ENGW 105
Shakira Logwood
Gordon Parks was an extraordinary man who like philosopher, used his form of art as a form of expression and self liberation. He has been a voice of the voiceless, taking observation of the experiences under-represented people and communities were going through throughout his career. In a time of fighting for equality and a better school system, it is important to not only say their name, but elaborate on the hidden gems of philosophers throughout our history. I chose Harlem’s piece Red Jackson, who can be seen looking down out his “broken window on his turf”.
Figure 1 Red Jackson 1948, Gordon Parks, American, 1912-2006
This image gives a closer look into the reality of life in Harlem, New York. The 1960s had a plethora of things going on affecting everyday life such as the race riots. In 1966 the Black Panthers organized a group in Harlem, pushing for change, and preparing to exchange violence if not. Toni Morrison states, “I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, its is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence”. Jackson is looking down at the chaos with unwavering peace, already knowing the battle lying ahead. With eyes of knowing a revolution is near. And just like his demeanor is how we all should approach the situations of societies never ending plans to keep Black people in dismay. But if we knew better, we would do better, which is why my website is such a great bridge to connect the gap.
Just knowing that you go through everything for a reason and realizing nothing is by accident. What is happening now with the blatant disrespect and the openly expressed racism is nothing but history repeating itself. Without even having a grasp on just how much this is affecting day to day survival. All the peaceful protests, riots, and boycotting is nothing new to the eye. Though what matters is how we personally choose to narrate and navigate through such tedious times. In reading that Jackson, a young black man known for leading a gang called the Midtowners, rode around with Parks all day showing him where turf lines were, value of honor and loyalty, and realizing the daily sights of death, has reminded me to not judge a book by the cover. Don’t decide to not search beyond what meets the eye. This is providing inspiration in so many ways, but mainly to know that nobody knows what lesser communities go through unless you live it. No one can walk a mile in your shoes unless they must. The process of survival may look skewed on the outside looking in but one thing we should stay true to is ourselves. Society can put whatever title they want on us, “gang member” or “convicted felon”, but none of that matters because no victory is a walk in the park, and as Jackson was looking with such poise, we shall do the same.
Miller’s and Jurecic’s suggestions of Jacob Lawrence’s The Great Migration Series, and Faith Ringgold’s Tar Beach #2, are great examples of pieces that represent what our movement currently represents and the type of peace we’re striving for afterwards. My website purpose is ultimately about using wisdom to move forward. With Lawrence demonstrating the strong individual and village of a community involved to endure the everyday black experience. Along with Ringgold giving a vibrant illustration of the type of aura being brought upon the resilient.
"Glory" by John Legend and Common is another great example of using your from of art to elevate and inspire. This song gives hope and an uplifting spirit, as “one day” is repeated throughout the song. One day “Sins that go against our skin become blessings”, one day we will overcome obstacles meant to steal, kill, and destroy us, one day black people will begin to move as a unit again, and tell our true history. There has been insufficient exposure to black excellence such as philosophy. The contribution of intellectual ideas has been demonstrated in our community for centuries. Making children that look like us not want to reach for the stars and expand their imagination. But it is okay for “one day when the glory comes it will be ours”. We have to believe that! We must stand tall and know that “the biggest weapon is to stay peaceful”. I know that we are not being educated and, or exposed properly, so “it takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energy” to take back what is rightfully ours, life. The world is about division and wants us to divide but “no one can win the war individually”. We just have to pray and keep the faith. Take out time to go read a book, go visit your local National Black History Museums, and genuinely feed this next generation the knowledge and discipline already instilled in us because “everyday women and men become legends”. Do our ancestors justice that paved the way like when “Rosa sat on the bus”, and for the ones who “they say “stay down”, and we stand up, shots, we on the ground, the camera panned up”. But we shall move forward with grace, “never look back, we done gone hundreds of miles”, what would Ms. Tubman think? One day we will be able to lift our “hands to the heavens”, thanking God for the long-stridden victory.