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  Posted By:
  pkstripes at 04/05/2008 8:13:49 AM
  Comment:
  Compare/contrast Mrs. King and Mrs. Kennedy. Both tragedies, of course. Peer closely behind the veils, and this article resounds with significance.
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  Posted By:
  doghouse at 04/04/2008 11:46:25 PM
  Comment:
  I was born in the 1950's and remember my mother being so mad and upset, I just knew it must be the end of black people. My teacher tried to explain to us why so many black people felt so helpless. I finally understood my mother's pain. I understood her dislike of other races. I didn't dislike white people because there were none in my neighhood. I only saw them on our trips down town when we shopped. To day I think Martin Luther King would be happy and sad. Sad at how much lack of respect our children have, how they know nothing of how we are got here and how our parents laid there lives on the line for us. He would happy to see how for we have come as a race. How we have young children as it really is and what to make a difference.
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  Posted By:
  The Vernon at 04/04/2008 11:34:25 PM
  Comment:
  God Bless You.
  
  It is time for us as black woman to let go of the veil of the "Strong Black Woman." This unwelcomed characterization of black woman has kept us from reaching out for help as we die silently under the burden of the image of strong black woman.
  
  At the age of 40, I carry the undubious title of "strong black woman." I don't hold this title in high esteem. It feels more like a burden than anything else. Clearly we don't have permission to feel weak, depressed, overwhelmed, sad, on the verge of a nervous breakdown or anything like that because then those who look to us for guidance, counsel and support might be forced to see that we are a person just like them - Insecure, vulnerable, afraid and looking for peace.
  
  Thank God I have Jesus. If it were not for my relationship with Jesus, my husband and my ministry, I would be a basket case.
  
  Pastor Susan Johnson Cooke refers to us a "Pothole Sisters" we take the bumps and bruises and keep moving. By the time we totally crash, the repairs that need to be done are costly and far more extensive than if we would have come in for repair at the first sign of trouble.
  
  I do not believe that as black women we are looking for anyone to throw us a parade but we must find a better way to support one another. We must give each other permission to " fall apart" for a minute and know that someone will help us pull it back together after we have had a good cry or have taken a mental sabbatical for an hour or two.
  
  Terrie Williams just released a book entitled "Black Pain." I have not read it yet but I am sure that it will speak to the need for restoration and renewal.
  
  
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  Posted By:
  tiredjournalista at 04/04/2008 11:13:23 PM
  Comment:
  This piece was commendable but reflects a continued conservatism that is not serving black people. The author does not get to the heart of the matter until graf nine. No disrespect, but most of us know all those facts and figures by heart. Why not look into the five women of color who were shot dead at the Post Office near Santa Barbara the week Mrs. MLK died. The media couldn't have cared less. Even The New York Times buried the story for days as it unfolded. Or what about the classic image of Rosa Parks that has been co-opted by Target Take a look. Also, I think it is condescending for us as black women to speak for black men, and god knows the reverse is true. It is time we started to speak up and loudly for our wonderful selves.
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  Posted By:
  kmwhite at 04/04/2008 7:34:31 PM
  Comment:
  Thank you so much Ms. Harris-Lacewell
  
  As I write this comment, my face is full of tears because I have tried to educate my two youngest sons at home on the significance of MLK's sacrifice. I am a single black mother who has raised my four sons (older 2 are in the Navy) for the last 10 years without any help from my ex-husbands (black men), I am graduating with my Master's Degree on May 1st with a 3.7 GPA from UCF. I have worked full-time, extra jobs and gone to school full-time for the last 7 years. I am hurt, crying and disappointed that my sons would not want to nor care to read brief summaries of the Forty Years of History as it relates to MLK and where we are today when they have witnessed the attacks on me as the 1st African American Female Sergeant in a police department in GA. and the sexual harassment by my boss (a white male) in very recent years. It hurts me but I take part of the blame because I have given too much and they do not understand what it means to do without. Their older brothers suffer from institutional racism in the Navy and email me constantly for support. Thanks be to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Author and Perfector of My Faith. God is and always will been my refuge. In times of rejection from the ex-husband to the men who now try to degrade me by pressure to give up my love with no commitment. We have to make this personal in our universe in that we have a moral, social and spiritual obligation to MLK, Jr. and ourselves to do what is right. But with no knowledge, there will be no change. I say don't get angry; GET EDUCATED. Love yourself enough to want to be a better person and live above the influence of the dysfunctional games we have allowed ourselves to play with each other and the rest of the world.
  To God Be the Glory
  Karen
  karenwrqba@gmail.com
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  Posted By:
  Ann at 04/03/2008 10:06:10 AM
  Comment:
  Thank you, Ms. Harris-Lacewell.
  
  The so-called BC cares very little for the needs and interests of millions of black women and girls. Black male patriarchy has destroyed just as many black women and girls as has white supremacist racism.
  
  If not for the tremendous love and support from the constantly attacked and belittled black woman, many black men would not be where they are today.
  
  All the Blacks Are Not Men. . . .
  
  But, Many of Us Black Women Are Still Brave.
  
  And we are sick and tired of being considered "strong" mules for the BC.
  
  We tire, we become exhausted, we are just as vulnerable as all other human beings in this world. We are not "strong" unfeeling robots.
  
  We ARE humans with the same feelings as other people.
  
  The saddling of the Myth of the Strong Black Woman has just about killed us: psychologically, physically, emotionally.
  
  If black women can address and see the many needs/interests that black men have, is it too much to ask that black men have the backbone to do the same for black women?
  
  As much as many black men and the so-called BC hate to admit it, black women carry the black race MORE than do millions of black men.
  
  Time for the BC to care about ALL of its members instead of constantly favouring one (black men) over the other (black women).
  
  Ann
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  Posted By:
  glrichards at 04/03/2008 1:21:40 AM
  Comment:
  Yes, your comments about "the strong black woman" is oh so very true. Going on 65 and your summary brings real tears. Thank you.
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  Posted By:
  furumoto at 04/02/2008 3:02:32 PM
  Comment:
  Thank you Professor - I have been engaged in women's health and health disparities research for over a decade now. In studies of women's heart disease and hypertension, African-American women's *** cancer, HIV-AIDS, diabetes and everything in between, I've seen what you speak of written onto black women's bodies and lives. You issue a call for what needs to be done as eloquently as any I've heard.
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  Posted By:
  ch555x at 04/02/2008 8:17:28 AM
  Comment:
  stay strong!!!
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  Posted By:
  mike at 04/02/2008 7:43:13 AM
  Comment:
  Great article Melissa.
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  Posted By:
  rebeccawalker at 04/02/2008 1:47:39 AM
  Comment:
  Great post.