Today we reflected on Felicia Pride's Ladies First (The Message 38, 102-104). We also listened to Queen Latifah's song by the same title. In a freewrite students wrote a letter to Pride as Barack Obama's voice. They located an incident in Obama's life which was similar to Pride's Halloween costume moment to share with the author in a letter.
Post the letters here, and respond to another letter as Felicia Pride might to a fan who happens to be the President of the United States.
If you missed class, you need to get a copy of the Pride essay to write the letter.
Notes
We didn't get a chance to discuss the three essay questions you developed. I will put a link here for you to post them. No response is necessary, yet.
Tomorrow is the Women's History Month celebration in our classes. You can bring in something from any woman you admire to share. You don't have to know the woman, nor does the woman have to be alive still. I'll probably have you post a note about your woman later to correspond to the photos I plan to take.
Also, I finally posted the pictures of students who shared their objects that represented love. See February 2009 archives along the side of the blog site.
We were kind of distracted today and I forgot to have students she their posts from the blog this morning. Maybe we will be able to get to it Thursday, March 19. There are students who have questions about Essay 3. You can call me. Today I thought a few students were going to come by L-235 to sit and talk but they haven't arrived yet.
Post the letters here, and respond to another letter as Felicia Pride might to a fan who happens to be the President of the United States.
If you missed class, you need to get a copy of the Pride essay to write the letter.
Notes
We didn't get a chance to discuss the three essay questions you developed. I will put a link here for you to post them. No response is necessary, yet.
Tomorrow is the Women's History Month celebration in our classes. You can bring in something from any woman you admire to share. You don't have to know the woman, nor does the woman have to be alive still. I'll probably have you post a note about your woman later to correspond to the photos I plan to take.
Also, I finally posted the pictures of students who shared their objects that represented love. See February 2009 archives along the side of the blog site.
We were kind of distracted today and I forgot to have students she their posts from the blog this morning. Maybe we will be able to get to it Thursday, March 19. There are students who have questions about Essay 3. You can call me. Today I thought a few students were going to come by L-235 to sit and talk but they haven't arrived yet.
posted by Professor Wanda's Posse at 10:17 AM
15 Comments:
Chris W
English 1a
17 March 2009
Ladies First Exercise
Dear Felicia,
“Ladies First” is an exceptional song and it motivates women. My wife Michelle listens to this song everyday. My Secretary of State Hillary also listens to this song for motivation in hope that one day she will become president. Until then she will remain under my guidance and I will be her superior. Ha Ha Ha Ha.
When I was a young boy growing up I was always told that I couldn’t do this and I couldn’t do that. I was fed up with always hearing that. The most memorable time was when I was at Occidental and I was giving a speech. I was very nervous and scared. I told everyone that I wanted to be something great and important perhaps a great writer. The majority of the audience didn’t agree with me and didn’t believe in me.
The point that I am trying to stress is that anyone can be anything that they want to be. Your song is very motivational to women. Its meaning is even stronger towards black women. This Monday I am taking over the radio waves and TV channels to play your song for America to hear. I want Americans to be motivated.
Felicia Pride,
I can remember when I first thought about becoming an organizer for communities. Many people told me that I could not do it and that I was out of my mind for trying to unite communities. However I did not let those people kill my dream by telling me what I could and could not do. It took me a while to actually wrap my mind around what I was actually going to do. After, a few failed meetings with communities, churches, groups of oppressed people. My staff and I were finally able to unite communities free them of their oppressed thoughts, show them that you do not have to accept what people give you stand up and fight for what you believe in and your rights. Today I sit and write to you this letter as the 44th president I smile to myself looking back on the many people that told me I could not become a community organizer let alone the President of the united states of America.
Best Regards,
Barack Obama
Jose Vasquez
English 1A
17 March 2009
Dear Felicia,
After reading “Ladies First” I started thinking about my experienced in Chicago. When I first started thinking about becoming a community organizer many people including some who I considered friends question me. Many people told me that it was no use becoming a community organizer because people did not care about their community. Some persuaded me into choosing a different career because some said that a community organizer did not make enough money. I did not pay attention to what people said I followed my heart and decided to become what I felt was the best career for me. I decided to become a community organizer because I wanted to help people that felt that they were alone, people that had lost hope in their lives. If I had listen to those people that try to discourage my dream I probably wouldn’t be here writing this letter.
I feel really proud when I read about people that follow their dreams even when some people try to discourage them. I feel really proud reading about you knowing that you might inspire young women to fight for their dreams. Growing up I always heard people say that women especially women of colored were never going to hold a position as a politician. Now that I am the president of the United States I had the fortunate to allow many women come in to work with me. My wife Michelle is now the first lady and obviously I am going to try to give her opportunities were she could work with people that need help. I hope that you continue writing stories like “Ladies First” and hopefully inspire many young girls and boys to follow their dreams. You have really given me motivation to continue working with people that have lost hope in. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
Jose Vasquez
English 1A
17 March 2009
Dear Felicia,
After reading “Ladies First” I started thinking about my experienced in Chicago. When I first started thinking about becoming a community organizer many people including some who I considered friends question me. Many people told me that it was no use becoming a community organizer because people did not care about their community. Some persuaded me into choosing a different career because some said that a community organizer did not make enough money. I did not pay attention to what people said I followed my heart and decided to become what I felt was the best career for me. I decided to become a community organizer because I wanted to help people that felt that they were alone, people that had lost hope in their lives. If I had listen to those people that try to discourage my dream I probably wouldn’t be here writing this letter.
I feel really proud when I read about people that follow their dreams even when some people try to discourage them. I feel really proud reading about you knowing that you might inspire young women to fight for their dreams. Growing up I always heard people say that women especially women of colored were never going to hold a position as a politician. Now that I am the president of the United States I had the fortunate to allow many women come in to work with me. My wife Michelle is now the first lady and obviously I am going to try to give her opportunities were she could work with people that need help. I hope that you continue writing stories like “Ladies First” and hopefully inspire many young girls and boys to follow their dreams. You have really given me motivation to continue working with people that have lost hope in. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
Andre Stephens
English 1A - 9:00 - 9:50
March 17, 2009
Dear Ms. Pride:
I enjoyed reading “Ladies First”. You were very courageous at an early age by doing something that was not the norm. It is interesting that you and Queen Latifah had the same idea in mind with the title “Ladies First”. It is obvious she is someone that you admire.
Like you I stand on the shoulders of great men and women who came before me. If it was not for them, I would not be where I am today. When I was in college, I gave a speech and decided it would be my last one. My friend Regina reminded me that I was not the focus and there were other people who needed my assistance. Continue to motivate and encourage others. Nothing can stop you or anyone from achieving his or her dreams. If I had listened to the negative comments during the campaign, we wouldn’t be able to say, “Yes, we did”.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
President of the United States
Munkhjin Munkhbaatar
English 1A
9-9.50
17 March 2009
Dear Felicia Pride
When I finished reading "Ladies first" I called my wife Michelle to tell her how much I love her. Ladies deserve to be first because women are the people who always take care of men. When I was running for the organizer, many people did not want me to run and many people did not believed in me only my wife Michelle believed in me and when I was thinking of running for the President of the United States of America many people thought I would not make it but my wife believed in me that I can make it. She is the one who gave me strength and power when I was weak. So she deserves to be first. I'm glad that you have same opinions as me. I will include "ladies first" in my next speech, so everyone who lives in America can hear it. And every men in the United States should respect women.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
Chris W
English 1a
Felicia Pride Assignment
Dear Felicia,
Apologies for the previous letter. I would just simply like to commend you on all of your work aimed at helping women. Your song is very inspirational and motivating to women everywhere. While listing to your song I began to think about my days when I dreamed of becoming a community organizer. Many people including my friends said to me that would never happen. People need to care about their communities for that to happen they would tell me. I didn’t let them crush my dreams. I deeply cared about something and I followed my dreams. I didn’t let anyone tell me what I could and couldn’t do. I am writing this to you in my oval office and while signing a $787 billion dollar stimulus package. Many of my republican constituents disagree with me and they think the package will fail. I am going with my intuition just like I did many years ago when I dreamed of becoming a community organizer. This time I am nervous about the outcome!
The point that I am trying to stress is that what you are doing is great. You found your calling and that is writing motivational songs. As I stated in the previous letter I will be taking over the radio and TV channels for thirty minutes this Monday and I will be playing your song to help motivate Americans. As we speak I am in the process of making November 16 Felicia Pride Day. It will. Be a national holiday observed by all and hopefully the rest of the world.
Best wishes for a bright future,
President Barack Hussein Obama.
Rebecca Evans eng 1a 9-10 3/18/09
Dear Felicia Pride,
Amidst my busy schedule I still find time out for myself to connect with my heritage and roots. I am thankful for the roots I have established and continue to acknowledge there ever-growing movement.
I was excited to come across your book, “The Message” and particularly intrigued by the “Ladies First” reflection. I connected with your story of realization during your Halloween experience. I too remember seeing only white Santa’s, and only white “Jesus”, even white “Gods”.
For me, becoming a black man was more difficult than one might imagine. I was raised by my white mother and her parents, and while she instilled proper morals in me and educated me on African American movements. There however was no replacement for the teachings from a black father figure to instill the roles of how to be a African American man.
Queen Latifia’s song speaks directly to the realization I overcame. As a black man it was instilled in me that I was a lesser person and hence could not pursue that of my white counterparts. I was taught to watch others struggle while I stood back, because being black meant I could not and would never make a difference. Throughout my life the repeated refrain was, “look out for oneself first.” My step father, Lolo, was first to present this ideal. After a minor fight with a classmate Lolo quickly brought out his boxing gloves to teach me to fight like a man. He told me, “the first thing to remember is how to protect yourself” (37). A man needs to have more sense than to waste his money on beggars” (39) this he said after seeing my mother give “senselessly” the money she had to beggars. After learning of some of his war stories I learned he was protective of himself. He told me, “sometimes you can’t worry about hurt sometimes you just have to worry about where you’re going” (40). I felt that as I black man I could do nothing of worth or recognition.
I was able to overcome the stereotypes in many ways by working with the community in Altgeld, located in Chicago, as a community organizer. I felt I was able to make a difference in the education but more significantly in the community coming together.
A stereotype had been placed on blacks with the public education system. In my conversation with one of the principals, Dr. King, I leaned educators simple gave up on black students before giving them a chance. The generalization of black students and adolescents was that they were people to be feared. Children were growing up plagued by racism. My friend Kyle, a high school student at the time, had dreams ripped out from under him due to race. He wished to join the Air Force but changed his career choice to a trade school for mechanics because he “knew” the Air Force would never accept a black man (254). With the help of Asante, the school counselor, and Dr. Collier, a professor, we developed a youth counseling network with tutoring, and aid to young mothers. We expanded the mother and children learning program so young mothers could expand their education and in turn help their children.260
For years black students were forced to learn someone else’s history, the white man’s. With work and construct we began to integrate more equal learning perspectives. A real education for these children included an understanding of himself, his community, and his culture (258). For all children their hopes and dreams begin can flourish at school. My goal was to let school be a place to foster imagination and curiosity where it might not be proctored at home.
It is mind bending that only 42 years ago the Little Rock Nine were the first black students integrated into a white school. We as a culture and country have come a long way, but not without necessary work still to be done. I however, gained my realization to racial prejudices through the schools as you did with the Halloween costume. It is refreshing that even the smallest steps such as wearing a “politically incorrect” costume or reaching out to a child can help. I am disgusted with the way some things are still run. The racism in-grained in many hearts and minds it is a realization I am forced to live with but not necessarily a realization I must procure.
I completely relate to your experience concerning the white Santa Clause. It is a stereotype placed on more things than fathomable. For so long blacks have been considered the lesser, the worse, and those who could not amount to anything. It is refreshing to be reminded that we are all humans capable of equal feats no matter our background. As you mentioned in your reflection on “Ghetto Bastard”, the strength to prosper comes from within and with hope anyone can flourish.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
Rebecca Evans response to Andre eng 1a 9-10 3/18/09
Dear Mr. President Obama,
Thank you for taking the time out to review my book, “The message”. I am honored that you found the time to read and reflect on my work. I honor woman like your friend Regina.
Woman of today often feel less because they are a woman and that hence have no real stand on the world. Historically women have had less access to power, material wealth, and protection. Woman all over the world have made changes by starting at the core and accepting themselves and their strengths. I was taught to be timid and courteous, to only be speak when spoken to and to be obedient to my elders especially men. To live a life in such shackles would be unproductive and demoralizing. I have followed woman such as Ida B. Wells and Daisy Bates to beat these “rules”.
"Ida B. Wells spoke out on racial lunching before blacks let alone were women were acknowledged as citizens. Ida Wells-Barnett was an African-American educator, journalist, and a fearless activist who led an anti-lynching movement in the 1890s.
Ida's fight for racial and gender justice began in 1884 while she was traveling to Memphis. While on the train, Ida was asked by the conductor of to give up her seat to a white man. She was ordered to take a seat in the smoking car, which was already full of passengers. She refused and when he grabbed her wrist to move her, she bit him.
Soon after the incident with the railroad, Ida began writing, her teaching
career ended after she penned a series of articles that denounced the inadequate education
provided to Black children. She didn’t give up, powering thorough segregated schools in Chicago and rallying for the creation of the NAACP. She took the ultimate leap of accepting herself and truly recognizing her morals and values to stand up for something she believed in just as your friend Regina stood up to the racism blacks and other ethnicities have inherited.
Daisy Bates and her husband invested in a newspaper, the Arkansas State Press, in which she began to write true stories otherwise ignored concerning African Americans. In 1952 she became the president of the Arkansas NAACP," fighting for desegregation of schools. In thanks to Daisy Bates schools of today are diversified. She had a huge part in the integration of the Little Rock Nine for whom I am internally grateful.
In a short period of time we as a nation have come very far and I am excited to see what we can do now with your guidance in making ourselves the best we can be!
Sincerely,
Felicia Pride
About.com. 2009. New York Times. Jone Johnson Lewis. 18 march 2009. womenshistory.about.com/od/africanamerican/a/black_women.htm
English 1A 8-8:50am
Listening to Ladies First by Queen Latifah brings back many memories of my own personal experiences. One in particular that comes to mind is when I first began my job as a community organizer; seeking help was difficult because I was seen as a hopeless black man incapable of providing for a community where whites were in power, and distrust still circulated among the people. I experienced many failures: Empty meetings, doors slammed in my face, hours spent talking to voicemails, and the seemingly common idea that things would not change. It was hard to stay motivated at times, but I kept working regardless of what others had to say, and believed in myself enough to make a difference. That’s what this song makes me think about: that if people can learn how to be happy with themselves, and how to stay true to oneself, everything else will fall into place.
Jason Bey
English 1A 9-9:50am
After reading your peice"Lady's First" I immediately ran into Sasha and Malayas rooms and had them recite it aloud together.Thank you for your strong,truthfful and empowering words.You are a irreplaceable asset and role model for younggirls around the world in my eyes. Keep up the good work. God bless. Your Pres. B. Obama
Jason Bey
English 1A 9-9:50
Dear Mr.President Thank you for acknowledgeing me for my peice.I am so humbled to feel such a positive reactions from the young girls I touch with my words.It always inspires me to represent them to my best ability. I love it and i carry that obligation with pride.Tell young Sasha and Malaya hello for me Mr. President and hurry up with their puppy too brotha,they deserve it.Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. You know I'm at your service whenever you need me.Keep taking good care of the First Lady too. Yall look so happy together. Bye now. Miss Felicia Pride
Nely Ruiz
English 1A 9:00am – 10:00am
March 17, 2009
Dear Felicia Pride,
Ms. Pride, thank you for your lovely message and response to one of my favorite artists; Queen Latifah, I happened across your commentary and wanted to drop a note of appreciation to you. I have been inspired as the President of the United States, by your example to stand up proudly for whom you are; a courageous black woman, it is my wish that my own daughters follow in your example. Your beliefs and foundation are unshaken even in times of trial; such as the Halloween incident you recount in your commentary. Ms Pride the thing that struck me the most was your reason for being upset you state, “I was mad that he thought he had the power to tell me what I could and couldn’t do.” (pp1) You understood at an early age that the problem was not inside you, but rather the view of other people’s perception of you.
This reminds me of a time in my memoir, “Dreams of My Father,” where I to had to deal with a situation that caused me to step back and realize that I was proud of who I was and no one and nothing could take that away. This issue comes up many times in my life. My whole campaign became popular because I am the first President that is not completely of Caucasian decent. In chapter two of my memoir, I recall a time where I would read Life magazines in the library of the Hawaiian embassy, where my mother worked. I spent my after school hours poring over interesting pictures and stories about people and places all over the world. On such an occasion, “I came across a photograph of an older man in dark glasses and a raincoat…..On the next page was another photograph, this one a close up of the same man’s hands. They have a strange, unnatural pallor, as if blood had been drawn from the flesh.” (P.29-30) it was the first time I had looked at a black man who wanted to be white so bad that he had a medical procedure done to lighten his skin. It was not enough to wear the same clothes, go to the same school and talk like them. He wanted to bleach his skin to become something he was not. It was one of the first times that someone had tried to undergo this treatment. The process had backfired and the man was left with an uneven ghostly hue which was almost bluish in complexion.
We do have people that have not received that revelation you understood at a young age, it is a beautiful fact that you were called out for being black and female. This argument with one’s self will never be solved; each person has to come to terms with one’s body and background. It is up to you to change your outlook on life. So what if you grew up in the ghetto, change you outlook and better yourself, get out of the rut that can be carried on through generations. Money and fame does not solve the struggle inside. A perfect example is Mr. Michael Jackson, he has had numerous surgeries performed on his skin, and facial features to alter his natural color and attributes of a black male.
Now it is common place to see different races copying other races. No one is happy being themselves. The curly haired women want straight hair, while the straight hair women perm their hair to create a wave. The society is all messed up, Lil Wayne produces a rock and roll CD, and K Fed cornrows his hair. Everyone is trying to be someone else.
I love you motto, “I can be whatever I want to be.” Thanks Ms. Pride for standing proud of who you are. Enclosed is a complimentary copy of my book, “Dreams of My Father.”
Inspired,
President Barack H. Obama
Nely Ruiz
English 1A 9:00am – 10:00am
In Response to Chris W’s two Letters
Dear Mr. President,
I am humbled by your interest in my work; rarely do I receive fan mail from such an important person as yourself. I have read all your books and I love them, thank you for all that you are doing for this country, and know that I back you 100%.
I wanted to make clear that I did not write, or sing this song. This is just a commentary on Queen Latifah and Monie Love’s song entitled, “Ladies First.” I am surprised that you did not understand that. I hope you did not think I was the writer. I do not want to take credit where it was not earned. Also please be honest in your praise, I know that your wife cannot possibly be listening to this song every day. Any first Lady of the United States is very busy, especially one as popular as Michelle; who is not only a wife, but a mother as well. So thanks but no thanks, as I am beginning to realize that you probably did not write this letter at all.
Felicia Pride
Kimthuy Tran
English 1 A (9-9:50)
Professor Sabir
Felicia Pride Assignment
After reading "Ladies first", I remember my mom who has sacrified her life for her family and people who meet difficulty. She is the one who gave me belief and strength when I had problems. I feel happy and proud when the U.S country has a beautiful and smart first lady Michelle Obama. I wish our president family will have a happy life, for their work is full of humaneness.
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