessings while praying hired assassins successfully complete their missions to destroy the terrorists and/or infidels that are less than human, and therefore unworthy of the cloak of human kindness and compassion. This lack of humanity is vividly expressed in a newspaper's editorial page cartoon in which a young person begs for dialogue with an exterminator ready to kill terrorists that look like cockroaches. Man has reduced his fellow man to the status of insects, fit only for extermination. We need the clarity of the ocean.

Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Atlanta, GA 30303

Sir:

Accepting the proposition, the most pressing problem facing Atlanta is economic prosperity and in recognition of the Chamber's theme "Common Ground for Uncommon Growth" for its 142^nd Annual Meeting, I would like to acquaint you with the Atlanta Vibe and how this proposition reflects our dilemma. My name is John Burl Smith; I am part of Atlanta's spoken word community, a consortium of Atlanta artists and entrepreneurs. We are looking for ways to access the resources of Atlanta, while seeking information about contact people and ways to participate in the economic life of Atlanta.

Specifically in 1996, young artists searching for a broader expression than "hip hop" began performing at open mics. A new genre, "spoken word" allowed artists to develop unique styles to deliver their messages. Grass-root's interest in poetry grew, as spoken word artists invested their resources in products that presented their work in a variety of formats (featured performances, concerts, books, plays, compact discs, videos, etc.). Now, five years later, spoken word and poetry are the hottest new entertainment venues in America, and the Atlanta Vibe is at the top of the charts. Atlanta's spoken word entrepreneurs are on the cutting edge of an emerging performance venue with economic potential that rivals its progenitor "hip hop" for entertainment dollars.

Unfortunately, the business community in Atlanta is either uninformed about or unwilling to embrace an entertainment genre the rest of America is racing to develop. Russell Simmons' recent pilgrimage to Atlanta is the clearest testimony to the Vibe's phenomenal growth. After appearances by two explosive Vibe artists from the CD MoorEpics Slam Team 2001, Georgia Me and Abyss on Def Poetry Jam, Simmons said during his celebrity weekend in Atlanta October 19-21, 2001, "I had to spend the last three days checking out Atlanta artists." While promoters outside Atlanta are coming from near and far to check out what local poets are doing, local business people have provided absolutely no development support for black artists trying to carve out a niche in Atlanta's entertainment future.

The Vibe's dilemma involves more than receiving art grants. According to the Chamber's own estimate, art and entertainment are vital parts of the economic life of Atlanta and produce more than a billion dollars each year for its economy. If that perception is a genuine reflection business leaders recognize, then this inquiry should be received as a positive overture. Given the possible impact on the local economy of a deepening international economic downturn, Atlanta's future economic decline, in term of loss of tourism and convention business, looms large.

Strictly from an economic point of view, the Chamber should be asking the question, "How does a city replace mounting economic losses?" Here, germinating in their midst are potential jobs associated with the emerging market of spoken word. Those interested in promoting Atlanta as a tourist mecca should see the same benefits associated with the Atlanta Vibe Russell Simmons and others recognize. Spoken word entrepreneurs are already investing resources to build venues and promote products, but to prosper, as your Annual Meeting theme suggests, we need the Atlanta business community to provide an infusion of capital to stimulate growth.

Local artists are looking for ways to interest local investment in local efforts which will produce local jobs. This dialogue is not about handouts; it is about participating fully in the economic life of Atlanta. We are asking Atlanta's business community to invest with spoken word entrepreneurs as it does in others pushing projects that create jobs and increase tax revenue for the metropolitan Atlanta economy. The spoken word community is attempting to establish a dialogue so that together we can write an end to the story of neglect and discrimination spoken word artists and entrepreneurs have endured since 1996. Atlanta's economy and image are large enough to accommodate participation by all.

I hope we can work together to make the economic promise that is Atlanta a reality for a broader segment of its community and, in the progress, grow spoken word. I eagerly await your response to this call for action and hope you share my sense of urgency in preventing a steeper economic decline for segments of our community that can ill-afford a deeper recession. Please accept my thanks in advance for your most needed assistance in putting us in touch with the right people to make prosperity happen. John Burl Smith John 2001

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