Benjamin Banneker

Benjamin Banneker was born free in November 1731.  He was an essayist, inventor mathematician and lay astronomer, and because of his intellect, he  was called a sable genius.  While still a youth he made a wooden clock that was said to kept accurate time.  This clock is believed to be the first clock wholly made in America!!!Now, this is a little known black history fact.

In his forties, with some books that were lent to him by Ellicott’s of Maryland, he became a proficient mathematician, able to solve any problems submitted to him.  Banneker started publishing an almanac in 1781, which he continued until 1791. While publishing his almanac, Banneker also published a treatise on Bees.  Deeply interested in natural phenomena Banneker did a mathematical study of the 17 year locust and became a pamphleteer for a peace movement.  It was well known that Banneker had a very unusual life style.  By night Banneker could be found wrapped in a cloak, studying the stars until dawn, by day he slept and worked on mathematical problems and received people that were curious.  Legend has it people came from near and far to see this strange genius.  Banneker never married but was said to be a most charming host.  It was noted that he received his quest in his full suit of drab cloth and wearing his beaver hat and carrying his cane.  History records that Banneker would show visitor around his large farm which he subsequently sold in order to devote all his time to his scientific pursuits. History also notes that Banneker was aware of slavery and its evils.  In 1791, he wrote his famous letter to Thomas Jefferson in which he declared that if Jefferson’s liberalism were true,’ note I apprehend you will embrace every opportunity to eradicate that train of absurd and false ideas and opinions which so generally prevail with respect to our universal father hath given being to us all; that God not only made us all one flesh, be that God hath also without partiality afforded us all with the same faculties and that, however variable we may be in society or religious, however diversified in situation or color we are all the same family and stand in the same relation to God.  Banneker died in 1806.  That famous letter to Jefferson did not end slavery but it did indicate to even the most skeptical that possibilities with in the Negro. / When left free and unfettered.  Soul tic-magazine salutes Benjamin Banneker for being one of the first Black men in history to stand up for his religious beliefs, his country, his convictions and most of all his race.

As a student atAmericanBaptistCollege, John Lewis organized sit-in demonstrations at segregated lunch counters inNashville,Tennessee.  Lewis risked his life on Freedom Rides many times by simply sitting in seats reserved for white patrons.  He was also beaten severely by angry mobs and arrested by police for challenging the injustice of Jim Crow segregation in the South.

While still a young man, John Lewis became a nationally recognized leader. By 1963, he was dubbed one of the Big Six leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. At the age of 23, he was an architect of and a keynote speaker at the historic March onWashingtonin August 1963.

Hosea Williams, another notable Civil Rights leader, and John Lewis led over 600 peaceful, orderly protestors across theEdmundPettusBridgeinSelma,AlabamaonMarch 7, 1965. The marchers were attacked byAlabamastate troopers in a brutal confrontation that became known as “Bloody Sunday.”   News broadcasts and photographs revealing the senseless cruelty of the segregated South helped hasten the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Despite more than 40 arrests, physical attacks and serious injuries, John Lewis remained a devoted advocate of the philosophy of nonviolence.

In 1981, he was elected to the Atlanta City Council. He was elected to Congress in November 1986 and has served as U.S. Representative ofGeorgia’s Fifth Congressional District since then.

John Lewis lives inAtlanta,Georgiaand is married to Lillian Miles.  They have one son, John Miles.

Don’t stop the music

By Janice Fralin-Steele

Music has always been and always will be around.  Many faces of music have changed but then so have the sounds.  Music as we’ve known it has changed tremendously.  The music that is created today is a far cry from what most of us have grown up with.  It’s hard for this younger generation to imagine a time before CD’s and MP3 players.  There was a time when music was pure unadulterated which came from raw talented individuals.  Little boys and girls dreamed of being musicians and singers.  For generations this country has produced many of the world’s greatest musical minds.  People such as Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Louie Armstrong, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Prince and a host of other great musicians, of which the list is to long to share.  They all had one thing in common they all freely shared their love of music through the playing of musical instruments.  Their blood sweat and tears could be felt in their music.  There is a respect that is given to someone who can share his or her love of music through a musical instrument.   Today’s musicians are becoming a dying bread.  Our children today are replacing instruments with many other things.  The few that pursue music are becoming rappers.  It is harder to find children today that want to take up the idea of being a musician.  Many of our school systems in this country have cut out music being taught in school.  In some parts of the country music departments  are  a  thing of the past.  Even those schools that teach music have families that don’t have the money to buy instruments let alone rent them. Between the influence of rap on our children and the lack of qualified music teachers the face of music has changed forever.  Our countries present circumstance has helped to influence many lives.  When we look around at the music industry we are seeing fewer of our young black males and females as musicians and more as rappers.  The idea of easy fast money and being rich has caused our youth to turn to rap.  Many have decided that the cost is more than they are willing to pay.  What they don’t know is that anything worthwhile takes hard work and determination.  Most of them are not interested in it for the love of rap as a form of expression but they are caught up in the excitement they think rapping brings. Don’t get me wrong there is a place for rap in music and there are many poets in the rap game to whom I give much respect to like some of the pioneers of rap.  Our youth of today must also understand that every young person can’t rap! And that rapping can’t take the place of musicians. This generation has this idea that everything has to happen for them right now. Too many of them are chasing instant fame and gratification.  Many don’t peruse being musicians because they know it will take hard work.  Learning a musical instrument has a way of making you use a part of your brain you might otherwise not use.  Intern this new way of learning ability carries over into other areas of your life, which increase your intellect.  There is something magical about listening to a musician playing a musical piece.  Our African American heritage as musicians came from street corner musicians, church choir  members and individuals who had a message to share. The concern here is that many of our future Miles Davis’ and Aretha Franklin’s will never be.  It is a must that our Black communities across the country encourage those young musicians to share with the world the music in their heart.  We must not allow the talented creative minds to give up.  We must help them to never loose site of the big picture.  That musical gifts are put in their life by God, and his intention is for them to share that talent with the world.

U.S. Congressman from Georgia

When Jefferson Long took his seat in Congress in 1870, he became the first Black to be elected to the United States House of Representatives. The day he was elected, it was said that white Georgians killed seven Blacks and chased Long to a courthouse where he remained until friends sneaked him to an uncompleted sewer.

Jefferson Long’s first speech in Congress was devoted to ways and means of protecting Blacks who were qualified to vote, but who were unjustly prevented from voting by reconstructed whites. The disheartening experience of Long’s election made such an impression on him that he declined to stand for re-election, but he did retain an active interest in Republican politics. In 1880 he attended the Republican National Convention which met in Chicago and nominated James A. Garfield for President.

Upon the completion of his term in Congress, Long returned to his tailoring business in Macon, Georgia. His early training was typical of many other Black Congressmen who followed him. He was largely self-educated, learning to read and write the best way he could. Born in Crawford County, Georgia, Long worked at a variety of odd jobs and occupations until he decided to open a tailoring business in Macon. This prospered and left him time and money for politics. Years after Long left Congress, Republican politicians, Black and white would seek him for advice, which he dispensed freely.

Soultic Magazine salutes Jefferson Long for his bravery and unwavering dedication to equality.  Public knowledge article AP Source.

This is the story of one of U.S. history’s most extraordinary women to have ever put on a uniform.  She was born Cathay Williams, but history will best remember her as William Cathay: the only female Buffalo Soldier.  Cathay Williams was born into slavery in Independence Missouri in 1842.  She was owned by a wealthy plantation owner who died when she was a child.  Shortly after the Civil War began the Union Soldiers took her and other slaves with them.  During this time she learned to cook and became a paid servant during the course of the war. After the war was over she faced the possibility of being unemployed but free.  Being the independent woman that she was, she refused to be dependent on anyone. As dangerous as it was, she decided to enlist into the army.

Knowing that it was illegal for a woman to enlist in the army, she had no choice by to pose as a man (durning these days the enlistment process didn’t include a physical or any legal documents.)  Cathay Williams became William Cathay and along with her cousin and a friend were assigned to the 38th U.S. infantry.

At the close of the Civil War the U.S. government found itself with over 180,000 African-American (freed slaves) still enlisted as soldiers.  At the time popular opinion was that good non-Black men would take all the jobs and destroy their communities.  There were those who just didn’t want to see Black soldiers in their communities.  Congress created a place for these soldiers.
Congress reorganized the army and sent Black soldiers to patrol the new western frontier.  They were no longer called Union Soldiers but became better known as Buffalo Soldiers.  They were given this name by the Native Americans because of their dark skin and hair like buffalos (this was in no way a derogatory statement but just how Native Americans saw them).

William Cathay was able to perform all the duties as any other soldier.  At no time did she try to bring attention to herself.  Her secret identity was only known by the two people who enlisted with her. Life for Buffalo Soldiers was by no means easy.  They were exposed to the harshest treatment as well as harsh discipline. They faced racism, poor food, poor equipment, and lack of shelter.  Never the less she maintained her in the infantry regiment.  Shortly after her enlisting, she became ill with the Small Pox and a case of rheumatism. It is unsure how long this went on. After a period of time she got past her illness and went back to her company.  Against all odds, she was able to keep her identity a secret from the army for two years; however, she came down with another illness that was ongoing.  At that time she decided to seek medical attention by the company surgeon and her true identity was revealed.

On October 14, 1868, William Cathay received an honorable discharged from the Army, but still she was denied her pension and all benefits.  Little was know of her life after she left the military.  The time of her birth and death were also unknown. What is known is that she preformed her duty for her country at a very important time in African-American history. Cathay Williams secured her place in history by being the first female Buffalo Soldier.  Her courage and bravery will never be forgotten.  African-Americans have serve in war time since Colonial times but The Buffalo Soldiers were the first to serve in peacetime.  Soultic magazine proudly solutes Cathay Williams and all Buffalo Soldiers who proudly served this country.

When America thinks of AIDS, we think of an unstoppable disease that is killing more than 36 million people world wide. The media has played a big part in spreading this perception.  Americans are constantly creating a mind set that HIV came from Africa. The aids epidemic has added to the negative stereotype of the heterosexual African American male.  How is it possible that a nation of people believe that an African heterosexual disease that has been said by biologist as well as scientist to have been here for centuries turn into a world wide epidemic? This epidemic includes predominantly Africans, African Americans, and homosexual white men? Africa has never known about this disease until now! Our Government has known about it since the 1950s.

THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY ASK; SOULTIC HAS THE ANSWER

Since the 1960s a political war has been waged between Africans, African Americans, and homosexuals against our government.  These groups have been the major minorities outraged against our government’s lack of action. That is because these are the only ones that are usually affected by this disease.  While AIDS has ravished our community we are still caught in disbelief.  We ask the question, how could this happen to a nation that is supposedly superior.  Our African American community has been a sitting target.  We have only been educated about aids since the 80s but aids have changed the lives of countless African American families for generations.

Suddenly this disease has transformed into a homosexual disease. This disease is not homosexual, it is a man made plague unleashed amongst Africans, African Americans, as well as homosexual white men and women. It has caused genocide of these minorities. The media gives teens the message but also the feeling that it could never happen to them. Young black adults and teens are affected more than ever by this disease. The African American community asks, “How? Why the black community? Why did it hit us so fast and so hard?”

There is evidence in the book written by Alan Cantwell Jr., M.D. (Aids and the Doctors of Death) that one of the first outbreaks of aids began in the late 1970s in New York City, but there is other evidence that the origin of AIDS started far earlier.  In his book, Dr. Cantwell suggests the true origin of AIDS began in the late 1800s.

-April 29, 1978: The Federal Quarantine Act was passed. This gave the government control over laboratories to hold, harvest, and use diseases at ones will, for experimental testing and ex.

There is also extensive evidence in the book written by Boyd E. Graves (The History of the Development of Aids):

-1887: The United States intensified the attempt with the mandate of the Laboratory of Hygiene. Dr. Joseph J. Kinyoun, who was a deep rooted racist, served the eugenics movement with dedication. Great progress was made in their efforts.

-1889: The U.S. government was able to identify mycoplasma, a transmissible agent that is now found at the heart of human diseases, including (AIDS) HIV.

-1893: The United States strengthened the Federal Quarantine Act and rapidly there was an outbreak of polio.

-1898: The United States found they could use mycoplasma to cause epidemics. They were able to do this in cattle. They were also doing it in tobacco plants.

-1899: The government began a large biological investigation on the outbreak of leprosy in the U.S.

In 1904 the United States used mycoplasma to cause an epidemic in horses. Also in 1910 mycoplasma was used to cause an epidemic in fowl birds. By 1917 the United States formed The Federal of the American Society for Experimental Biology. This act made it legal to test lethal diseases on animals.

The media as well as educators say that HIV originated from chimpanzees in the deep African rain forest, and that it “jumped species.” Why would the HIV have to jump species, when the Untied States had the technology prior to the 1970s to transfer primate diseases from being tested on primates, to human biological testing? Alan Cantwell says, “During the time between 1959 and 1982, both Congo specimens as well as 500 Africans from the Sub-Sahara desert were tested on by Andre Nahmias with HIV.”  In the pharmaceutical world, the hypothesis on a drug is “it will help us live longer and more efficiently, t it must to pass inspections.” So the pharmaceutical company tests on cells. After that testing is then done on plants. The next phase is to test the drug in small animals (like birds, fish, mice, gerbils, and pigs). The phase goes on for about 2 to 3 years. If the drug out last its entire testing, then it is ready for one of the largest steps, which is testing on primates and larger animals. By testing on primates you are able to links to human reactions to the drug. Human beings have 95% the same DNA code as primates or chimpanzees. Once it has passed that phase it is ready for human testing. Thus we have the AIDS link between chimps and unsuspecting humans.

If you were a scientist would you ask a nation of people to test a biological weapon on them? The scientist gave the humans “so called” vaccinations; which were really a viral-transfer experiment, from primate to human.

In 1974 veterinarians as well as biological researchers produced an AIDS-like disease on newborn chimps. They were removed from their mothers and weaned entirely on a virus-infected with a bovine C-type virus. Within a year’s time, the chimps that were infected with these diseases died of leukemia and pneumocystis pneumonia. Also biological warfare was not only being tested at the time, but being mastered. People, think about it, and let’s be serious! A man might have had sex with a primate but that’s not how AIDS came to kill as many African Americans as it has.

In the 1970’s, a new group of musicians further developed the “funk rock” approach innovated by Jimi Hendrix.  George Clinton, with his bands Parliament and, later, Funkadelic, produced by jazz and psychedelic music. The two groups had members in common and often are referred to singly as “Parliament-Funkadelic”.  The breakout popularity of Parliament-Funkadelic gave rise to the term “P-Funk”, which both referred to the music by George Clinton’s bands and defined a new subgenre.

Bootsy’s Rubber Band released many albums as a side proje4ct of the P-Funk mob, and went on to help produce Zapp, which was a Dayton , Ohio band featuring Roger and Zapp Troutman.  The Zapp sound was the pioneering sound of electrofunk, donning synthesized drum beats and loops, a vocoder (talk box) on many songs, and even envisioned the internet becoming a place where people could meet in the song “Computer Love”.  Zapp had many other electrofunk songs, including the classic 1980 release “More Bounce To The Ounce” that was/is an inspiration to many hip-hop and R&B artists today.

But by far, the most influential artist to all people in regards to fund and dance music, Prince.  Prince released his first full-length record in 1978, titled “For You”, and from there would go on to blend many styles of music together into a danceable and soulful presentation of art.  His self-titled release “Prince” was funky and sexy, but without talk of drug use or “sexploitation”.  The album artwork featured him riding nude on a white horse, which as very controversial to the media.  This controversy continued, and Prince released “Dirty Mind” in 1980, “Controversy” in 1981, and “1999” in 1982, and many, many more since then that have charted  #1 hits.

What differentiates him from other talented leather craftsmen is that he doesn’t carve nor use a mold to create the three dimensional effect.  Instead he does everything by hand, by using tiny spoons that resemble dental instruments, then stretches and pulls the leather to the exact depth that is desired and required.

He is considered to be a Leather Sculptor and is noted for his intricate detailing.  Initially he designed and perfected his phenomenal form of artistry so that even the Visually Impaired could “See through Touch.” T. Hill’s creations are not just to look at and admire, but one may actually feel the emotion involved.  That is where his awesome Masterpieces have their greatest impact!

T. Hill is also a Disabled Veteran from the 82nd Airborne.  He doesn’t allow his disability to hinder or define him.  He is constantly giving back to society on a global scale via his many artistic contributions.  He has the ability to capture and immortalize people, places, and events in 3D leather historical for the world to see & experience generation after generation.  His motivation is his Faith in GOD.  He strives to bring about a healing through his artistry.

Some of T. Hill’s accolades include picture tributes of 9/11, NASA Astronauts, Honorable Dr. King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Pope John Paul II, Tiger Woods, and many more.  His ongoing artistic project is creating separate picture tribute compositions for each branch of the U.S. Military to include the Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard – the overall theme being “Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom.”  Each Masterpiece created within the series is given an individual title. T. Hill’s latest creation is a tribute to Honorable Senator/President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.

T. Hill has received praise & recognition throughout the Country for his endless artistic contributions.  This includes every form of Media coverage from TV/Radio/Magazines/Newspaper Articles, to Awards, and Certificates of Appreciation from Honorable President George W. Bush, Congressmen, Generals, Governors, Mayors, Legendary Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Churches, Schools, and civic organizations.  His motto is, “When GOD has Blessed you, it is important to give back,” and Mr. Hill does!

Together, T. Hill and his Lovely Wife, Nicole Parker Hill, have created in essence a Ministry in sharing, and exposing the Art to the world.  Nicole is also the Founder and Producer of “T. Hill Classic’s (Portraits/Pictures) & T. Hill Collection (Leather Outfits & Accessories).”

To view other samples of the artistry and review artistic contributions, and/or to invite/sponsor the Hills to do an Art Exhibit in your area, please visit the Web Site at www.art3dleather.com or Call: 910-987-4902.

Knowing that it was illegal for a woman to enlist in the army, she had no choice by to pose as a man (durning these days the enlistment process didn’t include a physical or any legal documents.) Cathay Williams became William Cathay and along with her cousin and a friend were assigned to the 38th U.S. infantry.

At the close of the Civil War the U.S. government found itself with over 180,000 African-American (freed slaves) still enlisted as soldiers. At the time popular opinion was that good non-Black men would take all the jobs and destroy their communities. There were those who just didn’t want to see Black soldiers in their communities. Congress created a place for these soldiers.

Congress reorganized the army and sent Black soldiers to patrol the new western frontier. They were no longer called Union Soldiers but became better known as Buffalo Soldiers. They were given this name by the Native Americans because of their dark skin and hair like buffalos (this was in no way a derogatory statement but just how Native Americans saw them).

William Cathay was able to perform all the duties as any other soldier. At no time did she try to bring attention to herself. Her secret identity was only known by the two people who enlisted with her. Life for Buffalo Soldiers was by no means easy. They were exposed to the harshest treatment as well as harsh discipline. They faced racism, poor food, poor equipment, and lack of shelter. Never the less she maintained her in the infantry regiment. Shortly after her enlisting, she became ill with the Small Pox and a case of rheumatism. It is unsure how long this went on. After a period of time she got past her illness and went back to her company. Against all odds, she was able to keep her identity a secret from the army for two years; however, she came down with another illness that was ongoing. At that time she decided to seek medical attention by the company surgeon and her true identity was revealed.

On October 14, 1868, William Cathay received an honorable discharged from the Army, but still she was denied her pension and all benefits. Little was know of her life after she left the military. The time of her birth and death were also unknown. What is known is that she preformed her duty for her country at a very important time in African-American history. Cathay Williams secured her place in history by being the first female Buffalo Soldier. Her courage and bravery will never be forgotten. African-Americans have serve in war time since Colonial times but The Buffalo Soldiers were the first to serve in peacetime. Soultic magazine proudly solutes Cathay Williams and all Buffalo Soldiers who proudly served this country.

Peace on Earth and good will to man!

Since the time of the “Reconstruction Era” of the U.S. his-story, with its slave amendments to the Constitution of the U.S. They are now voluntary servants of Moorish descent called “Black people” have been under false interpretation in thinking that there vote here or in any nation around the world counts. At least not under the slave title of Negro, Black people, colored folks, or African American, no! We will not be truly recognized in the voting poles until we go under a Free National Ballot. Even this must be done only in the form of our own political party for the benefits for our own people as Asiatics’ living here in North America. In the U.S. Constitution it clearly states that the “Black people” have no rights as three-fifth of a people the case of the Dred Scott Decision further supports this action. Not even the salve 14th, and 15th Amendments change this. What my people as Asiatics’ living here in North America must know about voting is that it only counts if you are a citizen, which the African American is clearly not. This is because this is not our real Free National Name. Our Free National Name is Moorish American that ties us in with Reparations and all other birthrights.

The politics in the U.S. have been in turmoil ever since the Articles of Confederation. Now in 2005 the politics are still in turmoil, mainly because of their “Negro problem”. The Negro still is not being recognized as a nation so that we will be do restitution. No politician will solve our problems just because he knows politics. Thus knowledge of politics is only the knowledge of public but more private policy not National Governance. The politician did not tell you the truth about their secret agenda because the Asiatics’ in America are seen as foreign resident slaves. Whom the politician by the way has to clothe, feed and shelter and give jobs to. The U.S. Government agenda is to keep our Asiatic people from learning the truth about our Moorish-American nationality. Most of all politicians in this scandal of two-party systems are a forgiver to the ways and concerns of my people. We need to stop trying to let the European Americans in the U.S Government solve our problems. Why not solve our own, so that we can more sooner benefit. As far as politics are concerned the Asiatic of America need to be themselves and proclaim and practice their Moorish American nationality. I personally think this is what Farrakhan should do at his march on October 16th, 2005 in Washington DC asking for 10 million people. Why not gather together and sign a petition proclaiming our international sovereign Moorish American Nation. Through this our children will receive our divine rights, unmolested by other citizens that can cast a free national ballot at the polls. This will happen under the free national constitution of the state government and not under granted privilege. This privilege will be granted through the 14th and 15th amendments which is not needed for the salvation of my people or the citizens.

The national election is one of the most misunderstood processes by the U.S. public. So let me explain simply and briefly. The U.S. constitution clearly states that the citizens of the states vote for Local and State offices. Those voted for and put in office known as State Representatives and Senators count the votes of the Electoral Colleges and also appointed through the elections of the public citizens. So you see your vote at the poles for the President in the national election really does not count. Only the Electoral College votes are being counted by the House of Representatives not the public vote. People of Color must unite together to form their own nation state. In this way we have Ambassadors to the U.S. and make treaties not just vote for amusement of the Secret Orders. The Council on Foreign Relations and Trilateral Commission only use the national survey of the public to see where the mind state of the people is, mainly to analyze more ways to trick and confuse the people. Lets be serious how much good has this two party system of Presidential choices been for the country in any way economically foreign or domestic. The national election means just that national. Only Free National Citizens can vote. Not voluntary servants who do not know their own nationality. The corrupt political system in North America is not fit for any nation with high principles to have dealings with. That is why there is great need for the Asiatics’ of North America to wake up, and start being themselves. Separation from this wicked corrupt system is what is being called for by the divine calling of the angels. This angel voice in these times can often be heard saying: “Flee from the wrath, the great city of Babylon is falling.” For this is the end of time and the fulfilling of the prophecies. Even the European American citizen of very patriotic backgrounds seeks to expatriate himself from the de facto bankrupt government of the U.S. The U.S. privately declared bankruptcy in the Geneva Convention between the years 1929-1933. The U.S. has been acting fraudulently and de facto ever since. The conspiracy took the form of the New Deal, which made all citizens born, or Naturalize in the U.S. jurisdiction collateral for the debt owed to the Moorish American for 400 years of free labor.