“…the ‘highest and most prosperous’ economic level attainable by working class Black men during the pre-Civil Rights legislative era…is that of the Black Christian Preacher.
“…an all encompassing element sets both…gays and the Black Christian religious adrift (side-by-side) in the same listing ship…
“… [San Francisco’s urban religious revolutionizer the Rev. Cecil] Williams’ philosophy in a nutshell: ‘The true church stays on the edge of life, where the real moans and groans are. Most church folks settle in, get comfortable and build doctrinal walls to protect themselves from anyone who thinks or looks differently than they do.’”
Trouble In Black Paradise Chapter 4: The Controversial Life Of King James VI And I, page 84; and Chapter 15: A Demon Lurking In The Closet Of Mainstream Gay Organizing, page 321; and Chapter 16: “Sexual Power” Honed As A Tour De Force In The New World, pages 376-377.
“I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ: I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land.
“Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity.
“I look upon it as the climax of all misnomers, the boldest of all frauds, and the grossest of all libels.
“Never was there a clearer case of ‘stealing the livery of the court of heaven to serve the devil in.”
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass—An American Slave (1845): APPENDIX, page 117.
“…since the missionary dramatizes false tradition…we should combine our efforts…in re-
educating him…so that he might know the truth…of the African Continent…the oldest specimen…developed by mankind…the birth place and the cradle of the Ancient Mysteries.
“…Black people should…first…boycott…missionary literature and exhibitions, and secondly, protest against…missionary policy, until a change is brought about.
“…Black people are entitled to: respectful treatment, because they are the representatives of the oldest civilization in the world, from which all other cultures have borrowed.”
STOLEN LEGACY—The Greeks were not the authors of Greek Philosophy, but the people of North Africa, commonly called The Egyptians. By George G. M. James (1954). Chapter IX: Social Reformation through the New Philosophy of African Redemption, pages 157-161.
“…epigenetics research has revealed that the environment can influence our genes and, more specifically, that trauma can be transmitted over generations.
“While some of what we learn is passed on through direct instruction, the bulk of our learning takes place vicariously, by watching others.
“The individuals and families that survived the slave experience reared their children while simultaneously struggling with their own psychological injuries…
“The children lived and learned the behaviors and attitudes of their often injured and struggling parents. Today, we are those children.”
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome—America’s Legacy Of Enduring Injury & Healing. By Dr. Joy DeGruy (2005). Chapter 4: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, pages 101-103.
“The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House!”
Sister Outsider—Essays & Speeches. By Audra Lorde (1984). The Crossing Press Feminist Series.
FEATURED IMAGE:
With my nephew, Rev. Reginald Pitcher, at my cousin Daisy’s home in Prairieville, Louisiana, before heading to visit Nottoway Slave Plantation near White Castle. November 22, 2013. Photo by Tom Longland.
Greetings hunkered down readers!
This is one of the most difficult writings of my published legacy—an effort to undo a long entrenched rotten “internalized” fuel—the pesky source behind ongoing eruptions of dastardly…
Trouble In Black Paradise.
It was Spring, 2017.
A monster now occupied the presidency—elected in November 2016. The nightmare burned agonizingly fresh! America faced four set-back years—a promise for Blacks of course was that we’d be hit the worse.
And I thought about you—my nephew, the Rev. Reginald Pitcher—as I often do—a long depicted fellow “freedom fighter!”
Unarmed Black citizens being murdered by police rolled along unstoppable. So did Black-on-Black crime madness. Sadly, any hard hitters drumming on the “national” scene—pushing the grassroots “call” saying isolated communities must coalesce to win—seemed lost in a leadership vacuum.
My nephew, Rev. Reginald Pitcher, Sr. rallies a Baton Rouge, Louisiana crowd protesting the July 5th, 2016 murder of Alton Sterling by two cops. Pitcher called for a boycott of malls and businesses that support racist policies. Photo by WAFB.
Again, I thought about “you” in Baton Rouge—imagined as a rebel champion—undoubtedly for society’s most downtrodden.
Alton Sterling’s July 5th, 2016 Baton Rouge murder by cops did hit “nationally”—few incidents of this nature draw that major coverage level. A thing that mostly misses the bustling Bay Area metro where I am. And we do see these killings often (Hollywood’s “Fruitvale Station” chronicled Oscar Grant’s 2008 murder).
So, your voice my nephew—outspoken and prominently demanding justice for Sterling—put you in a rare place—at the national media’s “edge.”
But typically, only “local” Louisiana news (and social media) aired you rallying that press conference—where you called for “boycotting” retail outlets; the Bay Area never published that you, as the Louisiana Southern Christian Leadership Conference Chapter Leader, was being nationally “censored”—for promoting that boycott. I didn’t even know you were a SCLC rep—until I saw that.
Supporting your local effort—in the spirit of national coalescing to expand “visibility”—I published an article on November 3rd, 2016 titled, “Shout-out to Baton Rouge! Killer cops ‘terrorize to paralyze’—but like SF can ‘galvanize.’”
Four months had passed since Sterling’s funeral—a ceremony that exposed typical concerns; it was also the incident’s last major national “blip.” Unwanted silence now prevailed again.
The silence was a major item I had raised in the article—among “others.”
From “you” my article drew lukewarm response, at best—but absolutely no discussion, or shared strategies—or “ideas.” Only the appearance that your cause is being deliberately, “locally” isolated.
At my cousin Daisy’s home before heading to Nottoway Plantation, which will take us near the town of White Castle. Right to left: my soon-to-be husband Tom, Daisy, Reggie and his wife Bridget. November 22nd, 2013. Prairieville, Louisiana. Photo by Fundi.
I asked myself why was there this self-imposed silence? And why detach from “me”—your uncle’s own decades of history making social development and “tool” building? It didn’t make sense. The idea—that only nationwide bridgebuilding for this nationwide problem can bring true success—is an indisputable one.
So, I decided to google your name, hoping to get insight into your area’s frontline issues—items that you weren’t sharing—at least not with “me.”
What I saw was a stab to my heart!
In 2014 you were at the forefront of publicly opposing a Baton Rouge “Fairness Bill” set to protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination—it would have protected me in my mother’s hometown.
You as a central public figurehead represented a key “anti-gay” sector—the Black community’s dominate Christians. In highly publicized media interviews, you drove—and rationalized—the total rejection of protective legislation for people like “me.”
Then, on the cusp of final arguments before the supervisorial Board, you expressed having an “epiphany”—abruptly changing your position.
I read the news articles first reporting your entrenched, dismissive position—laced with underlaying condemnation—and listened to your radio debate against the bill’s sponsor East Baton Rouge Councilmember C. Denise Marcelle—a progressive Black woman. I also read the articles reporting your sudden retraction—one published by a stunned LGBTQ Advocate Magazine author—and I listened to your radio interview retraction.
Your epiphany gave me a minimal sigh of relief—it’s an expected shift for a true, “valid” Civil Rights advocate who seeks to grow—but it’s still extremely lacking.
I’m at the rear entrance of Nottoway’s grand, opulent antebellum era main house. Nottoway’s is the South’s largest plantation house and Louisiana’s largest slave plantation. November 22nd, 2013. Photo by Tom Longland.
In November of 2013, just months before that pro-gay bill’s introduction, I was in Baton Rouge visiting family—including you! It was two years following my oldest sister’s (your mother’s) passing—I hadn’t been to Baton Rouge in forty years.
After you took Tom and I to Nottoway Plantation, right as we were parting ways, I handed you an autographed copy of my landmark book, “Trouble In Black Paradise: Catastrophic Legacy Worshiping the New World Politics of Saving Souls.”
My book is a narrative dialogue conversation with America’s mainstream Black Christians—foremost “preachers.”
I utilize scholastic biblical theology, major fields of science—and showcase the biographies of “freedom fighters” (Christian, secular and “alternative religious”).
“Epiphanies,” claimed by noble and unscrupulous personas alike, get my scrutinized examination—a benevolent “transformation” shines gold against the shady rust of one who is merely struck by new, brilliant ideas to connive.
My own groundbreaking Afro social repair track punctuates it all—steeped in “spiritual revelations.”
The historical research soundly shows LGBTQ reality is absolutely validated “globally”—before ruthless colonial Judeo-Christian conquering. Over millennia this solid verification remains “constant!”
An ancient Coptic Gnostic rendering of Rabbi Joshua’s “image,” date unknown (note Jesus’ prominent “Afro expressive” depictions—clearly denoting Canaan’s original “Black” founding” influence—whose presence was still vibrantly alive after the final Semite takeover). The Gnostics were one of Judaism’s very first “Christian” sects—rivaling the emerging “Pauline” based group, whose savagery eventually won Pauline’s the religious battle. Pauline ideology supplants other Christian sects in modern times. Stock photo.
My evidence presents a powerful, compelling case—bolstering Rabbi Joshua’s historic life while discrediting “scripture” that’s unscrupulously recrafted by Europe’s rampaging empire builders—the highest humanitarian “ideals” having been twisted by conniving, glutenous, slanderous, powerful racist zealots—tweaked to condemn—to persecute and exploit the poor, downtrodden and destitute—absolutely distorted to savage the gay/lesbian spectrum.
I clearly show how white supremacists of the West perverted Rabbi Joshua’s (to Greeks it was “Christ’s”) original message and intent—thoroughly “radicalizing” Christianity.
The “radicalized” brand butchered and all but annihilated every other competitive Christian branch—blotting out the reality that any other Christian sects even existed—a ringing example being made of Coptic Gnostics (let alone Orthodox Greeks). Thus, “radicalized” Christian forces eventually dominated the modern world.
I’ve shared this definition of what the West only dumps on Islam—all “religiously radicalized” factions are:
Those who’ve stripped out a peaceful, nonviolent moral creed—replacing it with notions that bestow their group with absolute ‘superiority’ —which directly approves unbridled bloodshed and terror—now made mandatory as ‘God’s’ law to ‘enforce’ holy conversion.
Need I say that sadistic early America distinctly selected—then intensified her “radicalization” dynamic—force-feeding that slave religion to shellshocked, imported Africans. Hence, Catastrophic Legacy in my book’s title; it’s our living social result—ravaging Black populaces who’re still Worshiping Europe’s perverted brand—rather than choosing denominations that preserve Christ’s clear intent.
The Nottoway Plantation “Slave Quarters.” Now a 21st century elegant resort, these quarters have been luxuriously upgraded—each unit equipped with “hot tubs” for overnight stays—which absolutely desecrates the memories of Black slaves who were severely brutalized—forced to shelter in what was for “them” totally dilapidated, overcrowded, hard life structures. Louisiana is legendary for matching Mississippi, doling out America’s worse slave treatment. November, 22nd, 2013. Photo by Fundi.
Opportunist America crafted a dastardly human vacuum—a profoundly successful “pressure cooker” hierarchy—servicing white privilege and bleeding the poor—a course unchangeable by isolated pockets—period!
Reggie, I looked you squarely in the eyes, imploring you to read my book. You emphatically said you would! I followed up with fervor, insisting that you share your response—engaging in a dialogue soon! You promised to do exactly that!
Now in 2020, seven years later—with so much having erupted in between—that dialogue has never happened. Evidence has me speculating that my book was never read at all!
Lights went on for me in 2017 as I absorbed that 2014 Baton Rouge LGBTQ “Fairness Bill’s” coverage—my heart reeling from the sting of backstabbing betrayal. You had my book on hand the whole time.
Basic deduction says I was not considered to be a worthy consultant, not a valuable—or “credible” representative. With me being ultimately dismissed it seemed this case to you was closed.
Here’s the personal pieces you didn’t want to “see”—knowing all along they totally connected to “you”:
It was 1979. You’d been relocated to Baton Rouge for five years.
My mother—your maternal grandmother, the matriarch (and Civil Rights “lioness”) posed an agonizing test as I prepared to “come out” to her. At age 27 I could no longer live the “lie”—a deception that my known “supportive arena” demanded I keep.
Many elements had prepared that honesty stage:
Disturbing reflections in a Museum vehicle that’s a jolting Jim Crow era reminder—next to the sign that reads, “For Colored Patrons Only.” At the late Sadie Roberts-Joseph’s “Odell S. Williams Now And Then Museum Of African-American History.” Baton Rouge, Louisiana. November 20th, 2013. Photo by Tom Longland.
Teetering on suicide’s edge loomed at the “dark” end—as liberation wheels, set-in-motion by rescue “schools” (the Afro cultural; progressive therapeutic; and Buddhist “consciousness” movements) took me steadily into the “light.”
Mom’s towering, beautiful spirit and progressive nature was true to form—a huge part of that tempting “light.” Getting past the talk’s initial shock we cried in each other’s arms. She then looked me squarely in the eyes—nailing what for her was the crux about me:
“I’m terrified—I’m deathly afraid for ‘you!’”
Mom made no bones about it—she was hard pressed by the “violent” treachery she knew loomed out there for me. She was no fool! I’d be openly making myself “expendable.” My career and livelihood were now far more “vulnerable”—jobs, housing and hate crime protection itself null-and-void.
Most of all mom dreaded that I’d suffer severe family rejection.
Losing the family’s Black sanctuary protection in a racist world loomed ominously to “us.”
My older nephew Larry (your first cousin) posed a fresh, looming mystery—vanishing after painfully “coming out” in 1969 himself—it was our dreaded ten-year mystery. Now, its a 51 year unsolved “outcome.”
Our kitchen table family gatherings had a joke-filled air swirling with vicious, ego smashing gay slurs and attacks—“punk” and “faggot” was the worst (the underlying message was that its dreaded concept absolutely was no joke). Homophobic banter—driven by older members—virtually “emasculated” males with impunity—clearly defining a cold social hierarchy—while setting a dire warning:
Me with my older nephew Larry in front of mom’s Franklin Street house. I’m about 3-years-old, which makes Larry about 7. During Larry’s post adolescence he was so relentlessly and severely victimized with heart crushing anti-gay “harassment” that after school he rarely left the house. San Diego. Late 1950’s. photo by Prezzie H. Wright.
Dare be honest “coming out” and you run this “faggot” gauntlet—solely designed to launch humiliating attacks and to demean.
We looked up to the older generation—I looked up to “you!”
Reggie you know many of our relatives substituted justice campaigning for “prestige”—but we come from a core family line of Civil Rights activists!
My father, a flaring Christian “activist” took the lead—deep into Dr. King’s “movement”—educating especially about treachery in nuanced white racist politic. Born in 1898 he cut teeth on the long hard road.
But dad’s religious fervor was “scholastically” driven—he stepped out of the comfortable “popular” pack—loathing and readily chastising anyone’s “slave religion” mentality.
Dad condemned Emperor Constantine and his 325 A.D. “Nicene Creed” alteration of Jesus’s “original intent.”
Daddy’s fiery soapbox was ready at every turn—detailing his chronicles to set records straight! No Baptist preacher dared enter his debate arena—hence, there was not one Baptist preacher that he trusted!
Yet, our generation (first to be college bound) was forged thru the fiery Black Power 1960’s—you in a more densely active Los Angeles—me in lower rung, but feisty San Diego. And a 1974 Spring event—where “your” revolutionary lead stunned and opened my eyes—changed the course of my idle religious direction.
In 1977 fellow C.E.B.I.S. teacher, the late Busara Sadikifu Abdullah and I co created a spinoff assembly based on the school’s alternative curriculum for Afro-American children. “Kuumba: A Voyage Into the African Experience through Song, Dance and Poetry” toured the entire San Diego City and County Schools System for the next few years—sensitizing the entire area to global Black achievement and its influence on all of society. C.E.B.I.S. board member and staff trainer the late Adam “Badili” Cato had inspired us—we performed first at his school Naranca Elementary in El Cajon, Ca. Here, we’re seen at Webster Elementary School in 1978.
You and a militant L.A. group would be holding “The Trial of Jesus Christ”—on Easter Sunday. Christ was being charged with crimes against Afro-Americans—a solid case against top Christian institutions and worshiper’s justifying and structuring the slave trade—poor white Christians becoming mega profiteers and guard dogs for Jim Crow segregation—mouthpieces promoting human subordination. All was laid out in a mock court.
Both our moms guffawed and I was shocked—but it opened my blind eyes!
An electric thrill—likened to an “epiphany”—had you beaming!
So, we had long historical and philosophical discussions deep into L.A. nights! I found the case to be “true”—doing further research for a paper in my Black Child Development class, it examined the “Harmful Effects of Dominate Christian Institutions on Black Children”—for the same class that soon led me to C.E.B.I.S.
Then another bomb!
You’d done a sudden 180-degree turn—now moving to Baton Rouge as an aspiring Baptist preacher, diving into your patrilineal grandfather’s prestigious Christian institutional line—just as I was becoming a “Buddhist.” Now, your mother was totally thrilled!
I was compelled to square-off with you firsthand and verify the screaming implications!
Yep! Your reversed position was steadfast—now you’d be a full-fledged Southern Baptist preacher. In a dizzying reversal all of the standard hardcore hellfire and brimstone rhetoric and rationale now spewed abundantly from you, right before my eyes—instantly vaporized was that scarce public outcry which held Christianity’s flagrant “crimes” accountable.
My concerns were palpable:
In the Louisiana State Capital at Baton Rouge. Behind me is the very hallway where white Senator Huey P. Long (“The Kingfish”) was assassinated in 1935 at age 42, for being too “inclusive and supportive of Blacks—and overly aiding poor populaces—by white physician, doctor Carl Austin Weiss Sr. During his brief career Long made numerous enemies—talk of assassinating him rang loud and often. Mom often talked about Huey Long during family gathering chats, heaping praise on him. November 20th, 2013. Photo by Tom Longland.
The Southern heartland was the seat of “radicalized,” not progressive Christian thought and social politics—controlled by white racist evangelicals.
Would you attempt to revolutionize Black minds still submerged in medieval attitudes there—where preachers fought like junkyard dogs for “prestige”—no longer as “activists galvanizing Black power resistance? Or, would you merely compromise—to “fit in?”
And there was another treachery—your father’s “upper crust” family heads—they hated my sister and my mother—your “working-class” mother and grandmother. Historically Louisiana’s “light skinned” Afro echelon was Black-on-Black bigotry’s worse. How would that factor in? All was yet to be seen.
46 years later—witnessing this Baton Rouge LGBTQ protection bill issue—”illuminated perspective” shines a huge new light!
Listening to you rigorously rationalize in that radio debate was my feared nightmare come true! Your core belief declared me to be “unnatural.”
But spiritual backed reality says otherwise:
Homosexual nature is an “immutable” aspect of my life—I was born with it—therefore you speaking of “gayness” as an “undesirable special interest” literally rendered my very “life” itself as disposable.
It told me that over all this time your “pulpit” was not set outside of the discrimination pack—to boldly affirm LGBTQ Civil Rights inclusion—but instead has been a staunch anti-gay platform—right up to a so-called 2014 “epiphany.”
Tom outside the Louisiana State Capital Building. Built by Huey Long the State Capital Building is still the tallest of its kind. Baton Rouge. November 20th, 2013. Photo by Fundi.
Consequences here run treacherously deep!
You told C. Denise Marcelle there was absolutely no “proof” of LGBTQ discrimination—knowing that my presence sat blazing in “your foresight.”
When you told the Councilwoman, I was an unworthy “special interest”—who already received attentive response protection under “existing laws”—I wondered if you thought about this:
Me as a child, agonized over endless sleepless nights—terrified that death angles would snatch me because of unshakable inner feelings; or the “young adult” me—navigating a dangerous, desolate underground and isolated hideouts—seeking people like me who are endangered if known by society—figuring out “who I am” in secrecy—outside of a hostile family.
Did you think of the late Bayard Rustin? An unapologetically gay Rustin was dedicated to Black people—amassing fierce resource among multicultural, multidenominational, global warriors for all oppressed—bringing Gandhi’s “nonviolent” tactics to the Montgomery boycotters—being the 1963 March on Washington’s masterful architect.
Did you reflect on Dr. King’s refusal to renounce Rustin—protecting him from attacks by prominent, elite Black Christian leaders like Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and Roy Wilkins—naming a few.
Unapologetically gay Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin, the major architect of the 1963 March on Washington and advisor to every major Civil Rights activist of his time. Popular Black leaders tried to have Rustin ousted, but Dr. King refused. Here Rustin, spokesman for the Citywide Committee for Integration, is in action at the organization’s headquarters. Silcam Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, New York. February 2nd, 1964. Photo by Patrick A. Burns/New York Times Co./Getty Images.
You must have ignored the unsolved, neglected murders of transexuals that rise yearly—Blacks hit the worst—where a victim’s outright dismissal finds attackers not being arrested—endless cases ignored—and the “gay revulsion” card played too often, exonerating cold killers.
Must have missed that homosexual suicides are the highest of any group.
How about the rampant racist attacks and demeaning treatment I’ve endured within the white mainstream gay community—while still improving their own lives—and still having to shape alternative sanctuaries for Black LGBTQ folks who suffer the double-whammy!
And did you think about the great “biblical revisor” King James VI and I—whose “version” of the bible is Protestantism’s presiding jewel? The same flagrant “homosexual” King James—famous for publicly kissing his favorite male courtiers—openly and passionately on the mouth!
Reggie you could have looked inward to readily recall the crushing anti-gay family attacks and beliefs constantly hurled—my older peers (which included you) especially targeting me!
It’s the very gauntlet that’s solidly established in America’s Afro households—demanding that gays and lesbians stay silent in suffering—while distorted charges say that a holy backed abomination “label” makes it justified.
Yes, I’m second behind Larry in openly “coming out”—but mine is a new phase!
I refused to “come out” in shame—I offer a whole new path opportunity for those who’d be brave—“honest” enough to follow my lead!
Olevia visits me for her birthday, shortly after our mom passed. I took her to “TJ’s Classic Louisiana Styled Gingerbread House Restaurant. From left: Tom, Olevia, niece Linda Bell and myself. 1995. Oakland, Ca. photo by hostess Noelle.
Yet, mom’s nightmare did rear its destructive head to cause major disruption—significantly sabotaging that “honesty” trail:
What surfaced is major “family betrayal!”
Many male family members surprised and inspired me with acceptance—others with their sanctimonious, diehard maliciousness—and over bloated “masculinity syndrome”—didn’t surprise at all.
But my middle sister Dorothy—the member whom I trusted by “coming out” to first—soon dropped a bomb! Her means of coaxing mom into watering down my inheritance—so Dorothy had a key step toward soon claiming everything—warned mom its “because I’m gay.”
It was my oldest sister Olevia—your mom—who quickly informed “me” of the dastardly deed.
Olevia initially was the most troubled by my open gayness. Yet, inheriting mom’s beautiful spirit, progressive nature—and “integrity”—she slowly came around; a witness admiring my life’s broad social donation.
Olevia thus rallied to my side—her gay brother.
Placing a shield between Dorothy’s kids—who either arose as her battle-ready “sergeants-at-arms”—or disappeared to hope the smoke clears—Olevia valiantly fought on behalf of mine and our mother’s clearly stated interests.
Olevia and I in the main house, next to a window beautifully etched with a Southern “Black life” scene, after her birthday dinner at “TJ’s Classic Louisiana Gingerbread House Restaurant.” Olivia and I are 20 years apart. Generational “space” and long distance living situations had made things a bit awkward. But during our mom’s long, arduous transition period my relationship with Olevia transformed profoundly! 1995. Oakland, Ca. photo by Tom Longland.
So, Olevia made it painfully clear to me the whole way thru—impressing straightforwardly:
“They are out to get you! —‘you’ are the direct target of this! And Dorothy has weaponized her children—both ‘passively and aggressively’—either way they’ve left you stranded—I’m afraid your relationship there is shattered!”
Olevia totally understood the level of damage Dorothy inflicted upon her children—knowing it would be all but impossible for them to realize (and clearly “own”) just how profoundly connected they actually are to the widespread, catastrophic aftermath of what their mother has done.
Olevia knew that Vernell and Darnell—now Dorothy’s oldest survivors—must reckon with their terminal homophobia; a family repair and resolve with “me” can never happen when they feel entitled to religiously assault and belligerently dismiss my gayness—to my face! Then expect I’ll accept them with my unilateral blessing.
Olevia knew I could never accept those “terms”—which she both respected and supported.
But is Dorothy’s the only family branch that for me hit troubled water?
“Illuminated perspective” shines on Olevia’s funeral—it was three years before your “epiphany.” My peers in your family branch inherit her reins—specific people organized her funeral—all now are old school fundamentalist Baptists—who look up to you!
Museum curator, the late Sadie Roberts-Joseph applauded when discovering my major Elder contributions toward “uplifting society”—Sadie anointed my return of after forty years to my mother’s hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Inside the “Odell S. Williams Now And Then Museum Of African-American History” Main House. November 20th, 2013. Photo by Tom Longland.
Olevia absolutely cherished my “gifts”—she treasured specific songs where I held the “spirit” of our own mom—making sure our maternal branch was always included. Our brother-sister relationship during our mom’s long hard transition was “profoundly transformed”—given a new level of fondness—a deep compassionate kindred “understanding!” No one asks me about that.
With my not being included in Olevia’s program—by “family orders”—all witnessed me defiantly continuing my special tribute to my precious sister—ignoring that “hot air” preacher’s trying to shut me down—I completed my timely and appropriate song, “Be A Lion!”
Reggie, I saw you leap up—first I thought it was a rally to my defense—then I saw what were angry, hostile gestures—I was stunned, hoping it was imagination—but I certainly was not to be moved!
Funerals are for the living.
Services whose objective is to shore-up “family bonds” include elements that are an affirmation, a strengthening of “kinship” ties—a dedication to make hospitality obvious to the entire extended relations. For me such a humiliating incident did the total opposite—it set my connection to an even broader family segment at best on fuzzy ground.
I ask: Did your own clearly positioned, rigid anti-gay stance contribute to strengthening our kinship ties—or OK the damaging rise of divisive actions—giving consent to self-righteous family poison?
Rev. Amos Brown—president of San Francisco’s NAACP—gives a stirring “pro-gay” marriage address at the City Hall post election rally, energetically condemning California’s passing Prop 8—which had just (temporarily) taken away the LGBTQ community’s hard fought for ability to legally marry. Brown’s own protest legacy dates back to joining Dr. King’s demonstrations in the South. Brown caught anti-gay heat from some of the young male deacons who are under his church leadership—but he remained a steadfast “beacon” in his conviction. November 15th, 2008. Photo by Fundi.
I now shudder to think of how many California family members in 2008 actually voted for that “Prop 8” anti-gay marriage measure—right when our first Black President Barak Obama shattered a barrier by being elected.
And it’s no wonder that my family here won’t even mention my “book”—which chronicles my life—not bothering to say if they’ve even read it at all!
Here’s a fact:
Afro-Americans carry severe damage in the unresolved wake of slavery—in turn major aspects of our family comes directly out of that legacy’s “trauma”—an absolute brokenness floods down our family line. Now, it seems some central units have resolved to simply settle into circling their own wagons—nurturing their own branch’s fortifications.
Some still outwardly trumpeting their sexist savagery while claiming to be “perplexed”—about not being embraced.
And believe me, that anti-gay gauntlet—sabotaging the “honesty” connection trail for members who’d “openly” follow and engage me—is alive and well.
Nephew Tim struggled tremendously to finally enter that “self-honesty” trail.
It was a highly tumultuous navigation—but having “come thru” he’s thriving, a happily married man. Still, unfinished business looms—our obligation to upcoming generations (and the need to further his own “self-blossoming”) means it’s a story that Tim must tell.
In San Diego Phyliss’ son Sharad “Junior”:
Niece Linda Bell and Great Nephew Tim surprise me with a drop-by visit to the Mix. Linda is so proud to get her copy of my book, “Trouble In Black Paradise.” May 10th, 2015. San Francisco. Photo by Tom Longland.
Leaving us far too soon at just 24-years-old “Junior” defiantly charged onto that “honesty” trail—he “came out” at a far earlier age!
“Junior” was just 3-years-old when I moved to San Francisco. But he was painfully aware of the dreaded family chasm—the brokenness that screamed all around him—due to Dorothy’s horrific betrayal choices.
“Junior” loved his grandmother Dorothy—he chose her Buddhist faith for himself—and with the wisdom of Elders was able to realize that I was a vital connection to him—it moved him past the family wreckage to actually find ways that reached out to me.
On Facebook “Junior” would test the waters—posting photos dear to me from my family album that Dorothy had confiscated; he’d send me spiritual “guidance quotes” from our shared global Buddhist sensei, President Daisaku Ikeda. I’d respond in kind with “likes” and approval—I despaired over the situation straining our life-to-life bonding.
And I did hear stories from credible sources of how his “life partner” Jerrel Samuel of Texas was ill-treated—slighted during “Junior’s” funeral event—which crushed Jerrel.
All accounts say his lover was an integrity filled man—greatly enhancing “junior’s” life. On both of “Junior’s” obits—one service honoring his Buddhist faith and practice related personal accomplishments, while the other comforted Christian family members—Jerrel’s listing is diminished.
In the “survived by” section Jerrel is merely a “family friend.”
Reggie the reality is clear here:
Coverage of the “National Black Gay and Lesbian Conference,” held in Los Angeles, Ca. February 12th-14th, 1988. The theme was, “Leadership! What have we learned? What can we share?” Pictured starting at the top: Gil Gerald who got the Bayard Rustin Memorial Award for his executive director work at the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays; Rev. Carl Bean, pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church, who founded L.A.’s Minority AIDS Project; myself who opened the conference with my popular Ndaba Cultural Presentation; and conference organizer Phil Wilson. Co-sponsor groups were the L.A. Black Gay Men’s Coalition for Human Rights, Black and White Men Together L.A. Chapter and National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays. Attendees and addressers included L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley, Angela Davis, then Presidential Candidate Jessie Jackson, author/activist Audra Lorde, Assemblywoman Maxine Waters, L.A. Brotherhood Crusade founder Danny Bakewell, former S.F. Dept. of Public Health official Pat Norman, S.F. Hunter’s Point AIDS Alliance ed. director and cultural activist Ernest Andrews, and many more. Advocate Magazine. April 1988 Issue.
I “came out” as the game changing pioneer—galvanizing an Afro legacy wave of fierce pride—with the validated substance of “self-knowledge”—a spiritual and historical testament showing that other’s use of gay “shame and abomination” as a definition is indecent—and invalid!
As Dr. Joy DeGruy identifies in her landmark book, “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome,” the broken and abused who go unresolved—staying basically “unhealed”—will break and abuse “others”; passing it thru dumbfounded generations—until the pattern is stopped!
I quote Dr. Joy who says:
“We rarely look to our history to understand how African Americans adapted their behavior over centuries in order to survive the stifling effects of chattel slavery, effects which are evident today…the behaviors…are in large part related to trans-generational adaptations associated with traumas, past and present, from slavery and ongoing oppression. I have termed this condition Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, or PTSS.”
The closet door is now blown off the hinges—the “self-honesty” trail shines for our family’s members who are brave enough (or finally fed-up with torment)—energized to stride toward independent, transformational liberation—so as to heal!
Yes, that vicious anti-gay family gauntlet looms ominously in place.
Ironically, I was the last person Tim “came out” to—not the “first”—clearly showing how its immense harassment influence separated us. The pain level itself speaks loud—its taken me three troubled years to finally address this 2017 Baton Rouge “Fairness Bill” discovery.
Me with Dr. Joy DeGruy at San Francisco’s 12th Annual Black Health and Healing Summit. The two-day event, sponsored by Rafiki Coalition for Health and Wellness (formerly the Black Coalition on AIDS) was titled, “IMANI: Reigniting Black Love and Black Joy.” Dr. Joy had given a brilliant keynote address! Here, she proudly exchanges books with me—honored to read my work—and autographed my copy of her own acclaimed document, with gratitude for my long-invested “work and service.” June 1st, 2019.
Such intimidation thou, only shows our closeted LGBTQ family members are pressured into reluctance—the truthful reality is that we are absolutely solidly here!
Our arrival is nonstop—we will keep coming!
Nephew, as heirs of a “pre-colonial,” life revolutionizing mantle—and Elder “family leadership”—it is our duty to understand the gravity of historical religious development—to continue the “enlightening” trend that reclaims the truth—revealing the stunning depth of who we really “are”…
Our own heirs of African legacy must be told that:
The magnificent Black nation of Sumer, dating back beyond 4500 B.C., produced items that transformed undeveloped global life—like the “alphabet and wheel”—including sophisticated spiritual insight. It was the “Assyrians”—their first successful takeover happening about 2350 B.C.—who actually persecuted “refugee Jews,” causing the Hebrews to demonize “Babylon.”
It was the pre 3100 B.C. Afro Egyptian Mystery System and Memphite Theology which produced the schools of multifaceted “sciences”—exposing the living pillars of invented “democracy”—which was stolen by the Greeks (Athens’ “village” not existing until 1200 B.C.).
It was ancient African founding civilization “schools” in Mesopotamia and on the so-called “Arabian Peninsula” that seeded what became both Hebrew and Islamic social and religious culture (Canaanite at 2,000 B.C., Israelite at about 600 B.C.—Islam not existing until the 7th century A.D.).
Interestingly the famous term used to denigrate Blacks was “Canaanites.”
Luxor Temple at Thebes on the Nile River—exterior entrance. Egypt’s “Mother” University—the Great African Grand Lodge—was housed within Luxor’s grounds. The Black founded Egyptian Mystery System, Memphite Theology and the Egyptian “Book of the Dead” predate 3100 B.C. Luxor’s construction is said to have been begun by Pharaoh Amenhotep III (1390-52 B.C.) with additions made by Tutankhamun (1336-27 B.C.) and Horemheb (1323-1295 B.C.). Alexander the Great (332-305 B.C.) after overrunning Egypt established an intrusive granite shrine honoring himself—and his Macedonian European lineage—at the Temple’s rear. Stock/photo/Memphis Tours.
The exulted “spiritual leaders,” of global traditional societies—predating Europe’s conquering—who were the absolute vessels of tribal knowledge—the religious “medium” between heaven and earth (dating from prehistory)—were shamans:
Baring expected “homoerotic” Two-Spirit revelation.
Christianity’s “Protestant branch” didn’t even exist until Martin Luther’s German rebellion in 1517 A.D.—Catholicism’s murderous iron fist ruled Christianity over the prior 1200 years.
Catholicism’s presiding, exclusively Latin “Douai-Rheims” New Testament, was first translated into English (unauthorized) in 1350 A.D.—with murderous consequences; four more “revised bibles,” thru competitive, blood feuding “camps,” arose until the 1611 A.D. winner—that being Europe’s major African slavery overseer King James with his “Version” (ruling the globe—and ironically worshiped by innumerable Black congregations until this day).
At America’s 1775 Revolution arrival these few sects were here:
Dominant Puritans, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, and a smidgeon of Catholics—Evangelicalism, Revival Meetings and Mormonism came later in the 1800’s—Pentecostals and Fundamentalism didn’t even appear until the 20th century’s first half.
Standard Black preachers tragically have no interest in helping Afro congregations overhaul their own lost perspective—or to absorb Black religious historical proofs—instead shrouding our inherited “leading place” on humanity’s long evolving tapestry.
Afro Baptists won’t discuss anthropology’s archeological developments—around Palestine’s eye-opening Dead Sea Scroll’s discoveries—or the unearthed Gnostic Nag Hammadi Library—both giving critical insight into Christianity’s own cultural and biblical roots!
Reggie, hindsight says that in 1974 it was actually “radicalized” Christianity that you put on trial—not Rabbi Joshua.
In 1829 David Walker—a successfully self-made man and dedicated “Methodist” Christian—published his fiery antislavery book, “Walker’s Appeal.” The son of a free mother and enslaved father Walker had firsthand experience. The “Appeal” was unprecedented—totally contrasting the sedate tone offered by a miniscule white led “abolitionist” movement at the time. Walker pled directly to slaves “themselves”—validating an immediate “slave uprising” against a morally abominable institution—in a bloody “revolution” if necessary—pressing the slogan “kill, or be killed!” Walker declared “revolting” was sanctioned by the “truer” teachings of “Christ”—making the charge that white America’s “radicalized” Christianity was soundly fraudulent. Southerners placed an immediate bounty on his head. The white abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison said it was a “setback to the movement” —Boston’s free Blacks though, honored Walker by holding a dinner. Image: amazon books.
Yes, it is our “obligation” to follow in the footsteps of those radical prophets, spiritual leaders, Elders and freedom fighters—who dangerously refuted the standard religious perceptions and laws of their time—cutting-edge “visionaries” who took back the clear truths about a profoundly miraculous humanity—social “healers” who revived insights!
“Jesus” was at the center of that deadly revolution—Christ’s social-radical “enlightenment” (as opposed to “radicalized religious”) sought to beat back the Dark Ages!
Those immoral European monarchs were on trial—they stole “Jesus’” enlightening creed—American governors super “radicalized” Christ’s promoted humanitarianism, escalating “slave religion”—force-feeding it to traumatized Africans in an extremist social “experiment” vacuum—where Black preachers continue tending the cattle.
“Radicalized” Christian outlets are contaminated super spreader events—running amok to infect hearts-and-minds—corrupting spiritual cores—over centuries!
Therefore, it is our responsibility to lead the masses into a more enlightened, enriching, “inclusive,” harmonious life experience—where the diversity “nuance” is understood and respected:
Not to simply assist unprincipled Southern Baptist “slave religion” in its treachery—justifying family cannibalism—worshiping “prestige” and the militaristic desecration of humanity—in the name of the “Lord.”
When I “came out” to San Diego’s entire Buddhist community the influential top administration turned their heads and walked out—“top leaders” tried to stop me from teaching new gay/lesbian initiates the Buddhist prayers.
My 1990 San Diego Pride Grand Marshall Honor, recognized with Cynthia Lawrence-Wallace for pioneer LGBTQ social organizing and community building. My mom and sister Dorothy, with other family and friends, sat proudly in the audience as I delivered a fiery speech—peppered by an overflowing crowd with multiple ovations. Image: San Diego 1990 Pride Souvenir Program.
But I stood fast, providing “essential” lifesaving Buddhist insight and resource to members, which then didn’t exist—today Buddhists officially participate in public Pride events all across America, also internally sponsoring an annual national gay Buddhist seminar.
I showed that shirking our dare to lead humanity out of the darkness is the greatest abomination committed under god!
And Reggie, a thing is clear—I am one of America’s most brilliant, accomplished and invaluable, social, political and “spiritual healer” strategists of the 21st century!
So, now a key question:
Is my own proven resource to be made disposable—the same way 1950’s Negro leaders attempted to situate and neutralize Rustin?
Because I was allowed to be blindsided by all this—where no engagement of “me” has occurred regarding that Baton Rouge “Fairness Bill”—during this entire 7-year event—I’m left to wonder about the true depth of your “epiphany”:
A profoundly penetrating “epiphany” would compel you afterwards to absolutely connect with “me”—the central target of that life-threatening campaign. An earthshaking “epiphany” would have you state clearly—in no uncertain terms—whether or not you still believe in your heart that the LGBTQ spectrum is damned by your doctrinal religion.
That fact that you haven’t fuels my serious doubts.
Rev. William J. Barber, pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church in North Carolina, and cofounder of the “Poor People’s Campaign—A National Call for a Moral Revival,” vehemently says: “You can’t understand Black folk without understanding the LGBTQ community.” Stock/Photo.
Your “Page” in the Black Preacher’s Network lists your favorite preachers:
Bishop G. E. Patterson, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Dr. W. M. Pitcher and Dr. Jasper Williams.
I’ve no idea of how updated it is, but all fall under antiquated fire-and-brimstone advocation. Williams came under fire for his mixed bag Eulogy at Aretha’s 2018 funeral. The late Patterson and Jakes—vehement anti-gay preachers—are under highly suspicious “sexuality” clouds themselves—accused by “men” of homosexual harassment.
Jakes’ own openly gay son Jermaine—extremely troubled and sidelined by his down casting father—was arrested in 2009 by undercover Dallas cops for lewd display.
Yet, I don’t see this innovator in your “favorites”:
Archbishop Michael Bruce Curry—the first Afro-American to preside over the U.S. Episcopal Church (who lit up England’s Anglican Church at Prince Harry’s and Megan Markle’s wedding ceremony, evoking an unbroken line of Black “freedom fighters”; quoting American slave’s miraculously preserving humanity; citing the French, Roman Catholic, 20th century Jesuit scholar, scientist and “mystic” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin—on humanity’s transforming discovery of “fire” related to Harry and Megan’s history making “union.”).
Nor do I see this notable galvanizer:
The Rev. William J. Barber II of North Carolina’s Green Leaf Christian Church—cofounder with Liz Theoharris of the, “Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival.” Picking up Dr. King’s mantle Barber lambasts white evangelical America’s rampaging legacy of corrupt power; Barber excoriates the Fundamentalist “radicalizing” of Christianity as a fraudulent, racist and imperialist abandoning of Christ’s original—unmistakably “humanitarian” intent.
Both these ministers strongly advocate LGBTQ inclusion—declaring we are “equal and blessed by god!”
An outing with Dr. Margaret Burroughs (flanked by Bob Schwartz and myself) outside Catfish Digby’s Restaurant. Bob, whom I met in Boston at the “National Men of All Colors Convention,” introduced me to Dr. Burroughs during my Chicago visit to see him. Dr. Burroughs was appointed Vice-Director of Chicago’s Parks and Recreation Dept. by the late Mayor Harold Washington—they were the first Blacks to hold those posts. She also founded Chicago’s DuSable Museum of Afro-American History in 1962—the nation’s first. On this day Dr. Burroughs hosted lunch (over which she tried her best to coax me to Chicago) gave me a tour of Chicago’s famous Black landmarks in her limo and a personal tour of her Museum. Chicago, Illinois. 1988. Photo by Dr. Burroughs’ city dept. chauffer.
The 2014 Baton Rouge “Fairness Bill” did soundly fail! In the settled dust I’ve no idea if any recrafted item has passed since.
But you now run for a Baton Rouge Metro Council District 6 Seat!
Have you directly apologized to that city’s and state’s LGBTQ community—campaigning at their outlets and visiting reps personally to extend your contrite offer? To detail your newfound insight? To outline how you plan to institute specific legislative protections (which translates into legal “recourse”) for LGBTQ hate crime victims?
To reveal that you have a history making “uncle” who’s been critical in both mainstream Black and gay social repair?
In your eyes is my marriage to Tom illegitimate in the sight of god?
A thing is certain:
Actions that “violate” humanity and/or desecrate life-giving nature—are “sins”—which does not include the basic reality of having a homosexual “inclination.”
My mother stopped going to church when I was a child—she had very progressive, astutely perceived “valid reasons”—yet she never lost her “faith!” Mom cleanly distinguished her spiritual intuition from institutional religious “corruption.”
And mom did not want the “family tree” that began thru her creation—that she carefully nurtured and courageously protected—to be fractured and weakened by self-centered, self-isolated pockets—that guard and celebrate Dark Age attitudes.
If I am to be considered by you as being damned by god—specifically for being gay—then you straightforwardly promote this:
That all Black people must be immediately reinstituted into slavery—based upon the biblical “curse of Ham.” The Ham story religiously demanded and financially drove Europe’s and America’s 16th century African slave industry—still fueling murderous white racist ideology in modern times!
In effect you would have summarily lost me!
Unlike closeted gays I do not patronize folks who believe my life is an abomination—which would teach “discriminators” that I accept the lessening of myself in their eyes, just to share tea and crumpets.
In turn I would not sit at the table with “racists” to break bread—supporting their bloated sense of entitlement just for the sake of political etiquette—which would send bigots the message that their racism is worthy of standard fraternizing.
For my sake—and the need to “heal, restore and advance” our entire family tree—I pray that such is not the case.
Adilifu Fundi 