REMEMBERING YOUR ANCESTORS

Benin Bronze Head (Oba)

Benin Bronze Head (Iyoba)

By Iya Marilyn Kai Jewett, Oni Sango
Includes excerpts from her forthcoming book,
“THE WISDOM OF MY ELDERS: REMEMBERING THE ANCESTORS”

WHO ARE THE ANCESTORS?

Known as the Egun (Ay-goon) or the Egungun in the Yoruba culture, they are the spirits of our family
members – blood relations who have made transition beyond the physical body and now reside in heaven. They watch over their descendants on Earth. They bless, assist, protect, warn and even punish their surviving relatives depending on how their relatives remember or neglect them.

They also collectively protect the community against evil and misfortune to ensure the overall well-being,
productivity and prosperity of the entire community. The Egun can be invoked individually or collectively intimes of need. Ancestor reverence holds a very important place in cultural traditions worldwide — from Africa to Asia to the Americas and even Europe. For example, most Asian stores include visible ancestor shrines with offerings to ensure success. All cultures have rituals to commemorate and revere their ancestors.

WHY ACKNOWLEDGE THE ANCESTORS?

The Egun are a part of our family. They are not “dead,” but have transitioned to the next phase of life. Without them we would not exist. We carry our ancestors with us through our DNA. Rituals must be done on a regular basis to acknowledge and take care of them just as we did when they were on Earth. Absence of these rituals can result in negative, destructive behaviors like drug/alcohol abuse, violence and promiscuity. Our Egun can help heal us and correct some of these issues. These rituals were lost to us during the African Holocaust when we were stripped of our African culture/spirituality, but have been reclaimed by many. Once you have knowledge of the Egun rituals there is no excuse to continue ignoring them. Our Egun are watching and waiting. In some indigenous cultures, dissatisfied ancestors are believed to instigate violent death. A culture where many people die violently or accidentally is said to have dysfunctional relationships with its ancestors. Sound familiar?

That’s why these rituals are needed. They serve to keep yourself in harmony with the universe, to heal your connection to your ancestors and to heal the ancestors. Many of the ills that face African-American families and communities are the result of us ignoring the Egun and not performing the necessary rituals. In African and other cultures it’s important to remember the names and good deeds of your ancestors. They tap into that creative energy by treating the Egun with loving reverence. Regardless of your religion, your ancestors must be taken care of.

*However, we do not revere those whose conduct was detrimental to the family or community while they were on Earth. You may send prayers asking that they be healed.

HOW DO YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THE ANCESTORS?

The Egun are generally acknowledged through prayer (libation) and offerings of food, drink and flowers at a designated altar. Every home should have an ancestor altar – a special place where you can revere, consult and communicate with your ancestors. The altar should be placed on a table or space covered by a white cloth.

Items to be placed on the altar include pictures of your ancestors (don’t use a picture that includes other people), a clear glass of cool sweet water with sugar or honey, a white cup of black coffee, a white seven day candle, a small glass or a bottle of spirits (whatever your Egun drank) and white flowers (or those that were a favorite of your Egun). Some people include an item that belonged to their Egun (Bible, Koran, jewelry) and tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, tobacco, snuff, etc.) if they had Egun that used them and a basket of fruit. The altar should be refreshed each week on Sunday or Monday.

Last but not least, you should include some food on a white or clear crystal plate designated for your Egun. Why food? Everything in the universe is made up of energy. That’s what connects us. Food is made of energy.

Energy doesn’t dissipate it just transforms. Our Egun are energy that has now transformed. When we feed the Egun, we are returning energy to those who shared their energy by creating us. Remember, we came to the Earth through our ancestors. We feed them and take care of them, they will feed and take care of us.

You should feed them at least once a week. *When cooking for the Egun do not use salt! Salt repels spirits. You want to attract your Egun, not repel them. When preparing a meal, the first food taken out of the pot before anyone eats goes to your Egun. Place the food on the plate designated for your ancestors and let it cool before placing it on the altar. *Never give hot food or drink to the Egun! The food may be left on the altar for a few hours or a few days. It may be disposed of in the trash or in the bush. Don’t be alarmed if the food and drink develops mold. The drink should be disposed of by washing it down the kitchen sink with cold water.

Also, you cannot impose your diet on your Egun. You may be a vegetarian, but your Egun most likely were not. In that case, every now and then you need to fix your Egun a meal they would have eaten while on Earth. Pork-eating Egun get tired of those turkey chops or tofu. For example, although I don’t celebrate Easter, I cook an Easter ham for my Egun because that’s what they would have done. I also cook my beloved Nana’s favorite meal for her birthday each year since her transition.

Pour libation to your Egun (praying and calling their names) at least once a week, when placing food on the altar. It’s also good to sit and talk to them about what’s going in your life, especially if you have a problem. This is a good time to ask for assistance. If they were smokers, light their favorite cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc. while talking to them. Be still and listen for an answer or look for it in your dreams. The Egun communicate a lot through your dreams. Keep paper and pencil beside your bed to record your dreams upon waking.

Do these rituals at least once a week and you will begin to heal yourself, your family and our communities.

Sources: Baba Obalumi Ogunseye, Chief Ojugbona Awo of Ife; Four New World Yoruba Rituals, John Mason, 1985; Jambalaya, Luisah Teish, 1985; The Healing Wisdom of Africa, Malidoma Patrice Some, 1998

Yolanda Spivey: Let’s Not Forget that Black Women Were Lynched Too

black women

By admin | February 8, 2014

This is a recreation of the article by Yolanda Spivey which launched the 2014 Sacred Libation Ceremony honoring 155 African American women and girls who were lynched in America.

https://web.archive.org/web/20150211055218/https://naturallymoi.com/2014/02/yolanda-spivey-lets-not-forget-that-black-women-were-lynched-too/

By Yolanda Spivey

I am a big advocate on telling young Black children the horrors and atrocities that Black people faced while living in America. I feel if they know their history, they are less likely to repeat it. Unfortunately, many of our young ones don’t know their history, and Black children’s lives are in a dismal state which is reflected in the ever increasing prison population and songs that are produced in mass media.

Recently, I ran across the website www.henriettavintondavis.com and was taken back to tears at the sight of Black women hanging from trees at the turn of the 20^th century.  They apparently had been lynched.  It sickened me to see their bodies on display as White people made a mockery of their murders.

Once these women were hung, White men and women would stop by to observe the “exhibition.” They often made it a family event, bringing their children along to look at the dead bodies as they swayed in the wind on Southern and Midwestern trees. They would even take pictures of the hanging bodies and put them on post cards and mail messages to their friends.

Further, lynchings were often advertised in newspapers.  The body parts of some of the victims, including their genιtalia, were distributed and put on public display.

It has me thinking of Black women’s current situation and how our bodies are still being exhibited and put on display. I immediately thought of Beyonce’s performance at this year’s Grammy Awards. She was scantily clad and sang her popular song “Drunk In Love” accompanied by her husband Jay Z. Afterwards, the mainstream media sort of “lynched” her by labeling her a whοre and tarnishing her image. It didn’t matter that she performed with her husband. It didn’t matter that she was a grown a$$ woman displaying her artistry—all she was to the mainstream media was a whore!

It is estimated that over 5,000 people were lynched in the United States in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.  One hundred and fifty of those cases were revealed to be Black women, (it’s suspected that there could’ve been more.)

The case of Mary Turner stood out to me the most. I don’t know why, but as I read the words, it haunted me. Here is her story:

“Mary Turner 1918 Eight Months Pregnant- Mobs lynched Mary Turner on May 17, 1918 in Lowndes County Georgia because she vowed to have those responsible for killing her husband arrested. Her husband was arrested in connection with the shooting and killing Hampton Smith, a white farmer for whom the couple had worked, and wounding his wife. Sidney Johnson a Black man, apparently killed Smith because he was tired of the farmer’s abuse. Unable to find Johnson, the killers lynched eight other Blacks including Hayes Turner and his wife Mary. The mob hanged Mary by her feet, poured gasoline and oil on her and set fire to her body. One white man sliced her open and Mrs. Turner’s baby tumbled to the ground with a “little cry” and the mob stomped the baby to death and sprayed bullets into Mary Turner. (NAACP: Thirty Years of Lynching in the U.S. 1889-1918)”

I posted Mary Turner’s story on my Facebook wall and immediately received a few inboxes from women who said they didn’t know this had happened. Of course they wouldn’t have known—these atrocities are hidden from the public and not taught in school. The internet is wonderful because since its beginning, many people of all nationalities have started to receive grim history lessons on what really happened to Blacks—these stories, many wanted to bury away.

The late great educator Ida B. Wells once said “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of TRUTH upon them.”  And I agree wholeheartedly with her.  We must shed light on all the atrocities that befell our ancestors, no matter how sad, grim and ugly they are.

For more stories on the Black women who were lynched, please go to https://henriettavintondavis.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/black-women-who-were-lynched-in-america/

Yolanda Spivey writes on various issues and can be reached at organize@yourblackworld.net.  You can also visit her Facebook page

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49 Comments

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49 Comments

1. Amazing Grace February 8, 2014 at 6:13 am Speaking The Truth is Power! I read of Mrs.Turner’s violent end last year via the internet. Wonder if there’s a book written about all the African-American women lynched in the 19th&20th century? It would sell today, because a lot of folk don’t realize woman were lynched regularly.Reply
   • Jason L. February 9, 2014 at 12:39 pm Black men should’ve had the courage of the Japanese Samurai who would lay on his sword before being dishonored. ATLEAST when it came down to their WOMEN.Saying “IT STOPS HERE!”Reply
     • Devon February 10, 2014 at 2:23 am You sitting here bumpin’ your gums about what black men shouldve been doing. Meanwhile in 2014 brothas getting yall azzes whooped and shot up every dayum day by white devils in and out of uniform and yall just standing there and taking that sheit. So do you and other brothas in 2014 have the courage of samurai warriors, hell no. Yall arent any better or courageous than those dudes back in the day so have a seat with all that internet bravado.Reply
       • Jason L. February 10, 2014 at 8:41 am Shut your disrespectful ass UP. Was I even addressing any modern day grievances? Was that the topic or was I reading the wrong narrative? I was attempting to retroactively address the inhuman victimization of black woman back in a day when a black man would not lift a finger to help himself nor EVEN HIS WOMEN.I was bemoaning THAT FACT!’Cause even if I could understand a man ‘taking one for the team’ I can’t fathom him being o.k. with his woman doing the same. MODERN day blacks have access to all types of advocacy & redress (NAACP[if you count them], Southern Poverty Law Center, Justice Dept. , Federal and state law in general, on the flip side, The New BPP, or even civil defense such as the right to bear arms which was denied him back in the day).PLUS the climate & breeding of today’s negro is such that he will, if not sooner then later, avail himself of some or all of those listed measures.So I’m not inclined to be in any type of malaise over him just yet. I WAS ADDRESSING THE ABANDONED BLACK WOMAN OF YESTER YEAR. TRULY DEFENSELESS IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. DIDN’T EVEN HAVE A REAL MAN FOR SECURITY. SO MISS ME WITH ALL THAT INTERNET TROLLING. YOU DON’T KNOW ME!Reply
         • Devon February 11, 2014 at 2:44 am And many black women TODAY still dont have a real man for security. Between random dudes pumping them up with babies and dipping out, and thugs killing off their sons, what protection do black women have? Funny when I agreed with your azz you were kissing my azz but when I disagree with you Im a dayum troll? Man please just admit the truth hurts.
         • tashi February 8, 2015 at 7:15 am Bitch ctfu b/w don’t need your pity
       • reah March 9, 2014 at 3:38 pm No, we’re not just standing there and talking shit. We’re involved in the drive to educate people, such as on what happened to Alfred Wright and Kendrick Johnson (which I shared above). I personally marched in a protest for Trayvon Martin and others killed in similar cases or in police custody in London. I donate to causes researching the justice system and mass incarceration of black men and was sent a book on the subject by one of them called Taking out the Trash in Tulia Texas. I regularly read biographies and follow the stories of street soldiers like DMX, Scarface, Tupac and Mr. Cheeks amongst others to find out what sorts of things are going on in the streets to spread info and knowledge. Just yesterday I signed the petition below. You can do too. You can do too. It won’t solve the problem of white violence but its the beginning of taking responsibility. Stay positive.http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/record-companies-and-rappers-stop-degrading-black-people?recruiter=14141252&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petitionReply
     • reah March 9, 2014 at 3:41 pm Sign?http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/record-companies-and-rappers-stop-degrading-black-people?recruiter=14141252&utm_campaign=signature_receipt&utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petitionReply
2. Carolyn M. February 8, 2014 at 8:01 am This type of atrocity is what I expected to see in 12 Years as a slave. Not shown. Movie was not all that in my opinion.Reply
   • Jason L. February 9, 2014 at 12:59 pm Respectfully ma’am, it didn’t happen in ’12 Years A Slave’ because what you were watching WASN’T a fictional drama piece but based on an historical autobiography.Events depicted ACTUALLY happened to someone. Yes, it WAS a little underwhelming entertainment wise,even with the slight dramatic license that they took in some areas, but I’D rather “suffer” from some type of voyeur boredom in the observation of the story being played out than have had Solomon Northup,the main character of the story itself, go through ANY more actual suffering at the hands of his tormentors.Reply
   • Devon February 10, 2014 at 2:27 am You sitting here bumpin’ your gums about what black men shouldve been doing. Meanwhile in 2014 brothas getting yall azzes whooped and shot up every dayum day by white devils in and out of uniform and yall just standing there and taking that sheit. So do you and other brothas in 2014 have the courage of samurai warriors, hell no. Yall arent any better or courageous than those dudes back in the day so have a seat with all that internet bravado.Reply
     • Jason L. February 10, 2014 at 8:53 am Shut your disrespectful ass UP. Was I even addressing any modern day grievances? Was that the topic or was I reading the wrong narrative? I was attempting to retroactively address the inhuman victimization of black woman back in a day when a black man would not lift a finger to help himself nor EVEN HIS WOMEN.I was bemoaning THAT FACT!’Cause even if I could understand a man ‘taking one for the team’ I can’t fathom him being o.k. with his woman doing the same. MODERN day blacks have access to all types of advocacy & redress (NAACP[if you count them], Southern Poverty Law Center, Justice Dept. , Federal and state law in general, on the flip side, The New BPP, or even civil defense such as the right to bear arms which was denied him back in the day).PLUS the climate & breeding of today’s negro is such that he will, if not sooner then later, avail himself of some or all of those listed measures.So I’m not inclined to be in any type of malaise over him just yet. I WAS ADDRESSING THE ABANDONED BLACK WOMAN OF YESTER YEAR. TRULY DEFENSELESS IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. DIDN’T EVEN HAVE A REAL MAN FOR SECURITY. SO MISS ME WITH ALL THAT INTERNET TROLLING. YOU DON’T KNOW ME!Reply
       • tashi February 8, 2015 at 7:19 am Bitch, I bet your dick is not even present thru a magnifying glass stfu pencil dickReply
   • Devon February 10, 2014 at 2:32 am You wouldnt see that in 12 Years a Slave because the movie is based on an autobiography about the gentleman named Solomon who was a free man in the North who was kidnapped, brought to Maryland and forced into slavery. What happened to Mary happened in 1918, when slavery still existed.Reply
     • Jason L. February 11, 2014 at 11:04 am Devon
       February 11, 2014 – 2:44 am
       And many black women TODAY still dont have a real man for security. Between random dudes pumping them up with babies and dipping out, and thugs killing off their sons, what protection do black women have? Funny when I agreed with your azz you were kissing my azz but when I disagree with you Im a dayum troll? Man please just admit the truth hurts.–WHAT truth? YOURS? I’m really beginning to believe that you’re not “all there”. Between reading all your demeaning commentary toward others, charging at random people right out the gate with no provocation.Then seeing your replies, or shall I label them as they ARE: RANTS, bouncing all over the place from topic to topic I am being convinced. I don’t know what attracted you to my area of existence but hopefully I can perform the role of an Exorcist using a line from the movie of the same name “The power of Christ compels you!”… to move the hell on as this will be my last reply to you.In your misdirected statement you even supplied an answer to your own question and didn’t realize it. “Between random dudes pumping them up with babies and then dipping”. HOW about the woman’s role in the whole affair?After all, SHE’s the one choosing random guys and ALLOWING them to “pump her up”. Babies being the end result of again, the WOMAN being culpable with the man in having unprotected sex. And what the hell is up with you saying I only called you a troll when you disagreed with me but before that I was kissing your ass? Are you replaying a convo in your head that we never had?! Woman, the only time I EVER said anything to you was yesterday AFTER reading your opening salvo to me. Before that I NEVER KNEW YOU. This thread that I’m replying to you on is EVIDENCE of just the reverse of your charge to me. YOU cosigning almost verbatim a comment I had made to another lady about a movie. So…..what’s REALLY going on? Forget about responding to that. I don’t care to know. Just troll on and try to enjoy your life…playing it out with someone else.Reply
3. Jacqueline February 8, 2014 at 10:30 am I read about Mary Turner and other lynching. I also read plenty of slave narratives. I’m also read about our pain and suffering during those times and after slavery. Maybe if these events had of been thought in school we as a people would be doing better as a people. Instead of going around using the N word and calling females bitches like it something to be proud of.Reply
   • Yolanda Spivey February 8, 2014 at 11:00 am Exactly Jacqueline. The last words these people heard before they were hanged and burned was “N.” Our children would make better choices if they knew.Reply
   • Adrian Watkins February 10, 2014 at 6:30 pm You are a1000% on point. Thank you.Reply
4. Snowbound February 8, 2014 at 1:30 pm Who cares??Reply
   • Nannie February 8, 2014 at 1:58 pm Everyone should care! If you are not aware of your past, how will you prevent history from repeating itself. Taking a blind eye won’t help the cause nor will it make things better.Reply
   • keepbothbarrelsloaded February 8, 2014 at 6:15 pm IDIOT!Reply
   • Adrian Watkins February 10, 2014 at 6:34 pm Evidently not you “snowflake”.Reply
5. Mina February 8, 2014 at 1:51 pm I have heard the story but will now read the actual account. Thank you for that. I’ve been learning SO much about our history and the untold story. It is OUR fault that it is NOT being passed down to our children. I don’t expect the perpetrator to be truthful, WE must be!! Truth is POWER! For AAs it would be freeing in a way that we have yet to experience. The Civil Rights movement was NOT a spiritually freeing movement because we did not know self. If we had, we would NEVER have turned over the financial, educational, social, religious, & political institutions we had built In spite of the horrific circumstances under which we survived. 600+ years of self hate indoctrination, is hard to overcome But we must if we are going to survive. We MUST learn to face the TRUTH, refuse to let them hide it& then speak it into the AIR to be swept across the globe. Mary Turner and her child are one horror among so many. We do her and US a terrible injustice, just as though we are hanging her again, when we allow the truth to go untold! Push your public schools to incorporate our history into EVERY page of their history books/lessons. Force a change in the curriculum –Reply
   • Jah Larry Dread February 8, 2014 at 2:49 pm “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of TRUTH upon them.” I also agree whole heartily!I also agree with Mina, “Push your public schools to incorporate our history into EVERY page of their history books/lessons. Force a change in the curriculum.” I have stated this for years to my school district when they asked the students to write a paper on the “I have a dream speech.” Most students have done this since Middle/Junior High School and they are bored. Why? Because they are not taught what lead up to Dr. Martin Luther King! I AM ALL FOR TURNING ON THE SPOT LIGHT!Reply
   • Jason L. February 9, 2014 at 1:06 pm The Civil Rights movement was NOT a spiritually freeing movement because we did not know self. If we had, we would NEVER have turned over the financial, educational, social, religious, & political institutions we had built IN SPITE of the horrific circumstances under which we survived.- SO, so true Mina. Atleast, I hope it is. Unfortunately there have always been blacks willing to sell their fellow tribesmen down river for a few trinkets.Reply
6. Read and think! February 8, 2014 at 2:13 pm My Black women, hung, shot, raped, and remade over. Have stood strong and will always be my Queen no matter.Reply
7. Mariba Luba February 8, 2014 at 3:19 pm We must also teach our children that their history did not start with slavery.
   African Americans have a very rich history which started at the beginning of time.
   We gave the world it’s first humanity. All this info is in the library and on
   the Internet . Every child should have a library card and a computer or access to
   one. Our president deserves credit in attempting to give every child
   access to the web. This is something the parents could do with the
   children because many parents are not educated about their history.Reply
8. Wiser February 8, 2014 at 3:46 pm The article was on the proper track of education and enlightenment of the factual travesties inflicted upon Black women, until the creole french white girl was improperly inserted and horribly defended. That girl in no way compares to the prideful and flawless true Black women that were tortured and tormented with horrid rapes and hangings. That girl got with a Black man for the fame and fortune, just like the rest of her kind. The white media was correct in calling that girl what is obviously evident. They don’t like to see their girls dating Black males and being paraded around for other brothers to get the idea that it is fine for them to grab a white girl and do to them what the pink male animals have done to countless Black women. If you have not learned yet, stop wasting your Black dollars on pink people, white media and pale “entertainment” and do not feed into the lies or trust the words of the whitewashed crew or the ones that “pass” themselves off as Black.Honoring TruthReply
9. Michel February 8, 2014 at 4:01 pm This was a very painful read and it still continues today! I believe it is our duty!!!! as Africans in America to either teach our children no matter What Color The History of a people who were stolen from their country,on/in the Belly of ships packed like “Sardines” to Build a Country, feed, clean, become sex slaves, builders, you name it they HAD to do it…and the mistreatment the they endured! There is a book called “100 Years of Lynchings” by Ralph Ginzburg but the story of “Our Sisters” such as “Mary Turner” are not in it. Infact there are no women in it. I thank you for this information.
   Perhaps, there is a book with the things Monsters of hate and greed, did these Horrible lynchings to Black Women did has been written. I must check it out! And purchase it.
   What amazes me is that, we are taught to forget our History in a under the cover method but Jewish People have NEVER let anyone forget what their Ancestors endured!
   Perhaps, just perhaps, if we were really taught these things our progress in life would be different…
   It is horrible, as to How we are a Forgotten People and so many want to claim anything but…their Black Heritage/Ancestors! Which is another lynching! ie..I am white and part black…I have to explain to children didn’t matter how much sperm was donated… one drop of Black Blood you are “BLACK” and now anything but BLACK! When I hear that…I realize how much you hate yourself and you really do not know Your true History or you would keep your damn mouth shut! You might think twice before you even thought about going on stage even with a great body to entertain anyone other then your Husband! A Black man would Not entertain the Thought for Hell or High water, let alone Money… to even entertain the Thought… His WIFE! The love of Money is a evil thing…what next your babies?
   I was raised different…Instead of praising trash for money… you praised the God of your understanding and the people that worked hard to put food on the Table, your ancestors that died protecting you and your country when they were Not even “thought” to be Humanbeings.
   How many children know nothing but Drugs, Sex and baby Daddy’s, welfare and EBT cards…with “No” shame. Until Our Children are taught who they are and what our people went Through in this “Great” Country that they have: Built, Inventions that were stolen…ie: the Telephone…we have FAILED Our Ancestors and Ourselves…which to me means You Are Still A SLAVE and You are still being LYNCHED…and OUR Ancestors died for Nothing!
   Folk Know “Knowledge is Power” and People Died for Our children to embrace that POWER…Look at OUR Country we were born in and Never forget that A wealth of people “Died” for US! Free ain’t Free until you Know what your Ancestors Did and Died for in AMERICIA! It takes the Village!
   Shit, half of the teachers don’t know “History!”Let alone can teach it!”
   Now we have the Electronic Lynchings…better known as the Computer, that we play games on, look for any thing but the Wealth of information about Our Ancestors…! Reap about THAT…JayZ!
   Again Thank you for this “Truth” I will look it up and print it out for the children in my Hood!Reply
   • katie February 9, 2014 at 3:42 am I agree Michel, 100%.Reply
10. Miss B February 8, 2014 at 4:06 pm Read more and you will also learn that a young sixteen year old and his mother were lynched together. The mother was lynched after being raped by the entire mob of pink men consisting of at least thirty six or more pink men. I too read a site on lynching and the article of the baby being stomped was the hardest to digest. One woman was lynched after being accused of posioning her employer. The employer’s husband later admitted to poisoning his wife. No charges were filed. And now the pink world wonders “WHY”. The bible states “the sins of the father shall be visited upon the sons”!!! I know everyone does not believe in the bible but seeing is believing. Lynching was the “perferred method” and still is used.Reply
11. Miss B February 8, 2014 at 4:27 pm As one commenters stated “please do not compare Beyonce to the women who were “STRANGE FRUIT”. These women wanted dignity and received a rope and death. I have no sympathy for Beyonce. Looking at the picture of her spread open was just awful. Jay Z looked like her pimp. I had no interst in the Grammys and only saw the distasteful highlights. My opinion!!! I know the body is beautiful and to be admired but she rates right with Miley.Reply
    • Devon February 10, 2014 at 2:44 am Beyonce is a woman who is MARRIED, has no out of wedlock kids, had her baby with her husband, she’s not standing on somebodys welfare line or begging black celebs to “do something” for her and her kid. She doesnt need you to feel sorry for her. Old azz menapausal fossils like you werent trippin when Tina Turner was shaking her azz on stage when she was young and yall wasnt trippin over Pam Grier showing her tiddays in her movies or screwing black and white dudes in her movies either. Another old azz hypocrite bumpin her gums, no wonder my generation doesn’t respect yall, always talking out of one side of your face while you forget all the mess yall did when you were young.Reply
12. Nato2 February 8, 2014 at 7:55 pm Two comments. First many black women of college age and over are posting pictures, videos and live shows on the computer performing even worse acts than Beyoncé. Many are used by both black and white men who post professionally taken photos, where women are actually selling themselves to the highest bidder, and by themselves you know what I mean. Secondly, whites don’t want us to know because it will anger us and expose them for what they really are. We seek solace with them, and really want to forget what they did, and until we have a reconciliation with ourselves and them, our position will not improve in the US.Reply
13. Barbara February 9, 2014 at 2:02 am Ms. Spivey, there is nothing “artistic” about a half naked Beyoncé sexualizing herself in front of millions. Why would you even mention her while describing the horrific lynching of our Black sisters?@
    Elizabeth Moore….I’ve heard similar stories from my grand parents of all night rapes of Black women and small girls. Little girls who were too young to understand what rapes were all about; crying to their parents who could do nothing to help them. Keep telling your stories for all to know. One thing for sure, you will not find these type of stories in American (White) History books in school. BUT, they (whites)can not hide the truth from the world forever.Reply
    • Adrian Watkins February 11, 2014 at 3:28 am Right on Ms. Barbara, very well said!Reply
14. katie February 9, 2014 at 3:29 am Thank You Yolanda SpiveyReply
15. katie February 9, 2014 at 3:40 am My thoughts on Beyoncé Grammys performance.No matter the horrible treatment that was done to us in the past. We really need to examine the meaning of her pushing the limits of entertainment. Her song was raunchy.It also says a woman has to get naked to be sexy , a man can be fully clothed.There is a lot to be debated in Beyoncé exhibit and we need to let it out.Reply
16. godfather05 February 9, 2014 at 2:34 pm Do you wonder why ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and their affiliates never tell one of these true stories? Could it be that not only did they condone it then but feel that they would offend their white viewers if they told the fact about American History and what happened mostly in the South, and East? Now whenever an injustice occurs, and they still occur often, FOX try to justify these outrageous cowardly acts by whites.Reply
    • Devon February 10, 2014 at 2:52 am Why would you expect tv stations to tell these stories, you do realize what country you live in right? These are stations run by white people why would you expect these stations to show anything that happens to black ppl unless we’re getting arrested? Naive’ much?Reply
17. A. Newson February 10, 2014 at 9:00 pm It is soo important to educate our children about our past in this country because as a black women i feel we are fed to believe we have no value in anything in the past, now or in the future. it does take a village and not only educate your children reach out to other children you know and dont know to educate them. im really on the verge of homeschooling for the very reason the public or private, charter etc do not teach our history. we have to if we want things to change. i am a very proud black woman and sometimes people say that i am too proud,,but how can that be when you are surrounded by so many negative sterotypes and images of black men any women other than black,,all the negativity surrounding our hair and bodies..there seems to be no median for me and most people are uneducated about our history and the things african americans endured and survived..black women out there we need to stand up and speak out and let our voices be heard and teach the young ones …our condition as black folks has to change but it will not magically go away we have to make a change..Reply
18. Traveller February 11, 2014 at 3:42 am ‘You sow the wind you inherit the whirlwind!’Although we were lynched and have forgotten, you can be assured that Our God has not!!Reply
19. paula February 11, 2014 at 6:07 am You so rite and what good is the truth if the blacks dont stepup and do demand eqaulity now. White s still see us as 3rd class thers no black nothn we are stuck black men should standup and stop eatn the white mans shit.they fear us .til we stand up and say hell no the internet. Is pointless with all that grewsom. History fight fuck it start some shitReply
20. Teri February 16, 2014 at 7:04 am Rape camps, as in Bosnia,during their civil war, exist in the US,now. Black girls are the main prey of the corporate pimps(black and white) who stock the camps. As in Bosnia, girls dont leave the camps alive. There is a holocaust on black women right now in the USA and those who have their money and libido sunk in S&M, in crack highs built upon rape, and in powerless women who will never be allowed to tell, would much rather hear about yesterday than the all too real rapes and lynchings of TODAY. Any black women who know of this presentday holocaust on black women, should tell the truth to power, black and white power,even if neither one wants to hear truth about the holocaust on black women happening right now.
    Sad thing is,a lot of black women outside the camps are as afraid of the ire of the black and white men involved in maintaining them.Reply
21. Haile March 5, 2014 at 8:14 pm YES!NO MATTER WHAT WE MUST NEVER EVER FORGET EUROPEAN SLAVERY AN ITS DEADLY, VICIOUS, DEVILISH, MUDEROUS,NO NAME FOR ACTS AGAINST US AND THE WORLD.THE DEVILS HAVE LEARNED MUCH SINCE THESE DEVILISH ACTS BUT HE AND SHE AND THEIR CHILDREN HAVE NOT CHANGED THEIR DEVILISH NATURE, EVEN IF THEY LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT AND APPEAR TO ACT A LITTLE DIFFERENT.THE WORLD IS STILL SUFFERING FORM THE RESULT OF THESE NO NAME FOR ACTS AGAINST GOD,S PEOPLE. AND TO THINK THAT ALL PEOPLE ON THE EARTH CAME FORM AFRICAN PEOPLE.NO OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD TO ENDURE WHAT WE DID AND YET WITH ALL THAT, WE HAVE COME FROM THE OUTHOUSE TO THEIR SO CALLED WHITE HOUSE, BUILT BY AFRICAN SLAVES FOR FREE.YOU ARE REALLY DYNAMITE AFRKICAN, WALK TALL AND CAST A LONG SHADDOW.Reply
22. s’ann March 9, 2014 at 5:25 pm Yolanda, thank you for shining the light on the lynching of Black women. Most of the stories told are about the lynching of Black men. In fact, Ida B. Wells’ study of Black men’s lynching proved their innocence in raping white women. In reading your article, I am sadden and angry about the stories of the Black women, especially the one about the mother whose stomach was cut opened and her baby was horrendously murdered. (Pause, head shaking.) How do we process that? When we tell these stories, we must also prepare ourselves and our young people on how to process their feelings and thoughts. A vigil, memorial, books, poems, a moment of silence, something! We cannot allow their stories to continue to lay dormant or for their deaths to be in vain.I might also mention, don’t forget Lena Baker’s story either, she was the first woman ever to be executed in the State of Georgia for defending herself against a white man, who was trying to kill her.Lastly, it is obvious that you are a big fan of Beyonce, but there is no comparison of the response to her performance at the Grammy’s and the Black women who were lynched due to racism. In fact, it is insulting to compare Beyonce to those women. Beyonce’s is alive and her performance was self-inflicted. Entertainment or not!Reply
    • Iya Marilyn Kai Jewett March 12, 2014 at 2:14 am Ashe on that! Beyonce is NOT a role model for our sisters. She is prostituting herself for money and fame. No class whatsoever. I was embarrased at her performance. She is always scantily clothed, with her legs spread pumping her pelvis in a sexual manner. It’s not necessary. Aretha, Gladys, Chaka, Billie, Ella, Phyllis, Jill and even Solange among many others did not have to do that to gain fame. Money ain’t everything like some foolishly think. As the Staple Singers said in the 70s — “Respect yourself.”Reply
23. Iya Marilyn Kai Jewett March 12, 2014 at 12:56 am I have read the Lynching List that documents 5,000 lynchings of African people in the U.S., but I didn’t realize there were this many women lynched. Reading the post on another Black website made me angry and brought tears to my eyes. I sent it to my email list and told the brothers and sisters to send it to every person of African descent they know. This is part of our history, Amerikkkan history that we must pass to our children and grandchildren.I am a Yoruba priest and work closely with the Egun (ancestors). My Egun spoke to me this morning and directed me to do more and make sure these women are remembered. Since it is Women’s History Month, my godsister and I decided to pour libation for these sisters in a public ceremony to call their names and pray for the upliftment of their souls. We have done similar things in Philly regarding our enslaved ancestors and the community was very responsive. I am also a journalist/publicist and will be writing an article on this. We are going to perform a libation ceremony 3PM, Sunday March 30 at Washington (Congo) Square in Philadelphia to remember and heal the spirits our murdered sisters. Washington Square, two blocks from the “Liberty” Bell, is also the site of a mass grave of Africans and others who perished in the Yellow Fever epidemic. Many people are unaware that our ancestors are buried there. That was where slave owners took our ancestors to allow them to “socialize” before selling them off. White folks didn’t realize they were not socializing, but calling out to the Orisha and the Abosom to help them. The Ancestors are speaking through us and have demanded that this ceremony be perfomed. Bless you for posting this information. Stay tuned.Maferefun Egun!Reply
24. Charles Patterson March 13, 2014 at 10:24 am I stand behind Yolanda Spivey 100% and I agree also. In today’s society no one wants to hear (Black Americans) anything about the atrocities that our Black ancestors faced. Most of the people I talked to in the past in regarding these horrible issues. The first thing they say;”What can you do about it?” Most Black folks back then and some today are still afraid of Whites. Most Blacks have been so Americanized,they forgot where they came from. Even though it was against our will. I quote: “There is very little that is more important for any people to know than their history, culture, traditions and language;for without such knowledge, one stands naked and defenseless before the world.” This is just one of the pieces of info that gives this mainsteam society today to just kill Black Americans today whereas nothing gets done about it. This is the first time I’ve ever heard of this story as well and feels very uncomfortable about it. Blacks better start realizing who they really are.

HENRIETTA VINTON DAVIS.

The following item on Lady Henrietta Vinton Davis is from The Denver Star, Volume 26, Number 114, November 27, 1915

New York Audience Gives Noted Dramatic Reader Great Ovation

Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis was given a royal reception at Beth. Tphillah Fourth Moravian church the latter part of October, when she appeared in Shakespearean readings and electrified and charmed a large and appreciative audience by her splendid interpretation and rendering of the lines of the immortal bard. In scenes from “Macbeth,” “Richard III.,” “Romeo and Juliet/’ she follows to the letter Hamlet’s advice to the players, speaking “the speech trippingly on the tongue.” and as she proceeds we see Macbeth or mad Richard III. or the loving Romeo and Juliet as we imagine Shakespeare saw them after he had created them. It is difficult to say in which role Miss Davis excels, the humorous or the dramatic, for in response to an encore she gave in her most inimitable way a selection (humorous) from Dunbar, “Mammy’s Li’l Baby Boy/’ which completely convulsed the audience with applause. It was so perfectly natural and realistic one could almost hear •‘mammy’s Li’l baby boy” squall—a sort of black squall. When Miss Davis left the platform after this number had been given the audience lay back and roared its delight. The sexton of the church on the following day swept up nearly a dustpan full of buttons which Miss Davis’ contagious humor had burst from the garments of some of her pleased hearers. Professor Freeman of the Choral society and a number of his scholars furnished an excellent musical program.

A scene from the play Christophe by William Edgar Easton

Reception to Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis

In the Evening Critic of April 24, 1883 is an article describing an appearance of Henrietta Vinton Davis at the home of Frederick Douglass in Anacostia, D.C. Her performance described below is followed by that of her teacher Marguerite Saxton.

The Evening critic. [volume], April 24, 1883, Page 1, Image 1

Hon. Frederick Douglass invited a few friends last evening to his residence in Uniontown to meet Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, the young colored lady who is to make her debut in dramatic recitals on Wednesday evening, 25th instant, at Marini’s Hall.

Miss Davis recited very effectively scenes from “Romeo and Juliet,” “As You Like It,” “Briar Rose” (a poem of great dramatic power by Bjornson), “Awfully Lovely Philosophy” and “Dancing at the Flat Creek Quarters.” Mr. Douglass, than whom there is no better judge, made a speech of congratulation, and predicted a successful future for Miss Davis.

Miss Marguerite E. Saxton, the preceptress of Miss Davis, upon a request from Mr. Douglass, gave a scene from “MacBeth,” and recited “Drifting.” Miss Saxton is so well and favorably known that the appearance of her pupil will be one of the events of the season.

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Lynching of Elizabeth Lawrence, July 5, 1933, Birmingham, Alabama

From The Omaha guide. [volume] (Omaha, Neb.) 1927-19??, July 22, 1933 via Chronicling America

Negro Boy Tells Of Lynching Of Mother

News of the lynching of a Negro woman, near Birmingham, three weeks ago, was brought here today by the son of the woman murdered, Alexander Lawrence Who narrowly escaped death at the hands of the same mob.

About three weeks ago according to the story told by the International Labor Defense by Lawrence, his mother, Elizabeth Lawrence, living about five miles from Birmingham was walking along a road when a crowd of young children threw stones and dirt at her. She scolded them severely, but did not touch them.

That night, she was murdered and her home burned down by a mob. Alexander was away at the time, and when he returned, he made a report to the county police. The only result was the reformation of the same mob which threatened to lynch him. He escaped, and fled north to Boston.

The International Labor Defense has set machinery in motion for an investigation of this lynching from its Birmingham office.

America’s Uncrowned Queens: Dedicated to the Heroic, Toiling Black Woman

America’s Uncrowned Queens:
Dedicated to the Heroic, Toiling Black Woman
by Drusilla Dunjee Houston

October 26, 1917 – Black Dispatch
Courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society

‘Neath a weary load upon dusky head,
Upon American streets is the tread
Of an uncrowned type of heroine,
Their labors untrumpeted and unseen.
It to her helpmate, life chance is denied
With undaunted courage, she stems the tide,
Meets some of homes needs, help make it fair;
That he may find a kingship there.

When manhood is shackled, into its place
Nature oft forces a courageous race
Of women, who with heroic spirit,
Stamp within unborn children the merit
Denied their fathers.  For what man’s disdain
Keeps from one generation, the next will gain.

We see them in rain, in cold and the heat,
As they pass us with patient, toil worn feet.
Behind some great universities wall
It is the boy or girl for whom she gives all
Sometimes the more sacrificial her fire
The less we praise it, the more we require.

Whipped with the lash, until the reddened stain,
Of her life blood ran from opening vein,
In slavery’s hour, this type was true
To virtue.  Today life’s way they pursue
As heroically.  No scorn or slight
Can change her ideals, she sees aright;
That duty done, in higher worlds will mean
That she will be more than an uncrowned queen.

148th Earthday Tribute to the Honorable Lady Henrietta Vinton Davis

MONDAY – AUGUST 25, 2008

TRIBUTE TO LADY HENRIETTA VINTON DAVIS

A MEMORIAL ON THE OCCASION OF LADY DAVIS’ 148^TH EARTHDAY

10:00AM Prayer Service at National Harmony Memorial Park

1:00PM Program at Brown Memorial Church

5:00PM Rally at UNIA Liberty Hall

Lady Henrietta Vinton Davis

Shakespearean Actor, Elocutionist, Dramatic Reader, UNIA International Organizer, Black Star Line Vice President

Henrietta Vinton Davis born August 25, 1860 Baltimore, Maryland, joined the ancestors on November 23, 1941 in Washington, DC.

An only child, her father, Mansfield Vinton Davis was a musician who passed away when she was very young. Her mother Mary Ann Davis married influential Baltimorean George Alexander Hackett. Hackett passed away when Davis was 9 years old. She and her mother then moved to Washington, DC.

Davis schooled in Washington until the age of 15. She became a schoolteacher in Maryland. Eventually, she went to work at the DC Recorder of Deeds in 1878 before Frederick Douglass.

Proclamation for Henrietta Vinton Davis Day

Her desire for a theatrical career inspired her to study under Miss Marguerite E. Saxton. April 25, 1883 Miss Davis was introduced in her debut as an actor by Frederick Douglass. For over thirty-five years she was the premier African-American woman of the stage performing “Shakespearean Delineations”, original plays and dramatic readings throughout the USA, Caribbean and Central America.

In 1919 her career took a dramatic turn when Lady Davis joined the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League headed by Marcus Garvey. Initially chosen as International Organizer, she eventually held positions as Assistant President-General and Vice-President of the Black Star Line. On the maiden voyage Black Star Line flagship SS Frederick Douglass, she was the ranking member of the UNIA and the Black Star Line as it carried its cargo worth upwards of $5,000,000.

Proclamation by Mayor Sheila Dixon designating August 25, 2009 “Henrietta Vinton Davis Day” in Baltimore, Maryland

After leaving Jamaica where she continued supporting Garvey, she returned to the USA in 1938. There she joined the UNIA, Inc. headquartered in NY city. After some time she was elected President-General of that group.

At the age of eighty-one she joined the ancestors. Having been divorced, without children of her own and livicating her life to bettering the condition of her people, she was buried in Harmony Cemetery in Washington, D.C. without a marker for her grave.

HTTP://henriettavintondavis.wordpress.com

Lynching of Women in United States Blog Series Part 1: The Lynching of Sisters Eula and Ella Charles

They state:

“Between 1837 and 1946, 173 women were victims of white mob violence in the United States. Of the 173 women lynched: 144 were African American…” What are their sources?

Rediscovering Black History

This blog was written by Dr. Trichita M. Chestnut, Management and Program Analyst in the Office of the Chief Operating Officer at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland

This will be the first blog post on a series of blogs on the lynching of women in the United States.

Lynching remains one of the most disturbing and least understood atrocities in American history.  During the Postbellum and Reconstruction periods, mob violence in the South became a tool for maintaining the racial order. African-American men, women, and children now comprised the majority of victims of lynch mobs and lynchings assumed an increasingly sadistic nature.

Between 1837 and 1946, 173 women were victims of white mob violence in the United States. Of the 173 women lynched: 144 were African American, 25 were white, 3 were Mexican, and 1 was Native American. 164 of these women met their deaths at the hands…

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2017 SACRED LIBATION CEREMONY

Flyer for 2017 Sacred Libation Ceremony March 26, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sacred libation ceremony for our lynched sisters: Calling all spiritual warriors to do the work!

By Iya Marilyn Kai Jewett, Oni Sango

Calling all spiritual warriors of African descent to gather 3:00PM sharp, Sunday, March 26, rain or shine, at Congo (Washington) Square, 7th & Walnut Streets in Philadelphia for the Fourth Sacred Libation Ceremony in remembrance of the 150 documented Black women who were lynched between 1870 and 1957.

In March 2014, I and a small group of priests of Philadelphia’s African American Yoruba/Orisha community conducted the first Sacred Libation Ceremony for the martyred ancestors. The ceremony has now been instituted as an annual ritual in March as part of Women’s History Month in memory of our ancestors.

Libation is poured and prayers are offered by female clergy in the Yoruba, the Akan, the Buddhist and the Christian traditions as prescribed by the Egun (ancestors). If weather permits a drumming is included.

How did this all come about? In 2014, while perusing stories on a Black news website, I came across a story entitled, “Black women were lynched too!” written by blogger Yolanda Spivey. The story included a link to a website (https://henriettavintondavis.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/recorded/) owned by Brother Nnamdi Azikiwe, that’s dedicated to Henrietta Vinton Davis, a prominent and fearless leader in Marcus Garvey’s Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) that included a listing of documented cases of 150 African American women who had been lynched between 1870 and 1957. It provides documented information on these women – their names, dates, places, the reason they were lynched and with whom they were lynched. Reading this made me angry and brought tears to my eyes. After reading details of the lynchings, the Egun spoke to me and instructed me to do more than send an email informing people about the history.

They needed libation poured for them to uplift and bring light their souls. They wanted to be remembered and have their stories told. They wouldn’t let me rest. It was physically and spiritually painful. I kept asking them why me? They replied, “why not you?” They have been with me ever since.

I contacted Brother Nnamdi who said he had been trying to get Black women to pour libation for the lynched Egun for years but no-one wanted to do it. In the 1990s he received a pamphlet by Dr. Daniel Meaders entitled “Black Women Who Were Lynched in America” that gave him details of the lynchings and posted it to his website. These “women,” many of whom were children, were not just lynched — they were raped and tortured before being hung, shot or burned by mobs of white men. Now days, African Americans ostracize Black people who are Republican. However, the first three women on the list – Mrs. John Simes lynched in 1870 in Henry County, Kentucky and Mrs. Hawkins and her daughter, lynched in 1872 in Fayette County, Kentucky, were all murdered for being Republicans!

Many were lynched for standing up for themselves and their families. If their husband or son was accused of a crime and couldn’t be found, the females in the family were lynched. Entire families, including the children were lynched together. Some were lynched merely because they were Black. Others were lynched because they dared to have a dispute with a white person.

Hannah Kearse was lynched in 1895 in Colleton, South Carolina with her mother and son for supposedly stealing a bible. Jennie McCall was lynched in 1903 in Hamilton, Florida by mistake! Mercy Hall was lynched in 1922 in Oklahoma City for strike activity. Eliza Bryant was lynched May 25, 1926 in Duplin, North Carolina for having the nerve to be successful. The last sister on the list, Mrs. Frank Clay, was lynched November 18, 1957 in Henderson, North Carolina for having a dispute with a white person. I was 3 years-old in 1957.

Most people don’t know about women like pregnant Mary Turner who was lynched May 17, 1918 in Brooks County, Georgia to teach her a lesson. After her husband was lynched, Mary threatened to have those who lynched him arrested. She fled, but the mob pursued her and found her the next morning. She was eight months pregnant when the mob of several hundred took her to a stream, tied her ankles together and hung her from a tree upside down. She was doused with gasoline and set on fire. One of the mob took a knife and split open her womb so that her unborn baby fell to the ground. The baby’s head was then crushed under the heels of her murderers. But, that wasn’t enough for the demonic mob. They finished Mary off by riddling her body with bullets – to teach her a lesson.

Each year Nnamdi and I work together to carry-out the Egun’s instructions. The Egun plans every aspect of the ritual. The first year, neither Nnamdi nor I could sleep for weeks until it was done. We realized that we were chosen by the Egun to bring this to the people and that the Egun were speaking through us. They are channeling through us to do what needs to be done for them and our communities – healing. The Egun are not an abstract notion. They are just as alive as they were here in this realm we call Earth. Many of us can hear and communicate with them, but most people ignore them. However, they have determined that they are no longer going be ignored. The ancestors are commanding our attention. What was hidden is now being brought forth.

“The Egun/Ndiichie/ancestors are reaching out to us,” explained Azikiwe, a staunch Garveyite who lives in Washington, DC. “ They are calling us to use them in the struggle for the triumph of the righteous. The sacred libation ceremony opened me spiritually to view life from a whole new perspective. It is happening because we heeded the call of the ancestors to engage in a process to condition us spiritually for the work that needs being done.”

Let all those who have ears listen! The Egun wants people to innerstand that we are engaged in a spiritual war that is manifesting on Earth and that it’s time to put on our spiritual armor and use our spiritual weapons to defend and protect the children of the Diaspora. They are saying that we must be on one accord spiritually – “no more divisions among the children of Africa regarding religion or nationality/culture. Stop dividing and elevating yourselves above your brethren because of the way they worship the God. You are all God’s children and everyone in the family must work together.” Work is the operative word this year. Do what you have to do spiritually and do it NOW for the good of our people! They are commanding us to “do the work, do the work!”

Each January, Yoruba/Orisa priests around the world conduct divinations for the new year. The 2017 Reading of the Year for the U.S. conducted by the Philadelphia community of Orisa priests revealed that we must work together across the different traditions to do the important spiritual work that is needed this year. It also revealed that the feminine energy is very strong this year and must be recognized and respected. The feminine energy will be our saving grace. Victory over adversity will come through the Iyaami (E-ya-Mee) – the Mothers of the World. They are the powerful primordial mothers sent by Olódùmarè (Almighty Universal Creator) to rule the Earth. They oversee the control and balance of nature, hence “Mother Earth.” Everything comes to Earth through the Mothers. The Iyaami are coming to remove the obstacles and purge the malevolent energy. Accompanying them in the fight against the evil ones are the ruling Orisa (angelic forces) of the year – Sango, God’s avenging angel who is always victorious over his enemies, and Oshun, leader of the Iyaami. Oshun is Mother of Civilization and Culture — the Orisa of fresh waters which we need to live.

This year Sango, Oshun, the Iyaami and the Egun have prescribed an additional prayer ritual for the protection of the children of the Diaspora living in the U.S. and for the future of this nation. Olódùmarè’s angels are fighting on our behalf, but we must do our part. The most important component of this ritual is the feminine energy/female spiritual warriors. I am especially calling women of African descent from all spiritual traditions who are spiritual/prayer warriors to join us in this important ritual for the future of our nation and against the evil ones. There is nothing more formidable than a praying Black woman – a powerful force that raised nations! Our words have increased power this year, so we must be very careful what we speak. Keep your thoughts and words lofty.

We have to elevate ourselves to a higher spiritual vibratory level at this time in order to be in tune with the Universal Creative Force and its positive energy. It is imperative that we lift ourselves above the destructive energy that is being purged in order to survive. There is no need to react to the malevolent because they now have physical control. NO FEAR! Olódùmarè has spiritual control of the outcome – but we must do the work!

We must raise the vibration level of the Earth – the mother of us all. So, I’m calling on all of the clergy of our community – Babas, Iyas, Nanas, Mambos, Hougans, Tatas, Yayis, Imans, Rabbis and Reverends – to come together to pray for our Egun and the future of our people on Sunday, March 26. Those who are ready and willing to do the work step forward. This is not an event and is not for spectators. It is a serious ritual. Please wear white or light colors and bring your instruments.

Lady Vinton Davis Tells Los Angeles Children What African Redemption Means

By Ethel Trew Dunlap

Lady Henrietta Vinton Davis, International Organizer, delivered a brilliant farewell address to the members of the Los Angeles Division on December 27, in which she told in her usual graphic way of the struggles the Negro undergoes in his fight for complete independence. Miss Davis recited a conversation she had with a Mr. Michael, a California Jew, who drew a parallel of the Negro and the Jew both fighting for a restoration of their ancient homeland.

“It is indeed a pleasure to be with you again, said Miss Davis. “I am glad to have this opportunity, and I am proud that I was here last night. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the children here in their recitations, seeing them playing–how free they were in Liberty Hall. That is as it should be: they should have freedom to enjoy themselves. And I thought last night that as an organization you should set aside one night of each month and call it children’s night. Let them have a little time after the program. Of course it won’t always be Christmas; you won’t always have a Christmas tree; but you can make the children happy.

The Curse of Race Prejudice

“We all look back at the pleasant time that we had when we were children. And I throw out that suggestion tonight–one night in each month we should call children’s night.

“I was surprised there were not more people here last night. We should all be interested in the children they are our future hope; they are our future leaders. And we should train and do what we can toward the training of our children.

“Colored children have so much to make them unhappy. I know that from my experience. The time comes when they learn they belong to a race that is segregated, despised and jim-crowed for no other reason than that they are black; and it is a sad day for a colored child. So it behooves us to make our children as happy as we can. And I shall be glad indeed when we can found a nation in Africa where our children can grow up free and untrammeled from prejudice. That’s what I am working for and that is what every member of my race should work for, that our children can enjoy a greater freedom than we have ever been permitted to enjoy. And I think that all of us should become enthusiastic workers in the U.N.I.A. in the interest of the little ones.

Forced to Wander in Alien Lands

“When I saw this dear woman last night, when I saw how she got the children together and trained them, not only for the sake of the Negro children, but for the children of Los Angeles as well, I said: ‘She is a noble woman and I honor and love her, and I shall never forget her.’

“I am glad the dove of peace is hovering over Los Angeles. I shall feel better satisfied than if I had left last week. I feel that my mission has been fulfilled, that what Marcus Garvey sent me for has been done and my mission performed. I feel that I shall leave you all in harmony and peace, looking forward instead of backward, working hopefully for the improvement of the U.N.I.A.

“What a boon you have before you, the redemption of your fatherland. A gentleman called on me today–you know Mr. Michael. And he likened the condition of my people to the condition of his people. He said that the Jews had been forced to wander in alien lands just as the colored people are forced to wander in alien lands; that the Jews are a scattered people and that the colored people are likewise scattered–not because they want to be a scattered people, but because of the prejudice and hatred of other men. He called attention to the fact that the Jews for years had worked for the redemption of their land, Palestine, and that the Negroes were busy likewise redeeming Africa. And he expressed the belief that the time is not far distant when Palestine should be populated with its scattered sons and daughters, and that the Jew and Negro should be well side by side in love and harmony as in ancient times.

“What a beautiful thought, my friends. He did not suppose that I would come here tonight and tell it, but I must tell it, for it shows the beauty of his mind. And he said he would leave here tonight to trael in the interest of the U.N.I.A. The Jews have scattered their propaganda throughout the world, and they have had divisions in their ranks as we have had amongst our people. These divisions exist; we cannot escape; but we must learn to bear them, to grasp the situation, learn to become victorious over them, and by overcoming them we shall only become the stronger.

“As I listened to Rev. Matthews I said: A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. Although he knows me, I do not know him: it is so with thousands of people throughout the world wherever I go. I have all my life been a busy woman, and just as he says, I go to my home, stay there maybe half an hour, and I am gone again. I cannot enjoy the quietude of my own home, but I have chosen to wander for the benefit of my race. I am not compelled to do it from circumstances. I would not need to do it, for all my life I have been so busy that I could afford to go home and sit down and read the newspapers about the current events; but I cannot see my people suffer without doing my best to alleviate their suffering. And if I die trying to alleviate their suffering I shall feel that I have not died in vain. Because I could have it comfortable by my own fireside is no reason why I should not feel the suffering of my sisters and brothers in the South, in the East and in the Western part of this country, in the West Indies, in Central and South America and in Africa.

“I feel their troubles because I am identified with my race. I know my people  in Alabama, in Mississippi, in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and Oklahoma. I know them in the country, on the farms and the plantations, because I have lived with them on those farms and plantations. I know them in the beautiful islands of the West Indies; I know just what they suffer there–a little different from what we suffer here, but they are suffering just the same. And those suffering are crying to high heaven. I known them in Ecuador, Peru, British Guiana, French and Dutch Guiana, and I sympathize with them in their struggles.

“Memories crowd my mind as I think of the many deeds of cruelty that I have seen in my travels against my people. And if you could have seen what I have seen, if you could have felt what I have felt, you , too, would take up the cause for your race; you too would be as I, ready to cross the continent at any time, at any hour, for the sake of your race. But words fail to describe some things; they have to be seen and felt to be really understood.

“However, in this, my farewell speech to you, I leave my blessing with you and trust that from this time forth you will go on in the bonds of love and unity, and that you will cast aside all things that are detrimental to your growth. You should look forward to buying this property. You can do this by adopting a practical program. You have about a hundred members, I believe. You can double up the number in a month if everybody will go out and get one member. Don’t try to get everybody, but try to get just one, and try to convince them that this society is the only salvation of the Negro; that it is the only organization which solves the Negro problem. It will be no problem to Negroes if they will fall into this movement. We have been a problem to ourselves, because sometimes we have misrepresented ourselves. As our friend has said, this is a crazy city. I don’t want to take the impression from him that all the Negroes here are crazy, but I have known two or three that were crazy. And they re not only undesirable citizens, but they should be loked up; but they are not members of this division of the U.N.I.A.” (Laughter.)  “No, they are not members–and they show their insanity by not being members.” (Laughter.) This is their first trace of insanity. They are not members, or they have been members and deserted the cause.

“The Los Angeles division has been tried as by fire and it has come out as pure gold. So see that you do not tarnish that gold, that that gold becomes brighter and brighter, and that when Garvey comes here that gold shall dazzle the eyesight. But you have to keep it shiny, otherwise it will grow dull like everything else does. But I think by mapping out a program and keeping busy you will so outline your couse of actions the coming year that by the end of 1923 you will make a splendid record. And I hope before the end of next year I may be privileged to come to you again.

“You have plenty of friends who are waiting to see what you are going to do to join you. They want to see if you are free of past nonsense. They feel life is too short to fritter away in foolish things; but to gain our goal we must do it by hard work, by steady work.

“Speaking of the children again, someone expressed the hope that we would have schools in Liberia. I want to say a number of years ago Rev.___________ established a college in Liberia. We are going to enlarge that college and put it on a footing with any other college in the world. That is another thing we have to look forward to–the development of the Liberian College. A part of this Liberian Construction Loan is to be used for the higher educational development of youths in Africa.

“I suppose you all read Prof. Picken’s article in The Negro World. He is a scholar, a man of experience, and when he speaks he says something. And when he writes he gives you something to remember. I read it at one sitting. I would not let anything come between me and my article. For Brother Pickens has answered our enemies: he has given them a knockout blow in the solar plexus so they can’t come back at all. So read that article. He has told us it is the greatest organization in the world. Yet he is a professor of the N.A.A.C.P. But he is not afraid of losing his job. He comes down to Liberty Hall whenever he feels like it. And we ask him to speak and he expresses his sentiments. Sometimes he just likes to steal in and listen to Marcus Garvey, for he thinks, as we think, that Marcus Garvey is the most remarkable person living today. It is something to hear him, and it is more to know him. And to know him is to respect and revere him. I received a telegram from him today, and I think so much of it I am just carrying it around, because in it he wished me a merry Christmas and a happy new year. In it he told me to be in Chicago on the ninth of January and to be in New York city on the eleventh of January. And by the help of God I am going to be there. And although it means I have to speak to a large audience that night and have to leave immediately for New York, yet I don’t mind it.. I am glad to have the opportunity to do as my chieftain bids me. I shall possibly leave your city tomorrow afternoon or tonight, and I am asking you to do your best–for Marcus Garvey expects you to do it–towards giving a splendid collection.

“I am not a beggar–I never begged until I came to the U.N.I.A. It sort of gets me, you know, to do it. But I am begging for your race, and I am ready to go to the uttermost parts of the world in my efforts for their behalf. I have been doing this for four years now, doing without sleep, getting into large cities in the early morning hours, with no one to meet me. And the thought of doing something for my race has warmed my heart and has made me not feel weary, has made me go on. So I am asking you now to come forward and give me your Christmas offering. Kindness has been shown me while here, and it shall not be forgotten. I have been comfortably located while here and I thankyou; but I am on my way now, so help me on. You know you used to sing, ‘Help the weary traveler on the lonesome road.’ So I shall be the weary traveler on the lonesome road, but I shall be thinking of you with thoughts of love and hope.”