Many poor families, including mine, benefitted from the Great Society. These domestic programs were launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 and 1965. The main goal was to eliminate racial injustice and poverty. Many new federal programs that addressed medical care, rural poverty, education, transportation, and urban problems were launched during this time. …
I visited Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard with a different tour group for the second time in almost three months. Prior to visiting the first time, I was curious about the experience of Black Americans on the island. For years, I thought it was a place where on the Black elite went. I didn’t …
Sixty years ago on this date, August 28, 1963, The March on Washington D.C. for Jobs and Freedom was the largest civil rights rally in American History. I was almost ten years old and living in abject poverty with my family in the segregated South. My parents did not have jobs outside of working …
Some students may believe they are not financially able to attend a college or university. Fortunately, there are many scholarships available if potential recipients apply for them. When I was a senior in high school, scholarships were limited. I didn’t let that deter me. I was from a poor family, but I was determined …
In 1972, on the campus of Tennessee State University, I became a member of the Divine Nine. I was the first in my family to pledge a sorority or fraternity. My niece, nephew, and two daughters followed in my footsteps. My son in love also pledged a fraternity when he was in college. …
Like many people in the 60s, I grew up fascinated with the Kennedy family. My favorites were John and Bobby. It didn’t hurt that Bobby and I shared his middle name. His name was spelled with an “i” and mine was with an “e.” I was a little poor girl and thought of the …
During the civil war, enslaved men fled from their enslavers and flocked to Union lines. John C. Fremont, a Union general, issued a proclamation freeing the enslaved people of Missouri rebels. President Lincoln revoked the proclamation. In spite of pressure from congressional liberals, abolitionists, and free black leaders, he ignored them and for almost …
In June 2022, I visited Charleston, South Carolina for the first time. My niece and her husband planned a family trip to this historic city. They arranged an extensive black history tour with a local tour company. We departed from the Charleston Visitor Center for our two hour tour. Our energetic and knowledgeable guide …
The pain of poverty is what got many people out of poverty. I grew up in the South during The civil rights movement. This decades long movement helped secure equal rights for black people under the law in the United States. Prior to this movement, more people were living in poverty. After the end of …
Many people do not understand, or don’t care to understand the challenges of poor people. Many middle class or rich people may label poor people as “lazy.” The opinions regarding poverty may extend to political parties. Many conservatives believe poverty is the result of poor choices and behaviors. Many liberals believe that choices may …