By Harold Bell

In Washington, DC in 1954 there were two important Supreme Court decisions reached on the same day in May.  The decisions were Bolling vs. Sharpe and Brown vs. Board of Education. The two decisions changed how public school education was practiced in America.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was the President of the United States and Earl Warren was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

The lead plaintiff attorney on Bolling vs.  Sharpe was George Edward Hayes.  The case was argued on the 5^th Amendment (Equal Protection Clause), thus setting up the theory of “reverse incorporation.”

The lead attorney for the plaintiffs in Brown v Board of Education was future Supreme Court Justice, the great Thurgood Marshall.  Mr. Marshall graduated first in his class from Howard Law School in 1933.  In 1934 he became the lawyer for the Baltimore Chapter of the NAACP.

The Supreme Court ruled that “separate but equal” public school education was unconstitutional.  The court ruled that public schools could never be truly equal with blacks attending one school and whites attending another.  This would be Mr. Marshall’s battle ground and field of play.

If attorney Thurgood Marshall had been a NFL quarterback, a three-point shooter in the NBA or a Designated Hitter in Major League Baseball he would have no peers.  He won 29 of the 32 cases he argued before the Supreme Court.  Mr. Marshall was a Superstar in “The Game Called Life.” It is the only game being played in today’s America where the title of Superstar really counts.

If Black America is looking for a hero and role model we have to look no further than Thurgood Marshall, He literally set the bar of how we should measure our heroes and role models in our community.  We should be able to go to Webster’s Dictionary and look up the definition of “unselfishness” and see his picture.

When the Supreme Court finally rendered a decision in 1954 declaring segregation in America’s schools unconstitutional, Archbishop Patrick O’Boyle picked up the ball and ran with it.

The Archbishop played a significant role leading up to the decision that would set the stage for the 1954 All-Star game.  He implemented a follow-up action plan.  He authorized a scrimmage between all black Armstrong Technical High School and integrated Archbishop John Carroll High School.  Carroll had ONE black player, but had several black students enrolled at the school.

The scrimmage took place in August, 1953.  The Coach for Carroll was George Washington University legend and NFL Hall of Famer Tuffy Leesmans.  The Armstrong High School football coach was the equally talented Ted McIntye.  Willie Wood was only a sophomore but he was all over the field.  His greatness could not be denied.  He would go on to become an NFL Hall of Fame player for the Green Bay Packers.

The real star of the scrimmage, however, was “Red Mike” Hagler who went on to become a star running back at Iowa.  He played in two Rose Bowls (1956-1958) for legendary Iowa Coach, Forrest Evashevski. In the second Rose Bowl he scored two TDs.  The second TD was a spectacular weaving 66 yard inside reverse.  Mike would end his football career playing semi-pro football in New Jersey.  He was definitely a legend in his own time.

In 1954 the two All-Star football teams met at old Griffith Stadium in Washington, DC.   The number one ranked, undefeated and favorite was St. John’s.  The DC Public High School All-Stars were a collection of black and white players.  The white players were from Division One (Anacostia, Coolidge, McKinley Tech, Western and Wilson ) and had 22 players named to the team.  The black players were from Division Two (Armstrong, Cardozo, Phelps and Spingarn) were represented by 11 players.

There was a joke going around during preparations for the game that Division One coach Stewart thought it best to select twice the number of white players in case trouble broke out.  The fight odds would be 2-1 (separate but equal).

This was the first ever integrated high school athletic contest played in Washington, DC.  There were close to 9,000 fans in the stadium to witness this history making athletic event.

Dave Kane is a native Washingtonian and a 1960 graduate of DeMatha High School.  Dave played wide receiver and safety for the stags.  He was in town recently to meet with players who played in that game.  His brother John was a running back and scored the only TD for St. Johns in the 1954 All-Star game.  His father was the team doctor.

Mr. Kane is exploring the possibilities of making a documentary film of the historical event.  During his visit to DC from his now hometown in Phoenix, Arizona he met with several players who participated in that game.

The interested parties met at the home of Chink and Gladys Hawkins in Upper Marlboro, Maryland a DC suburb.  Gladys is the sister of former Armstrong High School and NFL Green Bay Packer hall of fame player Willie Wood.

The DC Public High School All-Stars in attendance were George Carlos, Olin Robinson and Charlie Queen (Spingarn), Willie Wood, and Lowell Wheeler (Armstrong), Frank Sullivan and Alphonso Brooks and John Simms (Dunbar), Kenny Dunlop (Cardozo) Willie’s close friend and jump shooting basketball teammate Frank Smith was also in attendance.

There are so many stories and twist and turns that came out of this game there is not enough time and space to list them all.

For example, the lead plaintiff in the 1954 Bolling v Sharpe was Spotswood Bolling.  He was my high school basketball teammate at Spingarn.  The legendary DeMatha High School basketball Hall of Fame coach Morgan Wooten was an assistant football coach at St. John’s.

Coaches Sal Hall and Biff Carter, Cardozo and Phelps respectively, were assistant coaches for the DC Public Schools.  Mr. Hall was one of the greatest football minds to ever come out of DC.  Kermit “Zu Zu” Stewart of Anacostia was chosen to be the Head Coach (separate but equal).

The offense installed for that game was the Single Wing the same offense run by the Anacostia High School football team.  The best way to describe the Single Wing offense is to watch today’s NFL’s version of “The Wild Cat Formation.” It is used by several NFL teams.  The quarterback is missing in action.

The best player on the field that day was Armstrong QB Willie Wood.  He never got a chance to take a snap from under the center, but his presence was felt that day.  He was all over the field again.  He played defensive back, ran back punts and kick-offs.  The final score 12-7 was misleading.

Everyone to a man (player) says “If Willie had been the quarterback that day it would have been no-contest.”

Enter Dan Droze and Dave Harris forever linked together in Washington, DC sports history.

Dan grew up in SE and Dave in upper NW, Shaw/Cardozo (inner-city), they were two players from two completely different worlds only separated by the color of their skin (separate but equal).  The All-Star game practices were held at Western High School in upper NW, DC (Georgetown).  They had exactly one week to install an offense and defense for their opponent St. John’s.

I recently met with Dan Droze and Dave Harris the two heroes of the game at DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Maryland.  This was the first meeting between the two All-Star teammates since the game 55 years ago.

Dan and Dave agreed that things went pretty smoothly and there were no signs of racial tension or envy and jealousy among the players (Player Hating).  When they walked on the playing field at Griffin Stadium on December 4, 1954 everyone was on the same page and they had one goal—-beat St. John’s.

The game was a hard fought contest and the outcome was not decided until the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.  St. John’s had the proverbial “Home Field Advantage.” The DC All-Stars were penalized 7 times for 35 yards and according to the game officials St. John’s played a perfect game resulting in no penalties (separate but equal).

Dan (first team All-Met) was a starting running back in the Single Wing offense and Dave (first team All-Met) was a starter at end.  Dave played both ways on offense and defense.  Dave was also a track star at Cardozo with lightning speed.

There was less then 5 minutes left in the game when Coach Stewart got smart.  He decided to throw the ball to someone other than his Anacostia receiver Ed Vincent who had dropped and early TD pass from Droze.

December 4^th was Dave Harris’s birthday.  Little did Dave and his teammates know it would a birthday long remembered in the annals DC high school sports.

With less then 5 minutes left in the game St. John was leading 7-6.  Dan got the play in from Coach Stewart to throw a “Down and Out” pass to Dave Harris.  Dan took the snap from center and 30 yards down field he spotted Dave cutting to the left corner of the end zone.  He threw a perfect pass and with two defenders draped all over him, Dave made the catch to remember.  The final score was 12-7 and the rest is history.

The black and white players would leave the field and return to their own little worlds.  It would take 55 years for the stars of the game to meet and cherish a memory that would be etched forever in their minds.

Dan would travel down infamous “Tobacco Road” to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to play for the legendary football coach Jim Tatum.  Dave would travel to the University of Kansas for a culture shock.  Dave’s first day in class he looked like a fly in a cup of milk.  He would make the adjustment when he met another Jay Hawk student/athlete ‘The Greatest’ basketball player ever, Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt and Dave would go on to become great friends.

Dan would later become my teammate with the Virginia Sailors (minor league team for the Washington Redskins).  Dave Harris has been my hero since “The Catch.” I would follow him to Griffin Stadium the next year as a freshman receiver for Spingarn High School.  Ironically, we would meet Cardozo High School for the DC Public High School Championship.  We had upset a great Armstrong team 13-7 with their legendary QB Willie Wood to earn the right to play in the game.

There would be no fairytale ending for me, because I was benched for discipline reasons (academic).  I was lucky to be in uniform.  My savior Coach Dave Brown taught me an early lesson, no one is indispensable.

I watched my teammates tie Cardozo 0-0.  Cardozo was chosen to play in the City Championship game because of a ruling based on something called “Penetration.” The Cardozo team crossed our 50 yard line more times than we crossed theirs.

The great players who participated in that that 1954 All-Star game played a role in my spiritual and mental development as a young athlete.  Names like, Olin Robinson, George Carlos, Bill Mayor, George ‘Nochie’ Green, Jessie Saunders, Charlie Queen all played for Spingarn.  William Peasy Jordan and Thomas Sumlin played for Phelps.

I would sit on “The Hill” after school and watch them practice.  I attended Brown Middle School located on the same block as Spingarn and Phelps High school.  These guys were athletes from my own neighborhood and school community.  I grew up in the same NE housing project (Parkside) as Sumblin and Saunders.  They treated me like a little brother and they led by example.

I admired Willie Wood, Dave Harris, Frank Sullivan, Alphonso Brooks, John Simms, Lowell Wheeler and Kenny Dunlop from the stands.  Dave and Willie would later become loyal friends and mentors.

HTML clipboard span.msoDel {mso-style-name:”"; text-decoration:line-through; display:none; color:red} li.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Verdana; margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-top:0in} span.dreadmsgheadersender1 {color:#444444} v\:* { behavior: url(#default#VML) } o\:* { behavior: url(#default#VML) } .shape { behavior: url(#default#VML) } span.MsoFootnoteReference {vertical-align:super} span.apple-style-span {} span.msoDel {mso-style-name:”"; text-decoration:line-through; display:none; color:red} li.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Verdana; margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-top:0in} span.dreadmsgheadersender1 {color:#444444} v\:* { behavior: url(#default#VML) } o\:* { behavior: url(#default#VML) } .shape { behavior: url(#default#VML) } span.MsoFootnoteReference {vertical-align:super} span.apple-style-span {} table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:”"; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”; } span.revision-toggle {} span.MsoHyperlink {color:#3B5998; text-decoration:none; text-underline:none; text-decoration:none; text-line-through:none}

Dan went on to have a successful career as a Financial Investment Banker, and has been married to his wife Rose Mary for 44 years they are the proud parents of four, two daughters and two boys.  The daughters are housewives Stasia and Desma and the boys are Drew (Computer Programmer) and Derk who graduated from GWU and played pro soccer in Chile and Denmark.

Dave had a successful career in Pharmaceutical Sales.  He has been married for 50 years to his lovely wife Theresa and from that union they have 3 boys and a girl and 4 grandchildren.  His son Erik is a graduate of the Naval Academy, David Jr. is a West Point graduate, Dr. Keith Harris is a graduate of Brown University and his twin sister Kim is graduate of Maryland University.

If there are two families in who should write a book on successfully raising children in America, meet Mr. and Mrs. Danny Droze and Mr. and Mrs. Dave Harris.

Despite segregation, the DC Public Schools made a unique mark in American public high school sports history.  Armstrong and Spingarn High Schools are the only public school system with bragging rights of having 4 athletes in the NFL and NBA Hall of Fames.  Armstrong NFL inductees are Len Ford and Willie Wood and Spingarn NBA inductees are Elgin Baylor and Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. This story makes it hard to tell who was black and who was white, but Dan and Dave proved we might have been separate but we were equal.

From the creators of the award winning web site Black and Married With Kids.com comes a ground breaking documentary set to challenge negative stereotypes surrounding marriage and parenting in the black community.

Couples and experts discuss topics such as the image and portrayal of black marriages and families, the effect the Obamas will have on marriage in the black community and the importance of parenting.

Click here to purchase your copy now.

By BMIA.com Staff

Last month broadcaster Tavis Smiley ended his relationship with Wells Fargo Bank.  This month Smiley and Texas Southern University (TSU) ended their relationship last Friday when the university’s governing board agreed to strip Smiley’s name from its communication school.  This action was the final decision in a long-simmering feud.  In 2004, Smiley promised to donate $1 million dollars and to raise another $1 million for TSU.  Shortly, thereafter the school later created the Tavis Smiley School of Communication in his honor.

Smiley reportedly in return, made one $50,000 donation in mid-2005 and raised $250,000 from three corporate donors.   Smiley said Friday he had intended to fulfill his personal pledge.  “Any institution that turns away a $1 million gift in this economy, I think ought to have good reason for doing that,” he said in a telephone interview.

TSU President John Rudley said the dispute had been going on since he arrived on campus in early 2008.  Communication between both parties reportedly broke down last month after more than a year of negotiations.

“Because you did not fulfill your original commitment to our partnership, TSU plans to treat the partnership as being at an end,” Rudley wrote in a letter dated Sept. 28. “TSU will therefore remove your name from the School of Communication and the KTSU Radio facility to allow us to provide other major donors with the naming opportunity.”

Smiley promptly responded in an e-mail to Rudley. “I understand your letter to say that you don’t want that gift,” he wrote. “I … will continue with my benevolence where it’s appreciated.”

Smiley has a PBS program that is broadcast in many markets around the country.

Last summer, Smiley informed TSU he was changing the terms of the agreement.

His business manager, Kenneth Goldman, wrote that Smiley wanted to pay $50,000 by the end of 2009 and $100,000 a year for the next nine years.

He no longer would try to raise money from outside donors.

TSU’s well-publicized problems made it impossible to raise money from corporate donors, Smiley said Friday. “And obviously, not unlike most Americans, my personal income has been impacted by this recession.”

Still, he said, he intended to honor his commitment, even if it would take a decade to do so. Now, he said he will donate that money elsewhere.

Rudley, said of Smiley,”He had his reasons for what he was doing.”  Rudley futher acknowledged that the university still likes Smiley but noted that it was time to move on.

Last month Smiley publicly severed all ties to Wells Fargo Bank in the wake of criticism that the bank targeted African American borrowers for subprime mortgages by using trusted black speakers to steer victims to a series of day-long “Wealth Building” seminars in black neighborhoods.

In the seminars, Smiley praised Wells Fargo and encouraged attendees to seriously consider real estate investments. Wells Fargo was a sponsor of Smiley’s radio show on Public Radio International, and underwrote the annual C-Span-televised “State of the Black Union” conference that Smiley organizes.

Is the shine coming off of Tavis Smiley’s public persona?  Is Tavis the real deal?  A profiteering phony?  Or something in between?

What do you think?  Share your thoughts below in our “Comments” section.

Sources:  Houston Chronicle and KHOU (Channel 11)

There’s been some mild controversy on some blogs about the recently published Morehouse College dress code.  My interpretation of the controversy is that it is generational.  Anyone over 40-45 years old probably applaud the dress code, while younger folks question the policy and find it too restrictive.  Morehouse has a rich tradition that goes back at least 8 decades.  The administration’s new policy which went into effect this month) is spear-headed by Morehouse’s new President, Dr. Robert Michael Franklin, Jr.

Morehouse College has a rich tradition of preparing young men to change the world.

Read the new policy for yourself and tell us what you think.  I’m over 45.  I have no problem with the dress code.

Morehouse College Appropriate Attire Policy
October 2009

Published in The Maroon Tiger

It is our expectation that students who select Morehouse do so because of the College’s outstanding legacy of producing leaders. On the campus and at College-sponsored events and activities, students at Morehouse College will be expected to dress neatly and appropriately at all times.

Students who choose not to abide by this policy will be denied admission into class and various functions and services of the College if their manner of attire is inappropriate. Examples of inappropriate attire and/or appearance include but are not limited to:

1. No caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues. This policy item does not apply to headgear considered as a part of religious or cultural dress.

2. Sun glasses or “shades” are not to be worn in class or at formal programs, unless medical documentation is provided to support use.

3. Decorative orthodontic appliances (e.g. “grillz”) be they permanent or removable, shall not be worn on the campus or at College-sponsored events.

4. Jeans at major programs such as, Opening Convocation, Commencement, Founder’s Day or other programs dictating professional, business casual attire, semi-formal or formal attire.

5. Clothing with derogatory, offense and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures.

6. Top and bottom coverings should be work at all times. No bare feet in public venues.

7. No sagging–the wearing of one’s pants or shorts low enough to reveal undergarments or secondary layers of clothing.

8. Pajamas, shall not be worn while in public or in common areas of the College.

9. No wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events.

10. Additional dress regulations may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities that are sponsored or organized by the College (e.g. athletic teams, the band, Glee Club, etc).

11. The college reserves the right to modify this policy as deemed appropriate.

*All administrative, faculty, students and support staff members are asked to assist in enforcing this policy and may report disregard or violations to the Office of Student Conduct.”

This article was posted by Gary A. Johnson.

At just 48 years old and not even nine months in office, President Barack Obama became only the third sitting U.S. president to win the Nobel prize.

The widespread reaction in the mainstream media:  For what?

The Nobel committee members made no bones about it: Helping Obama achieve ambitious peacemaking goals was their goal in awarding the prize Friday to an as-yet mostly unaccomplished U.S. president.

Will winning the Nobel Prize help President Obama politically or hurt him?

By Gary A. Johnson

Michael Vick committed a crime and did his time.  He deserves the right to work and earn a living which he is doing by way of his employment with the Philadelphia Eagles football team.  Good for him.

Now comes the news that Vick and BET also known in some circles as (Blacks Embarrassing Themselves) have partnered on the production of an eight-part documentary style reality show to be aired on the BET network early next year.

Only on BET.

Ever the optimist, I am all for Michael Vick being able to work and earn a living, but I wonder about this move.  Is it too much too soon?

If produced the right way, the show could chronicle how Vick made a series of terrible decisions that negatively impacted his life.  The show could further illustrate how one man who seemingly had it all and was on top of the world as the highest paid player in his sport crashed to his lowest point.  He lost his money, he lost his fame, he tarnished his name and brought shame to his family.

There could be a series of sobering “teachable moments” that can help other people.  The documentary could help Vick rehabilitate his image and perhaps portray him as a caring father and son and not the cold blooded dog killer that led to him serving time in a federal prison.  It really could be all of these things and more.

My concern is less with Vick and more with BET.  Name the last project or television show on BET that you thought was a quality piece of work?  You know, a show that you could be proud of in the vein of “must see TV.”  You don’t typically hear “masterpiece” and BET in the same sentence.

The show is tentatively titled The Michael Vick Project will follow and document Vick in several areas of his life including his release from prison to the Philadelphia Eagles and will show him as he rebuilds his relationships with his fiancé and children.

The show will also reportedly show Vick returning to the federal prison where he served 18 months and the Virginia property on which he ran the dog fighting operation.  Vick’s company is reportedly co-producing the show.

Again, I wonder if this is too much too soon.  There is the potential to have something good come from chronicling Vick’s mistakes, if produced properly.

Everyone deserves a second chance and Michael Vick is trying to make the most of his.

Should Michael Vick concentrate on football?  Should he cash in on every available and reasonable opportunity that be believes is in his best interest?  How much faith do you have in BET to produce this project?

What do you think?

Tim Wise has been a friend to Black Men In America.com since we launched the original online magazine in 2001.  Over the years Tim has graciously allowed us to post his work.  In fact, time was probably the first white writer that we posted on the site.  In case you’re not aware of Tim, let me give you the “Reader’s Digest” version of this man.

Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and activists in the U.S., and has been called, “One of the most brilliant, articulate and courageous critics of white privilege in the nation,” by best-selling author and professor Michael Eric Dyson, of Georgetown University.

Watch the video and tell us what you think in the comment box below.

About the Author

Tim Wise is the author of White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son, and Affirmative Action: Racial Preference in Black and White. A collection of his essays, Speaking Treason Fluently: Anti-Racist Reflections From an Angry White Male, will be published in the Fall of 2008, and his fourth book, Between Barack and a Hard Place: Race and Whiteness in the Age of Obama, will be released in Spring, 2009. He has contributed chapters or essays to 20 books, and is one of several persons featured in White Men Challenging Racism: Thirty-Five Personal Stories, from Duke University Press. He received the 2001 British Diversity Award for best essay on race issues, and his writings have appeared in dozens of popular, professional and scholarly journals. Wise has been a guest on hundreds of radio and television programs, worldwide.

Tim has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has trained physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. He has also trained corporate, government, entertainment, military and law enforcement officials on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions, and has served as a consultant for plaintiff’s attorneys in federal discrimination cases in New York and Washington State.

You can learn more about Tim by visiting his web site at www.timwise.org.

]]> http://bmia.wordpress.com/2009/10/02/tim-wise-on-white-privilege/feed/ 0 Black Man http://bmia.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/students-teach-game-design-through-mentoring/ http://bmia.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/students-teach-game-design-through-mentoring/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:40:39 +0000 Black Man http://bmia.wordpress.com/?p=1793 ]]>

Background

In the “Be The Game” program, high school students mentor peers and use game design as a tool for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The program’s high tech bus travels to locations where tech facilities are not available.

Click on the link to see the video made by the George Lucas Educational Foundation Edutopia which shows a dramatic alternative to traditional education.

http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-game-design-video

The Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program was established by the National Science Foundation in direct response to the concern about shortages of information technology workers in the United States. The ITEST program funds projects that provide opportunities for both school-age children and teachers to build the skills and knowledge needed to advance their study and to function and contribute in a technologically rich society.

A project by guided by Dr. Kevin Clark of George Mason University, “Game Design Through Mentoring and Collaboration,” is a partnership with McKinley Technology High School in Washington, DC and is designed to teach high school students video game design, and in turn, allow mentoring opportunities for these students to teach middle school students. The project incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) content, with and emphasis on career and educational paths.

The students also work with scientists and experts to design and build educational games that can be utilized by other students and teachers.

The program targets traditionally underrepresented students from the Washington, DC area with the vision of being a model for other distance learning efforts.  The program introduces fundamental concepts of Information Technology (IT) as students develop human animation, multimedia authoring and rapid game prototyping using 3D tools.

This is a “hands-on” program with a strong emphasis on non-traditional approaches to learning and the intensive use of information technologies such as: web-based programming, GIS, architecture, database management, motion capture, LAN network management.

In 2009, the partnership expanded with the addition of Gary A. Johnson Company & Associates, LLC (GAJCO). The company developed a 4-week leadership academy for prospective student mentors with a focus on leadership, mentoring, STEM careers and business etiquette.

In the summer of 2009, Be The Game, LLC and Gary A. Johnson Company & Associates, LLC sponsored several Wii Learning Events for the DC Public School System’s Parent Family Resource Center and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. These program are scheduled to expand in 2010.

What Can You Do?

We want to duplicate this effort in cities around the country.  We need funding to expand our efforts.  If you can help with funding, networking, mentoring and/or volunteering, contact us at webmaster@garyjohnsoncompany.com.

For more information click here to view an informative presentation or click on the link below:

http://itest.gmu.edu/assets/files/ClarkSheridan2.pdf

Click Here To See Student Mentors Teach AARP Members Computer Skills and Social Networking (Facebook and Twitter) On Technology Bus

Click here to see more picture of the technology bus.

By Darryl James

I said it during the presidential campaign and I said it when Barack Obama was elected.

His election will be used to polarize a nation, rather than unite it.

Although more of us are smarter and beyond racism than we used to be, there are still corners of racism that will hold on with tooth and nail to a world they are comfortable with.

That world is a world where Blacks and whites are bifurcated in language, culture and living quarters.

And the conundrum Obama represents is both good and bad.

It’s good because Obama’s existence is forcing racism to be played out in the most public manner possible on the world stage, which means that more people with open minds and hearts can see how ignorant and ugly racism is and so move away from pretending that it does not exist.

It’s bad because all of the venom held by the confused angry racists is beginning to boil to the surface once again.

Those of us who paid attention and who have working brains understood the schism between the young progressive whites who supported change and the backwoods redneck dirt farmers who refuse to move beyond outdated ideas of Black people.

And the dirty, dirty media plays a great role in fanning the flames by overemphasizing and beating discussions to death.

But what all of those things create is an atmosphere where the entire world can see that America is still very much focused on race and racism. No matter who denies it or pretends that it isn’t a major issue, America is not “Post-Racial.”

This nation has made a major symbolic move, but it is still sullied by the angry jackasses who are driven by their hatred.

Most of the anger stems from the same place that always provides anger—the pain of lower and middle class white America.

The recession hit the nation hard, but was taken more to heart by whites than any other group. This group traditionally holds the belief that they are more American than anyone else, and accordingly, should benefit more and suffer less.

Unfortunately for them, the current tide of change did not discriminate and ravaged communities all across racial lines. That ravaging has left many whites angry, feeling desperate and looking for someone to blame.

Ushered into the White House on a tide of desired change that followed changes in society, particularly the nation’s demographics, President Obama is now the icon for change, and for many angry, frightened whites, the icon for all that is wrong with America.

His iconic existence facilitates the anger of those angry whites who ignored the eight years of wanton warfare and economic depravity waged by George W and facilitates singular focus on the rapid changes sought by the nation’s first Black president.

Hiding behind Obama’s pursuit of health-care reform, frothing racists claim that Obama will usher in socialism and dictatorship and so liken him to Adolph Hitler, of all people.

But anyone with a working brain can see the opposition is more directed at Obama the Black man, and not really at any policy.

A cursory examination of Obama’s health care policy pursuits reveal distortions and outright lies by opponents who clearly oppose the man and not the policies.

These same people show up to rally against health care plans as well as Obama’s bailout programs, which curiously extend on the bailouts Bush initiated.

After all, where were these people when Bush was grinding the nation and the world economy into the ground?

Curiously silent.

So, it confuses me when I hear anyone—Black, white or otherwise—refer to America as “Post-Racial.”

From what I can see, race and racism are in the forefront like never before.

And really, that’s part and parcel of the Obama Conundrum.

While the first African American President represents change, to some Americans, he also represents everything that is wrong and ugly about America.

He represents change because a great deal of people of all colors had to come together to get him elected. Frankly, many of us never thought we would see the day.

But he also represents everything wrong and ugly, for the throngs of stupid Americans who have begun to raise him as a scapegoat for all that has gone awry, using his image to fill the rosters of hate groups and to fuel hateful racist activities, while claiming that there is no more racism because of his election.

As for the Blacks who are raging against Obama, they are no different than the bonehead Negroes who opposed Dr. King and who supported Reagan and both Bushes. These self hating ignorant Negroes come out of the woodwork in order to disagree with things that frankly, don’t exist.

However, it should come as no surprise to anyone that whites at the lower end of the economic strata would start to show their racist stripes. These are the same people who have traditionally promulgated racial strife.

And, if we take a look at who voted for Obama (younger whites) and who now believe that they are under siege (older whites), we begin to understand why racial strife is re-emerging.

Our current economic climate has been harsh to older white men who have seen their unemployment rate hit nearly twice that of the national average, while Blacks and Hispanics have not even come close to setting records.

To the frightened, angry white man, people of color are to blame, particularly those Black people who “took their jobs.”

Of course no person of color has literally taken the jobs of older white men.  This is simply the code of the racists who want to lead the white brigades against the men of color who now have the potential to make them the real minority and, in their minds, take over the country with the election of a Black president.

And of course they are speaking and acting in code. The strongest taboo in America is to admit to racism. America has spent more than forty years denying that the vestiges of racism have a strong toehold on pockets of the nation.

But what else would explain the upsurge in hate groups and the sudden widespread interest by older whites in the minutia of national policy?

It’s like watching a sporting event where one team scores, yet the announcer says that the other team is playing hard and leading the game.

We saw this with the beating of Rodney King, where an entire nation and a jury refused to see the beating of a Black man by a group of white men.

It’s an ugly game of smoke and mirrors.

The nation is being polarized and the first Black president is being stuck right in the middle of controversy that he did not create and is not addressing.

The same groups of people who coalesced around Obama to put him in office will have to continue to stand together even as they are being pulled in many directions by fractured interest groups.

They must deal with some confounding puzzles.

In order for the nation to become truly “Post-Racial,” it must finally deal with its racist legacy.

That’s a major part of the Obama Conundrum.

Darryl James is an award-winning author of the powerful new anthology “Notes From The Edge.” Now, listen to Darryl live on BlogTalkRadio.com/DarrylJames every Monday from 8-10pm, PST. View previous installments of this column at www.bridgecolumn.proboards36.com. You can reach James at djames@theblackgendergap.com.

Harold P Freeman, M.D., is the President and Founder of The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention in New York City and Founder of The Harold P. Freeman Patient Navigation Institute. He is also the Senior Advisor to the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Director of the NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities. Dr. Freeman is a past National President of the American Cancer Society. He served for 11 years as Chairman of the U.S. President’s Cancer Panel. Dr. Freeman pioneered the Patient Navigation Program.

Dr. Freeman recently took time out of his busy schedule to answer questions for this very important interview.

Black Men In America.com:  Dr. Freeman, you are the Senior Advisor to the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and former Director of the NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities.  What is the number one health risk affecting black men?

Dr. Harold Freeman: Although the number one health risk affecting black men is smoking related disease such as lung cancer, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in black men.

Black Men In America.com:  What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

Dr. Harold Freeman: One of the main risk factors associated with prostate cancer is older age. Men over the age of 65 are more likely to get prostate cancer than younger ages. Changes in the prostate or genetic changes may also increase a man’s risk for prostate cancer. Having a family member such as a father, brother, or son can increase risk as well.

Black Men In America.com:  What are the symptoms?

Dr. Harold Freeman: There are no symptoms associated with early stages of prostate cancer. Some symptoms associated with later stages of prostate cancer mainly include urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, trouble urinating or a weak urine flow. Other symptoms include difficulty having an erection, blood in urine or semen, and frequent pain in the back, hips, or legs.

Black Men In America.com:  What are the incidence and mortality rates for black men?

Dr. Harold Freeman: The incidence rate of prostate cancer among African Americans is 232.8per 100,000 men with a mortality rate of 51.1per 100,000 men. These rates are in comparison to an incidence rate of 163.1per 100,000 and a mortality rate of 23.6 per 100,000 for all men regardless of race.

Black Men In America.com:  What is some of the latest research on prostate cancer?

Dr. Harold Freeman: A recent study conducted by researchers at the National Cancer Institute found that a common genetic variation may be involved in developing prostate cancer. This study was one of the first to explain the biological mechanism underlying the difference in risk among individuals. Information about this study is available at http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/pressreleases/MSMBProstateYeager.

Black Men In America.com:  Why do black men have higher incidence and mortality rates?

Dr. Harold Freeman: It is not known why African American men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer. It is thought that higher prostate cancer mortality rates among African American men may be mostly due to late diagnosis and treatment.

Black Men In America.com:  Where do black men go for additional information on prostate cancer?

Dr. Harold Freeman: For more information, African American men may visit www.cancer.gov or call 1-800-4-cancer to speak with a specialist regarding prostate cancer.  Through the website and phone number, men can order free publications about prostate or other cancers.

Black Men In America.com:  What’s the official word on prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Harold Freeman: There is still some uncertainty regarding prostate cancer screening. Ongoing clinical trials are trying to determine whether prostate cancer screening reduces the number of deaths from this disease. The most important message is that men—and African American men in particular—speak with a physician regarding prostate cancer screening options.

Black Men In America.com:  Can you talk about the importance of the NCI’s Patient Navigation Program?

Dr. Harold Freeman: NCI’s Patient Navigation Program aims to develop interventions to reduce or eliminate cancer health disparities and test their efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Patient navigators eliminate barriers to timely screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The principal barriers are: financial (such as lack of insurance); communication barriers; medical system barriers (such as lost results, failure to get timely consultations); and fear, distrust and emotional barriers. This program is important in the quest for standard, equal care for all.

Publisher’s Note:  Thank you James Alexander, of the Multicultural Media Outreach Team of the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Office of Communications and Education, Office of Partnerships and Dissemination Initiatives.

You can stay current and get the latest updates from the NCI Twitter page located at www.twitter.com/ncimcmedia.