As African Americans we often face and have many daily life challenges and obstacles to overcome. Some of these
challenges are minute and can be handle as they arise without cause for alarm. Other of these challenges test our
character and our limits. In those days,when we feel mentally disturbed by our enviromental struggles or emotionally
unsettled by an unexpected life crisis, event or an unforseenable obstacle and the universal forces seem against
us, Murhpy's Law becomes known and a reality in our lives; this is when we really need to believe in ourselves, exercise
our faith, steadfastness of purpose and clarity of thought(s). Our African History the wonder and amazement of it and
our African American History and the people whom have touched our lives can inspire, influence and empower us.
Reflecting on the historical factual accounts about our African Ancestors transported Ports of Departure and
the "Doors of No Return" from Africa was inmeasurably different than the European Passengers departures coming to America
to escape religious & / or political persecution and to seek a new life or the European Prison System
prisoner relocation for manpower and free labor. America was and has been a destination of choice for Europeans.
The Europeans that cross the Atlantic Ocean and disembarked from the Eastern Seaports especially, New York
Harbour, Ellis Island, had made a conscious choice to immigate to America. Many were seeking economic
opportunities in the new world, freedom of religious expression & /or social & political power.
As paying passengers from their chosen ship's European embarkment they had the freedom to roam,
explore, mingle and enjoy the transatlantic water trip and experience the treatment that was
normally reserved for guest ship and boat passengers. Of course, people of privileged lineage the royals and
wealthy merchants of Europe enjoyed preferential treatment during their voyage. Upon their disembarment in America
the ships European passengers had the freedom to make a new life for themselves, create & / or find favorable
opportunities. European Prisoners after completing their alloted prison time in America were release. They, too, had
the freedom anf the opportunity to make a new life for themselves, pursue and experience their passions.
Our African Ancestors were intentionally kidnapped, rapped and forcibly brought to America against their
will, physically seperated forever from their homeland, mother's tongues, families and children. Enduring the horrendous
stressful long journey of the "Middle Passages" chained, enslaved, mistreated on their passage and upon their disembarkment in
the "New World" were sold at public auction houses as human cargo for profit; traded, given as gifts and completely
controlled and dominated by the people that brought or received them as gifts. Then legally willed and passed on to
other people as inherited property. Meanwhile, Our African Ancestors families in Africa were deprive of
their love ones forever.
Can you imagine this happening to you or your
love one? Can you imagine how you would feel if, a love one were kidnapped and missing for the
rest of your life? Can you imagine the impact it would have on your family? The thought of these intentional atrocities and oppressive
human behavorial acts; the exploitation, physical abuse, inflicted physical pain, rape, humiliation and
emotional misery is spiritually and humanly immoral. These thoughts are mentally uncomprehensible and
emotionally heartwrenching.
Then refelecting upon the American society's past blatant social attitudinal racial contempt and disdain
for Black People, the oppressive, abusive, cruel mental, physcial brutality, torture and violence, denigrating,
humilating, discriminating and exploited treatment toward people of African Descent; and the outrageous
enviromental and deplorable living conditions is truly unconsciousable.
Can you imagine living your life under these horrendous conditions and horrible circumstances? Can you imagine
the psychological and emotional impact it would have on you? Can you see, recognize and understand "why"
many of todays African American leaders are advocating for Reparations? Our people endured these enormous
life challenges. Our Ancestors and their Spirit triumph over the struggles of their adversity. This is
inspiring and gives us hope that no matter what we may face today - we, too, have the internal inner strength,
resources and mental power to overcome life's challenges. Always Remember the Spirits
of the Ancestors will guide you if, you call on them, be still, listen and allow them to inspire you.
You are not alone.
The impact of the systematic instituition of enslaving African people and racism in America is the root cause
of many challenging factors facing African Americans in the past as well as today. Our African American political and
community leaders of the past understood, all to well because they lived the economic hardship, the lack of job
opportunities, prevalent discrimination in employment, social and public services facilities, the overt
discrimination and the social physical threat to the personal security of African Americans, lynchings, bombings,
police harassment, racial profiling, wrongful crime convictions, life or long term prison sentences, health,
education, unemployment, housing and community issues.
Can you imagine living in a society that did not acknowledge you or your existence as a human being? Can you imagine
how this systemic daily denial and rejection would make you feel? Can you imagine living in a society that
did not offer & / or denied you access to opportunities? Can you see how these prevelant oppressive life issues
affected Black People lives and the lives of the people they loved? America and all of it's Citizens and people
all over the world need to understand the legitimacy of Reparations for Black People.
In recent years, it is wonderful to see a greater African American presence and influence in the Government,
Politics, Law, Corporate America, Financial Insituitions, America's Broadrooms, Social Insituitions, Academic
Insituitions and on the Internet with Commerce and E
- Businesses. These political and insituitional social changes are a direct
result of the advocacy for "Affirmative Action".
There is still more advocacy work that needs to be done on behalf of African Americans & / or people of
African descent living in America today. The struggle for justice, opening doors and windows of accessible opportunities
for People of Colour is not over. There is still a large number of African Americans enduring financial hardship.
I personally know, both male and female, African Americans since the 1980's that have had or have today two full
time jobs or one full time job and one part time job, or have one job but work numerous overtime hours to meet their
families needs, maintain a decent
standard of living and, also, provide for social cultural and leisure activites.
In the Millennium, I am extremely happy to see and be a part of every day African Americans creating our own
African American Family Websites. We are African Americans "Telling Our Ancestors and Our Families Stories". The
following African American Website Directory listing and Services available on this dedicated page is here to support and
empower you in developing your African American Genealogy Internet connections, support you in your
family search & / or website
endeavors. We hope it will be a valuable precious resource and benefit to our Stone Family Members, Friends and
our Guest Visitors.
We encourage you to Bookmark our website and visit it frequently. Tell your family members and friends about
us. If you would like to submit your website and information into this site's database please fill out the information
form below.
