The Black Pledge of Allegance used instead of our Pledge.('Black Pledge' posted on school Web site)

Washington Times ^ | 1-22-02 | Ellen Sorokin

[vannrox]

The Washington Times www.washtimes.com 'Black Pledge' posted on school Web site Ellen Sorokin THE WASHINGTON TIMES Published 1/28/2002      A public school district in Oklahoma City has been accused of espousing black separatist doctrine because a copy of the "Black Pledge of Allegiance" is posted on its Web site.      The pledge — which refers to the colors of the flag that represents the Black Liberation Movement — appeared on the site last spring after students attending Millwood public schools found the pledge while studying black and cultural pride. "We pledge allegiance of the red, black and green Our flag, the symbol of our eternal struggle and to the land we must obtain," begins the pledge, which appears on the Web site www.millwood.k12.ok.us/Students.htm, just beneath the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. FR Poster Note: The Washington Times Editor of this article found it necessary to conserve space by omitting the last four lines. These lines convey the entire intent and bredth of the argument against the issue. The reason for this is unknown, but highly suspect. We pledge allegiance of the red, black and green Our flag, the symbol of our eternal struggle, and to the land we must obtain! ONE nation of BLACK people, with one God for us all, Totally united in the struggle for BLACK Love, BLACK Freedom, and BLACK determination .       "Millwood School Superintendent Gloria Griffin said in a telephone interview that she will not remove the pledge from the school district's Web site because it may send the wrong message to students.      "I don't think any African-American wants to be stripped and told, 'You shouldn't have any symbols,'" Mrs. Griffin said. "I don't think African-Americans should be asked to give up their symbols. Symbols are reminders of something that represent a custom and a part of history."      The pledge apparently originated in California, written by the founder of a violent 1960s radical group known as United Slaves.      Critics argue the Oklahoma school district's decision to add the pledge to its Web site creates division, rather than diversity, among its students. "It's misguided and counterproductive to education," said Russell Adams, a professor and chairman of the Afro-American Studies Department at Howard University in Washington. "It does not accelerate a positive learning experience for African-American kids and other kids around them." Others question the school district's motives for posting the pledge. Black students make up almost 99 percent of the school district's population, officials said. Millwood's three schools have 1,050 students (This pledge was posted and recited in all THREE Schools.)      "The question here is not about whether it's legal for the school district to post the pledge; it's more of a policy question at this point," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, a public-interest law firm focusing on religious liberty.      Students (currently) do not recite the black pledge in school, the superintendent said, but they do recite the American pledge. Mrs. Griffin said she was "disappointed" when she learned students in two classes were reciting the black pledge. "That was not my intention, to have students recite this pledge in school," she said. "That is no longer happening."      Mrs. Griffin says she agrees with critics who say featuring the black pledge on the Web site is counterproductive to education, but she stands by the decision nonetheless. "This is simply a part of an outgrowth from studies the students had done, but it's not part of the written curriculum."      The pledge generally is attributed to Maulana Ron Karenga, former leader of the Marxist group United Slaves. The group gained notoriety on Jan. 17, 1969, when some of Mr. Karenga's followers fatally shot two members of the rival Black Panther Party on the campus of the University of California at Los Angeles.      Mr. Karenga, who later served time in prison for the 1970 torture of two female followers, is acknowledged as creating the Kwanzaa holiday, of which the black pledge is part, in 1966.      Mrs. Griffin said she never thought the pledge advocated separatism or promoted racism. "When I read it, I focus on the words 'united in love, freedom and determination,'" Mrs. Griffin said. "If you look at history, there is a great need for African-Americans to love. It is very important that we appreciate freedom. And it is very, very important to have self-determination, and I don't mean that in a sense of separatism." Officials with the Oklahoma Board of Education declined to comment, saying they did not have authority over what the school district posted on its Web site.      Mrs. Griffin said she happened to forget that the pledge was on the site until the day before Martin Luther King's birthday, when the school district began receiving angry e-mail from across the country.      "Other than being the target of misinformation, I don't know what to make of this," Mrs. Griffin said. "Something has been taken out of context by someone. As a result, all of these accusations,every one of them borders on slander against all of us."      The red, black and green flag often is associated with black nationalism and pan-Africanism.      The colors were adopted in 1920 by black nationalist Marcus Garvey as the banner of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), according to www.melanet.com, an Afrocentric Web site based in the District.  Melanet.com says the tri-colored flag "has become the symbol of devotion for African people in America to establish an independent African nation on the North American continent."      As a compromise to her distractors, Mrs. Griffin said school administrators will add a paragraph next to the black pledge, explaining how the pledge appeared on the Web site. The also promised that she will conduct a survey of parents, teachers and students at Millwood to find out whether the community wants to keep the pledge on the site or remove it.

FR Poster Note: The following is the "retraction" or alteration of the data on the web site. Notice how it omits the damning orignation of the pledge and how it glosses over the negative impact. Note: Students are encouraged to research and reflect on their heritage. In the course of these studies students often find documents from the past that may be pertinent or relevant to times in which they live. Approximately three years ago during a cultural awareness instructional unit, Millwood Middle School students discussed the "Black Pledge of Allegiance," that had been found in their research or study. From their discussion, they recognized the struggles of their ancestors and the need for students to practice self love; to appreciate the freedoms that are an outcome of the Black struggle; and to demonstrate self-determination by performing well academically. They recommended to the middle school administration that the pledge be placed in the middle school planner as a reminder to all students of the struggles and the importance of love, freedom and self-determination. The author is unknown. It is unknown, also, what the author meant by nation. There are four (4) definitions of nation in the standard edition of the American Heritage Dictionary: FR Poster Note: It is unknown what the author meant by Nation? Say What?!?!?! Note: 1. A relatively large group of people organized under a single, usually independent government; a country. 2. The government of a sovereign state. 3. A people who share common customs, origins, history, and frequently language; a nationality. 4. a. A federation or tribe, especially one composed of Native Americans. b. The territory occupied by such a federation or tribe. The Black Pledge of Allegiance is NOT recited within the district. The Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag is recited in many of the classrooms and during all assemblies. FR Poster Note: Recited in Many... but not ALL. Note: The Pledge Of Allegiance I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. FR Poster Note: Note also... that while the Pledge of Allegance to America is one simple sentence. Written so that it can be read quickly and with out pause. The Black pledge of Allegance is written boldly with pause and occupies a substantial amount of space in the web site. It is, in other words, prominently displayed. Note: The Black Pledge of Allegiance (author & source unknown) FR Poster Note: The author is known. The author is simply not mentioned. Intentionally. Note: We pledge allegiance of the red, black and green Our flag, the symbol of our eternal struggle, and to the land we must obtain. One nation of Black people, with one God for us all, Totally united in the struggle for Black Love, Black Freedom, and Black determination.

[vannrox]

This is serious stuff! This is CRIMINAL. But I don't know what to do about it. maybe some one here might have an idea.

[vannrox]

We pledge allegiance of the red, black and green
Our flag, the symbol of our eternal struggle,
and to the land we must obtain!


ONE nation of BLACK people,
with one God for us all,
Totally united in the struggle for BLACK Love,
BLACK Freedom, and BLACK determination
.

Now imagine an entire classroom of kids reciting this every day!!!!Now Imagine this being recited at the start of each Basketball game!!!!Try it. Recite it out loud. See if it does not convey hatred>

Imagine what the Liberal Elite would say if the words "Black" were replaced by the word "White".

The school administrator says she concentrates on the word love. Gosh! You can't possibly concentrate on that Word. The word "Love" is only mentioned but once. While the word "black" is mentioned Four times.

[meandog]

Anybody know if KKK or any racist white group has a pledge or creed? Would like to compare to check out similarities....

[vannrox]

Bump for comments. Doesn't this anger anyone?

[vannrox]

Notice how all the Liberrals and our ELECTED representatives fund money to give to these Hate groups. And why? Why to fund against hate of course!

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Press Release

News from
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator - New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 1999

IN PROTEST OF KKK RALLY, SCHUMER LAUNCHES "PROJECT LEMONADE" TO RAISE MONEY FOR ANTI-BIAS GROUPS

In protest of a planned Ku Klux Klan rally, US Senator Charles E. Schumer today launched "Project Lemonade," a project which will raise money for anti-bias groups. The KKK plans to hold a rally in Manhattan tomorrow afternoon, Saturday, October 23.

"We are here today to enlist all New Yorkers to join us in trying to turn evil into good -- to try and turn lemons into lemonade," said Schumer. "I know that as this weekend's rally of hate approaches, people in our city are confronting a range of emotions -- anger, frustration, sadness, helplessness, revulsion. We have a choice. We can be angry or frustrated or sad, or we can turn this deplorable event into a cause to make this world a better and more tolerant place."

Schumer asked New Yorkers to pledge one dollar for each minute that a KKK member speaks at the rally to one of the following organizations:

1. Anti-Defamation League (ADL)
   
2. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
   
3. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens
   
4. Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (PRLDEF)

Schumer was joined by Abraham H. Foxman, the ADL National Director; Howie Katz, the ADL New York Regional Office Director; Hazel Dukes, President of the New York State Conference of the NAACP; Monsignor Howard Basler of the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens; and Juan Figueroa, President of PRLDEF.

"The KKK needs to know that for every moment they espouse their twisted brand of hate, dollars pour into organizations that stand up for minorities, justice, and tolerance," said Schumer. "They need to know that every time they spread their venom in a public place, the organizations that

fight their bigotry and hatred will receive financial support from the overwhelming majority of good hearted people who oppose the Klan and what they espouse."

The Senator made the first pledge of one dollar to each organization for every minute a KKK member speaks.

"I am honored to make the first pledge. I pledge to donate one dollar for each moment a Klan member speaks to each of these humanitarian organizations," said Schumer. "I urge all New Yorkers to do what they can to take the sour lemons we have been given to make a satisfying glass of lemonade."

The Anti-Defamation League is America's prime resource for information on organized bigotry. The League collects and assesses a vast amount of information on anti-Semites, racists and extremists. Those wishing to make a pledge to the Anti-Defamation League should contact:

Anti-Defamation League
Attn: NY Regional Office
823 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
212-885-7970

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States. The principal objective of the NAACP is to ensure the political, education, social and economic equality of minority group citizens of the United States. Those wishing to make a pledge to the NAACP should contact:

New York State Conference of NAACP
239 Broadway, 22^nd Floor
New York, NY 10006
212-344-7474

The Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, a national civil rights organization, works through advocacy, litigation and education to secure and protect the political, economic, social and legal rights of the Puerto Rican and Latino community. Those wishing to make a pledge to the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund should contact:

Puerto Rico Legal Defense and Education Fund
99 Hudson Street, 14^th Floor
New York, NY 10013-2815
212-219-3380

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens provides social services to those in need, without regard to race, religion or socio-economic status. Those wishing to make a pledge to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens should contact:

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens
191 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-722-6215

# # #

 

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[vannrox]

Now imagine an entire classroom of kids reciting this every day!!!!

[vannrox]

ONE nation of BLACK people,

[vannrox]

Totally united in the struggle for BLACK Love,

[vannrox]

BLACK Freedom,

[vannrox]

and BLACK determination

[CedarDave]

This news was first broken on FR over 10 days ago. Lots of outrage then. Here are just two threads of several posted:

Oklahoma City School Children Pledge Allegence To BLACK Flag!

What the heck is this (BLACK PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE?)(BARFORAMA) (MY TITLE)

What's surprising is that the Washington Times took 10 days to pick up on it and watered down the impact of the article by not posting the entire pledge. I guess they're becoming too much like the other newspaper in town, named the comPost isn't it?

[Redleg Duke]

Followed by a hearty "SIEG HEIL...SIEG HEIL...SIEG HEIL!"

[MeekOneGOP]

The Black Pledge of Allegance used instead of our Pledge.
('Black Pledge' posted on school Web site)

---

Well, here goes a "walkin' on eggshells". . .
(((PING))))))
Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my ping list!. . .don't be shy.

[wwjdn]

NAACP, as long as BLACK is the only color we see!!!

[Jerrybob]

Recite the thing but put in "white" instead of "black".

Now it's definately racist (some would say) -- but why isn't it racist with "black" in there?

[vannrox]

Related stories...

Mugabe moves to indoctrinate Zimbabwe's youth
Cop Ousted because of "Ghetto Lingo"

[Redleg Duke]

Because Jessie and Al have told us that it is impossible for a black to be a racist. Only us white folk can be racist.

[Plumrodimus]

FR Poster Note: Note also... that while the Pledge of Allegance to America is one simple sentence. Written so that it can be read quickly and with out pause. The Black pledge of Allegance is written boldly with pause and occupies a substantial amount of space in the web site. It is, in other words, prominently displayed.

Wow, they must have read your post already. The site now has the American Flag Pledge in bold and the Black Pledge in smaller, nonbold text.

[Rogle]

I can remember being forced to recite this pledge at Heidelberg American High School in 1973. I was found it racist then and I find it racist now.

[vannrox]

Really...! I am checking.

YOU ARE RIGHT!!!!
They did put it in bold. Well Well...

A link to the web page is:HERE


PRINCIPAL McGuire.


Ms. Christine Harrison, Assistant Principal