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Black El Paso Voice

All Things Black in El Paso

Community Voices

December Greetings

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🎄✨ Hello, December! ❄️🌟

As the final chapter of the year unfolds, take a moment to reflect on the good you’ve done, the joy you’ve shared, and the strength you’ve shown. Maybe you didn’t check off every goal—that’s okay! Life isn’t a race, and every day is a new chance to begin again, when the time feels right for you. 💖

Let’s embrace this magical season with warmth in our hearts and hope in our spirits. Here’s to cozy moments, fresh starts, and maybe—just maybe—a beautifully snowy winter. ❄️☕ Praying for a season filled with peace, love, and light for us all. 🕊️💫

#WelcomeDecember

~Monica 

Removing the Rug: Addressing Community Challenges Head-On

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This week, we will share the videos of each speaker from the State of Black El Paso, which took place on Juneteenth, 2024.

We have removed the rug. We’ve burned it.

Everyone who participated shared their thoughts and information on how to grow better together. Our community can be more inclusive and less degrading if we have hard conversations followed by active, empowering solutions. Community building cannot take place without first tearing down the walls that divide us.

Truth is everything.

Without acknowledging the causes of destruction, how can you ensure a more positive future? From civil rights to socioeconomic standing, a community is only as strong as its leaders. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, and others fought with words. If that’s not you, have a seat, but don’t try to stop what God is doing, and that is the very thing you prayed for – a more diverse and forward-moving El Paso.

Where Are Black Leaders in the Community?
Despite what you’ve heard, we are here. A leader isn’t just someone who holds a position within a community, company, or organization. A leader unapologetically takes their role as a citizen to do what’s right for the greater good.

A leader uses their voice and is not silenced or afraid of the faces of those who continue to use negativity to stunt our growth. Despite your socioeconomic status, if you’re in any part of the community/society that believes racism doesn’t exist on the border, that the Black community is just fine, and that you have no issues, and believe that some of us are “doing too much” to actualize unity… stay over there, especially if you are Black identifying. The hypocrisy is if you have those beliefs yet work in fields that combat ageism, classism, elitism, racism, sexism, etc.

Stay tuned this week as you hear the words from those who, like myself, desire positive community growth and change. We share collective goals of improving and being a part of the solution instead of adding to the problems.

I’m not going to be in El Paso forever. Still, like I have previously stated: “If my children choose to remain here, I want them to know I did all that I could to try to bridge the divide and bring us closer to inclusion, representation, and Black self-empowerment and pride…unashamedly… while connecting with various other cultures on the border.” 

So, no more sweeping stuff under the rug. Let’s talk about it, but only for a short time. We’re adults – it doesn’t take long to screw in a light bulb.

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Rising Above Negativity: Preserving Cultural Pride and Fending Off Discreditation, Both Internally and Externally

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Within the Black diaspora, a common adage prevails: “With every new level, new challenges arise.” We remain susceptible to these challenges, just like anyone else.

While we may view confronting negative assumptions and debunking false narratives as time-consuming, there are instances where it becomes essential; this is particularly true when we anticipate obstacles that could undermine the substantial effort invested in advancing our goals.

El Paso’s Black community is a resilient and powerful force. We have contributed to the vibrant history here on the border for years. We must remain steadfast and take action to prevent any attempts, both internal and external, to discredit or disrespect our cultural heritage and the leaders who have paved the way for us.

In our journey of ascending to higher heights, vigilance against negativity is paramount. Negativity can erode our confidence and hinder progress. We must guard our minds to rise effectively, filtering out pessimism and doubt – regardless of where they originate. Maintaining a positive mindset contributes to resilience and fuels ambition. Embracing challenges with optimism enables us to reach greater heights. As we ascend, let us remember that negativity is a weight we can discard, allowing us to soar higher and achieve our goals with unwavering determination.

In addition, despite facing immense challenges such as systemic racism and inequality, the Black community has persevered. Our present and past leaders have worked tirelessly to promote progress, justice, and empowerment. We should be cautious of those seeking to undermine our accomplishments while addressing internal issues that could harm our cultural heritage.

Our strength lies not only in our unity but also in our collective intelligence. We must exercise critical thinking and discernment to identify genuine allies while addressing those within our community who engage in actions that could harm our culture.

We must continue to honor and celebrate our rich heritage, stand united against any forms of disrespect, and strive to tackle internal issues constructively for the betterment of our community. By doing so, we can thwart any attempts to belittle our community and move towards a future marked by progress, equality, and realizing our full potential.

Black Roundtable Series: Black Progress on the Border

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Update: A Summary of this Event will be posted soon. 

Click here to register: TheBlackRoundtable.com

Please share with your network. 

Uniting Black Community Changemakers: Magnifying Our Impact on the Border

COST: FREE. Lunch is available for purchase. Info below.

We are excited to inform the El Paso Black community about an upcoming event to further unity, understanding, and progress. Black El Paso Voice is organizing the Black Roundtable Series: Black Progress on the Border. We have designed this event to provide a platform for community members to share accurate information and connect, strengthening our collective efforts.

 

Our primary goal is to facilitate direct and personal communication among community members, eliminate misinformation, and create avenues for open dialogue. Direct communication among community members can result in a more informed and involved community.

 

The Black Roundtable Series is a catalyst for change, offering a space for constructive discussions, sharing experiences, and collaboration. It allows community members to learn from each other, exchange knowledge, and develop strategies that will drive progress within our community.

 

Living in a unique border region, we face specific challenges and opportunities that require our collective attention. By coming together, we can explore innovative approaches, highlight successful endeavors, and collectively address the obstacles that hinder our advancement.

 

To facilitate meaningful connections and conversations, we have invited a panel of distinguished speakers who are recognized leaders in their respective fields. Their insights and experiences will enrich our discussions and inspire us to take action. Dionne Mack – Deputy City Manager, Quality of Life will share information about resources and the city’s quality of life initiatives; Curtis Smith – Black El Paso Voice | Suite 915, Host and Community Activitist and Volunteer; Brandy Wyche – Entrepreneur/Consultant, Fly Events Promotions; and Artie Maxwell – Senior Pastor, Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

 

We are also pleased to announce that lunch will be available for purchase at the event. Big Cixx will provide a delicious meal for $12. While food and drinks are not allowed, you may bring your own water. Other drinks and items will be available for purchase if desired. Details on how to purchase lunch provided by Cixx, can be found on our website at TheBlackRoundtable.com.

 

We invite all community members to join us for this event on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Your presence and contributions will play a vital role in shaping the depth and impact of our discussions.

 

Save the date and secure your seat by registering at TheBlackRoundtable.com or by contacting Monica Tucker at monica@blackelpasovoice.com or via text/call at 915.209.1850.

 

Registration is open from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM.

 

We appreciate your unwavering dedication to the advancement of our community.

 

Together, we can create strong connections, dispel misconceptions, and collaborate on initiatives that empower and uplift our community.

 

Thank you, and we look forward to your presence and the opportunity to drive positive change together.

Click here to register: TheBlackRoundtable.com

Feature: #BlackLivingLegend – Bishop Johnnie M. Washington

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BEP Voice spoke briefly with one of El Paso’s Living Legends: Civil Rights Activist, Bishop Johnnie M. Washington.

Bishop Washington is a civil rights activist, and El Paso Black trailblazer who is respected by so many in the El Paso community. She attended the Douglass School, served as President of the El Paso Branch of the NAACP, and is the co-founder of the MLK Committee. Find out more about this dynamic woman as she shares a little bit about how she became the community’s leading fighter for civil rights. She will be joining us via the Black Roundtable to discuss civil rights, church, and more… stay tuned. In the meantime, hear her thoughts… Featured in blackelpasovoice.com

ALIGNMENT (Part – 1) Principles For Life | Tina Smiley-Overton | blackelpasovoice.com

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Life, living, and how we choose to live life is based on principles. Principles are universal concepts and are absolute truths. Principles are linear progressions from one level to the next; are within each individual at birth; are measured by maturity; and have four relative elements (person, time, place, and space).

As 2022 begins, PFL focus is ‘Alignment’. Many people think of car tires or the spine and a chiropractor when the word alignment is spoken. There are multiple basic examples of alignment, such as the letters of the alphabets; numbers from 0 to infinity; the planets of the universe in order from the sun; a straight line; etc. These inanimate (non-human) examples naturally flow in alignment.

Animate, specifically human beings, internally, our condition (mental state of being) do not naturally flow towards alignment. External factors impact our state of being.  External factors such as unfair treatment, betrayal, anger, hate, jealousy, and envy etc. disrupts our alignment.

The human condition of being out of alignment is to live ‘By Default.’ Being out of alignment spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially is expensive; it is a robbery of time and talent; can be expensive to correct; and creates serious problems. Out of alignment is exhibited in an individual’s thought, words, and deeds / habits.

Within alignment, there is rotation.  Just as the earth remains in alignment in its’ role in the universe, by completing a 365-day rotation; The humanistic rotation is similar to a circular spiral going upwards in age.  By Design:  As we age, every 365 days, our consciousness craves to be heightened in awareness, in maturity.  From age to age the experiences (whether positive or negative) impacts thought processing, maturity, and internal growth.  Beginning with thought an individual expresses through word and responds through deeds / habits their inner inclinations. (Basically, thought = word = deed / habit = who I am and to whom I belong.)

By Design: To be in alignment REQUIRES overcoming the experiences of life’s ups, downs, highs, lows, achievements, defeats, advancements, setbacks, betrayals, and loyalty. To be in alignment EXPECTATIONS are personal growth, development, cooperation, and willingness to work with others. To be in alignment DEMANDS forgiveness strong enough to move on without holding grudges.

Alignment requires maintenance: As days become years and years become the past, in order to continue striving towards a higher conscience mark of maturity, we must evaluate our deeds/habits.  If our deeds / habits are not producing peace and improving society, then a true reassessment of self is necessary.  Change is by choice and reaching for alignment is self-motivated.

Alignment releases freedom, peace and joy. Individually we must be willing to strive towards our higher spiritual self. (It takes a lifetime of work. It is not easy. It is not accomplished overnight.) In order to do this, we must be willing to truthfully evaluate self, rest, restore, and reconcile to find balance.

Remember this…what is alignment without the even weight of balance on all sides?

Is It Time Yet?

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Is it time yet? May 21, 1971, Marvin Gaye asked us, and sang What’s Going On?  Here we are 50 plus years later asking the same question.  Maybe we got so caught up in the smooth soul piercing rhythm and melody  of the song that we missed it, but it was/is right there in front us, “You know we’ve got to find a way, To bring some lovin’ here today, eh eh, For only love can conquer hate, oh oh oh, Talk to me, so you can see…Oh, what’s going on”

Talk to me, we all have so many of the same concerns, but the only way to fix them is to talk, really talk and listen to one another. Maybe if we all came into the room blindfolded, we would talk and listen first without getting caught up in the visual prejudices of who is speaking to us. You probably think I am talking about prejudices like color, race, black and white.  Nope. There are leaders, yes leaders, that don’t listen nor show up simply because John, I Can’t Stand Him Doe will be there.  Remember Marvin Gaye’s words tell us, “You know we’ve got to find a way, to bring some lovin’ here today, eh eh For only love can conquer hate.”  

We shouldn’t lose by focusing on petty things that will stop us from reaching our positive goals for humanity.  Again, 50 years plus ago… I was watching Star Trek. The USS Enterprise had landed on a planet where the people were literally black on one side and white on the other and they could not talk to nor get along with the other people who were white on one side and black on the other.  The planet was dying because it needed resources from to survive.  That concept has stuck with me since I was a child.  

My question is What’s Going On?  Are we strengthening our goals by supporting each, bringing our talents, skills, experiences, and financial gains together to advance a sustainable impact towards building up our communities?  Or are we being black on one side white on the other while putting down the white on one side black on the other?  

To accomplish our united goals, we must come together.  Solid strength comes from positive representation of united numbers in individuals, leaders, businesses, organizations, churches, politicians, serving as positive representation of our needs here on the border.  As we ask for support from others, we must remember to ask ourselves, are we also supportive? 

Find a source to share advancing information, meetings, events with each other, otherwise we will never really know what’s goin on. 

Com’ on… bring some lovin’ here today…Talk to me, so WE can see “Oh, what’s going on.”