mis educated?

I'm reading Carter G Woodson's Miseducation of the Negro.  I' ve been exposed to a lot of different things recently, mostly on racism in america.  Out of that this book came to my mind, as something I've never read, even though it has sat on my parent's bookshelf since I was small.

So far Mr. Woodson makes several great points even though this book was written over 80 years ago, these points are relevant even now to our black race.
One thing he talks about is our miseducation.  He discusses black elite, and black scholars, and gives some suggestions as to the direction that we need to take.

One of the things that I appreciate him saying out rightly about the arts

"Negroes graduating from conservatories of music dislike the singing of folk songs.  For some reason such misguided persons think that they can improve on the productions of foreign drama or render the music of other people better than they can themselves." p. 140

This has to do with me, and some of the mental anguish I've been experiencing. My reaction is that yes a lot of western european music is accessible to a black musician. It touches me and moves me just the way it does them.  Rendering it though....

He also contends that we learn in school and through our education to imitate and do as we are told in order to succeed. However, we may not need to do what was done before, even if it was a worthy thing.

So new thinking, new ways of doing things, also education of ourselves begins to emerge our aim. Who are we as black people. What do we need to develop as a culture? How do we see things, how should we express ourselves. How should we educate the next generation?

These thoughts are still swirling in my head. And I can't wait for clarity of thought.

Peace

I'm the adult

The bottom line today was that I had to act in my adult mode. I can't get crazy, I can't lose it. I show that I am an adult by being in control of my actions and my emotions.

Some kids were testing me today, and I can't say I passed completely.  One kid in particular bugs me, because he just has this arrogant attitude, and he displays a bad model for other students. I need to address his behavior, but it should probably be when it actually occurs. He is older so I can hit him with the mature thing, but I know that he is still a kid.  He still acts like one, completely.  OK, also as a Christian I realize that his potential is not there, and that is not my ministry. IT just isn't so I really should give my attention to folk I can actually impact and help.  NOt ignore the individuals, but just understand that if they don't get it, then they just wont get it with me.   I'm ok with that and I need to invest my energy and mental space on those I came here for.  Perhaps these individuals can be ministered to by someone else, but it doesn't seem to stick with me.  Lord purge me from any evil, allow your love to flow deeply through my veins. Give me the wisdom to deal with every situation.

God allow me to be the adult at all times, but still be loving and your child.  with your heart as my heart. Thank you Jesus for your word that melts even the hardest heart.  Give me a clean heart that I may serve you alone.
Thank you for dying for me and allowing me to have access to this free life. I'm sooo blessed ! I want to say thank you for rescuing me and allowing the privilege to work with these talented  young musicians.

Love,
your child