Interview with Kid's Lit Author Kyra Hicks

Coming up on Mother's Day y'all! If there is a mother ... there is a child. My sister, Kyra Hicks, wrote an outstanding children's book focused on a child of African descent. The book is called Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria. I'm remarkably proud of my sister.

Do you recall having books read to you when you were young? Do you remember reading books to your children as they went to bed? Children's books are a phenomenal way to share the remarkable stories of real people. It makes you wonder how generations before us managed to enjoy stories exlusively through the oral tradition, without the combined talents of storytellers and artists.

Click here to hear an audio-interview of Kyra ... where she talks about magazine articles inspiring books, emphasizing the positive to move a story forward and how Kyra herself has become passionate about the subject of her book.

Share some love with Kyra either in the comments section below or by visiting her blog.

Kyra Hicks: Celebration of Children's Literature

The Brown Bookshelf is introducing authors and illustrators as part of their 28-Day Later celebration of Black History Month. These authors and illustrators play an essential role in the field of children’s literature.

If you spend any time in the children’s literature section of the blogosphere, you’ve probably already met Kyra Hicks. She started her blog, Black Threads in Kid Lit, in early 2007, writing on the subject of African American children’s literature — picture books, reviews and other topics of interest. Since then, she has become an important addition to the online children’s literature community.

Beyond blogging, and even more important, Kyra is an author and storyteller. While attending a traveling exhibition about story quilts — Stitching Memories: African American Story Quilts — she became inspired.

"I remember knowing at that moment that I wanted to tell stories using fabric," she says. Soon, she was creating her own story quilts.

In 2003, her guide book, Black Threads: An African-American Quilting Sourcebook, was published by McFarland & Co. She followed that success with Martha’s Ann’s Quilt for Queen Victoria, published in early 2007.

Kyra is my sister! Please take a moment to enjoy this interview of her as part of the 28-Day Later celebration!

Kyra Hicks in the News

Many villagers know that I'm very proud of my sister. She is a powerful and positive spirit in our family.

One of her passions is documenting the history of African American quilters. In fact, she wrote a book called Black Threads. Her book and blog are considered valuable resources on the topic of African American quilting and quilters. I shared info on Kyra here in the Electronic Village before. My hope is that any of you with children have already checked out her second book, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria.

We recently learned that Kyra is one of the few African American authors with a short story published by Amazon.com. Her story, The Liberian Flag Story & Love of Liberty Quilt can be dowloaded for $.49.

Anyhow, I see that a Florida poet, Geoffrey Philip, took the time to blog about my sister in a feature that he calls, 'Five Questions With Kyra Hicks'.

I just wanted to share the joy of our family with other villagers. Support her efforts if you have time or inclination!

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria

I am very proud of both of my sisters. One of them, Kyra, published a children's book last year. This was her second book. Both focus on her passion for quilting. The children's book is based on a true story. It is called Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria.

Martha Ann is twelve years old when Papa finally saves enough money to purchase her freedom from slavery. In 1830, the family leaves east Tennessee to begin a new life in Liberia. On market days, Martha Ann watches the British navy patrolling the Liberian coast to stop slave catchers from kidnapping her family and friends and forcing them back into slavery. Martha Ann decides to thank Queen Victoria in person for sending the navy. But first, she must determine how to make the 3,500-mile voyage to England, find a suitable gift for the Queen, and withstand the ridicule of family and friends who learn of her impossible dream. Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria is the true story of Martha Ann Ricks, an ex-slave who spent fifty years saving spare coins to fulfill her dream of meeting the Queen of England.

Kyra is a quilter, just like Martha Ann. Kyra's quilts have appeared in more than thirty exhibits in the United States and abroad. She loves historical research and rediscovering the lives of quilters past. She is the author of Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook. Kyra lives in Arlington, Virginia, where she tends her colorful, fragrant rose garden. Visit her Web site at http://www.blackthreads.com/.

My sister recently created a teacher's guide for any educator that wants to use this children's book as part of the learning process. Click here for your copy of the 4-page teacher's guide.

New AfroSpear Member: Success With The Opposite Sex

I am pleased to introduce you to Dr. Kyra Gaunt. Kyra is an Associate Professor of Music and Anthropology, a singer-songwriter, a success coach in business and in vocal performance, and CEO of Kyraocity. She is a single African American woman and a social enterpreneur out to make a difference where the gaps in humanity stick out to her (race, gender and generation).

As such, The AfroSpear is very excited to welcome her as its newest member. Her blog, Success With The Opposite Sex (BBR #1043), was created on 9/1/2007.

Kyra indicates that The AfroSpear exists to "create social networks that work in the Black community with Web 2.0."

When asked why she wants to join The AfroSpear, she wrote, "The purpose of Success with the Opposite Sex is to blog about practical and experiential things affecting intimacy between the sexes not only in romance but in every aspect of life from the boardroom to health and well-being to the bedroom. We hear about Black relationships but we hear the same ol' thing all the time. This blog generates new conversations."

I imagine that the title of her blog alone will get many of you to visit! I went by recently and enjoyed the modern-day version of the Battle of the Sexes between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs!

Kyra Hicks: 'Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria'

My sister, Kyra Hicks, is a quilt scholar and expert. She wrote the definitive book on African American quilting a few years ago. Her second book is about Martha Ann Erskine Ricks, "a little girl from East Tennessee who shook the hand of Queen Victoria."

The story of that handshake and the quilt is extraordinary. The title of Hicks' new children's book, "Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria," with illustrations by artist Lee Edward Fodi, describes the life of Martha Ann in Liberia.

Kyra will be making a series of speeches as part of Black History month celebrations in Tennessee this month. She will be in East Tennessee from Feb 24-27 for a series of presentations sponsored by the East Tennessee Historical Society, Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Smokey Mountains Pearls Interest Group of AKA Sorority Inc. and the Knox County Mayor's Office. There is a great article on the series of events in the Knoxville newspaper.

Kyra Hicks Reveals Unknown History of Renowned African American Quilter

My sister (shown in photo with me and Mom) has the art and quilting worlds abuzz with news of a lost Lord's Supper quilt by a famous ex-slave.

Kyra Hicks, 43, recently published "This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces." African American and art history buffs know that Powers, a former Georgia slave, created at least two powerful quilts 100 years ago. The two folk art quilts are in permanent collections in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and in Boston at the Museum of Fine Arts. Hicks' research has shed new light on Powers' work and life.

Historians have speculated that Powers stitched pictorial images because, as an ex-slave, she was illiterate. They also hypothesized that Powers quilted more than the two surviving quilts, but had no proof until Hicks uncovered it.

Hicks, a quilter herself and manager at Marriott International, started compiling a simple annotative bibliography of references about Powers and became inquisitive about what was known about Powers.

"I'm a huge fan of the PBS program 'History Detectives'," Hicks said. "I had no idea my weekend investigations would lead me to travel to Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Georgia, and, most surprising, Iowa."

She combed books and microfilm at the Library of Congress and files at both the Smithsonian and Museum of Fine Arts.

In Keokuk, Iowa, Hicks made an earth-shattering discovery: a copy of a letter written by Powers in 1896 to Keokuk resident Lorene Curtis Diver.

Harriet Powers wrote about learning to read as a child. She also wrote about her quilts, including the Bible Quilt now at the Smithsonian, and of an 1882 Lord's Supper Quilt, which seems lost today.

"I firmly believe there is a chance the Lord's Supper quilt by Harriet Powers still exists," said Hicks. "Two Powers quilts have independently survived more than 100 years. Given my research, I believe the Lord's Supper quilt is in a private family collection not yet attributed to Mrs. Powers. I believe someone has the priceless treasure in their closet, stitched by the most famous American quilter, and is just waiting to be discovered."

Carolyn Mazloomi, Ph.D., an author and noted authority on African American quilts, calls Hicks' book an "extraordinary feat of research" that reveals new information about what may be the most important and iconic historical quilts in the country.

"What she's uncovered has really changed history," Mazloomi said. "She has opened a whole new window to Harriet Powers' life that historians hadn't been able to in the past."

Dr. Patricia A. Turner, a professor at the University of California at Davis and noted folklorist, said that Hicks' book is "absolutely remarkable."

"She followed up on every possible lead that there was and was so tenacious," Turner said. "We now have a much fuller understanding of Harriet Powers' life. It's hard for me to overstate just how important Kyra's book is. I think it's going to be required reading for anyone interested in American quilt history."

I love my sister. I'm very proud of her accomplishments. I encourage you to check out her other books -- Black Threads, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria, or The Liberian Flag Story & Love of Liberty Quilt.

Live From the Bottom Shelf: Kyra Hicks

I've been blogging about serious issues impacting on our community. It's a holiday weekend. As such, let's lighten things up a bit with an update on my sister. Kyra Hicks, the distinguished author and quilter extraordinaire was recently interviewed on the Bottom Shelf blog. The interview focused on her children's picture book, Martha Ann's Quilt For Queen Victoria, which is based on the true story about a former slave who moves to Liberia with her family, and whose determination leads her to a personal meeting with the Queen of England (back when being the Queen of England actually meant more than just wearing funny hats).

Villagers, I invite you to take a moment to read Kyra's answers to Five Picture Book Related Questions.

Any other quilters or creative artists here in the Village?

CNN Anchor Kyra Phillips Interviewed by AfroSpear Blogger

Drums beating from Amani Channel let us know that CNN's anchor Kyra Phillips took some time to talk with My Urban Report about race issues and recent documentaries she's worked on.

You may recall that Phillips covered the Jena Six march in September and hosted recent documentary on the hateful imagery of the noose. I encourage all villagers to take a moment to check it out.

Let us know your comments on either the noose documentary or the Kyra Phillips interview.

'This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces' by Kyra Hicks

I encourage all villagers to check out the latest book published by quilting advocate Kyra Hicks. Her new book is entitled, 'This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Others Pieces'.

Kyra researched this book for over two years to document information about Harriet Powers (1837–1910) and her two known quilts (The Bible Quilt at the Smithsonian - and the Pictorial Quilt at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston).

What say u about quilting?

Blogging Star Award

Asante sana to Pop Culture Dish, Presented by Malcolm for taking time to award the Electronic Village with the Blogging Star Award. This award was originated by Barb at Skittles' Place. This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogoshere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?"

In order to spread the love to others that are worthy, I am giving the Blogging Star award to the following bloggers:

• Field Negro - This blog recently won 2007 Black Weblog award. Field isn't much for these memes and such. However, his AfroSpear blog uses both humor and creativity to make a point. He is a daily read for me. I share this award in the hopes it will drive more traffic to this worthy blog.
• Eddie Griffin (BASG) - This AfroSpear blog is focused on supporting those that want to make a difference for Black boys in the educational and judicial systems of our country. Bro. Griffin's personal history is an inspiration in and of itself. This is a brother experienced in many negative aspects of Black life in America, however, he uses his blog to help and uplift his people. He deserves this informal blogging award.
• Modern Musings - This blog facilitates grassroots intelligence gathering, works toward a better world through information and action, and remembers to lighten up and have fun. Danielle was the first blogger to notice that the existence of the Electronic Village. Her willingness to share blogging insights and encouragement to me in the early weeks of my blogging career were invaluable. I'm pleased to be able to present her with this award.
• Black Threads - This blog has a unique niche. Sis. Kyra shines the light on Black quilters all around the world. In addition, it was Kyra that told me about blogging in the first place. She informed me about Blogger and I started my blog that same day. I am glad to provide her blog with this recognition.
• It's A Blog Eat Blog World - Morgen is the creative genius behind a number of weekly memes that demonstrate both creativity and information. The Electronic Village regularly participates in Manic Monday and Wordless Wednesday. Morgen is an experience blogger who shines his light widely. As such, it is with honor that we share this award with him.

All honorees are asked to do the following: (a) Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you; (b) mention that it originated at Skittles' Place so Barb can follow it's journey; and (c) Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.

Villagers, do you have any thoughts on these five blogs that you care to share with us?

Electronic Village Celebrates our 200th Post

I had no idea what I would do with this blog when I started it in January 2007. My sister inspired me with her niche blog on African American quilting. Electronic Village evolved over time with the help of our online community of villagers with an interest in creating a more connected world. Some of you remember our celebration of the 100th post back in May 2007.

Today, we invite everyone to introduce themselves and subscribe to the Electronic Village.

I suspect that our blog is motivated by the seven principles of Kwanzaa more than anything else. I'll need to expand upon that thought over the next 200 posts.

Anyhow, I thought this would be a good occassion to respond to the Archive Meme that I found from Danielle on Modern Musings. The Archive Meme rules are simple enough:

• Link 1 must be about family.
• Link 2 must be about friends.
• Link 3 must be about yourself, who you are... what you're all about...
• Link 4 must be about something you love
• Link 5 can be anything you choose.

Post your five links and then tag five other people. At least TWO of the people you tag must be newer acquaintences so that you get to know each other better.... and don't forget to read the archive posts and leave comments! So villagers, here are my five links...

1. About Family - I regularly share updates on my sister Kyra, however, I have not posted very much about my family here on the Electronic Village blog. For a hint on my family you need to visit the Electronic Village website.
2. About Friends - The majority of my blog-related relationships have come from The AfroSpear. My most recent inspiration from these blogger friends led to a ranking of the Top Black Bloggers.
3. About Me - This post revealed more of me than I first intended. Earlier I shared the five reasons that I blog.
4. Something I Love - There aren't many things that I love. There are some people that I love including, Iya, Wayne Sr., Charles, Kyra, Iyisa, Nailah, Laura, Khalis and Shenita.
5. Wild Card - Any excuse to see Serena is a good excuse in my book!

I tag five of the most prominent Black bloggers in the universe:

1. Natasha E (Young, Black and Fabulous)
2. Terrance Heath (The Republic of T)
3. Steve Spalding (How To Split An Atom)
4. Dame (Truth & Opinion)
5. Earl Dunovant (Prometheus 6)

I am grateful to the 20,000+ villagers that have been here at one point or another since we began! I hope you enjoy the next 200 just as much...

The Noose: An American Nightmare

UPDATE: This special report has been upstaged in the past week by the California wild fires. The Electronic Village learned today that the show will be broadcast in its entirety on November 1 @ 8 pm (ET).

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Since July, there have been more than a dozen reported incidents of nooses being displayed around the nation apparently intended to intimidate Black people. CNN investigates whether the upsurge in these acts are associated with the events surrounding "The Jena 6" in Louisiana or part of a growing, more widespread racial intolerance. CNN’s Kyra Phillips will anchor a special one-hour report, CNN: Special Investigations Unit – The Noose: An American Nightmare, on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m. (ET). It will re-air on Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 4 at 8pm ET/PT.

Nooses have been found in small towns like Winchester, Ky. and Elgin, Ill., as well as in cities like Philadelphia and New York, where a noose was hung on the door of a Columbia University professor’s office. The Coast Guard Academy, in New London, Conn., is also investigating two separate noose incidents.

Through interviews with historian James Allan and Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Phillips will trace America’s history of lynchings – an atrocity that gives the noose its horrifying meaning. Phillips also examines law enforcement efforts led by the bias crimes coordinator with Nassau County (N.Y.) Police, which tracks downs those who commit hate crimes. She also talks to educators in Philadelphia about what young people are being taught about the nation’s history of racial hatred.

Kyra Phillips was excellent in her in-depth investigation, Judgment in Jena, that aired on the day of the Jena March. I encourage villagers to check out her new investigative show on nooses. Let us know what you think about the show. OK?

Interview with Kyra Hicks

I have shared information about my sister's blog and website in the past. The quilt shown above is one that she made back in 1995. Many villagers know that she recently published a wonderful children's book called, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria. The book provides a true tale of strength and faith as a lesson for children.

Our Electronic Village drumbeat today is about an interview with Kyra posted by Irene Watson (AuthorsDen.com). There is a second interview conducted by Juanita Watson (Reader Views) with some interesting perspective on slavery and quilting.

You can see that I am proud of the work that my sister is doing with Black quilters. Now you can beat the drums for this sister ... my sister ... if you have time or inclination.

5 Blogs That Make Me Think

The evolution of the Electronic Village over the past couple of months has been a joy to experience. I started this blog with an idea that it would become an online oasis where elders from other parts of cyberspace would be willing to sit by our baobob tree in the center of the Village and share their wisdom with us. The stories we would tell around the fire would vary -- Alkebulan, Black culture, economic inclusion, family, information technology industry, science fiction, sports, youth education and other ecletic commentary would be shared in the Village.

It appears that our efforts are appreciated. A 30-something sister with an aptly-named blog, Not Fearing Change, nominated us for a Thinking Blogger Award. She wrote, "The Villager writes about social controversial topics. Items such as race; environment; social conditions. I have only been recently introduced to the blog. But I am slowly but surely becoming a common visitor. As well the Villager was oh so kind to sign me up for a new blog movement – I will let the Villager explain…"

My responsibility is to share the Thinking Blogger Award with five (5) blogs that make me think. There are many blogs and bloggers that I have come to read and respect. However, the five that I tag with this award are:

1. Cincinnati Black Blog - I came across this blog over two years ago. It was the first and only blog that I read for most of those two years. It is run by Nathaniel Livingston. I respect Bro. Livingston for his persistence and consistency in sharing his controversial view of life for Black folks in Cincinnati, Ohio.
2. Black Threads - My sister, Kyra Hicks, is a world-reknowned expert in the field of African American quilters. She published two books, a website and a blog on the topic. She is the one that explained to me that I could create a blog at no cost. I'm not a quilter, but, I admire the concentrated focus that Kyra puts into her blog.
3. African American Opinion - I seek out bloggers of color. I seek out blogs that have information uplifting for people of African descent. Bro. Rock is the blogger that brings together more information for African Americans than I have seen in any four other blogs combined. It truly is a remarkable effort and I highly recommend this blog to anyone with an interest in nubian thought.
4. The Federation - I don't publicize it much ... but, I'm a science fiction fan. I've read most books written by Isaac Asimov, Octavia Butler, Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert and Larry Niven. I saw most episodes of ST:DS9 and ST:Voyager. So, it may not be surprising that the next blog that makes me think is based on a diary of a harassed Starfleet Officer in the 24th Century on the Star Trek of Life. I enjoy the photos, posts and the overall theme of this blog. The blog author goes by the moniker, 'Jean Luc Picard'. His blog makes you think and smile at the same time.
5. Modern Musings - My favorite blogger is Danielle. Her random thoughts (musings) on a wide variety of issues always makes me think. She demonstrates a willingness to share her thoughts on some of the tough social issues of the day. Many of the design elements of the Electronic Village came as a result of my wandering in her blog. Hey, let me know if you figure out her profile photo ... is she laying down or what?

Anyhow, these are the five blogs that make me think. I encourage you to visit each of them and share your comments as you feel the spirit to do so.

Blog It Forward

Danielle Vyas, author of Modern Musings has named the Electronic Village as one of her favorite blogs in a meme named Blog it Forward. Danielle is an Original Villager in that she was one of the first to discover our blog last year. She is an activist in the pure sense of the word and I encourage all villagers to check her blog out today if you can.

This Blog It Forward meme appears to have been created in October 2003 by Buzz over at the Buzzstop blog. The meme rules are simple: 'pick someone off of your blogroll (or bloglines, linklist, bloglink) and post a little something about them on your site. Tell us why they are on your list. What makes them link-worthy? Perhaps you'd like to spotlight someone on your list that isn't getting the attention that you think they should. Maybe it's someone who has made a difference in your life. Maybe it's someone who just puts a smile on your face every day.'

Here are those that I wish to share the love with today:

1. Black Political Thought (BBR #660) - Janet Shan owns & operates this blog. She seeks to be the premier blog for conservative and balanced political and social commentary. I thoroughly enjoy the detailed postings on her blog.


2. Blacks Gone Geek (BBR #641) - This is a relatively new blog created by Milt Haynes. I served as national BDPA president-elect when Milt was national president. Earlier we each served as colleagues on BDPA board of directors when Milt led the BDPA Chicago chapter and I led the BDPA Cincinnati chapter. I appreciate the support Milt provided to me over the years and I'm hopeful that his blog continues to grow and evolve.


3. Black Threads (BBR # 308) - This blog is owned and operated by my sister, Kyra Hicks. I credit Kyra with getting me started as a blogger. She is a published author and her blog focuses on niche of African American quilters. Any quilters or quilt-lovers out there?


4. Detrick DeBurr (BBR #666) - This brother provides a weekly rant worthy of notice. He's a bit slow on the uptake as far as Hillary v. Obama ... but, Detrick is a serious entrepreneur and an up & comer in the afrosphere.


5. On The Black Hand Side (BBR #246) - This is an informative, educational and entertaining blog with a growing blogger interview series called '20 Questions With...'. Vanessa Byers owns and operates this blog. She was kind enough to interview me on her blog. Perhaps you will be next?

Have you had a chance to visit any of these blogs in your travels through cyberspace?

Franklin Roosevelt's Postage Stamp Quilt

My sister, Kyra Hicks, has a passion for quilts and quilting ... especially as it relates to the Black community. While doing some research of African American newspapers from the 1930s she came across a startling headline: “President Roosevelt Gets Present of Novel Quilt Designed By Indiana Woman.”

Most of us see that headline and keep moving. My sister sees it and begins to ask questions:

1. Who was this Hoosier quilt-maker?
2. What inspired her to gift the President of the United States with a quilt?
3. What was so “novel” about the bed covering that Black newspapers across the country carried its story?
4. Where is the celebrated quilt today?

As she gets answers to these questions a book is born! Follow the surprising pursuit from a WPA Sewing Room in Marion, Indiana to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC and even on to England and France.



Kyra previously shared the true story of a young slave girl’s fifty-year quest to see Queen Victoria and give her a quilt. This time she takes us on a Depression-era adventure featuring exquisite quilts made for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Villager's 2007 Year-In-Review

It has been a remarkable year for those of us in the afrosphere. The number of blogs included in the Black Blog Rankings (BBR) grew from 75 to over 600 in the course of a few months. We saw the creation of both the Afrosphere Bloggers Association and The AfroSpear.

Mainstream media become much more aware of our presence as evidenced by events in Jena LA, Paris TX and Atlanta GA. Many Black bloggers are regularly featured on weekly National Public Radio broadcasts. Heck, a Black blogger was recognized as one of the 25-most influential African Americans in the country by Essence magazine.

I encourage all villagers to check out the comprehensive 'Black blogging year-in-review' perspective provided by Yobachi earlier this month.

I was inspired by my sister (Kyra Hicks) to create two blogs in 2007. The Electronic Village (BBR #34) was brought to life in Jan 2007 and redesigned in Sep 2007. The BDPA Foundation Blog (BBR #342) came online in Aug 2007. Both blogs evolved during the course of the year. Generally, the mission for both blogs is to share information that will inform and uplift our readers about people of African descent. The BETF-Blog tasks itself with an added goal to raise funds for the education and technology programs of BDPA.

We track our popular posts throughout the year. However, it is tradition to reflect on the year just ended. As such, we share with you our list of the top ten posts for 2007:

1. Black Blog Rankings - I got pissed when a blog listed the most influential bloggers in the world ... and not a single person of African descent made the list. I channeled my anger into the creation of the Black Blog Rankings. I publish updated rankings on the 1st day of each month. The inaugural publishing of the Top Ten Black Blogs took place in Sep 2007.
2. Jena 6 - The saga of justice in Jena, LA is well-documented on my blog and elsewhere. Without doubt, the major reason that the Electronic Village rose into the top 5% of all Black blogs was our coverage of the Jena 6 situation. I didn't know it at the time, but our blog was one of a handful of Black blogs that helped fuel the fire resulting in over 20,000 marchers descending on Jena in early September. I summarized my thoughts originally in a post titled, Jena 6: An American Tragedy.
3. HSCC Testimonials - Jena Six showed us high school kids going in a bad direction. I also wanted to show high schoolers going in the right direction. BETF wants to provide scholarships and funding for the high school computer competition (HSCC). As such, I share testimonials from HSCC students on my blog. One of the most powerful testimonials came from a youngster in Charlotte, NC.
4. The AfroSpear - One of the biggest accomplishments for Black bloggers in 2007 was the creation of The AfroSpear. My post explaining the evolution of the AfroSpear is one that I hope to update in the future.
5. Barack Obama - One of the first major stories in 2008 will be the results of the Iowa caucus. If Barack Obama wins that state caucus it will be one of the biggest stories around the world. For now, it is a dream and a prayer for many of us. My support for Barack Obama came after reading his first book. He is a remarkable brother ... and I truly believe that America needs him in the White House. I posted about Obama and his family a number of times during the year, however, I'm most proud of the fact that my blog provided live/streaming video of his appearance with Oprah Winfrey in South Carolina.
6. Nooses - One of the negative outcomes of the Jena Six story was the rapid and visible rise in the number of hateful nooses placed in public places to intimidate African Americans. One of my most powerful posts this year gave a history of lynching in America.
7. Tasered While Black - African American Political Pundit recently told me that our blog inspired him to create Tasered While Black (BBR #298). Back in March 2007, I shared my first post that talked about tasers.
8. Only A Dad - My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year. My father succombed to cancer later in the year. I shared his photo with my blog readers in a post dedicated to my Dad.
9. Hot Ghetto Mess - Another time when the power of the blogosphere showed itself to me was during the battle with Black Entertainment Television over a degrading television show. At one point, I saw direct action taken by a BET advertiser as a result of our blogging efforts. My inital post on this effort was simply entitled, BET is a Hot Ghetto Mess.
10. Don Imus - I was surprised by the speed in which this story circulated through the blogosphere. I joined with many other Black bloggers when I wrote that Imus should be fired.

Anyhow, these are my thoughts on the 2007 year-in-review.

Now, I am interested to learn what you think. After all, you have been a blog reader for some period of time. What would you care to share about the past year. Were there other posts or themes that you thought should be in the Top Ten? Where do you want us to take this blog over the next year? What say u?

Fatherhood & Inspiring Americans

There are some blogging events coming up that I wanted to share with villagers. One of them is brought to you by Rosemarie (Miscellaneous Matters). She is calling for everyone to post a poem, message or letter about your greatest memory of your father or fatherhood. The timing is right and I hope that many villagers will consider participation in this effort.

Kyra Hicks (Black Threads) is part of the growing Afrosphere. She points out to villagers that the Smithsonian is looking for Inspiring Americans - and your vote counts! Here's your chance to share your thoughts with the Smithsonian, nominate your favorite historical or contemporary villager, your teacher, your mentor, or any person who motivated you to do better!

Villagers, are you aware of other events on the upcoming calendar that we should share while we are sitting around the Electronic Village baobob tree?

Can Quilting Heal the Political Divisions in Washington DC?

Many people are looking for ways to tone down the rhetoric in Washington DC. Our nation needs to return to a time when people could argue passionately about their positions without demonizing their opponents.

My sister is a world-renowned quilter. She suggests that the time might be right for President Obama to call on both Democrats and Republicans to participate in a good ol' fashioned Quilting Bee. She imagines that the announcement of such a quilting bee might best be made on the Larry King Show.






Of course, my sister, Kyra Hicks, has more traditional information to share about quilting.  I encourage you to check out her other books -- Black Threads, Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria, The Liberian Flag Story & Love of Liberty Quilt or 'This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Others Pieces'.