I keep a photo of my high school red tie. This uniform emblem reminds me of the 1960s and 1970’s era that I grew up in. I was five years old in 1975 living at the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, my afro hair, and a consciousness for that age. At this time, the Black Community in Los Angeles was a majority working together for desegregation. I was happy to see people making their life's aspirations a reality.  The Jacksons among many music talents carried the Harlem Renaissance forward spreading music around the world. This time in history is unlike any other.  At this time in history, I was happy to be included in a 12 student classroom of elementary students that I still know to this day. We were and are like family. I keep them all in prayer and I see results. During the 1960s and 1970s, it was common to cook and share recipes from different households and cultures in the community. What I did not like about this time in history was the spread of patriarchal religion. Patriarchal religion involves ministers who have vitriol for women. The religious ministers of this time often taught that women are the cause of sin in the world; therefore, women are often mentally abused and held back in life. Yet, there were and still are the women who thrive to be all they can be in a positive aspect, and I am thankful for their energy and drive. As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “ Black Supremacy is just as dangerous as White Supremacy.” The red tie reminds me of how important it is in life to have order and serenity.  

– XP

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