Celebrating Diversity in the Black Culture and Community - The Westside Church
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Cele b r a t i n g D i v e r s i t y i n the Black Culture and Community
Editorial Team
Contributors
Patricia Butts 1 Thessalonians 5:12-20
Patricia Butts
"History, as nearly no one seems to At 13 months of age, a tragic automobile
accident paralyzed my mother, and nine day
know, is not merely something to
later claimed my mother's life. Divine
be read. And it does not refer providence had led my grandmother to insist
merely, or even principally, to the that I not go on that road trip, and honoring
my mother's last wishes, my Grandmother
past. On the contrary, the great
became my guardian. Family recounts that
force of history come from the fact while I was still a toddler, I did not accompany
that we carry it within us, are the family as my Great Grandmother had
summoned everyone to a family reunion in
unconsciously controlled by it in
Mississippi. Together the family celebrated a
many ways, and history is literally great afternoon supper, spent blessed time
present in all that we do ... " individually, and my Great Grandmother even
spent time with her pastor before announcing
- James Baldwin
that she was tired and needed a nap. That
peaceful nap took her to rest with our
My name is Patricia Butts, and I am apart of
ancestors; my Great Grandmother was 113
the ALBO's (A Little Bit Older), a mature
years old. Shortly after my thirteenth year, I
group in our Family Ministry. I have been a
lost my Grandmother to a sudden heart attack.
disciple since January 26th, 1995, and here at
God's grace again interceded, and family
the Westside since May of 1998. As we
stepped up to prevent my going into the foster
commemorate Black History this February, I
system. Continuing the family tradition of
would like to share some thoughts, and also
gathering for Sunday suppers and often for
focus our attention on several Black Inventors
special celebrations, I benefited from the
and their Inventions that very likely have
reminiscence of oral history. On one such
escaped most common awareness.
occasion I learned that while my Great
Grandfather had been born into freedom, my
Allow me to start with my thoughts that take
Great Grandmother had been born as an
me to the oral history shared, and the known
enslaved person. It was my Great Grandfather's
history carried within me. My mother was the
negotiating skills that had won freedom for my
twelfth of thirteen children, and I was born on
Great Grandmother years before the
the 13th of February while my mom visited in
Thirteenth Amendment was ratified in 1865.
my Grandmother's home.
Patricia Butts
It was family oral traditions that stimulated my and many Black inventors were major
appetite to search for the truths of history that contributors, most did not obtain any of the
were seldom, if ever, routinely shared in K-12 benefits associated with their inventions since
or even College classrooms. For me as a they were not permitted patent protections.
persons of color, oral history became that Often slave owners took credit for their slaves'
golden key that unlocked my curiosity; that led inventions; example - "Cotton Scraper"
me to search for and seek to uncover many invented by Ned, and slave owner Oscar
other great truths that would have otherwise Stewart attempted to patent the invention; the
remained an untold story or a hidden mystery. application was rejected since Stewart was not
the inventor. The patent system was ostensibly
open to free black people, and the first black
As we begin examining some of the Black
patent holder was Thomas Jennings - 1791-
Inventors and their Inventions, it must be
1856, who owned a cleaning business in New
noted that the history of Patents date back to
York. His invention - "Dry Cleaning" was
1787; the Patents Office is older than the U.S.
patented in 1821. Another early patented
Constitution. Although the language itself is
invention was the "Sugar-refining Process" in
race-neutral, like many of the rights set forth
the 1840's - patent holder was Norbert Rillieux
in the U.S. Constitution, the patent system
- 1806 - 1894. Among the most notable of the
didn't apply for enslaved black Americans. This
early Black patent holders is Elijah McCoy -
is what the Copyright Clause states: "To
1844 -1929, who would go on to hold 57
promote the Progress of Science and useful
patents. This Canadian-born inventor and
Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors mechanical engineer was best known for his
and Inventors the exclusive Right to their first invention the - "Automatic Locomotive
respective Writings and Discoveries. " Lubricator For Trains" in 1872. While others
During the l7ih and 18th centuries, while tried unsuccessfully to market an alternative
America was experiencing rapid economic for this device, McCoy's invention was so
growth, reliable that the industry sought to utilize only
"The Real McCoy".
Patricia Butts
The ladies were not far behind as the first So whenever your driving brings you to a
known black female to hold a patent was Judy controlled intersection anywhere on the planet,
Woodford Reed - 1826 - 1905. While be reminded that the first 3-light traffic signal
indications are that she signed "X" on the directing driver's travel was a black invention
documents, she was issued a patent for a and that inventor was Garrett Morgan; "Traffic
"Dough Kneader and Roller" in 1884; this Signal" - patented in 1923. From Peanut Butter
invention was considered an improved design to Ice Cream, from Cell Phones to Moon
that even covered and protected the dough. Landings, get curious about expanding your
Often history is not kind to those who leave knowledge of lesser known Black History. Be
room for doubt of their identity when they sure to check out the attached listing of Black
have signed with an "X". Thus the controversy Inventors and Their Inventions, and for greater
of our "second" known black female to receive in-depth information, do search the on-line site
a patent possibly being listed as the first; her for The Black Inventions Museum. Share your
name was Sarah Elisabeth Goode - 1855 - positive findings with others and especially our
1905. Sarah's invention was the "Folding Bed" - youth; encourage their curiosity for learning
patented in 1885; this was the precursor to the something new about our diverse human
modern Murphy Bed. Another black female history that they might not become aware of in
competing for the "second" known to receive a their classrooms.
patent was Miriam Elizabeth Benjamin - 1861 - Remember this, "There's power in allowing
1947. Miriam's invention was the "Gong and yourself to be known and heard, in owning your
Signal Chair" for hotels - patented in 1888. unique story, in your authentic voice. And there
's grace in being willing to know and hear
Celebrating those early black inventors helps to
others." -Michelle Obama's "Becoming" - 2018.
pave the way for us to honor and remember the
black inventions that are present in all that we
encounter daily.
Craig Aron Romans 8:28
Two Worlds Craig Aron The three things that were big parts of my life were television, music and books. There were two worlds when I watched of television. I was entertained by shows like Family Ties, Silver Spoons, and Growing Pains. However, watching Different Strokes, What’s Happening, Good Times, The Cosby Show, In Living Color, and A Different World were far more relatable. Run DMC, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Eric B. & Rakim, Public Enemy, and Boogie Down Productions were my soundtrack.
Two Worlds Craig Aron
Books were the things that helped me navigate two worlds and create a world of my own.
Oprah Winfrey said that “books were my pass to personal freedom”. Charles Baudelaire
describes books as “a multitude of counselors”. Below are some books that helped me
navigate the journey between two worlds.
Manchild in the Promised Invisible Man -
Land Ralph Ellison
Claude Brown’s I read this book
autobiographical novel details every year.
the story of a kid growing up on Ellison wrote in
the rough streets of Harlem who 1952 and it is
turns his life around. I read this still so
book in middle school and it was
a story that I connected with
more than Martin Luther King’s.
The Autobiography of John Henry Days
Malcolm X - Malcolm X - Colson
I read this book the summer I Whitehead
started college. It had such a
profound effect on me.
Whatever you think of Malcolm
X, his story is inspiring and his
analysis of American race
relations are still relevant today.
Once I got to campus, I was
looking for a Nation of Islam
group on campus. It was one of
the first steps of my spiritual
journey.
Books were my pass to personal freedom.
- Oprah Winfrey
I owe everything I am and everything I will ever be to books.
- Gary Paulsen
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.
- Joseph Addison
Two Worlds Craig Aron
When I think about Black History Month, I think about the book written by black writers that
influenced and shaped me. I was born to a white father and a black mother. My parents
divorced when I was very young; which resulted in me living in two worlds. I didn’t really talk
about race with either of my parents. When I was with my dad, I was loved but I knew I was
different. When I was with my mom, I was loved, I knew I was different, but I was accepted.
In his poem, Cross, Langston Hughes addresses the turmoil of being neither white or black. I
could totally relate. I was living in two worlds and not belonging to either.
Cross The Big Sea - Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes’ poetry should be
BY LANGSTON HUGHES a part of the American canon. He
was one of the major products of
My old man’s a white old man
the Harlem Renaissance. However
And my old mother’s black. his autobiography is an amazing
story. He grew up in the Midwest.
If ever I cursed my white old man
He lived in Mexico and worked on
I take my curses back. ships and African river boats. His
life is more similar to Ernest
If ever I cursed my black old mother
Hemingway than to the lives of
And wished she were in hell, Claude Brown and Malcolm X. I
was reading this book while my
I’m sorry for that evil wish
wife was pregnant with our first
And now I wish her well. son; it was a no-brainer to name
him Langston.
My old man died in a fine big
Stories - Langston Hughes
While Hughes is not known for his
house.
fiction, Hughes’ short stories were
My ma died in a shack.
brilliantly written and dealt a lot
with navigating two worlds.
I wonder where I’m gonna die,
Being neither white nor black?Bobbie King
Check out Bobbie King's new book! We'll miss you, David and Bobbie! David and Bobbie King
Michael Ugorji Michael's Favorite Nigerian Dishes
Michael Ugorji My Black History Story
Tiffany Young
Proverbs
P
Pr
rove
rov rrbs 3:3-
3:3-4
3
3--4
-4Tiffany Young Why i s B l ack Representation Important?
Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson
My Black History Story It did not become evident until I was going
into 4th grade when I had to take the bus to
school. I remember asking my grandmother
I am from Cleveland, Ohio. Most people think
why I had to take a bus to school. Why can't
about LeBron James, but he is from Akron,
I still walk to school? She explained to me
Ohio which is about 30 miles south of
that Blacks lived on the east side and Whites
Cleveland. Cleveland is home to the Rock &
lived on the west side. The city was set up to
Roll Hall of Fame, known for the river that
keep us separated. To help integrate the
caught on fire because of pollution, and the
two groups together, White kids were bused
rap group Bone Thugs- n- Harmony is from
to the east side from grades 1 to 3. Now it
there.
was my turn to get bused to the west side
One thing you might not know is how since I was in 4th grade. I continue to get
segregated Cleveland is. Cleveland is one of bused to the west side until 8th grade. This
the most segregated cities in America. I experience gave me the chance to have
remember growing up and Blacks lived on the white friends and break down the
east side of the Cuyahoga River, and Whites stereotypes that I would hear about. During
lived on the west side. Cleveland's public this time, I also remember my mother and
school system was mainly Blacks, Whites, and grandmother sharing the story of Brown
a few Puerto Ricans. As a kid in the early versus Board of Education of Topeka and
80’s, it was not apparent to me that we did how that helped integrate students into
not travel to the west side that often. school. (to be continued on the next page)
Pupils from the Glenville "cluster" arrive at Thomas Jefferson The Plain Dealer front page the morning after busing
Junior High on W. 46th Street as the second phase of busing started.
started later in the 1979-80 school year. (Photo courtesy of
Cleveland State University. Michael Schwartz Library. Special
Collections)Richard Thompson
Jordyn Everett Proverbs 3:5-6
Jordyn Everett
Matt White
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own
understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Matt's favorite food: ChineseMatt White
Hi, my name is Matt White. I was born and In 2019, I met a brother by the name of Ron
raised in Mobile, Alabama, and currently reside Harris in an acting class. Ron and I began
in Los Angeles, California. When I decided to talking and built a friendship. I was looking
relocate to the West Coast in October of 2017, for a new church at the time so Ron invited
my main focus was to chase my dream of me to his church. I started attending services
acting. Not knowing that 2 years later how God
and met a few people at the church but once
would open my eyes to surrender my life and
again, I shied away. A year later I was going
chase him.
through a very rough time in my life and knew
Growing up in Mobile, Alabama I had a I needed to connect with God more than I
memorable childhood. I enjoyed playing sports ever. I reached out to Ron and expressed my
a lot. My favorite was baseball where I played desire to become spiritually in tune with
first base, second base, and right field for the God’s presence. And if you know Ron, you
Duval Vikings. I grew up with a large family so know he didn’t hesitate to re-introduce me to
the Holidays were filled with love, laughter, God’s Love and Grace. Ron introduced me to
good food, and enjoyable music. One of the
another brother, Chuka Ikokwu, and together
best things about Mobile is that we have Mardi
we began studying Scriptures.
Gras season. Most are unaware but it was
Mobile that started Mardi Gras back in 1703,
After months of digging deep in God’s Word,
and then New Orleans took after. There is a
I truly felt the spirit working through me. On
genuine and authentic love that fills the city
January 23rd, 2021, I was baptized and
with parades, balls, and more during the
received The Holy Spirit. I am forever grateful
season. It brings me great joy to reflect on
for the journey of how God has been and is
those memories every now and then.
still working in my life. It hasn’t been easy
I grew up in the church so I knew God, but I
that’s for sure, but knowing that God will
wasn’t fully living in his Word. Though there was
never leave my side gives me so much joy. I
a time in my adult life in 2016 when I was deep
pray that God continues to shed His light on
in God’s Word. Studying and reading Scripture
me, so that I may share the Gospel of my Lord
with a friend who knew and lived his life
and Savior Jesus Christ to others in many
according to the Word was very encouraging.
ways possible. This is my story, and I pray
But being the imperfect human that I am, I
God continues to shower you with His Love
began turning back to the world and slowly
and Grace.
shied away from God’s Word.S u p p o r t Black-owned
B u s i n e s ses M a l i k Books - Westfield Culver City
S i p & S onder - InglewoodLift Every Voice and Sing
Celebrating
Black Music
Because newsletters are
https://youtu.be/PHn2SSzZszU
Often
easily referred to as
sent online, "The
you can
weave all of your important
Black National Anthem," Lift every voice and sing,
and latest services in one
Lift Every Voice and
go. Include daily updates or ’Til earth and heaven ring,
Singwas a hymn
a weekly written
round-up as
that’s
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
composed of concise
a poem by NAACP leader Let our rejoicing rise
information about the
James
natureWeldon
of your Johnson
business. in High as the listening skies,
1900. His brother, John
Whether you're in tech or Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
the entertainment industry,
Rosamond Johnson (1873-
craft interesting content
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
1954),
that composed the music
your customers will
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
for the lyrics. At the turn
enjoy at first glance. Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
of the 20th century,
For a newsletter that
Let us march on ’til victory is won.
Johnson's lyrics
people will eloquently
look forward to
Stony the road we trod,
captured the solemn yet
receiving, align the look
and feel of your design Bitter the chastening rod,
hopeful appeal for the
with your brand’s identity.
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
liberty
Writeof Black content
quality Americans.
and
Yet with a steady beat,
Set against the religious
add matching images.
Have not our weary feet
invocation of God and the
Come to the place for which our fathers died.
promise of freedom, the
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
song was later adopted by
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
NAACP and prominently
Out from the gloomy past,
used as a rallying cry
’Til now we stand at last
during the Civil Rights
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
Movement of the 1950s
and 1960s. God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.Laynor Johnson Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to
acknowledge those who work hard among
We honor Laynor Johnson for her tireless service for
more than 20 years in The Westside Church. As she you, who care for you in the Lord and who
begins her new journey in Colorado, we wish her the
admonish you.
very best. Colorado is receiving a treasure from The
Westside. We'll miss you dearly! 1 Thessalonians 5:12a
My
Food Journey
Patricia Butts
"If God had intended us to follow recipes,
He wouldn't have given us grandmothers."
- Linda HenleyMy Food Journey Patricia Butts
Growing up in LA in my grandmother's home, While oranges and other fruits in Christmas
often in the presence of family members stockings became a tradition for ours and
who had been born and raised in the South, many other families, there are several brief
a meaning that many old-fashioned southern general knowledge stories that are said to
cooking traditions remained entrenched. have initiated this fruit in the Christmas
When I consider the beginnings of my food Stockings tradition. One common media story
journey, I reflect on these times of family according to Smithsonian.com indicates that
gatherings for Sunday suppers and special Christmas Oranges in stockings are
celebrations and realize how greatly I foundational to certain stories of Saint
benefited from the things I learned about Nicholas. As this story goes, Nicholas, the son
food preparation, the origin of ingredients, of a wealthy merchant, had learned of a
and even the odd unknowns that came to father with three daughters who had fallen
light during the reminiscence of oral history. on hard times. He then secretly threw three
On one such occasion, I was told of family bags of gold coins through their window; the
members residing in the South traditionally coins landed by chance in each of the girl's
receiving oranges and "Alligator Pears" stockings that were hanging on their mantle
intended for their Christmas stockings from to dry. (continued on the next page)
family members residing and/or traveling
out of state. Why an orange, and what on
earth was an "Alligator Pear"? Was this like
a lump of coal? Who would send such things,
and who would want to receive these items
as gifts in their Christmas stockings?
Questioning and listening intently, I learned
that the "alligator pear" was an avocado
and was sent by a family member who had
traveled to California, the oranges from
their travels to Florida, and several other
items of memorabilia from other traveling
adventures.My Food Journey Patricia Butts
(continued from the previous page) It is said Historical indications are that most of
that this act of generosity led to the gifting Mississippi's railroads had been completed
of oranges, and due to their rarity in colder by 1842. Many black men not engaged in
a climates, oranges became a representation farming performed unskilled labor tasks such
of the gold left in the stockings. The orange as loading freight, while many women of
gifting tradition was also a fun way for kids color frequently worked as domestic servants
to celebrate the holidays, and these sweet and laundresses. Long before the Great
treats were easy to share with others. There Depression of 1929 and starting about 1919,
is a more relevant history gleaned from our all Mississippians had begun to suffer from
family's oral reminiscence and other precipitous income loss due to changes in
historical writings that more accurately crop demands and dropping prices, boll
explains why Oranges in Christmas stockings weevil infestations, and natural disasters of
and other Southern dishes became one of floods or droughts. Like our family, many
our family's traditions. My grandparents others lost their farms and landholdings
were married on Christmas Day, December completely. While this experience was not
25th, 1902. Their marriage certificate limited to Mississippi or even just southern
records that date as certified by the office states, Reconstruction rules and the
of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, institution of Jim Crow laws caused the
Montgomery County, Winona, Mississippi. depression's economic suffering for African
Americans to become significantly harsher. I
Before delving into thoughts about my food would encourage you to investigate this
journey, it is important to reflect on some of period of history on websites and/or from
what I learned from family and later books on this period. To gain greater
confirmed by reading about this period in insights, check out this still available
history. During the early 1900s in the South, docuseries on Netflix entitled, 'High on the
most African Americans like our family were Hog'. Yum! (continued on the next page)
small landowners, sharecroppers, or
agricultural wage laborers.My Food Journey Patricia Butts
(continued from the previous page) By As of 2021, Mississippi remains known for
listening, I learned about their resilience being the nation's top producer of sweet
and how many newly developed techniques potatoes.
had kept the family and others in the
a Like several other foods that are often
community thriving. I also learned about
served as a healthy, soul food style, African-
some great shared recipes for southern
American delicacy, "Turnip Greens" did not
dishes that are still to be envied. While it is
escape the realms of oral or written
not just an African tradition, the
southern history. I was told that owners of
construction of a "smokehouse" ensured that
the enslaved often would reserve the turnip
meats of many varieties were able to be
roots for themselves, thereby leaving behind
preserved and stored for months; even up to
the leaves for the enslaved. Little was known
two years. Often when built, these
at that time of the tremendous health
structures were shared by more than one
benefits or the nutritional value of Turnip
family. With the limited availability of many
Greens. These greens are rich in
domesticated farm animals, small wild game
Antioxidants -Quercetin, Beta Carotene,
hunting, and creative fishing also became
and Myricetin; are an excellent source of
family and community endeavors; many of
Minerals -Copper, Manganese, Calcium, and
these meats were smoked and stored in
Iron; and are rich in Vitamins A, K, C, B6 &
those smokehouses. There was also foraging
B9. It should be noted that because turnip
for wild fruits and berries which became
greens also contain Oxalates, persons with
popular for canning and the making of
gall bladder or kidney problems should limit
preserves. Gleaming for vegetables like com
their consumption. Below (next page) is just
from the edges of harvested farmlands was
one of the many ways to prepare Turnip
a commonly used practice.
Greens.How To Cook Southern Style
Turnip Greens
Patricia Butts
½
¼ ½My Aunt's Depression Cake - Patricia Butts
My Family's Sweet Potato Pie - Patricia Butts
¾
½
¼
¼Sydney Poitier 1927-2022
Celebrating Black Culture
and History - Films
Sidney Poitier was a native of Cat Island, Bahamas,
although born, two months prematurely, in Miami during a
visit by his parents, Evelyn (Outten) and Reginald James
Poitier. He grew up in poverty as the son of farmers, with
his father also driving a cab in Nassau. Sidney had little
Because newsletters are
formal education and at the age of 15 was sent to Miami
easily sent online, you can
to live with his brother, in order to forestall a growing
weave all of your important
and latest services in one tendency toward delinquency. In the U.S., he experienced
go. Include daily updates or the racial chasm that divides the country, a great shock
a weekly round-up that’s
to a boy coming from a society with a majority of African
composed of concise
descent.
information about the
nature of your business. At 18, he went to New York, did menial jobs and slept in a
Whether you're in tech or bus terminal toilet. A brief stint in the Army as a worker at
the entertainment industry,
a veterans' hospital was followed by more menial jobs in
craft interesting content
“I've learned that I must find positive outlets for
Harlem. An impulsive audition at the American Negro
that your customers will
anger or it will destroy me. There is a certain Theatre was rejected so forcefully that Poitier dedicated
enjoy at first glance.
anger: it reaches such intensity that to express it
the next six months to overcoming his accent and
fully would require homicidal rage--self
For a newsletter that improving his performing skills. On his second try, he was
destructive, destroy the world rage--and its flame
people will look forward to accepted. Spotted in rehearsal by a casting agent, he
burns because the world is so unjust. I have to try
receiving, align the look
to find a way to channel that anger to the won a bit part in the Broadway production of "Lysistrata",
and
positive, feel
and the of positive
highest your design
is forgiveness.”
for which he earned good reviews. By the end of 1949, he
― Sidney
withPoitier,
yourThebrand’s identity.
Measure of a Man: A
was having to choose between leading roles on stage and
Spiritual Autobiography
Write quality content and
an offer to work for Darryl F. Zanuck in the film No Way
add matching images.
Out (1950). His performance as a doctor treating a white
bigot got him plenty of notice and led to more roles.
Nevertheless, the roles were still less interesting and
prominent than those white actors routinely obtained. But
seven years later, after turning down several projects he
considered demeaning, Poitier got a number of roles that
catapulted him into a category rarely if ever achieved by
an African-American man of that time, that of leading
man. One of these films, The Defiant Ones (1958), earned
Poitier his first Academy Award nomination as Best Actor.
Five years later, he won the Oscar for Lilies of the Field
(1963), the first African American to win for a leading role.
He remained active on stage and screen as well as in the
burgeoning Civil Rights movement. His roles in Guess
Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) and To Sir, with Love(1967)
were landmarks in helping to break down some social
barriers between blacks and whites. Poitier's talent,
conscience, integrity, and inherent likability placed him on
equal footing with the white stars of the day. He took on
directing and producing chores in the 1970s, achieving
success in both arenas.
- IMDb Mini BiographyYou can also read
