The Flock Newsletter
 

February 17, 2023

Black History Month

 

Honoring Black Heroes

Well, today I’d like to start out by making a list of all the notable black patriots who helped America win its longstanding feud against the then King of England, King George the 3rd. I’d like to honor the memories of those that guided and fought in the battles for America’s freedom. I wish to honor them this special month.


We'll be devoting the next three issues to Black History Month.

 

African Americans Who Helped Make America the Land of the Great From Sea to Shining Sea

By John Bufford after William L. Champey, circa 1856.

I just recalled the fact, my kin fought in every war, including the American Revolution. African Americans, as you know, contributed to America’s freedom from the crown.

Black Patriots

Black Patriots were African Americans who sided with the colonists who opposed British rule during the American Revolution. The term "Black Patriots" includes, but is not limited to, the 5,000 or more African Americans who served in the Continental Army and Patriot militias during the American Revolutionary War.

From: Wikipedia

Crispus Attucks

Crispus Attucks is considered to be the first Black Patriot because he was killed in the Boston Massacre. Attucks was commemorated by his fellow Bostonians as a martyr for freedom. Attucks was a whaler who was believed to be of mixed Native American and African ancestry, born in or around Framingham, Massachusetts. His death in the Boston Massacre is considered to be the first Patriot fatality of the war.

 
Learn More
 

BLACK HEROES: American Civil War

 

United States Colored Troops

From: The American Civil War Museum

In July of 1862, Congress granted the first official authorization of African-Americans in the military with the Second Confiscation and Militia Act. Five Regiments were formed. One of these was the 1st South Carolina Volunteers. After the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect, the United States Colored Troops (USCTs) were formed, and the 1st South Carolina Volunteers became the 33rd USCTs.

Read the Full Article
 
 

BLACK HEROES: World War I

National World War I Museum and Memorial

African Americans Fought to Fight in World War I

From: US Department of Defense

More than 380,000 African-Americans served in the Army during World War I, according to the National Archives. About 200,000 were sent to Europe. But more than half of those who deployed were assigned to labor and stevedore battalions. These troops performed essential duties for the American Expeditionary Force, building roads, bridges and trenches in support of the front-line battles.

Read the Full Article
 

BLACK HEROES: World War II

Tuskegee Airmen, US National Archives

African Americans Fought for Freedom at Home and Abroad during World War II

From The National WWII Museum, By: Tyler Bamford, February 1, 2020

More than one million African American men and women served in every branch of the US armed forces during World War II. In addition to battling the forces of Fascism abroad, these Americans also battled racism in the United States and in the US military. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps all segregated African Americans into separate units because of the belief that they were not as capable as white service members. Adding to this indignity, the Army frequently assigned White officers from the American South to command Black infantrymen.

Learn More
 
 

BLACK HEROES: Korea

African Americans in the Korean War

From: Korean War Legacy Foundation

July 26, 1948 was a red-letter day in American history. U.S. President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, desegregating the armed forces. Truman declared, “there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.” The president acted upon the wishes of many people, black and white, who believed that if African-Americans and other people of color served their country with honor, they should not be subjected to racial discrimination or violence.

Learn More
 

BLACK HEROES: Vietnam

 

African Americans in the Vietnam War

From: Wikipedia

African Americans played a prominent role in the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was the first American war in which Black and White troops were not formally segregated, and even saw significant growth in the number of African Americans engaged in battlefield combat, though some de facto segregation still occurred.

Explore More
 

To be continued next week...

 

WELLNESS: African-American Culinary Traditions

Octavio Jones (WUSF Public Media)

For many, African-American culinary traditions come with healing powers

From: The Zest Podcast/WUSF, By: Dalia Colón

At this year’s event, The Zest’s Dalia Colón facilitated a discussion about the healing power of African-American culinary traditions between cultural preservationist Gabrielle E. W. Carter and LaDonna Butler, a mental health counselor who holds a doctorate in counselor education and supervision. They also discussed seed-keeping as a form of resistance, the ritual of drinking potlikker and much more.

Read the Article
 

WELLNESS: Healing with Food, a Black Tradition

photo: Tambra Stevenson

African Heritage Diet as Medicine: How Black Food Can Heal the Community

From: Eating Well, By Tambra Raye Stevenson, M.P.H., M.A., February 1, 2023

In celebration of Black History Month and beyond, we are resurrecting the soul of Black food and paying homage to the culinary creators and meal healers who have poured their love into continuing the delectable and healing traditions of our families and communities. Black food is a shared story of resistance, resilience, restoration and liberation.

Learn More
 
 

KIDS/TEACHER'S CORNER: African-American Role Models

The New York Public Library African American Desk Reference. John Wiley & Sons 1999

Here's an incomplete list of African Americans who've changed the world with the fruits of their minds. Kids of any background would do well to look up to these pioneers.

PET CORNER: Rigatoni

Photo by: Beth Kasser

Say hi to Rigatoni, our featured pet of the week! His father’s name is Giuseppe, and by the way, he understands Italian. I’m featuring him because he’s an Oreo dog.

 

REFLECTIONS

Photo by Chris on Unsplash

Say a recovery prayer for Scott Burr, who's been my spirit guide and inspiration for the Flock report.

 

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Your fan and friend,

Beth
Functional Nutrition Counselor
AADP

Holualoa Ed Fit Wellness & Culture 2

520-818-4433


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The information and materials contained or referenced in this newsletter are for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before beginning a new health care regimen. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical advice or care based on anything contained in this newsletter.