May is time for more than just Spring Cleaning. It is also a time to celebrate! As young scholars toss their graduation caps in the air and celebrate their journey toward the next phase of their lives, I just want to offer my best wishes. And to my baby sister, Yvette, who just graduated from a conservatory of music, I send a special note: I know your voice will ring louder than a roaring sea–sing your song!

Despite my ridiculously busy schedule, I was fortunate to participate in a few of these celebrations. Here are highlights from some of the events I attended this month:

May 1st- East Kings County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated their 2nd Annual White Tie & Tiara event, where Brooklyn’s Youth Empowerment Mission and Girls Inc. were honored for their outstanding service toward the healthy development of our young girls. Everyone looked beautiful and it is always good to share in the celebration of sisterhood!

May 2nd- Eighth Annual Freedom Weekend in Detroit. People might say a lot of things about what’s happening in Detroit right now, with the auto industry and mortgage crisis taking their toll–but the commitment to the pursuit of social justice remains strong. Congratulations to Rev. Wendell Anthony and the Freedom Institute for another great weekend of “edutainment”–education for the mind and entertainment for the soul. Can’t wait until next year!

May 19- The DuBois Circle, founded 103 years ago in honor of Dr. W.E.B. DuBois, celebrated another successful year of service and intellectual development in Baltimore. Thank you for the warmth you showed to this California native. The next phase of our journey in this movement toward human rights will indeed be worth celebrating–I can feel it!

Congratulations to all of you achievers–now let our work continue!

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris

Yesterday, almost 150 members of Varrio Hawaiian Gardens gang–a predominately Latino gang in Southern California–were charged with drug dealing and carrying out acts of racially-motivated violence and initimidation against African Americans. According to the U.S. State’s Attorney, “Their general message was that if you were in this city, you’d better not be African-American.”

All communities want to be safe and have a right be safe, but we have to make sure we’re doing more than just employing a reactive strategy to create this environment. While I’m pleased that more than 10% of the gang was arrested–the deeper root of the problem lies somewhere in a quest to overcome poverty, and a false sense of superiority that has driven members of this gang to terrorize their African American neighbors. Once they are arrested and (hopefully) brought to justice, what will happen to them? Will they sink deeper into the depressing and convoluted power structure of the Mexican mafia that is suspected of calling the shots? Will they actually be rehabilitated with a sense of empowerment to use their skills for the betterment of their families and communities? And what will become of the other 90% of the gang, still (in theory) committed to terrorizing their African American neighbors? We have to figure out a way to overcome this internalized racism and oppression.

Copyright 2009 Monique W. Morris