Dexter's Vantage Point!

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. My holiday was special this year because I unearthed some information I didn’t know about the Thanksgiving. My findings made my holiday very satisfying. Last week I was thinking to myself how Thanksgiving was rapidly approaching. I knew it’s celebrated every fourth Thursday and saw it was November 27th. So I wondered why is Thanksgiving celebrated every fourth Thursday of November. After some researching not only did I find the answer to my question I found much more. First off, a man born in 1715 named John Hanson declared every fourth Thursday Thanksgiving shall be celebrated. There’s more. Hanson was the first President of the United States, not George Washington. Also, if Hanson were alive today he’d be considered an African American thereby making him the first African American President of the United States. Some may wonder, ‘How can this be true if Africans were entrenched in American slavery during the 1700’s?’ Well, in an Act proposed ...

President Elect Barack Obama has been busy from his offices in Chicago assembling his cabinet, meeting with former foes (Hillary Clinton and John McCain), and mapping out his strategy to get America back on track before he takes office January 20, 2009. Obama asserts his preeminent concern is to get the economy back in good standing-that’s a tall order but considering how he orchestrated his campaign perhaps he will deliver the change he’s often professed. One of the things I marveled at during Obama’s historical run is how he diffused racism enough to win the election. I believe the reasons why this event is historic should serve as the catalysts to engage in dialogue to finally get that elephant out of the room. The elephant I’m referring to is racism. Obama’s ascendance demonstrates he has the capacity and the means to make a difference along racial grounds. How big a priority is this to Obama? That remains to be seen. Given the historical development of this country few thought Oba...

The government has once again come to the aid of big business. A.I.G. just received an additional 55 million dollars from the 700 billion rescue plan. This brings the total outlay to the insurance giant to 150 billion. I don’t know about you but this rubs me the wrong way on two fronts. One, the American people are being screwed. Two, it reminds me of a wrong that’s yet to remedied. Historically government and big business has gone hand in hand commencing with the rise of American slavery. Slavery is a topic most shun but I think it’s a perfect opportunity to provide insight into the past so we can better understand what’s happening today with the economy from an African American standpoint. First, we must acknowledge slavery did happen. This country still suffers from the effects of slavery but, like racism, no constructive collective dialogue has taken place to put the scars of slavery in its proper historical context. The first slaves arrived in Jamestown, Virginia in 1619 as ...

It’s a done deal. Barack Obama has officially broken the ultimate color barrier in politics. With Obama’s historic presidential victory the flood gates are now officially opened to the White House. One of my favorite CD’s is Sam Cooke’s Greatest Hits. When Obama sealed the deal in becoming the first African American president of the United States it reminded me of my favorite song on Cooke’s CD titled, “A Change is Gonna Come.” The lyrics state: “It’s been a long, a long time coming but I know a change gonna come. Oh yes it will.” Though Cooke’s song was made in 1964 his lyrics certainly ring true today. African Americans historically have triumphed despite racism and a lack of societal inclusion. Obama’s journey surely hasn’t been absent of obstacle. Despite the Clinton’s antics, a biased media, and threats on his life Obama was the last man standing. Obama just kept his eye on the ball and took care of business. I view Obama’s run at political glory as an extension of history because...