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Food So Good, He Wouldn’t Bring it to the White House

Meet Chef Patrick Clark, the Black man who turned down a job as the White House Executive Chef. Bill and Hillary Clinton personally invited Chef Clark to the prestigious role after they tasted his remarkable food at the historic Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. But as we know, money talks and the White House was unwilling to match his current $100,000 salary so he declined the position. While Clark seemingly made a mistake by not taking the job, the rest of his career proved that he was, in fact, too good for the White House. In 1994, Chef Clark won the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Award for the Mid-Atlantic region, becoming the first African-American chef to receive this honor. This would have never been possible had he decided to work at the White House as it is not considered a restaurant. Patrick Clark was the standard way before celebrity TV chefs. As restaurant-going became a social pastime in NYC, Clark rode a huge wave of popularity. A big man full of personality, he effortlessly attracted the attention of customers and his food never disappointed. His casual yet sophisticated French cooking astonished guests and gained him tremendous notoriety within the community. New York City is widely known as a food mecca so it comes as no surprise that fierce competition exists among chefs. Nevertheless, Clark rose as the “cream of the crop” as soon as he stepped on the food scene. At age 25, as the original Executive Chef at The Odeon in Tribeca, Clark became the first NYC chef to merge the bistro-style with fine dining. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); What made Clark so special was his ability to fuse flavors and cooking techniques in ways that no other chefs could at the time. A Brooklyn native, Clark grew up in a household filled with the spirit of cooking. His father was an accomplished chef in Manhattan who often allowed his son to visit his kitchens. By age 10, Clark was already experimenting with his own recipes under the direction of his mother, who also had a knack for creating fine dining experiences at their home. Those childhood experiences, combined with his classical training in England and France as an adult, made Clark a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen. Unfortunately, Chef Clark’s culinary pursuits were cut short by the onset of congestive heart failure, resulting in his untimely death in 1998. Clark’s life work paved the way for future Black chefs by expanding upon standard European techniques to create entirely new styles of cuisine and defying the stereotype of Black people only being able to cook “Black food.” As a historical side note, Chef Clark was not the first Black Chef to turn down a job cooking for the President of the United States. During the 18th century, one of Thomas Jefferson’s former slaves, James Hemings, also rejected an offer to serve as the Executive Chef at Monticello after Jefferson became president. Hemings, as a slave, had the rare opportunity to undergo culinary training in Paris for 5 years. Upon returning to America, he successfully negotiated his freedom. Read more about his story here. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Food So Good, He Wouldn’t Bring it to the White House appeared first on PushBlack.

A Firestorm of Support for Jordan Edwards Family Demands

Just a few weeks ago, Jordan Edwards was fatally shot by Texas police officer Roy Oliver. In the past 48 hours, 50,000 people have signed our joint petition with Color Of Change in support of assigning a special independent prosecutor to his case. We’ve been here before. But, we know what justice looks like and with the help of each one of you, we can pressure justice into action. Jordan’s family has remained strong, steadfast, and relentless in their pursuit of justice. And while a special prosecutor can help provide a more thorough investigation, this is not the family’s only route to justice. In addition, they have also filed a wrongful death suit against the Balch Springs Police Department for “failing to supervise and properly discipline” the cop responsible for Jordan’s death – even after multiple instances of “brash behavior.” But they’re not stopping there; the family is also calling for an investigation that includes the following: Identify and prosecute officers other than Roy Oliver that interacted with Vidal Allen and the other three boys riding in the car if any criminal misconduct is found Release to the press and public all video evidenced sourced through the investigation, including body camera video in the case that has been generated by the Balch Springs Police Department and identified by the Dallas County Sheriff Support the release of all disciplinary records and complaints lodged against Roy Oliver during his employment with the Balch Springs Police Department Request an investigation of unequal and discriminatory policing in Balch Springs by the U.S. Department of Justice While this may be the first instance of this gravity experienced by Jordan’s family, collectively, we all share their pain. After all, we, as Black people, have a long history of dealing with trauma. But if there is one thing we know how to do, it is to bounce back. We channel our anger and frustration into actionable steps for optimistic change. We never back down and we find light even when all we see is darkness. Our resiliency allows us to incite social change even in the most trying times. Since Ferguson and the death of Mike Brown, we’ve seen greater awareness about the pressing issues that plague so many of our communities. We’re more informed and we’re collectively unified. And now, we must continue to combat the social ills and injustices that plague our society. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement exemplifies how our collective resiliency transforms into calculated and impactful action. Through BLM, we’ve marched, protested, advocated to state and federal legislative bodies, been the headlines of international news, and galvanized support across racial and ethnic lines. We’ve collectively envisioned, changed, and worked to promote better public policies and more impactful organizations. We’ve collectively shouted our truths – and we will continue to shout and demand change. Our shouts are not in vain, as our voices are being heard. Social media has leveled the playing field, allowing us to not only connect with one another but to broadcast to the masses the truth as witnessed right before our eyes. Black Twitter has birthed both humor and humility – serving as a refuge for collective laughter and a source for the news and perspectives we so desperately need to hear. We’ve manifested a space for unfiltered Black perspectives on the world – we’ve hosted conversations that rarely exist in mainstream media, but penetrate it by the day. Here at PushBlack, we are encouraged by all the efforts to bring justice for Jordan Edwards and his family. As this case unfolds, it is imperative that we stay engaged, informed, and continue to demand reform. While Roy Oliver’s arrest is the first step towards justice, his murder conviction will signal a necessary shift towards holding our law enforcement accountable for their actions. Sign this petition to continue to show your support, as we must continue using all the resources at our disposal to fight the good fight. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); But remember, dealing with these heavy issues on a regular basis is draining, so it is imperative that we prioritize our self-care. Black mental health matters. No one is expected to be strong all the time and that may mean at some point we just need to disconnect and decompress. Be as involved as you can, but remember we do not all have to be on-the-ground activists. In the words of Malcolm X, do your “best work.” In whatever it is that you do, do your best for the betterment of Black people. Attending town halls and sending letters to Congress may be the actions for some, while reading and sharing news articles or reflecting with friends and family may be the route for others. Every little bit counts. We remain optimistic about the work of our Black communities in pushing forward for justice and change, and we hope you will too. We believe in cultivating a supportive network of allies who understand that Unity of the people can bring down any system. Let’s do this together. Click here to sign the petition in support of the Edwards family’s demands. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post A Firestorm of Support for Jordan Edwards Family Demands appeared first on PushBlack.

The Remarkable Legacies of the Stokes Brothers

The Stokes brothers are political legends in Cleveland, Ohio. Here’s why. Though born as the great-grandsons of enslaved Africans, and raised in the impoverished Cleveland neighborhood of Central, Carl and Louis Stokes would grow up to become judges, political leaders, and history makers. As a high-school dropout, Carl Stokes would later join the army, work in foundry, and then complete high school, college, and law school before becoming Cleveland’s first Black mayor in 1967. And, in doing so, he would become the first Black mayor of a major metropolitan city in the United States. In the mayoral race, Carl defeated the grandson of President William Taft and overcame a city population that was ⅔ white in order to secure his victory. He would later serve in the Ohio legislature and preside as a municipal judge. In 1962, Stokes became the first Black anchorman of a television show in New York. Later, he’d return to Cleveland to work as general counsel for the United Auto Workers. “The honorable Carl B. Stokes changed the course of the city’s history. His achievements not only set a standard for elections in major metropolitan communities but also established an agenda to meet the needs of Cleveland residents regardless of their racial and ethnic background….in his two terms in office from 1967-1971, he accomplished much that serves the city steadfastly today.” The Stokes Project: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Some of Carl Stokes’ most notable political accomplishments include creating “Cleveland Now!” – a public/private partnership providing community resources, and advocacy for civic participation and against voter apath. He opened City Hall jobs to Blacks and advocated for poor communities and racial unity. In addition, he was a staunch advocate for community-oriented police divisions, a dream that may be realized through recent consent decrees promulgated by the U.S. Department of Justice. “Mr. Stokes was credited with using humor and hard work to ease the misgivings of Cleveland’s white voters. ‘I went into every white home that would let me in there and every hall that would have me…I didn’t sit back. Carl Stokes doesn’t sit back.’” His brother, Louis Stokes, was also a leader of “firsts.” In 1968, Louis was elected as Ohio’s first Black congressman and served 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a crusading civil rights attorney, Louis argued against redistricting that would suppress the Black vote, as well as the iconic Terry v. Ohio “stop and frisk” case in 1968. The Supreme Court decision in Terry v. Ohio permitted police to stop and search individuals under “reasonable suspicion” that the person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime and “may be armed and presently dangerous.” In opposing this ruling, Louis grew attached to the case because he had been subjected to this unjust treatment that continues to exist today. As a Congressman, Louis helped found the Congressional Black Caucus and chaired special investigations into the assassinations of both John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. Together, the Stokes brothers left an indelible impact on both Cleveland and the nation. Carl Stokes was mayor during the infamous Cuyahoga River fire in 1969, when an oil slick caught fire in the long-polluted Cuyahoga River – causing $100k in damage and fueling environmentalist and pollution activists to respond. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); For this and other reasons, Cleveland “became a symbol of environmental degradation,” of which both Carl and Louis Stokes responded. Their advocacy and urge for greater federal involvement in pollution control helped push forward the federal Clean Water Act of 1972. Through August 2017, the city of Cleveland will celebrate the legacies and achievements of the Stokes brothers through programming, dedications, and special events. In recognizing the 50th anniversary of Carl Stokes’ mayoral election, the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Humanities Center is leading community partners in celebrating their monumental legacy and impact on the city of Cleveland. In the area and wanting to get involved? Check out the full year’s events here. The post The Remarkable Legacies of the Stokes Brothers appeared first on PushBlack.

The Only Betty Boop We Acknowledge is Esther

For generations, Black culture has been imitated, duplicated, and appropriated by the mainstream without receiving its due credit.Just look to any discussion of Black influences on hairstyles, dance trends, music, speech patterns, or fashion, and you’ll find the root in Black culture. Through this appropriation, our people have inspired some of America’s most iconic and enduring cultural projects. One example comes in the form of a famously sassy cartoon character known as “Betty Boop.” Though portrayed as a white woman, Betty Boop’s caricature was actually modeled after a Black woman:Esther Jones. Esther Jones, commonly referred to as “Baby Esther,” was a Black jazz singer and entertainer during the 1920s. Esther’s unique musical performances involved “scatting,” which she learned from her manager Lou Walton. With frequent shows at the Cotton Club in Harlem, Jones became well known for her “boo-boo-boo” and “doo-doo-doo” improvisation vocals. These sounds would become her signature “baby voice” style and would directly influence other vocalists….even becoming a hallmark trait falsely – associated with Betty Boop. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); While Esther Jones was the definitive inspiration for the creation of Betty Boop, a White woman named Helen Kane tried her best to prove otherwise. Kane was also a vocalist in New York at the time, who just so happened to see one of Esther’s shows at the Cotton Club. Mesmerized by Esther’s “scatting,” Kane began to integrate her own form of it into a recorded song titled “I Wanna Be Loved By You.” Instead of “boo-boo-boo” and “doo-doo-doo,” Kane inserted “boop-boop-a-doop”and similar vocals without ever acknowledging that the pattern was adapted from Esther’s performance. Later, Kane would insist that she, in fact, was the model for the creation of Betty Boop. Well, will the REAL Betty Boop please stand up?! Even though Helen Kane attempted to steal Esther Jones’ sound, she would never become more than an imitation. Unfortunately, this narrative of whites claiming things that are not rightfully theirs is all too familiar throughout Black history. Although Esther did not become rich or famous for her work, she will forever be credited as the original Betty Boop in our books. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post The Only Betty Boop We Acknowledge is Esther appeared first on PushBlack.

Why Did Black Voters Flee The Republican Party In The 1960s?

It is not uncommon to hear pundits talk about Black voters’ unfaltering loyalty to the Democratic party, regarding the Black vote for Democrats as an inevitability. Indeed, for the past few presidential races, 90% of Black voters have chosen the Democratic candidate. However, 100 years ago Black voters had this same loyalty for the the Republican Party. Even as recent as the 1960’s, only two-thirds of Black voters identified as Democrats. So why did this party shift occur? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); According to some political scientists, Barry Goldwater happened. Goldwater, the Republican nominee in the 1964 presidential race, is considered the forefather of the Tea Party movement. Goldwater opposed the passage of the Civil Rights Act, which appealed to Southern White segregationists, and ushered in a conservative movement that overtook the Republican party. Black voters, in turn, realizing the Party of Lincoln had become hostile to them, did not take long to switch parties.E Even today, Black Americans have switched towards the Republican party for various reasons. Just last year, two students relaunched Howard University’s student Republican Chapter. And, the infamous Ben Carson was once a Democrat, back in the day. While jobs, the economy, education reform and criminal justice policy remain hot topics on the political debate floor, upcoming state elections over the next two years could have an impact on the temperature of our Congress. Let’s know the facts and vote in favor of policies most beneficial to our community, taken at more than just face value. PushBlack fam, it is important that we keep this in mind in our fight to hold our politicians accountable and ensure that our votes are not taken for granted. Party lines do not necessarily determine community support. And while tradition may call for support, present records should be the ultimate, defining factor. Via NPR.org (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The post Why Did Black Voters Flee The Republican Party In The 1960s? appeared first on PushBlack.

Why Mentors Matter: Misty Copeland and Raven Wilkinson

Misty Copeland is the first African-American female principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre and one of Time Magazine’s “most influential people in the world.” Accolades aside, she is one of the most talented dancers of contemporary times. But in her humble ways, she is quick to tell anyone that she is not the first, nor the last, nor even the greatest. Misty Copeland recognizes that she would not be who she is today without the pioneering work, inspiration, and guidance of her mentor: Raven Wilkinson. In 1955 and at only 20 years old, Raven Wilkinson became the first Black woman to receive a contract to dance full-time with any major ballet company. Her first full-time professional run was with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo of New York City, but she would later join the Dutch National Ballet and the New York City Opera. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Wilkinson would tour internationally through her role as a professional dancer. But, as part of companies with dancers of many different ethnicities and traversing across continents, she experienced a complex relationship with racism. As “firsts,” it was an easy pairing and exchange of lessons learned between Misty Copeland and Raven Wilkinson. Both women accomplished laudable professional achievements at a young age, and made breakthrough accomplishments in a competitive industry that cast them as “others.” For Copeland, it wasn’t until 2015 that the American Ballet Theater promoted her as the first African-American woman to the role of principal dancer. With Copeland’s “athletic” physique, Black skin, and delayed training (unlike most professional dancers, she didn’t start training until age 13), Copeland stood for everything a ballerina “shouldn’t” be. Her conversations with Wilkinson helped steer her perspective away from the status quo and provided her with the motivation to succeed. Wilkinson helped Copeland adapt to the predominantly-white dance world of the American Ballet Theater. She even visited Copeland after a major surgery impacted Copeland’s ability to perform. Copeland knew of Wilkinson while training as a dancer, and her accomplishments provided Copeland with the motivation to keep pressing on. While we may only think of professional mentors in the business world, the older generations have a wealth of wisdom, guidance, and experience that can help us achieve both our personal and professional goals. Copeland’s relationship with Wilkinson inspired her latest children’s book, Firebird, which inspires younger boys and girls to follow in her footsteps. With a closing note by Wilkinson herself, the story is bookended by Wilkinson’s support - much like she continues to support Misty Copeland today.