#Alphonso King Jr

[yourdailyqueer]

Jade Elektra (Alphonso King Jr.)

Gender: Male (she/her in drag)

Sexuality: Gay

DOB: Born 1967

Ethnicity: Afro Canadian

Occupation: Singer, songwriter, DJ, activist, drag artist

Note: Has HIV

[djrelentless]

EVERYBODY HURTS...sometimes. (another blog by Alphonso King Jr) 3-26-15

So, what would you do if your husband came to you while you were working and told you that a mutual friend that you only knew from facebook was just taken away for assaulting the black female security guard at the door of the club that you at? And in the assault the person used the word "nigger"? Do you delete that person and move on? Or do you try to find out their side of the story.

Now, the things I knew of this person was that they are openly out as HIV+, an animal lover and a sweet guy. I had run into him on the street several times and he was always pleasant and personable. So, I was really surprised when my husband told me that this person acted in such a manner. This behavior was very uncharacteristic of him.

Then when I got home, I looked at the guy's facebook page and he had posted a racial slur there as well. I was really perplexed. Should I reach out and ask what happened or should I just move on? So, I posted that question on my facebook page to see what others thought. I got an array of opinions, but I knew that when this person actually responded on the thread I had to call and find out what was going on.

As soon as he picked up the phone and realized it was me, he broke down and started saying "I'm sorry! I had a breakdown and I wish I had never said it." Now, many on the thread said that I should just walk away because there is no excuse for using the N-word. But being that I am also HIV+ and understand the loneliness and depression that goes with dealing with and surviving this disease, I couldn't just walk away.

After talking with him for just a few minutes, I realized that this was a cry for help. I don't believe that he is a racist. He's got some issues surrounding some racist things that have happened to him, but he is a compassionate person and hurting very badly. It is really hard to put yourself in someone else's shoes when you are not in their position in life. But I have been in his position where you feel like no one loves you and no one is there to talk to you.

Of course alcohol was involved. So, his judgement on his actions were completely impaired. He didn't realized that if the security guard thinks you are already drunk he/she can make the decision to not let that person in. Unfortunately for him, he was in drag and had a few things in his purse that was not going to be permitted in the building. His thinking was that he was being shunned. The drag world in Toronto can be quite the clique. If you are not working in one of the bars on Church Street you can and will be overlooked. So, this moment brought up a lot of anger of being overlooked and ignored for many years.

Does this excuse using the word "nigger"? Absolutely not! And I made it clear that I was not going to give a hall pass on this one. I have no tolerance for racial slurs. In fact….it occurred to me the other day that this is the new question - "Can your narrative be told without it? Then you don't need it."

Through tears and almost hysteria he apologized over and over again and wanted to know how he was going to fix this. I told him that I would help him. I told him that I am going be there to give him someone to talk to. Everyone needs someone to be a friend and listen. No man is an island. I told him that I understood and that I will talk with the security guard. I will ask her if she could forgive him or at least listen to his apology. I let him know that there is someone out there who cares, because I do. I hate to see someone suffer especially if I can do something about it.

This is the reason that my husband and I are so passionate about our POZ-TO event. It is not only a PWA fundraiser it is a safe place for the HIV+ Community to come socialize and create a network of friends. You can't go through this alone.

When I lived in NYC, I had a network of HIV+ friends who would call and check on each other to make sure I was eating and taking my meds (and I would do the same for them). The Big Apple can be a really lonely place and even though I worked in bars when I went home I would spend a lot of time alone. And dating can be a tough if you have to disclose, so many don't bother.

So, if you know someone who is going through something like being diagnosed with a disease or depression, reach out and talk to them. Sometimes just an ear will make all the difference in their world.

[captainshakespear]

give me your spiciest sports (bonus points for footy) hot takes!

also, name five foods/meals you can't make and want terribly right now! 💙

“so I can have dragging evidence for later” OK LET’S START

LIVERPOOL GOOD

Lewy isn’t even that hot

Alphonso Davies. mother I love him!

while I enjoy watching Eredivisie because it’s like ... good playing ... less drama ... I admit I love garbage and for this reason I will follow SOME of Ligue 1, reluctantly,

there should be an app to let me follow clubs ironically. football schaudenfreude. like I don’t care about Serie A but I do want to know when L*zio gets the shit beat out of them just because I love to be entertained

I don’t know if I have enough Hot Takes TM for soccer let’s do baseball

this isn’t even a hot take but the Astros and entire MLB can eat shit

Vlad Jr MVP of my heart now and forever best cutest boy

Teo ... the range!!! the skill!!! the big smile!!! the way he coaches all the junior boys!!! I’m love!!!

Pillar had the best catch of all time I refuse to acknowledge anything else

Mets >>>>>>>>> Yankees any day babey

the Mets are LUCKY. SO LUCKY to have my short king Stroman ... I miss him every day but at least he’s not with the Yankees

also while I am adoring watching baseball right now I also felt so hashtag vindicated when both David Price and Stroman opted out of the season bc of covid. stay safe kings. nothing but respect.

Bautista has kind of crashed and burned recently but like. at the time. the bat flip was really, really funny.

softball is way more impressive than baseball and just in general better and sexier because it’s mostly lesbians playing it and I love that for the community.

ok and now the cute food one

I don’t have a deep frier so I can’t make oliebollen :(((

honestly I miss the Dutch store in my hometown SO MUCH they were the ONLY place that ever had authentic hagelslag and I miss that too, objectively disgusting as it was

it’s been 8 years but I have never forgotten the taste of the tea I drank when I was in Kenya, and no tea I have had since has come close

this is the easy way out but like. non-pasteurized dairy. sorry to all my microbiology professors. it just tastes better.

this is a sensory memory more than anything but whatever on-tap €2-a-glass wheat beer I was drinking when my friend and I were in Brugge and got back to our hostel in time to watch the Belgium vs Tunisia FIFA match in 2018 and just got swept up into the energy of the pub. man I really miss people and places!!! but at least there’s still good beer. not the same stuff. but still good.

[blackkudos]

Philip Bailey

Philip James Bailey (born May 8, 1951) is an American R&B, soul, gospel and funk singer, songwriter and percussionist best known as an early member, and one of the two lead singers (along with group founder Maurice White) of the band Earth, Wind & Fire. Noted for his four-octave vocal range and distinctive falsetto register, Bailey has won seven Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame as a member of Earth, Wind & Fire. Bailey was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his work with the band.

Bailey has released several solo albums. Chinese Wall from 1984, which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male, included the international hit, "Easy Lover", a duet with Phil Collins. "Easy Lover" won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Overall Performance in a Video in 1985 and was Grammy nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.

In May 2008, Bailey was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music at Berklee's Commencement Ceremony where he was the commencement speaker.

Life and career

Early days

Bailey was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, United States. He attended East High School in Denver and graduated in 1969. He was also in a local R&B band called Friends & Love. Some of Bailey's early influences included jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Max Roach, the Motown sound, in particular the music of Stevie Wonder and he was also largely influenced by female singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Warwick.

Earth, Wind & Fire

In 1972, while attending college, Bailey was invited to join the band Earth, Wind & Fire by EWF-founder and bandleader Maurice White. Bailey was the featured lead vocalist on popular Earth, Wind & Fire songs as "Devotion", "Keep Your Head to the Sky", "Reasons", "Fantasy", "I'll Write A Song For You", "Imagination", "I've Had Enough", and "Guiding Lights". He also shared lead vocals with Maurice White on such EWF hits as "Shining Star", "Getaway", "September", "Sing A Song", "Serpentine Fire", "Saturday Night", and sang lead with both White and the girl group The Emotions on their classic disco collaboration "Boogie Wonderland".

With Maurice White's retirement and then death, Bailey became the on-stage leader of Earth, Wind & Fire, along with bassist Verdine White, vocalist/percussionist Ralph Johnson and vocalist/percussionist B. David Whitworth.

In live duet performances, Bailey will sing his falsetto part, then switch to the vocal part originally sung by White, showing off his vocal prowess and versatility.

Solo albums

In 1983, Bailey issued his debut studio album, titled Continuation, on Columbia Records. The album reached No. 19 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. An album cut titled "I Know" rose to No. 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

During 1984, Bailey released his second solo album, titled Chinese Wall, also on Columbia Records. The album reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album was certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. Off the album, a duet with Collins titled "Easy Lover", rose to Nos. 1 & 2 on the UK Singles and Billboard Hot 100 charts, respectively.

Bailey went on to issue his third studio album, titled Inside Out, in 1986 on Columbia. The album reached No. 30 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. A single from the album titled "State Of The Heart" reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

During 1994, Bailey issued his self titled fourth studio album on Zoo Entertainment. Artists including Brian McKnight, Chuckii Booker and PM Dawn guested on the LP. The album cut "Here With Me" rose to No. 33 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.

Bailey went on to release his first jazz album, titled Dreams in 1999 on Heads Up International records. The album featured artistes such as Gerald Albright, Grover Washington, Jr. and Pat Metheny. It reached No. 43 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. During 2002 he released Soul on Jazz, his sophomore jazz album once again on Heads Up. The album rose to No. 45 upon the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

Gospel

Bailey featured on Andraé Crouch's 1979 album I'll Be Thinking of You. He and Maurice White then collaborated with The Hawkins Family on their 1981 live album, The Hawkins Family Live.

In 1980, Bailey joined with friends, Deniece Williams, Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo to present a gospel show at a popular Los Angeles club named The Roxy. The show was called "Jesus At the Roxy". Williams later reported that "God did something miraculous. Over three hundred people were saved." After that, both Bailey and Williams decided to pursue careers in Christian music.

During 1984, Bailey issued his first gospel album titled The Wonders of His Love on Myrrh Records. The album reached No. 13 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and No. 17 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The Wonders of His Love was also Grammy nominated in the category of Best Inspirational Performance.

His second gospel album Triumph was released in 1986 on Horizon Records. The LP reached No. 18 on the Top Christian Albums chart and No. 33 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. Triumph also won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance, Male.

During 1989 he released his third gospel album titled Family Affair on Myrrh Records. The album reached No. 37 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart.

Bailey later played percussion and sang on the King Baptist Church Mass Choir's 1990 album Holding on to Jesus' Hand.

Work with other artists

Bailey sang on Jazz guitarist Alphonso Johnson 1976's LP Yesterday's Dreams. He later played percussion alongside Verdine White on bass upon the track "Tahiti Hut" composed by both Maurice White and Eumir Deodato from Deodato's 1978 album Love Island. He also sang on Ronnie Laws' 1978 album Flame.

Bailey went on to produce R&B Band Kinsman Dazz's 1978 debut LP Kinsman Dazz and work as an arranger and guest artist on their sophomore 1979 album Dazz. As a band, Kinsman Dazz later became known as the Dazz Band. Bailey also collaborated as a vocalist with tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine on his 1981 album Tender Togetherness.

As well he guested on Stevie Wonder's 1985 "In Square Circle" album, Kenny Loggins' 1985 LP Vox Humana, Ray Parker Jr.'s 1987 album After Dark and Anita Pointer's 1987 LP Love for What It Is. Bailey also collaborated with Julio Iglesias on his 1988 album Non Stop, Little Richard on the soundtrack of the 1988 feature film Twins and Deniece Williams on her 1988 album As Good As It Gets.

He later featured on Nancy Wilson's 1989 LP A Lady with a Song, Dianne Reeves' 1990 album Never Too Far and George Duke and Stanley Clarke's 1990 LP 3. Bailey also guested on jazz group Fourplay's 1991 self-titled debut album, Ronnie Laws' 1992 LP Deep Soul, George Duke's 1992 LP Snapshot and Fourplay's 1993 sophomore album Between the Sheets.

Bailey then featured on Chante Moore's 1994 album A Love Supreme, Keiko Matsui's 1994 LP Doll, George Duke's 2000 album Cool, Boney James's 2006 LP Shine, Deniece Williams' 2007 album Love Niecy Style and Gerald Albright's 2008 LP Sax for Stax.

Bailey sung uncredited vocals on Travis Scott's "STOP TRYING TO BE GOD" from his 2018 album Astroworld. The song also features fellow musicians Stevie Wonder and Kid Cudi.

On screen

Bailey appeared in an episode of the TV show Matlock in the role of Pvt. Bobby Thomas. He also played a soldier in the 1987 feature film Full Metal Jacket.

On October 27, 2007, Bailey sang "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch in Game 3 of the 2007 World Series held at Coors Field, Denver, Colorado. This was the first World Series game that was ever played in his hometown of Denver. He also threw out the ceremonial first pitch on June 30, 2012 in an MLB game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Detroit Tigers held at Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida.

Personal life

Bailey is currently married to singer/ songwriter, Valerie Bailey (née Davis), who has worked with Whitney Houston and Celine Dion.Bailey is the father of seven children, one of whom is Pili Bailey, the daughter of Jeanette Hutchinson of the R&B hit group The Emotions. His son, Philip Doron Bailey, is also a member of Earth Wind & Fire.

Accolades

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Bailey has received one award out of four solo nominations.

[prelawland]

Where Do LGBTQ+ Equal Rights Stand In 2021?:

By Emma McDermott, Roger Williams University Class of 2021

March 9, 2021

From elementary school to sometimes even high school, American students are taught for the first time of different minority groups’ fight for equal rights in the country. Whether the discussion centered on Susan B. Anthony and her role as a suffragette seeking women’s rights or Martin Luther King Jr. and his demand that black Americans be treated no differently than white Americans, curriculum more often than not highlights the most pivotal individuals and their role in leading for equality. If you were to step away and assess when these movements occurred in the grand scheme of American history, you may be surprised. Women have only been able to vote for just a notch over one hundred years, while black Americans were still fighting for justice right around 50 years ago. This is not to say that minority groups are immune to discrimination or mistreatment in modern America, for that would be discounting the struggles that different groups face on a daily basis in this country. However, while many groups of individuals have legally been allowed to live without fear, express their cultures, and function as a legal part of the American society by voting or seeking legal counsel, there are still groups that are not afforded the rights of every American citizen. Among these individuals fighting for equality in America is the LGBTQ+ community. While most liberation was afforded to unequal groups in the 20th century, the LGBTQ+ community are still facing discriminations and restrictions in the 2000s. Luckily, new legislation is in the works now to correct many inequalities experienced by members of the community.

On February 18, 2021 the Equality Act bill was once again introduced. This legislation classifies sexual orientation and gender identity as protected against discrimination, endoctrinating the LGBTQ+ community as a protected group with honored civil rights. [1] To an individual not affiliated with the LGBTQ+ community or somebody who does not personally know a member of the community, it may be difficult to understand why this is such a milestone for those who identify as LGBTQ+ in America. As of now, after this legislation has been introduced, the majority of states in America still do not have laws outlining sexual orientation and gender identity as legally protected identifications. [1] This bill is seeking to amend existing civil rights acts and broaden them to include a bigger audience. Among these acts would be the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act, in order to “explicitly ban LGBTQ discrimination in the workforce, housing, education, credit, jury service and other areas of American life.” [1] According to research conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute, the passing of such legislation would fondly align with the typically American’s opinion. Upon surveying nine subcategories of religions, affiliations, and agnostics, the results reveal that an average of upward  of 80% of Americans support “laws that would protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people against discrimination in jobs, public accommodation and housing.” [2] While the protections being demanded through this bill align with the beliefs of the sample surveyed by this organization, the ultimate decision is not made by the American people, but rather their representatives. As part of President Biden’s initial demand for reform on the day of his inauguration, it is likely this bill will be signed, according to the Human Rights Campaign president Alphonso David, who argued that this is the “best opportunity we have ever had to have comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ people.” [1]  However, this is not the first time LGBTQ+ protections and equality bills have been introduced to the House of Representatives. However, the last time one was, in 2019 under former President Trump, Congress passed the bill while the Senate blocked the legislation from further progressing. [1] In order for the bill to succeed, it must pass boundaries it has not before been able to do, all while evading the beliefs and contrary affiliations of those who may vote against it.

The bill made its way to Congress on February 25, 2021, where it was passed. Congress produced a vote of 224-206, meaning that in addition to the democratic members, three republicans voted yes as well. [3] This victorious step leads the bill towards its next stop, the Senate. It may be less likely for the Senate to pass the bill. While Democrat-led, the bill will need at least 10 Republican senators to vote in favor of it in order to make its way to President Biden for a signature. [1] This is where the trouble may lie regarding the bill’s future. Republican senators are historically opposed to this kind of legislation, as many have vocalized in regard to the Equality Bill. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La. was cited saying “This is unprecedented. It’s dangerous. It’s an attack on our first freedom, the first freedom listed in the Bill of Rights, religious liberty,” [3] He is not the only senator that has voiced religiously-motivated disdain for the bill. Mitt Romney, R-Ut. shares similar sentiments, saying he too would vote against the bill because it does not include “religious liberty protections.” [1] It is clear this is a battle that can swing either way at the discretion of just a handful of votes. A date for the Senate vote on the Equality Act has not yet been announced, but it is likely to be in the news in the coming weeks.

______________________________________________________________

Schmidt, S. (2021, February 18). Equality Act Introduced in House to Provide Sweeping LGBTQ Protections. The Washington Post.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/02/18/equality-act-introduced/

PRRI Staff. (2020, October 30). Americans Are Broadly Supportive of a Variety of LGBTQ Rights. PRRI.

https://www.prri.org/spotlight/americans-are-broadly-supportive-of-a-variety-of-lgbtq-rights/

Freking, K. (2021, February 25). House Votes to Expand Legal Safeguards for LGBTQ People. The Associated Press.

https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-lgbtq-protections-9347578b80d3ad3ac4b92365da81096e

Photo Credit: Martin Falbisoner

[altabear]

HRC's Alphonso David: Don't Sleep on MLK Day of Service

HRC’s Alphonso David: Don’t Sleep on MLK Day of Service

As we approach Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the role of service and the state of the dream Dr. King fought so long and hard for has constantly been on my mind. It can be difficult to find space for and see the value of service in the midst of so many crises: a global pandemic, ongoing and systemic racial injustice, an insurrection at the Capitol, and the historic second impeachment of a sitting…

[mirainawen]

Prompt: Hill Brothers + We don't like our cousins. @missnagatsuki

“That is the last time I sit next to cousin Elba at Thanksgiving.”

“That’s right, brother. You could always sit next to Tim-oh-thy.”

“Not a snowball’s chance.”

“Then that just leaves Shaunty, and you both don’t even like her.”

“We don’t like any of our cousins, Randy.”

“I don’t know, I think Eva’s kinda alright.”

“She bought you snowman slippers. You would.”

“Hey, those are the comfiest, nicest slippers you could ever wear!”

“Real men don’t wear slippers, Randy.”

“You do if you don’t want your feet to get cold.”

“Like Patches’s paw booties?”

“You make fun now, but being able to knit booties is an important life skill. Someday, when the nuclear war happens and you can’t find electricity anywhere, you’ll be glad one of us has some good old-fashioned skills to survive the post-modern world.”

“Okay, only half of that made sense.”

“I still just want to focus on the fact that Randy had Alverta teach him how to knit because cousin Mathias convinced him a cold war or zombie apocalypse or something stupid like that was coming and he could just knit himself out of danger.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Derrick. You can’t knit yourself out of anything - but into it, maybe.”

“He says that because he managed to knit himself into a chinese finger trap.”

“It wasn’t a finger trap, Derrick. It was a mitten.”

“Right, sorry. Finger booties.”

“Not even close.”

“No, I am. But can we get back on topic here? As I said, I’m not sitting next to cousin Aisha next holiday.”

“Next holiday is Christmas.”

“You said Elba.”

“Did I? Well, her too.”

“Which cousin is it? We only have -”

“I am not sitting next to any of them next Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines, or St. Martin King Jr. day!”

“Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t a saint, and we don’t celebrate that holiday.”

“We don’t? How come I never have schoo- I’m gonna stop talking.”

“I’m gonna let it slide, because it’s Christmas, but-”

“Guys, it’s only Black Friday.”

“Randy, you’ve been blasting Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Frosty the Snowman since November 1st.”

“Those are excellent Christmas songs, Derrick.”

“Debateable, but in light of the holiday spirit, I myself will let that one slide.”

“Maybe in light of the holiday spirit, we can just let it all slide. I’ll sit next to Shaunty and Pete can sit next to Alverta and Derrick -”

“Not. Verena!”

“Derrick, I thought it was Elba?”

“None of them! Ever! Never again! All the cousins, all the aunts and uncles and mysteriously related relatives I don’t think are related at all!”

“Don’t talk that way about Albion. You know he’s sensitive about it.”

“And don’t even get me started on the Ever-triplets.”

“Everett, Everah, and Everlina?”

“See! Those aren’t even real names! Why do all of our cousins have weird made-up names!”

“I guess when you have ten kids and those kids have kids and their kids have kids, you run out of names pretty fast.”

“Do not blame this on Granderma and Granderpa!”

“Yeah, blame it on Uncle Aflreda-”

“Aunt Alfreda.”

“Sorry, it’s hard to keep track. Aunt Alfreda. Adopting foreign dignitaries’ offspring.”

“That is not what happened.”

“Close enough.”

“Derrick don’t encourage that stupid story-”

“Wait, it’s a lie? They’re not my cousins?”

“Don’t panic, buddy. Here.”

“Thanks, Pete. But back to what’s important - are Alphonso, Alphonsus, and Alpheus our cousins or not?”

“I don’t think any of them are. I’m not sitting next to any of them. Next holiday, I’m staying home by myself and I’m never attending another ‘family reunion’ ever again! My cheeks are bruised, my dignity is shot, I can’t go to the bathroom by myself, my lungs are broken, and my hair is purple!”

“But it does look good on you, brother.”

“I will murder you!”

[africanrenaissance]

Thracian phiale adorned with Negro heads and acorns

Panagyurishte Treasure [1]

Discovered on December 8, 1949 in Panagyurishte, Bulgaria (24 karat gold, c. 400-300 BCE)

Permanently housed at the National Historical Museum in Sofia, Bulgaria, currently touring at the Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The treasure includes a phiale, amphora, and seven rhytons used for wine, ritualistically, in religious ceremonies and feasts.

You’ve possibly seen this libation bowl [2] on the cover of Frank M. Snowden, Jr’s book Before Color Prejudice: The Ancient View of Blacks.

Thracian amphora adorned centaur handles, Hercules battling a serpent, and Negro heads on the openings for pouring [3]

Panagyurishte Treasure

Discovered on December 8, 1949 in Panagyurishte, Bulgaria (24 karat gold, c. 400-300 BCE)

Permanently housed at the National Historical Museum in Sofia, Bulgaria, currently touring at the Plovdiv Regional Historical Museum in Plovdiv, Bulgaria [4]

The treasure includes a phiale, amphora, and seven rhytons used for wine, ritualistically, in religious ceremonies and feasts.

Thracians and Ethiopians

Thracian refers to various Indo-European tribes located in Southeastern Europe, majority of them today being Bulgarians. Although there is little historical reference to Thracians interacting with blacks, making it hard to understand where they received inspiration and why, there seems to have been a significance to ancient writers in the almost nonexistent correlation between the two. The most popular being from the Greek philosopher, theologian, and poet Xenophanes, in his Fragments:

“In my opinion mortals have created their gods with the dress and voice and appearance of mortals. If cattle and horses had hands and wanted to draw or carve as men do, the cattle would show their gods in the form of cattle and horses would show them as horses, with the same form and appearance as their own. The Ethiopians say that their gods have snub noses and black skins, while the Thracians say that theirs have blue eyes and red hair.”

“One god is greatest among gods and men, but his appearance and thought are nothing like ours.”

Fragment 21 B 14-16 and 23 (Diels-Kranz) [5] [6]

Citation 6 is a PDF to the full book, courtesy of the Earl Haig Secondary School. Also in some other translations, fragment 15 would say:

“Yes, and if oxen and horses or lions had hands, and could paint with their hands, and produce works of art as men do, horses would paint the forms of the gods like horses, and oxen like oxen, and make their bodies in the image of their several kinds.” [7] [8]

The full text at citation 8 is courtesy of Western Kentucky University. Xenophanes is also most notable for asserting the notion that “Men create the gods in their own image.”

“A fresco of a noble [Thracian] woman with [a] golden necklace and earrings on the ceiling of the main chamber in the Ostrusha Mound near Kazanlak, Bulgaria.” (Photo credit unknown)

Despite Xenophanes’ clear mention of Thracians and Ethiopians together, nothing is ever found directly speaking of a meeting between the two, making this artwork very confusing. The most plausible theory of how the peoples of Thrace would have met the peoples of Aethiopia lies in the writings of the ancient Greek historians Herodotus and Diodorus Siculus. We read in “Historical Researches Into the Politics, Intercourse, and Trade of the Carthaginians, Ethiopians and Egyptians” of Ramesses the Great:

“That he subjugated Ethiopia there can be no doubt: it appears, moreover, from what has been said above, that a part of it was very early reduced under the sway of the Pharaohs, or was at least dependent upon them; and when Herodotus says that he was the only king of Egypt who ruled over Ethiopia, this is undoubtedly to be understood of all Ethiopia, as well as the most southern part of it, or Meroe. He conquered, Diodorus [Siculus] informs us, the Ethiopians who dwelt towards the south, and compelled them to pay him a tribute of ebony, gold, and elephants' teeth—this is confirmed by the monuments.” (pg 428)

“And in an other passage, he ‘traversed Ethiopia as far as the land of cinnamon, where even now monumental columns with inscriptions are visible’.” (pg 429)

“Herodotus saw and describes these monuments first in Palestine, and afterwards two rock-monuments in Asia Minor, the situation of which he minutely particularizes; the statue of an armed man in Egyptian and Ethiopian [accouterments], with an inscription in hieroglyphics on the breast, signifying, ‘I have occupied this country.’ Further, his monuments were seen in Thrace, but not beyond; for here he turned back.” (pg 429-430) [9]

One can reasonably suggest that the subjugation and integration of Ethiopians into Egyptian society, followed by expansion into Thrace, is where the peoples of Thrace would meet the African inspiration behind their artwork in the Panagyurishte Treasure. Something I found funny when looking for better photos of the libation bowl was an Africa Resource blog (please, stay as far away from that website and Realhistoryww as you possibly can) that tried to claim, simply by seeing Negro heads on one European artwork, that the Thracians themselves must have been black people. Lol.

It is probable as well that people would assume from this theory that the Thracians were depicting Egyptians. I’d detest this seeing that there is clear phenotypical emphasis displayed. Whereas it is well-argued even for Egyptians in their African context, this is simply not “their type”, so to speak, and more so resembles the average Cushite (Aethiopian). Either way, the contrast of Thracians was explicitly with Ethiopians.

Ending out this blog, I found it interesting, as A.H.L. Heeren’s book goes on after my quotes to speak of the Israelite account, that another mention of Thracians and Ethiopians is found in the book “The Prophecies of the Second Book of Esdras Amongst the Apocrypha”, stating:

“These Two Feathers will succeed the Ottoman Head: The Æthiopians in Ægypt, and the Tartars in Thrace ... The Tartars will at last invade Thrace, and the Æthiopians Ægypt.” (pg 34) [10]

Citations:

1. http://www.visitbulgaria.net/en/panagyurishte/press-releases/20120527/panagyurishte_gold_treasure.html

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panagyurishte_Treasure#/media/File:Sofia_-_Panagyurishte_Thracian_Gold_Treasure_cutout.jpg

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panagyurishte_Treasure#/media/File:Sofia_-_Panagyurishte_Thracian_Gold_Treasure_(Amphora).jpg

4. http://www.archaeologicalmuseumplovdiv.org/_m1754/Commercial-stall

5. Barry B. Powell, A Short Introduction to Classical Myth, pg 18

6. http://www.earlhaig.ca/departments/socialscience/downloads/Mr.%20Wittmann/LVV4U1/2016-2017%20LVV4U1%20Handouts/LVV4U1%20Extra%20Readings/Powell,%20Short%20Introduction%20to%20Classical%20Mythology.pdf

7. John Burnet, “Early Greek Philosophy, 3rd Edition”, 1920

8. http://people.wku.edu/jan.garrett/302/302xenof.htm

9.  Arnold Hermann Ludwig (A.H.L.) Heeren, translated by David Alphonso Talboys, “Historical Researches Into the Politics, Intercourse, and Trade of the Carthaginians, Ethiopians and Egyptians”, pg 428-430, 1857

10. Sir John Floyer, “The Prophecies of the Second Book of Esdras Amongst the Apocrypha, Explained and Vindicated From the Objections made against them”, pg 34, 1721

[prideguy]

After Prom — Toronto's Gay Bars and LGBT Nightlife

After Prom — Toronto’s Gay Bars and LGBT Nightlife

[ad_1]

“Throw out your corsage and take out your flask – it’s time for AFTER PROM!

Come to a Music Video party to celebrate the queer doc ‘Take Me To Prom’ the night of its premiere on CBC and Hot Docs! It’s free!

Drag performance by Fontaine VJ Alphonso King Jr. (aka DJ Relentless) MC’d by Marcy Rogers ^ All subjects in the doc ^

More info about the film here: Take Me To Prom at Hot Docs

Puke…

[365footballorg-blog]

Kick Off: RBNY take Shield, points record from ATL | Galaxy knocked out

Hate missing the Kick Off? Of course, you do. Sign up for The Kick Off e-mail.

October 29, 201811:35AM EDT

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer today:

Red Bulls smash ‘n’ grab Shield, points record

The New York Red Bulls raised the Supporters’ Shield for the third time in six years after a 1-0 victory over Decision Day guests Orlando City. After missing a spot kick, Derrick Etienne Jr. regrouped to hit the winner that claimed the day’s big prize. READ MORE | RECAP

The Red Bulls were able to jump to the top at the final hurdle because Atlanta United were roughed up 4-1 at Toronto FC. Charles Boehm notes that Decision Day was largely owned by a pack of spoilers led by the Reds, who left the Five Stripes kicking themselves for blowing a shot at the club’s first trophy. READ MORE | RECAP

Sporting KC are kings of the West

Sporting KC won the West on Sunday with a 2-1 home triumph that knocked LAFC down to the third playoff seed. Daniel Salloi broke a deadlock 18 minutes from time to hand the hosts their first conference crown since 2012. RECAP

Galaxy can’t keep lead, playoffs slip away

The news was far worse for the LA Galaxy, who squandered a two-goal halftime lead to suffer the 3-2 home defeat to Houston that kept them out of the playoffs. The defensive breakdowns and failure to capitalize on chances left the Galaxy devastated by the reality of missing the postseason for the second year in a row. READ MORE | RECAP

Sounders secure Knockout Round bye

Raul Ruidiaz netted a brace over the final 11 minutes to help Seattle grab second in the West with a 2-1 home win against San Jose. A fair word of warning to all potential MLS Cup foes: the Sounders enter the postseason with five straight victories to cap a 14-2-0 closing kick. RECAP

FC Dallas missed out on second in the West, settling for fourth due to a 2-1 collapse loss at Colorado. Cole Bassett and Tommy Smith netted in the final 10 minutes to flip the result. RECAP

#FarewellPhonzie: Davies’ spectacular sendoff

Vancouver finished the regular season just two points short of the playoff party following a 2-1 Cascadia derby defeat of Decision Day visitors Portland. Alphonso Davies scored both Whitecaps goals to enjoy a rousing BC Place send-off before heading to Bayern Munich. READ MORE | RECAP

D.C. steal a home game, NYCFC secure theirs

D.C. United’s thrilling playoff chase has officially ended with them taking fourth in the East after a scoreless draw at Chicago. The visitors did get a top-shelf display from recovered right back Nick DeLeon, who was making just his second start in five months. RECAP

Three first-half goals seemingly busted New York City FC out of their autumn slumber as they cruised to clinch third place in the East by topping Sunday guests Philadelphia, 3-1. Aside from slipping to sixth place for the reward of an instant Knockout Round return to Yankee Stadium, the Union also have a player bust-up over field responsibilities to clear up before the playoffs start. READ MORE | RECAP

Zardes trick locks in Crew SC slot

Columbus went into Sunday’s regular-season closer worrying about their playoff spot, but ended up rising instead of falling thanks to a 3-2 victory over guests Minnesota United FC. Gyasi Zardes scored the first two goals of the game, and after the Loons rallied to tie, also bagged the 83rd-minute winner. RECAP

Their sole competitors for the spot going into the Decision Day, Montreal, abandoned all playoff hope with a 1-0 loss at New England. Matt Turner shined on his return to the Revs net and Diego Fagundez netted his 50th-career MLS goal with 16 minutes left to take the points. RECAP

On to the Knockout Round!

The midweek match-ups to open the 2018 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are now set, compelling Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle to offer up a capsule look at all eight participants. Meanwhile, Ben Baer has filed early previews for all four Knockout Round games. READ MORE | EARLY PREVIEW

Bracket Challenge: Make your picks!

Now that the field is set, you can show off your MLS knowledge and make your picks in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge. You could win season tickets to your club or even an exhilarating VIP Audi driving experience for two! MORE INFO

MLSsoccer.com Must-Watch

Jimmy Conrad joins Match Day Central for the Decision Day wrap

Series: 

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MLSsoccer.com News

Kick Off: RBNY take Shield, points record from ATL | Galaxy knocked out was originally published on 365 Football

[samoryba]

Here is an interesting episode that speaks to Dr. King's character and courage, "Remembering Martin Luther King′s visit to Berlin" | Germany | DW.COM | 11.09.2014

Here is an interesting episode that speaks to Dr. King’s character and courage, “Remembering Martin Luther King′s visit to Berlin” | Germany | DW.COM | 11.09.2014

Thirty-three years after my Dad, Rev. Ernest Livingston introduced us, (me and my brother, Oral Alphonso) to the words, ideas–nommo–of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I am continually impressed by his courage and leadership. In 1964, on his Nobel prize junket, King apparently resolved to visit East Berlin against the wishes of the United State government. Despite the fact that the State Department…