Sexual Identity? Racial Identity? Does It Matter?

Composed and posted on June 16, 2015

Rachel Dolezal, just resigned as the President of the Spokane NAACP, essentially because it has been revealed that she is a white person who self-identifies as being black.  If a man can self identify as being a woman, is there a reason why a white person cannot self identify as being a black person?  Does it matter any more?  Isn't the most important thing what is contained in the person's heart?

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Health Initiatives of Local YMCAs

Composed and posted on June 15, 2015

For those interested in "acting locally" to make a difference, I offer the role that organizations like the local YMCAs can do.  Here is a recent New York Times article on such work, including a profile of the work done by my local YMCA.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/15/the-y-m-c-a-s-work-outside-the-gym/?_r=1

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

In My Younger Days

Carol,

In my younger days, I might have argued that the name of the college should be changed.  Given my Native heritage, I might have even wanted to change it back to an "Indian" name.  But I am not that young anymore.  

These days, it is the best I can do to merely "support" the actions of others ... when those actions make sense to me.  With regards to changing the name of the mascots, I think it is a teachable moment (if done appropriately) that can foster a better understanding of other cultures.  I certainly think it can make one pause to think about whether every Amherst student should be indoctrinated by singing a song that historically is not true.

However, whether the mascot is changed or not will not cause me to lose any sleep.  As you and I both know, there are more important things to do in this world than to fret over a college mascot.  For me, on today's agenda, is getting home by 7pm tonight so that I can sneak onto my local golf course and play six holes while watching the sun set.  That is my highest priority for the day.

Skip

________________________________________________________________________________________

Subject: Re: Lord Jeffrey Amherst

Do you feel the name of the college should be changed? Why or why not? 

Carol
__________________________________________________________________________________________

I have been following the debate about the retention of Lord Jeffrey Amherst as the College's mascot with some interest.  Initially, I had ambivalence about the retention.  Now, after reading the various posts, I find myself being inclined to support the perceived initiative of the current administration to change the mascot.

By way of background for this position, I should point out that I was born in Oklahoma and like so many African Americans from Oklahoma, I have Native American (more specifically Cherokee) blood coursing through my veins.  In learning about my Cherokee heritage, I learned a great deal about how my Cherokee forefathers came to be in Oklahoma. You can read about some of the history yourself at   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears

In light of the recent discussion, I ventured on to Wikipedia and read what it had to say about Jeffrey Amherst.  You can read it yourself at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffery_Amherst,_1st_Baron_Amherst

While the Wikipedia article does not conclusively say that Amherst engaged in using chemical warfare against the "Indians", it certainly indicates that he was generally supportive of the idea.  And most importantly, it gives credence to the fact that Amherst was not the benign general that I once so proudly sang about.  You may remember this song...

Amherst Song

Amherst Song

Lord Jeffrey Amherst was a soldier of the king
And he came from across the sea,
To the Frenchmen and the Indians he didn't do a thing
In the wilds of this wild country

But for his Royal Majesty he fought with all his might
For he was a soldier brave and true
He conquered all his enemies whenever they came in sight
And he looked around for more when he was through.

On Amherst, Brave Amherst
'Twas a name known to fame in days of yore
Reign ever victorious
Till the sun shall climb the heavens no more.

It once was so much fun to sing this song.  But, over time, and with a growing awareness of the good general's war time activities and relations with the "Indians", I no longer feel comfortable in heartily saying "To the Frenchmen and the Indians he didn't do a thing".  Of course, Amherst is the name of the College and it might seem odd to not have the College's namesake be the college mascot. However, I am also aware of the stance

that the Indigenous Americans have taken with regard to Columbus which led to many communities and states no longer recognizing Columbus Day.  See

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_Peoples%27_Day

I also am aware of what happened in South Africa, after the end of apartheid with regards to the renaming of cities and places that had been formally named for apartheid leaders, so, for me now, the issue of the changing of mascots is not a "foreign" idea.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_placename_renaming_in_South_Africa

In conclusion, I am inclined to agree with the changing of the college's mascot and even it's signature "fight" song.  Indeed, in light of the town's two most famous authors, I would suggest that we consider calling ourselves the Amherst "Poets".  

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Class of 1975

Lord Jeffrey Amherst

Composed and posted on June 12, 2015

I have been following the debate about the retention of Lord Jeffrey Amherst as the College's mascot with some interest.  Initially, I had ambivalence about the retention.  Now, after reading the various posts, I find myself being inclined to support the perceived initiative of the current administration to change the mascot.

By way of background for this position, I should point out that I was born in Oklahoma and like so many African Americans from Oklahoma, I have Native American (more specifically Cherokee) blood coursing through my veins.  In learning about my Cherokee heritage, I learned a great deal about how my Cherokee forefathers came to be in Oklahoma. You can read about some of the history yourself at   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears

In light of the recent discussion, I ventured on to Wikipedia and read what it had to say about Jeffrey Amherst.  You can read it yourself at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffery_Amherst,_1st_Baron_Amherst

While the Wikipedia article does not conclusively say that Amherst engaged in using chemical warfare against the "Indians", it certainly indicates that he was generally supportive of the idea.  And most importantly, it gives credence to the fact that Amherst was not the benign general that I once so proudly sang about.  You may remember this song...

Amherst Song

Amherst Song

Lord Jeffrey Amherst was a soldier of the king
And he came from across the sea,
To the Frenchmen and the Indians he didn't do a thing
In the wilds of this wild country

But for his Royal Majesty he fought with all his might
For he was a soldier brave and true
He conquered all his enemies whenever they came in sight
And he looked around for more when he was through.

On Amherst, Brave Amherst
'Twas a name known to fame in days of yore
Reign ever victorious
Till the sun shall climb the heavens no more.

It once was so much fun to sing this song.  But, over time, and with a growing awareness of the good general's war time activities and relations with the "Indians", I no longer feel comfortable in heartily saying "To the Frenchmen and the Indians he didn't do a thing".  Of course, Amherst is the name of the College and it might seem odd to not have the College's namesake be the college mascot. However, I am also aware of the stance

that the Indigenous Americans have taken with regard to Columbus which led to many communities and states no longer recognizing Columbus Day.  See

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_Peoples%27_Day

I also am aware of what happened in South Africa, after the end of apartheid with regards to the renaming of cities and places that had been formally named for apartheid leaders, so, for me now, the issue of the changing of mascots is not a "foreign" idea.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_placename_renaming_in_South_Africa

In conclusion, I am inclined to agree with the changing of the college's mascot and even it's signature "fight" song.  Indeed, in light of the town's two most famous authors, I would suggest that we consider calling ourselves the Amherst "Poets".  

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Class of 1975

The Counted

Composed and posted on June 5, 2015

For the first time, an investigative journalism project has begun to gather statistics associated with police killings.  The statistics and the stories behind the statistics are compelling and, for those who are participating in the debate, are worth knowing ... and sharing.  Please see

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2015/jun/01/the-counted-police-killings-us-database

and

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/18/police-killings-government-data-count

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

DuBois' Credo or Affirmation of Faith

Composed and posted on June 4, 2015

My previous post had some typos in the DuBois' Credo.  This one is cleaner.

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins

Class of 1975

DuBois' Credo or Affirmation of Faith

New York -- October 6, 1904

 

I believe in God who made of one blood all races that dwell on earth. I believe that all men, black and brown, and white, are brothers, varying, through Time and Opportunity, in form and gift and feature, but differing in no essential particular, and alike in soul and in the possibility of infinite development.

Especially do I believe in the Negro Race; in the beauty of its genius, the sweetness of its soul, and its strength in that meekness which shall inherit this turbulent earth.

I believe in pride of race and lineage itself; in pride of self so deep as to scorn injustice to other selves; in pride of lineage so great as to despise no man's father; in pride of race so chivalrous as neither to offer bastardy to the weak nor beg wedlock of the strong, knowing that men may be brothers in Christ, even though they be not brothers-in-law.

I believe in Service--humble reverent service, from the blackening of boots to the whitening of souls; for Work is Heaven, idleness hell, and Wages is the "Well done!" of the Master who summoned all them that labor and are heavy laden, making no distinction between the black sweating cotton hands of Georgia and the First Families of Virginia, since all distinctions not based on deed is devilish and not divine.

I believe in the Devil and his angels, who wantonly work to narrow the opportunity of struggling human beings, especially if they be black, who spit in the faces of the fallen, strike them that cannot strike again, believe the worst and work to prove it, hating the image which their Maker stamped on a brother's soul.

I believe in the Prince of Peace. I believe that War is Murder. I believe that armies and navies are at bottom the tinsel and braggadocio of oppression and wrong; and I believe that the wicked conquest of weaker and darker nations by nations white and stronger but foreshadows the death of that strength.

I believe in Liberty for all men; the space to stretch their arms and their souls; the right to breathe and the right to vote, the freedom to choose their friends, enjoy the sunshine and ride on the railroads, uncursed by color; thinking, dreaming, working as they will in a kingdom of God and love.

I believe in the training of children black even as white; the leading out of little souls into the green pastures and beside the still waters, not for pelf or peace, but for Life lit by some large vision of beauty and goodness and truth. . . .

Finally, I believe in Patience--patience with the weakness of the Weak and the strength of the Strong, the prejudice of the Ignorant and the ignorance of the Blind; patience with the tardy triumph of Joy and the mad chastening of Sorrow--patience with God.

Mak'hela at the Yiddish Book Center

Composed and posted on June 3, 2015

One of the benefits of getting a bit older is the tendency not to rush.  Indeed, these days I find that lingering can be a beneficial activity. Such was the case on Sunday. As my classmates and roommates, departed to catch flights home or to return to home nearby in preparation for the coming work week, I decided to linger in the Pioneer Valley to visit one of my favorite places, the Yiddish Book Center at Hampshire College.  The very existence of the Yiddish Book Center is a remarkable tale. It appears that the desire of a graduate student (and former Hampshire College graduate) to find some Yiddish books to read for his graduate studies led to a poster plea to the neighborhood community for Yiddish books and the neighborhood community responded with an avalanche of books ... an avalanche that ultimately led to the creation of the Yiddish Book Center.  You can see the story behind the Yiddish Book Center at

https://www.youtube.com/user/yiddishbookcenter

As chance would have it, last Sunday, Mak'hela, the Jewish Chorus of Western Massachusetts, would perform.  And, by coincidence, the first song that Mak'hela would sing was "Hinei Mah Tov".  The interesting twist for me was that Mak'hela would sing "Hineh Mah Tov" not just in Hebrew but also in Luganda. According to the program notes, "In 1918, Semei Kakungulu, a Ugandan man who had previously been exposed to Christianity brought by missionaries, converted to Judaism and encouraged his entire village to follow suit.  This group, known as the Abayudaya ("Children of Judah"), has flourished and grown to a community of more than 3000 believers."

I looked up the Abayudaya in Wikipedia tonight

    

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abayudaya

All of this was very interesting to me, but the message of the song seemed rather appropriate in light of the way the Reunion Week went.  For it appears that the message of the "Hinei Mah Tov" is "How good and pleasant it is for brothers and sisters to sit together in harmony."

How good and pleasant it was indeed.

Peace,

Everett "Skip" Jenkins