breathebooks

The Grace of Silence by Michele Norris. The author weaves a compelling portrayal of quiet dignity and strength personified in both her parents. In the process, she reveals her own transformation and reminds of the sacrifice and hope of ancestors. An excerpt from the conclusion of the introduction reads "Our parents felt we needed to know only so much. No time for tears. No yearning for sympathy. You see, you can't keep your eye on the prize if your sight is clouded by tears. How can you soar if you're freighted down by the anger of your ancestors?". Though this memoir contains a few very short lapses of unexciting detail, overall it is topically compelling and many will find it easy to relate. In His Own Voice: The Dramatic and Other Uncollected Works of Paul Laurence Dunbar by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Rare collection from some of his lesser known works. The Strategic President: Persuasion and Opportunity in Presidential Leadership by George C. Edwards III. An historical analysis of results-oriented presidential leadership.

Troy - lesson learned. I think I will take my little verbal toys and go home until such time as I may be ready to both offer and aggressively defend a POV. Right now, it is not productive for me to publicly defend the POTUS, or how I vote (or for whom and why), or to trade barbs with anyone. I appreciate this forum overall, and will look for other areas to contribute.

The budget was increased about 5%. Also, some of the HBCU's are experiencing an acceleration of funding for various projects. You likely do have me beat with regard to the pulse on the gritty street of our big cities. The same individuals were likely not particularly inspired about their particular personel situations before either. It is their privilege to use their vote in that manner. Some also viewed him as vastly superior to all other candidates.

White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities I do hear inspired youth at church, the barber, and in the homes. Not as much in the streets themselves. Five brothers was not ever part of the platfrom he ran on. It is possible that these were the best selections he could make to try and achieve his stated goals. The available pool of resumes of the best, brightest, and most experienced are not chocked full of brothers. We have to change that! Disagree. Reconstruction, Harlem Renaissance period, Jim Crow, and the civil rights era are but a few very tough time themselves. That was ugly for certain. Cleaning up a mess is ugly business that no one wants to do.

Specific support for HBCU's and inspiration (especially) to our youth. I can think of a few more if I must. Granted some would not be only beneficial to AA. Mona Supthen and Valerie Jarrett. Two out of five, and women at that. And effectually, the First Lady.

I've been a lurker for a while and recently joined this forum. This is as good as any thread to jump in. Debating is not the primary reason why I come to this board. I enjoy reading and like to read what others say about books they know about. I have a sense of humor and enjoy a good natured joke or sarcasm. I avoid ill will and mean-spiritedness. Ideas abound in my head, but typically only the well formed make it to the keyboard. The socioeconomic state of america, specifically the black subset, is diverse and evolving so I try not to encapsulate too much. So there you have the initial input of someone stepping off the sidelines.