Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 January 1992 — Page 7

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SATURDAY. JANUARY 18,1992

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A7

Opinions Why not a memorial lor the slaves? Around 1619 and for die next 246 yean, our grandparents of those generations came to this country against thei r own will Their pain is only felt indirectly when we ourselves sometimes feel the sting of racism in our own lives, or see racism through Rodney King or In Forsythe County. The subject of slavery in American history is, for the most part, excused away because the United States fought the Civil War and gave our forefathere back the freedom that God had already instituted to ail men. What did the Civil War really do? The Civil War began to correct a civil wrong. It did not, however, eliminate racism, our hurt, our pain, or the mental oppression that still exists in the African-American community today. We as African Americans have always been hurt by the stigma that racism has caused. For some of us, we team to be proud of who we are and to appreciate the beauty that God has given us. Unfortunately, a great many of its deny who we are by denying our past or being ashamed of it. In fact, we know more about the countries and cities of Europe than we do about the continent from which our forefathers came. The only way to accept our own past and be proud of it is to know about iL Our grandparents of those generations were taken from their homes and their way of life and made to accept a way of life that was alien to them. Despite the racism that they had to endure, the fact that we are here proves that they endured it. It is we African Americans who should be proud, not ashamed of our past. We now embrace a country that our ancestors did not embrace. In fact, I am sure that if they had been given a choice, they would have gone back to Africa. It is true that we are no longer Africans, but African Americans. It is an appropriate name for us. For no race of people has endured slavery, then embraced the very country that enslaved us, and now strive to make America what it truly is supposed to be. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights." Despite the men who wrote these words, they are indeed great words. Any human being from anywhere in the world can embrace a country that holds true to such words. Our forefathers, from the birth of this country to the present, have died for the right to be treated equal, though for the most part, we have not been treated equal. This country owes a debt to our forefathers that it can never repay — but America can do this — it can give us back the dignity which it took away. It has been approximately 372 years since the first African came to this country. Before the year 1864, an estimated 12 million Africans were taken from some 3,400 miles off the west coast of Africa. From the countries that are now Senegal, Guinea, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, the Cbngo and the Ivory Coast, and from the tribes of Akan, Fon, Yoruba, Ibu, Fanti, Fulani, Ashanti, Jolof, Mandingo, Bakongo and Baoute. Of the estimated 12 million Africans taken, 8 million died on their passage from Africa to the United States. 12 million human beings are too many to write off because of the Civil War. We as African Americans deserve a right to honor these 12 million people who suffered the horrors of slavery. Since our ancestors were brought to the Eastern Coastline, the memorial should be built right on that coastline. 14 flags should fly in the memorial quite literally in the Atlantic Ocean on brass flagpoles in a one-half circle going inland. The reason being that the number 14 represents the 14 nations of today and the 11 tribes that were taken and brought to the United States. The memorial building should be right on the coastline facing the east and the flags circled halfway towards it A walk-through memorial conceived and designed by African Americans, the memorial’s descendants. A building where we can bring our children and they in turn can bring their children. A beautiful memorial of love and respect and honor to our grandparents of those generations. Contributions for this memorial can be taken year round, until enough money is made to pay for the land and the building itself. Any American who wants to contribute to this memorial can. This memorial would forever raise the moral conscience of this country. This memorial would also be an apology from the United States to those countries in which so many Africans were taken. Lastly, this memorial would be a worldwide reminder that a disease such as slavery should never happen again. I believe by the Grace of God that this memorial can become a reality. It is only through our willingness as a people to heal our own soul that it will happen. — Sovella Jo Perry Indianapolis

WRITING TO THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

editor and opinion artldee from the pubHe. Lenars and opinion art Idee will be used at the editor's discretion and are subject to

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The Indianapolis Recorder P.0. Box 18499 Indianapolis, Ind. 46218 0499.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Could aiateraity leave be uafair? I am writing in regard to a recent article, "Female officers get raw deal on maternity leave" (The Recorder, Jan. 4, 1992). In reality, if some IPD officers are angry it is not because they are not treated equally, but rather because they are not granted special treatment because of circumstances unique to their gender. Men are not granted maternity leave to be with their wife, nor should they be. In this age of choice, a woman can decide when she wishes to become pregnant or at least has full knowledge of the consequences of her actions. Nature has determined that a male and female are necessary to effect a pregnancy for good reasons, as this allows for a sharing of responsibility. Logically, the obligation for helping support a woman during this time is the father’s. In fairness to the department, the number of limited duty spots is finite and in fact, most positions are make-work, or jobs that civilians could be hired for at less cost. Rather than being unfair, in most cases the department is being too accommodating in creating these positions. The process of pregnancy and of raising a child demands certain responsibilities and sacrifices, and should not be entered into lightly. My wife and I gave up a second income when we decided to stan a family. I feel the sacrifices we made are well worth the benefits we have received. Surely pregnant officers should have their jobs and seniority protected. However, the responsibility for the welfare of these officers during pregnancy is ultimately theirs and their husbands or sex partners, and not the Indianapolis Police Department’s, or by extension, the taxpayer’s. It should be noted that I speak only for myself and not for the department. Michael C. Luckett Indianapolis Setting the recora straight Thankyoufayour front pageaiticle (The Recorder, Dec. 21,1991) picturing some victims of police bnuality in Marian County who gave statements before the NAACP tribunal. Immediately after being attacked by Marion County sheriff’s deputies, die family of Fran Kessler, the woman in the photograph with the broken ami, contacted me for advice since they realized that my campaign for mayor called for a strong dtizxns review board that would hold abusive law enforcement officers accountable, a more adequate avenue for justice. The family has asked me to serve as their spokesperson and I have been helping diem broadcast (he horrifying treatment they endured from these sheriffs in an effort to evidence the urgent need fcr a remedy to end continuing police brutality, notonly from IPD. To correct one misstatemert related in T/ie Recorder stty.Thnnan Maynard, Mrs. Kessler’s son, who was beaten by a gang of deputies in fiont of her, even while he was shackled, did not shoot a guninside the house. Since Mrs. Kessler appeared at the NAACP foram at my request, it is my responsibility to set the reoonl straight and let it be known that Ran never testified that'lYuman had used a firearm inside a dwelling. I am heartened that more and more people realize that the New Alliance Pnty can be coimied on lo champion victims of the lack of democracy. Mary Catherine Barto". Chairperson

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Opea letter to "Living Legeads" I am so-o-o sorry that I could not attend the continue to put forth WTLC-FM. What of William "Living Legends in Black” dinner on Jan. 12 but Mays?TheA-MenprogramatArlingtonHighSchool? then, the $45 ticket price was a bit prohibitive. IPS Superintendent Dr. Shirt Gilbert II? And there are Then, I was not planning on attending anyway, dozefts of black men who are teachers, counselors, The unfortunate side effect of this whole program is lawyers, police officers, etc. What of them? those who are in need of it (black youth) can’t get in As an educator at the High School level, each week to the festivities either. I come in contact with a variety of young men who This is quite sad, for programs of this nature send want to succeed in life, out the wrong message to our youth: “We want to I am busy trying to convince them and teach them help you, but don’t come too close.” about what is important to make it in this world, to As I have seen in various papers, Ms. Gemmons clamor for attention. I am not alone in my views, has the same type of problem that employers have Ms. Gemmons, you help to perpetuate the lie that had for years: the only important black man is a publicized black Finding qualified black men and women, worthy man. Just as the myth of "there are no marriageable of honor. It seems that we see the same brothers black men around” needs to be stopped, so does honored and no others. yours. In the past three years, Indianapolis has had black We as a community have a new decade ahead of men in charge of public safety, the fire department, us in Indianapolis and there are plenty of black men The Indianapolis Recorder and various black-owned on the frontlines doing the job we have received talent companies as well as key areas of police department, from God to do. All you have to do is look ahead to the courts and churches. ■ see us. In one sense, Ms. Gemmons, you are blind to Don’t look down, or to the side, but ahead, for we reality: black men are taking care of business in continue to take the lead. Remember the African record numbers. IPD Officer Ricky Gark — the proverb: “It’s not what you call me, but what I answer former mayor of Brightwood—still helps our youth, to.” If the black community stopped calling black Pastors Frank Alexander, D.L. Thomas and M. L. men "losers” and called us “achievers,” there would Hunt continue to preach and teach the gospel. Dr. be more of us visible to you. Nelson Woods continues to do research in and about M.G. Ramey the black community. A1 Hobbs and Jay Johnson Indianapolis

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Black History Issue February 1,1992

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