Redeux News: F*R*E*E Construction Industry Training!

As the Stimulus Funds continue to filter down to Michigan (yes, there is still some Stimulus money left...) there WILL be good-paying construction jobs soon. But to qualify, you must be QUALIFIED. If you or someone you know would like f*r*e*e training for construction jobs, see below.
(Thanks to ARISE! Detroit for this information found in their e-newsletter.)

**********************************************************************************

Detroit Construction Career Center

Free!
Residential Construction Training 

For More Information Contact:
Young Detroit Builders 
Orientation held on Mondays 1:00pm at:
Young Detroit Builders
1950 Trumbull Avenue (St. Peter's Church; corner of Michigan Ave & Trumbull)
For information call: 313-256-7280 or 313-256-7291 or 
contact: jportis@youngdetroitbuilders.org
www.youngdetroitbuilders.org

A partnership project between the Detroit Workforce Development Department, Young Detroit Builders, and local employers to provide unemployed adults and displaced workers with classroom and hands-on education and skills in residential construction.

Classes include a Core Curriculum and Residential Carpentry I and II for 5 up to 17 weeks. Areas of study include safety, hand and power tools, blueprint reading, construction math, communication and employability skills. Tools, textbooks, and safety gear are provided. Includes specialized training in weatherization, lead abatement, deconstruction, first aid/CPR, and job placement assistance.

Participants receive Certifications from the National Homebuilders Institute and the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Must have the following documents for certification:

-Social Security Number proof
-Proof of age
-Citizenship/Alien Status
-Selective Service registration
-Proof of residency
-Family income documents

Young Detroit Builders

Wordless Wednesday: "Don't Mess with the MItten" T-shirts!

Your Holiday Shopping is NOT complete until you get one of these T-shirts!

For information on local stores selling the "Don't Mess with the MItten" T-shirts, click here...

Redeux News: WDET Dropping Matt Watroba's "Folks Like Us"

Starting with Judy Adams a few years ago, WDET continues to drop the extraordinary "only on 'DET" shows that made WDET a Detroit institution. Then they wonder why their pledges are WAY down. John Penny, Robert Jones, etc.,...going, going, gone.

"Folks Like Us" and "The Arkansas Traveler" weren't exactly MY cup of tea, but I really enjoyed the diversity of WDET and its prior commitment to being a "different" kind of radio station for Detroit.

The "numbers" of a particular show are not supposed to matter so much for a local public broadcasting station, because it is supported by its listeners. But what happens when the public broadcasting station deletes the shows the listeners are willing to pay for with their contributions?

Another "public-supported" station going corporate...why am I not surprised?

Here's an email from Matt--his final show is today from 4-7 pm.

From: Matt Watroba mattwatroba@hotmail.com>
> Date: December 19, 2009 10:45:49 AM GMT-05:00
> To: matt@watrobanetwork.com>
> Cc: mattwatroba@hotmail.com>
> Subject: Folks Like Us News
>
>
> Happy Holidays to all!
> Please tune in on Sunday, December 20th from 4PM--7 to what will be the last Folks Like Us program to be broadcast on WDET. That’s right. After 23 years on the station, the new management has decided that roots music programming is no longer relevant to the audience they are interested in attracting or maintaining. They dropped me, the Arkansas Traveler, And Robert Jones in an attempt to make their music mix “more contemporary” (sound familiar anyone?). I must be honest and say, as both a host and a life-long listener, I feel the switch to a news format (a few years ago) and these recent changes will most likely ruin what was once a self-sufficient, cultural jewel in our struggling city. What they might tell you (if you are one of the few to get a response from them) is that the roots programming just didn’t have the numbers. Please keep in mind the methodic way in which all this happened. When Mikel Ellcessor, the new station manager, came in about one year ago, he moved Folks Like Us and The Arkansas Traveler to the least listened to time slot in radio—Sunday evenings. He did this without ever mentioning the changes in a single e-newsletter or on-air promotion to our audience. After two pledge drives—what a surprise—the numbers went down. If you get a chance, be sure to ask him how the numbers were before the un-ceremonial shifting of time-slots. Now, the most important truth:
> Serving this audience for over 23 years as host of the Folks Like Us Program has been one of the absolute privileges of my rich and wonderful life. Sharing this truly essential music with you over the years has, in many ways, made me what I am. Words will never be able to adequately express the gratitude I have for you—the listener who has allowed me the gift of enriching my own life through—hopefully--enriching yours. I need you to know that I consider this a minor set-back. I am not giving up my quest to share this music with as many people as possible. While we discover and create other ways to do this, please keep checking the show’s website, www.folkslikeus.org. We will continue to keep you updated on roots music events in the area and what is happening with the future of the program. If you have any influence with other media outlets that would love to welcome thousands of loyal, supportive listeners to their fold, this would be the time to talk to them. If you want to let WDET know how you feel, you may contact them through www.wdet.org, but keep in mind that these changes were also fueled by the folks at Wayne State University who hired them.
> Please tune in on Sunday for a celebration of 23 years on Detroit Public Radio!
>
> With love and gratitude,
> Matt Watroba
> 

Blogging While Brown 2010 Conference: Plan Now!

Blogging While Brown Call For Workshops Now Open!!! YAY! Posted: 26 Nov 2007 08:49 PM PST Planning is underway for Blogging While Brown: The First International Conference for Bloggers of Color, scheduled for July 25-27, 2008 at the Georgia World Conference Center and Hilton Downtown in Atlanta, Georgia. The most important purpose of the conference is to share knowledge. The conference will promote intellectual, social, and cultural development of the blogging community by bringing bloggers of color together. Blogging While Brown is an opportunity to meet other bloggers and blog readers of color for the first time, discuss current issues of interest to bloggers of color, network with individuals and organizations interested in leveraging online activity with offline results, and learn about the latest technology that will assist bloggers with publishing their work and improving their readers experience by fully engaging in the newest media technology. Blogging While Brown is currently accepting proposals for workshops that will appear at the conference. Three Conference Tracks Track No. 1 - From the Screens to the Streets: News, Politics, and Social Justice- This track will feature sessions related to blogging about current events, activism, and bloggers who are leveraging their online resources to get offline results. Track No. 2 - Blogging Building Blocks-This conference track will feature sessions related to the nuts and bolts of blogging such as technology, blogging widgets, the business of blogging, monetizing blogs, increasing blog traffic, legal issues, design, layout and improving the reader experience. Track No. 3 - The Blogs of Our Lives -This conference track will feature sessions related to entertainment, gossip, lifestyle and social networking, how not to get sued, artist promotion, and the blogs that are our favorite guilty pleasures. Who may submit workshop proposals? Any and all individuals interested in bloggers of color and the issues or interest to them should submit proposals. Individuals from for-profit and not-for-profit entities may submit proposals for consideration provided the proposed workshop supports the theme, goals or workshop subject areas of the Conference DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FEBRUARY 5, 2008. Don't wait until the last minute! Download the Workshop Proposal Form. I for one would love to see someone put together panels on following topics: Blog-a-holism: When readers spend more time on the blog than the blogger ( Y'all know who I am talking about) Internet Ike Turners:How to Fight Back when You and Your Blog is Attacked The Belligerent Blogger's Guide to Mental Health: What To Do When We All Can't Just Get Along. Why Won't This CSS Work? - Internet Explorer 7 Won't Display My Expandable Posts, What Do I Do Help Me Quit My Day Job:I Was Born To Blog What To Do When the News Finds You You can find some other suggested topics on the Blogging While Brown blog. Be As Creative as you want to be. Work with other bloggers and blog readers. If you have any questions, email bloggingwhilebrown [at] gmail [dot] com. Don't talk about it, be about it!

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Birthday Sonny Eliot!

Sonny Eliot, Detroit's FAVORITE  

Old School Weatherman

Celebrates 89 Years!

If you remember Sonny Eliot and his crazy chalkboard,

you are REALLY an Old School Detroiter!

Old School Friday: Blame It On the Hairstyle--Sweet Thing

There were so many Old School hairstyles that I thought of, but this vid of Chaka Khan with Rufus kept coming back to me! 

It's the hair AND the outfit! 

Things to Do Thursday: Too Hot to Handel!

Too Hot To Handel Returns to Detroit

Updated: Tuesday, 17 Nov 2009, 4:04 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 17 Nov 2009, 4:04 PM EST

MyFox Detroit Staff

DETROIT, Michigan October 29, 2009… Rackham Symphony Choir in partnership with the Detroit Opera House proudly announces the return of the holiday classic Too Hot To Handel to kick off the holiday season with a one-night-only performance on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 8 p.m.

Hailed as the holiday celebration that is too hot to miss; the jazz-gospel 'Messiah' is sponsored by Mack Avenue Records and is the perfect musical celebration for the Motor City, combining decidedly Detroit inspired styles such as jazz and gospel.

Tickets for Too Hot to Handel are available through the Detroit Opera House online at , by phone at (313) 237-SING or through TicketMaster.com and by phone at 248-645-6666.

This not-to-miss holiday event features the Rackham Symphony Choir, tenor Rodrick Dixon, formerly of the Three Mo Tenors, soprano Alfreda Burke and alto Karen Marie Richardson.

They are joined by the Too Hot To Handel Orchestra which includes an all-star ensemble of Detroit jazz legends including Marion Hayden, George Benson, Alvin Waddles, Dave Taylor, Chris Collins, along with members of the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra. The piece is conducted by RSCs Artistic & Music Director Suzanne Mallare Acton.

New this Year:
Free Pre Concert Chat with Artists 7PM Dinner Packages with transportation from Dirty Dog Café, phone for details (313) 882-5299

THIS YEAR: If you can't make the live concert, it will be broadcast live by WRCJ, the classical and jazz public radio station owned by the Detroit Public Schools. Support WRCJ and buy your "virtual ticket" to the concert here.

Welcome to WRCJ 90.9FM

Too Hot to Handel Live Broadcast See the Rackham Symphony Choir's performance ofToo Hot to Handel this Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House.  If you can't be there, listen to WRCJ 90.9 FM for a LIVE broadcast of this jazz/gospel update of Handel's Messiah.  John Penney Hosts.

Please read my husband's blog: The "D" Spot....

Wordless Wednesday: Kwa-me a River?

Photo Credit: Detroit News

Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick in a Detroit Courtroom testifying about his finances...

A little late for tears Kwame, don'tcha  think?

Redeux News: Blogger Looking for Metro D Photographers

If you are a metro Detroit photographer ready, willing, and able to contribute positive pics of our great city, read on...

"I gotta Feeling" so I turned it into a contest for Detroit

Terry

• Dec 03, 2009 03:37PM
• Actions ▼

UPDATE: Visit the contest page for the complete details:
http://motorcityconnect.com/brilliantdetroit.html 

---

Can you picture a Brilliant Detroit?

Many of you are like me: sick of the misperception our city has. Its high time WE change it!

One of the many benefits social media offers is the ability to quickly get a message out to the world. We will be using Twitter to show just how great Detroit really is (if you’re not a twitter user, no worries, this will be very easy).

In conjunction with Orion based Scate Technologies, Motor City Connect is launching a photography contest between now and December 23rd.

Grand prize- the highly coveted membership into the new, close knit, you’ve never experienced a networking group like this, hasn’t even been released yet, code namedMCC Purple. ($600 value)

First prize- A HD flip camera- this is one of the hottest gift items of the year. Why buy one when you can win it AND change the perception others have of Detroit one click at a time? ($250 value)

Second price- an almost as cool, non HD flip camera. This will allow you to capture the memories of this and many more holiday seasons to come. ($150 value)

Third prize- admission to the MCC meeting of your choice ($20 value)

Here’s the deal:

Between now and December 22nd (submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. On the 22nd) take pictures on your phone or camera and upload them to Screentweet (Screentweet is an amazingly cool product by award winning Scate Technologies that allow twitter users to share photos with one another).

In keeping with our theme of “Brilliant Detroit”, pictures should show the bright side of our area. It could be as simple as holiday lights or it could tell a story about what smart businesses are doing around here.

Judging will take place the morning of December 23rd and awards will be distributed by noon on that day.

In an effort to keep a level playing field (we have lots of great photographers in the group) pictures will be judged on how well it represents our brilliance as opposed to the overall quality of the photo.

If you have a twitter account, use it to create a screentweet account by going to http://www.screentweet.com. Once logged in (you will use your twitter username and password) Screentweet will provide you with a unique e-mail address. Save that address in your address book and use it to upload pictures. Use the subject line of your e-mail as the caption for your photo. Be sure to use the #BrilliantD so users can easily find your work.

If you don’t have a twitter account, it takes less than 1 minute to setup and is very easy to use. You can set it up at http://www.twitter.com. Both sites are F/R/E/E.

Questions? Ask them.

Other than that, ready aim, click!

Be FAB-U-LOUS!

Terry Bean
Terrybean.Magntize.com

Edited: December 04, 2009 04:06PM

Holiday Shopping

Don't forget to Shop Detroit this Holiday Season! Check out The DSpot Redeux posts on places to shop and eat in Detroit! Make this a "D" Holiday!

Redeux News: "Stop Taser Torture" Blogging for Justice

Today is "Stop Taser Torture" Blogging For Justice Day," organized by the Stop Taser Torture Blog:

So when will the cops start using tasers in Beverly Hills?

My good friend Villager over at Electronic Village has asked that like-minded bloggers stand with him today to post against the sickening use of tasers (also referred to as 'stun guns) by local police, and I can't imagine a more compelling, urgent, and timely cause. Admittedly I don't frequently lend this blog to petition signings and repeated promotions of this and that cause, though not because I don't believe many of them are worthy. It's just that I believe others - such as Villager - have that area much better handled than I ever could, so I move on to do what I do best.
But this is one time - and most likely not the last - when I am more than willing to put my name on a cause and get on board with all the others who wish to openly and vocally protest the use of torture as legitimized law enforcement. And for those who choose not to believe that taser guns qualify as torture, I would reply that when I hear of a sufficient number of taser incidents being reported from Beverly Hills and other not-exactly-the-ghetto neighborhoods, then I will be willing to consider the possibility that gee, maybe tasing ain't so bad after all. Go ahead and tase me, bro.

But in the meantime, I must confess that I do find it more than interesting - perhaps 'alarming' might be a better word - that even though both the United Nations and Amnesty International have declared the use of tasers to be a form of torture, this doesn't seem to be causing much concern among police officers. Naturally the Taser company refutes these claims, but what do you expect? Torture pays the bills. It's what buys junior's X-Box. But isn't law enforcement even the slightest bit concerned? I mean, since they're, well, supposed to be protecting and serving the population and that sort of thing? That deafening silence should be all the answer required, and that silence is funded and brought to you courtesy of your local taxpayer.
OK. My bad. I meant to say the taxpayers who make enough money to matter when it counts. Big difference there.Because if those folks who actually mattered began raising a ruckus about this issue? Oh you'd best believe the use of tasers would become about as common as the use of leeches to cure the common cold.
The following quote is from a Dec. 16 article located on Amnesty International's site:
"Tasers are not the 'non-lethal' weapons they are portrayed to be," said Angela Wright, US researcher at Amnesty International and author of the report. "They can kill and should only be used as a last resort.
"The problem with Tasers is that they are inherently open to abuse, as they are easy to carry and easy to use and can inflict severe pain at the push of a button, without leaving substantial marks."
Amnesty International’s study – which includes information from 98 autopsies – found that 90 per cent of those who died after being struck with a Taser were unarmed and many did not appear to present a serious threat.
Like I said, when they start regularly tasering folks in Beverly Hills? In Malibu? In Grosse Pointe Woods? Then sure. Go ahead and tase me, bro.
But until then? I prefer to receive the same sort of taxpayer-funded law enforcement as those other taxpayer-funded neighborhoods. What is it you call...? Oh yeah. Equality.


Our guest blog comes from Keith A. Owens a Detroit writer, editor and musician. Check out his blog at The "D" Spot

Doing it in Detroit: SHOP DETROIT EVENT

The holidays are quickly approaching and Detroiters usually have a lot on their minds during this time. We realize that you want to maintain your holiday traditions such as gift giving and shopping, and if your anything like us, your also wondering how you can stretch your dollar this year. This post features some of Detroit's best places to buy gifts for your loved ones and friends. We'll show you places that are local and affordable.

The sixth annual Shop Detroit features giveaways, demonstrations, shuttle transportation, and gift wrapping station, plus many discounts at participating retailers. Come on out and shop alone or bring the entire family. For more information visit http://www.detroitsynergy.org/

PRE-REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE SHOPPING BAG NOW!



The "D" Spot's
FEATURED STORES



Hugh located at 2333 Park Ave. in Downtown Detroit

http://www.lovehughlongtime.com/




Flo Boutique located at 404 W. Willis | Detroit, MI 48201

http://www.flowingflava.com/




City Bird is located at 460 W. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201
http://www.ilovecitybird.com/

Bureau of Urban Living is located at 460 W. Canfield st., Detroit, MI 48201| Open Tues-Sat 11-7http://www.bureauliving.com/

Source: Model D
Shamless Plug: Want more? Read The "D" Spot!

Wordless Wednesday: Noel Night

When: December 5 @ 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Price: Free Entry and Free shuttle service (click here for more details)

Event Phone Number: 313-577-5088

Location: Midtown (Detroit's cultural center) - 4735 Cass, Detroit, MI 48201

Redeux News: World Aids Day

The Names Quilt ceremonies at SSteppin' Out AIDS Walk Detroit this past September. Quilts will be on display around the state for World AIDS Day. BTL Photo: Jessica Carreras http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=38918 World AIDS Day will be recognized in Detroit with a special music program aimed at encouraging Detroit youth to make correct choices when it comes to health and sex. The Hip-Hop and R&B project, ``LIFESTORYZ STATE OF EMERGENCY,'' is sponsored by the city's health department, Michigan Department of Community Health, and Wayne County Health Department. Participants of the workshop at Detroit's Northwest Activities Center will get free and confidential HIV testing and various health screenings. More than half of the estimated 18,200 people in Michigan with HIV have been diagnosed with AIDS. Nearly 60 percent are black, while 35 percent are white. About 75 percent are males. For more on World AIDS Day, click here. Detroit Events St. John Community Health : "NAMES and Stitches Display" A display of the NAMES Project AIDS Quilt and the dolls of Stitches in honor of World AIDS Day. Service will be held at 12:30 in hospital chapel. Concurrent exhibit will be held at Providence Hospital. St. John Hospital and Medical Center, 22101 Moross, Detroit. 9 a.m. Dec. 1. 248-849-5759. http://www.stjohn.org. Michigan AIDS Coalition : "HIV Prevention Table" A table of information, hosted by MAC with the Department of Health and Wellness Promotion. Detroit Health Department, 1151 Taylor, Detroit. 10 a.m. Dec. 1. 248-545-2435. http://www.dethealth.org. Detroit Red Ribbon Collaborative : "Multicultural World AIDS Day Event" Candlelight vigil, presentations, HIV testing, refreshments and services in English, Spanish and Arabic. LA SED Youth/Senior Center, 7150 W Vernor Highway, Detroit. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1. 734-796-0910. The White House: World AIDS Day 2009 A PROCLAMATION BY BARACK OBAMA Our Nation joins the world in celebrating the extraordinary advancements we have made in the battle against HIV and AIDS, and remembering those we have lost. Over the past three decades, brave men and women have fought devastating discrimination, stigma, doubt, and violence as they stood in the face of this deadly disease. Many of them would not be here today, but for the dedication of other persons living with HIV, their loved ones and families, community advocates, and members of the medical profession. On World AIDS Day, we rededicate ourselves to developing a national AIDS strategy that will establish the priorities necessary to combat this devastating epidemic at home, and to renewing our leadership role and commitments abroad. Though we have been witness to incredible progress, our struggle against HIV/AIDS is far from over. With an infection occurring every nine-and-a-half minutes in America, there are more than one million individuals estimated to be living with the disease in our country. Of those currently infected, one in five does not know they have the condition, and the majority of new infections are spread by people who are unaware of their own status. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate as it infiltrates neighborhoods and communities. Americans of any gender, age, ethnicity, income, or sexual orientation can and are contracting the disease. Globally, there are over 33 million people living with HIV. While millions have died from this disease, the death rate is slowly declining due, in part, to our Nation's global effort through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. However, HIV remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Women and children around the world are particularly vulnerable due to gender inequalities, gaps in access to services, and increases in sexual violence. While the statistics are distressing, new medications and scientific advancements give us reason for hope. Tackling this disease will take an aggressive, steadfast approach. My Administration is developing a national HIV/AIDS strategy to bolster our response to the domestic epidemic, and a global health initiative that will build on PEPFAR's success. We will develop a strategy to reduce HIV incidence, improve access to care, and help eliminate HIV-related health disparities. We have already ensured that visitors to our shores living with HIV are not marginalized and discriminated against because of their more HIV status. We have also secured the continuation of critical HIV/AIDS care and treatment services. Today, we recommit ourselves to building on the accomplishments of the past decades that have dramatically changed the domestic and global HIV/AIDS landscape. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2009, as World AIDS Day. I urge the Governors of the States and the territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join in appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS, and to provide support and comfort to those living with this disease. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. BARACK OBAMA To view the entire speech click here or visit http://www.barackobama.com/2006/12/01/world_aids_day.php Source(s): WWJ Newsradio 950 http://www.wwj.com/pages/5788684.php?, PrideSource http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=38918, Organizing for America http://www.barackobama.com/2006/12/01/world_aids_day.php, and The Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20091201/NEWS01/91201011/1001/news

Shamless plug: Please read The "D" Spot...

Eat/Shop Detroit: The Black Whole

12521 Woodward Ave
Highland Park, MI 48203-3313
(313) 867-0026
Get directions

The Black Whole is "A Community of Cooperative Economics." It is a unique and eclectic cultural shop located in Highland Park, Michigan, that serves and exposes small businesses for success. The Black Whole "incubates" and nurtures small businesses, local entrepreneurs and artists by providing affordable operating space, utilities, staffing, advertising, and small business training and development. The Black Whole enhances self-sufficiency and prosperity in the people.

Highland Park is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is completely surrounded by Detroit except a small portion that touches the city of Hamtramck, which is also surrounded by Detroit.

Goddess Shamayim Shu is also the Minister, Founder, and Directress of The Moon Ministry and PROJECT: Goddess "A Community Healing Through Nurturance Center." She is a Spiritual Evolutionist that has served the people for more than 20 years. She is an Astrologist, a Moonologist, a Ritualist, and a Spiritual Counselor. She is the creatress of "On This Day I Will Marry My Soul," a 9 month rites to divinity program for adult women, along with other programs that spiritually uplift our youth. Goddess Shu is the organizer of The Black Whole, a unique and eclectic cultural shop, located in Highland Park, Michigan, that incubates, serves, and exposes small businesses for success. She is also the Pupil Accountant and Registrar of Aisha Shule/W.E.B. DuBois, a public academy, operating in Detroit, Michigan. Goddess Shu lives with her husband, James "The Blackman" Harris, an accomplished musician, producer and CEO of BlackShu Records. They have 6 children. One of the six, 2 year old Jakobi RA, re-joined the spirit world September 23, 2007, but his spirit is still a part of their family, so he will be forever counted! Goddess Shu overstands that "A Nation Will Rise As High As It's Women." Thus, her main life's mission is to "Retore, Heal and Elevate the Feminine Aspect in Humanity." Goddess Shu "Lives But To Serve."

Source: From The Inside Out E-Magazine http://fromtheinsideoutmag.com/directory/business IOEM fB link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=58524659260&ref=ts




Shameless plug: Please read The "D" Spot

Redeux News: Problem Fixed...I Hope

I think I've fixed the multiple blog-posting problem!

I had TWO Twitterfeed accounts; and I had other posting applications pulling and posting.

Hopefully, everything is back in order...

hopefully...

Thanks for your patience!

Thanksgiving: A Plateful of History

As an educator and writer, I continually strive to improve the clarity and accuracy of what is taught about the history of this country. Too often, we are presented with what is considered to be a traditional mono-cultural perspective of history.

Most Americans celebrate this day of feasting and family without acknowledging the entire historical context in which events took place between the Pilgrims and the North American Indians. Many are also insensitive to those Native (and other) Americans well versed in their history and culture who may be a little reluctant to romaniticise the holiday. The "First Thanksgiving" story generally taught in school is a mix of both history and myth.

Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving day, presently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, has been an annual tradition in the United states since 1863, although it wasn't until 1941 that it became a federal holiday due to the continuous efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who wrote a number of articles for the cause. Now identified as a secular holiday, Thanksgiving was historically a religious observation to give thanks to God for the harvests of the land.

The Pilgrims/ Puritans, a sub sect, or splinter group of the Puritan Movement taking place in England crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a revolutionary quest to build a new society. Their doctrine was in accord with Calvinsim, which they perceived as the "pure" form of the early Christian Church. Their aim was to "purify" first themselves and then everyone else of everything they did not accept in the own interpretation of scripture.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag (pronounced Wam pa NO ag) Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies, although that is not accurate. Native Americans throughout the Americas, including the Pueblo, Cherokee, Creek and many others organized harvest festivals, ceremonial dances, and other celebration of thanks for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in North America. The Algonkian tribes held six Thanksgiving festivals during the year.

Although it is uncertain why the Wampanoag originally joined the gathering, for three days the they feasted with the Pilgrims. It was a special time of friendship between two very different groups of people. A peace and friendship agreement was made giving the Pilgrims the clearing in the forest where the old Patuxet village once stood to build their new town of Plymouth.

It would be very good to say that this friendship lasted a long time; but, unfortunately, that was not to be. More English people came to America, and they were not in need of help from the Indians as were the original Pilgrims. Many of the newcomers forgot the help the Indians had given them. Mistrust started to grow and the friendship weakened.

The Pilgrims started telling their Indian neighbors that their Indian religion and Indian customs were wrong. The Pilgrims displayed an intolerance toward the Indian religion similar to the intolerance displayed toward the original Pilgrims who used means such as deception, treachery, torture, war and genocide (sound familiar African Americans?) as methods of persuasion. The relationship deteriorated and within a few years the children of the people who ate together were killing one another in what came to be called King Phillip's War.

* * *

My intention for this year's Thanksgiving blog is to inform as well as make a plea to public school institutions to make a stronger commitment to multi-cultural education that is both historically accurate and unbias. The "D" spot would like to take this time to give a special thanks to our readers, followers and contributors.

Sources:

They Came Before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima

http://www.ewebtribe.com/NACulture/articles/thanksgiving.html

http://www.plimoth.org/kids/homeworkHelp/thanksgiving.php

Shameless plug: Please read The "D" Spot

Patterson Dog and Cat Hospital

3800 Grand River
Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 832-7282

Patterson Dog & Cat Hospital was founded in 1844, Patterson Dog & Cat Hospital is the oldest, privately operated veterinary hospital in Michigan.

Dr. James W. Patterson, was the only practicing veterinarian in Detroit at that time. In 1901, his son, Elijah E. Patterson, graduated from the Grand Rapids Veterinary Medical College and moved the practice to 591 Grand River Avenue. He purchased property in 1909 at our current location, and built a house and a two-story brick hospital. The downstairs had room for 25 horses; the upstairs could house 50 dogs. Dr. Elijah’s son, James E. Patterson, joined the practice in 1926, and remodeled the building – the basic layout of the hospital remains unchanged. In 1966 the hospital was purchased by Dr. Eugene G. Miller, who practiced there until retiring in 1985. Continuing its history, Dr. Glynes Graham has nurtured the practice ever since.