tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72706080864955948262011-11-27T19:02:52.142-05:00My Part To End Racism - One Heart At A TimeShirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.comBlogger731100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-57252781467895023292011-08-15T20:36:00.003-04:002011-08-15T21:15:00.863-04:00

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Gandhi I began writing this blog almost three years ago. Like a child that tires of a favorite toy, I've laid my words down for a bit, only to come back later and that "toy" looks all little shiny and new again. Much has changed in these past three years, my son graduated from high school and is preparing to go off to college. I put on a few

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-63280178971486489382011-08-08T21:26:00.004-04:002011-08-08T21:54:48.556-04:00

Once again I am writing about Mississippi and once again it isn't good. Is there a more troubling state in this country that experiences the effects of racism to the extreme? This event took place in June in Jackson, Mississippi. James Craig Anderson was standing near his vehicle in the early morning just before dawn when a group of young people who were allegedly out looking to hurt a black

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-66927098755460799102011-08-08T14:11:00.007-04:002011-08-08T14:54:51.258-04:00

There's a book I've been meaning to read for some time called: "Just Don't Marry One: Interracial Dating, Marriage, and Parenting" I wish I could give you a stellar review and encourage you to read it, but until I read it myself I can't do that. I'm posting the link here because the nasty little term "just don't marry one" keeps popping into my mind. Also the term "just don't bring one home"

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-40967926278193230972011-07-28T15:00:00.004-04:002011-07-28T15:43:44.009-04:00

Imagine this. You are 18, graduating from high school after working your tail off taking AP and honors classes. You have consistently pulled down excellent grades for four years, focused on academics probably when a large number of your fellow classmates were Face Booking, Twittering and just plain loafing around doing nothing.But now it's the 11th hour, you're approaching that big graduation

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-28893630978292622112011-04-13T06:55:00.003-04:002011-04-13T07:35:09.829-04:00

Drawing attention and awareness to racism often means showing something in a negative light. A current event in the news, an organization that fights racial issues or historical events that result from a negative situation. While bringing each into the open can seem negative, the desired result is to provide a positive and healthy outcome. A necessary evil if you will.Well, I've had the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-92042890195099220852011-02-15T09:27:00.006-05:002011-02-15T09:49:51.153-05:00

This scenario is as old as time. Ten year olds calling each other names. One name trumps another. Someone "starts it", the next one finishes it. Sometimes it is indeed cruel, sometimes it's just what kids do. But calling a white child "brownie" is racist???Here's the story. Boy #1 was called "sausage boy" by Boy #2 because Boy#1's last name is Weiner. Ha ha, real funny and typical of ten

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-34605817917258071252011-01-26T19:33:00.002-05:002011-01-26T20:02:11.932-05:00

What is this term I see casually tossed around in various media forms and out of the mouths of so called authorities on the present condition of todays society?Post racial? Does it mean what I think it means that all racial, well everything, has been laid to rest in the distant past. A subject to be chronicled is history books and such? Are there really people out there functioning in the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-37156716958076806402010-12-31T19:43:00.002-05:002010-12-31T19:58:43.783-05:00

After serving 15 years of a life sentence for allegedly stealing $11 whole dollars, Jamie and Gladys Scott are finally seeing some justice. The governor in the great state of Mississippi is granting a pardon to the two sisters.That's all well and good.Unfortunately the reason they are earning a pardon is not because the state of Mississippi has seen the error of their ways. No, it appears the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-18756665420837887582010-11-22T09:59:00.004-05:002010-11-22T10:34:07.198-05:00

I was reading an article called Racism, can it work both ways? written by a fellow Lensmaster over at Squidoo, where I publish articles on a variety of subjects I'm passionate about. In his article Kevin talks about growing up in Rhodesia, the history of the English settling countries in Africa as well as the carnage inflicted by R.G.Mugabe. It's a well written, thought provoking article and it

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-46180905227433692892010-11-15T21:49:00.010-05:002010-11-17T12:04:38.082-05:00

"She's real pretty for a nigger, isn't she?"Have you ever had a moment, you know, one of those life changing moments where something as you know it is forever changed, altered past recognition because of words uttered and an action taken?Maybe the person who spoke is forever viewed differently through your eyes. Sometimes the life changing moment, even though it was just a fraction in time, a

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-25110840789850361302010-05-11T15:41:00.003-04:002010-05-11T15:56:10.767-04:00

A few years ago my life changed drastically. I fell in love, moved to another state, went from being a mom to one to a mom to three and so on. When life happens, at least for me, certain habits and routines change,or even get left behind sometimes with my barely noticing the changes. Until one day. I don't know when I went from being an avid reader to an occasional reader, but I did. And

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-41731337441014070942010-04-05T16:30:00.006-04:002011-02-24T09:00:53.778-05:00

Like most tasks that come my way, I procrastinated filling out and returning my 2010 Census Form. I was in for quite a surprise when I opened the form and began filling in the required information. I have previously written about my straight up dislike for pigeon holing people by labeling them some sort of shade of color on a box. I have a rebellious habit of creating my own box that is

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-23161421476442147612010-02-07T17:35:00.002-05:002011-02-24T09:14:24.071-05:00

Last time we talked I promised to deliver a story about a moment in time I am not proud of. A moment shared with a stranger that began and concluded in the span of no more than thirty seconds. This memory planted itself into my mind as a result of a "nickname", if you will, that the family grapevine informed me a while back my mother bestowed on me: "The Hypocritical Bigot." While attempting

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-48828009120392136782010-02-04T14:47:00.003-05:002011-02-24T09:14:48.918-05:00

The older I get the more often long forgotten memories resurface. Sometimes one memory can lead to yet another memory, and so on.Recently while taking a stroll down memory lane, I recalled a time a while back where I was told by a family member that my mother was affectionately referring to me as "The Hypocritical Bigot". This new pet name she assigned me was shortly after I was "thrown out" of

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-90565928273592068752010-01-19T12:18:00.010-05:002011-02-24T09:11:59.759-05:00

One week ago Haiti was struck by an earthquake that will undoubtedly change an already plagued country forever.Help in the form of food, water and medical supplies has been fast to arrive in Haiti and inexcusably slow to reach those who desperately need it. Excuses and explanations as to why are in abundance.Solutions, however, are not. I suspect the blame game and finger pointing will begin to

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-13650973684695777912010-01-16T08:41:00.007-05:002011-02-24T09:13:05.219-05:00

We live our lives each day dealing with issues, problems and hurt. There are the every day issues like the neighbors dog who barks incessantly, that pain in your back that strikes without notice, the biting wind in the dead of winter that chills your bones, the car that won't start when you need it most, or the paycheck that refuses to stretch far enough. Then there is life's heartbreaks. The

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-11528107611191330132010-01-13T16:09:00.003-05:002010-01-13T16:46:34.214-05:00

All eyes of the world are focused on Haiti today, staring in disbelief at the total devastation left behind after approximately only 45 seconds of monumental earth movement.We look at it, transfixed, follow the story, and think about helping. Then we look again at the magnitude the rescue and recovery process will involve and decide that whatever minor contribution we could make wouldn't be

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-74875087242866482412010-01-08T15:50:00.001-05:002010-01-08T15:58:08.799-05:00

I was reading a blog a while back about interracial dating. In the comment box readers were relating their experiences about the acceptance of interracial couples. A common thread kept weaving itself into virtually every comment which was the geographical location of each commenter and how it was or wasn't accepted in their part of the world.An interesting point I gathered from those comments is

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-79311821956392896162009-12-08T13:14:00.005-05:002009-12-08T14:07:01.268-05:00

When I began this blog a year and some months ago, my intention was twofold.First I hoped if I told my story, perhaps it could help others and their beliefs about racism. I thought maybe I could make a difference in others lives.Second I hoped writing would be therapeutic for me and help me come to terms with my hurt and rejection issues. That I could learn to forgive no matter the deed that

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-34007681847794246232009-11-24T19:11:00.010-05:002011-02-24T09:02:37.440-05:00

The things we stumble upon are a constant source of amazement to me. You know, when you are looking for one thing and then out of nowhere, you walk right into another thing. Kind of like a sucker punch, the surprise hurts worse than the actual blow.Take this situation for example.I was working on a project that had me researching the history of Santa Claus. It didn't take me long to make a

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-80686751951289124732009-10-19T08:27:00.010-04:002010-04-05T17:11:40.357-04:00

The story about Richard Henne and the colossal hoax he and his wife concocted with their home made helium balloon in order to achieve their proverbial 15 minutes of fame has really crawled under my skin.The focus of the media at this point appears to be the deception played on us, the public, and the impending charges that are apparently forth coming because of their stunt.Where the real focus

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-19752609016716371722009-10-15T22:13:00.005-04:002009-10-15T22:36:04.749-04:00

Here's an article with a topic I didn't expect to read about. An interracial couple in Louisianna went to get their marriage license and were denied one by Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish.Seems Mr. Bardwell feels that most interracial marriages don't last all that long and the children spawned from these marriages aren't accepted by either the black community or the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-9136845298245304472009-10-13T07:28:00.008-04:002010-04-05T17:14:11.776-04:00

Rush Limbaugh has built a career on breeding fear and hate within the minds of conservative folks. Often he capitalizes on this fear with racist views and comments, publicly without a care of who he disrespects.Here is a sampling of a few racially related comments he has made over the years:"The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and the Crips without any weapons. There, I

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-90863122380862384372009-10-10T15:59:00.002-04:002010-04-05T17:09:33.276-04:00

When I began writing this blog, in addition to the therapeutic value of putting my story into words, my main goal was to help people see how racism remains prevalent today.I also thought maybe, just maybe by sharing my story someone might reflect on their personal feelings about racism and mend a fence, repair a broken relationship or welcome a new member into their family.I felt that even if my

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-47580307333723414742009-09-24T21:03:00.005-04:002009-09-24T21:37:38.342-04:00

Today is the one year anniversary of Shades of Black and White.Time goes by so fast.I think I am supposed to have a big celebration or something but I wouldn't know where to begin. So....First I'll reminisce. When I started the blog I wanted to tell the story of how my family disowned me for falling in love with a man who has a different color of skin than I do.I hoped writing would help me heal

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-20748200037289486932009-09-20T20:34:00.005-04:002009-09-20T21:36:43.999-04:00

I am a people watcher. Too much sometimes, my husband will tell you. I think you can learn a lot about human nature and behavior by quietly observing.You can get to know people without ever exchanging a word with them just by repeatedly observing their actions over time. The check out girl at the grocery store, the neighbors two doors down, the kids bus driver.Sometimes you can get to know a

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-3585584515576373292009-09-16T11:39:00.007-04:002010-04-05T17:12:21.075-04:00

I've been sitting on my hands about this for a couple of days.Now I gotta say my piece, especially since Jimmy Carter said what I've been thinking for a long time. The Joe Wilson, "you lie" outburst was absolutely racially motivated.First let me begin by saying (again) that if we don't talk about race openly between all races, racism will remain alive and well long after you and I are gone and

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-45051939876448497922009-08-23T15:04:00.005-04:002010-04-05T17:10:01.072-04:00

Yes, here I am, working my way towards posting somewhat regularly again.I've been away, some of you may know, going to school as well as entertaining my kids while school was out for them.I've also been realizing a great deal of personal growth, particularly in the area of my long lost, estranged family. Not all of the growth has been pleasant, but in order to heal and move forward sometimes we

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-68406685487720369412009-06-27T20:55:00.005-04:002009-06-27T21:15:15.191-04:00

I know I've not posted lately, but I didn't realize just exactly how long it's been. June 10th.How rude.I know I should have told you what's going on.I am so inconsiderate.I know about being polite and courteous and having good manners. I wrote the book on being considerate, then did the opposite.I'm sorry y'all.I have to take a break from this. I love this blog, I need to write this blog like I

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-49578979920462784002009-06-10T14:15:00.003-04:002009-06-11T10:57:05.168-04:00

I've been following a new blog: Black Conscious Thought that is well written and very thought provoking. Von, the author, bravely tackles some issues where others might prefer to not "hit a nerve".I left a comment yesterday pertaining to what determines a person to grow up to be racist. After leaving the comment, I kept thinking about this topic.As most of you who have followed my story know, I

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-49863081423215768002009-05-31T10:24:00.004-04:002009-05-31T10:49:19.965-04:00

I've been away a couple of weeks due to an unplanned absence. Nothing bad, just a little reorganization of life stuff. I just had to stop in and comment on a story that's been in the news lately. It's the one about Bonnie Sweeten. I'm sure you've probably heard about it, but just in case, she called 911 and told dispatchers that she and her 9 year old daughter had been car jacked after a rear

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-17081952104364091562009-05-13T09:04:00.002-04:002010-04-05T17:12:58.767-04:00

The pain and challenges we are dealt in life take a tremendous toll on us. Sometimes we take ownership of our problems, guard them closely inside our hearts and minds, selfishly thinking we are going through life's pain all alone.While we are looking square in the eye of our personal pain to the left and the right of us lies those we are damaging along the way.If you've followed my story, you

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-72454753720190432292009-05-11T10:56:00.005-04:002009-05-11T12:31:14.357-04:00

Here in the Carolina's it's "Confederate Memorial Day" today. If you are a resident in South Carolina and work for the state, you will have a paid day off to celebrate. I understand one school district is even closed. To celebrate, because we are after all calling this a "holiday".So what are we celebrating? That Confederate soldiers deserve more commemorating that other soldiers who died in

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-34653637358033398172009-05-07T08:24:00.002-04:002011-02-24T09:05:51.417-05:00

In case you missed the last post; Tricia from The Girl Who Wears My Shoes, created an award in the name of this blog. Here it is:This award is passed along to deserving bloggers who are comitted to bridge the gap of racism due to their passionate writing, their excellent communication skills, their courage to "put it out there" and because they truly care about the only race that matters, the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-71313093855928827882009-04-27T16:18:00.008-04:002011-02-24T09:09:48.697-05:00

Well would you look at this? This award was created honoring the message Shades of Black & White is sending out into the blogosphere.This was created and presented to me by Tricia at The Girl Who Wears My Shoes. She presented it with no special rules so that means I get to make up my own (rubbing my hands together in anticipation).I thank Tricia's creative foresight in this. By passing this along

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-72793242952598230442009-04-22T13:06:00.008-04:002011-02-24T09:06:43.157-05:00

My friend, Tricia, over at The Girl Who Wears My Shoes is an incredible writer. She writes about her life experiences, often painful experiences, with such detailed description and open honesty. Her words always flow together beautifully.She has recently decided she will fulfill a life dream and write a novel.I applaud anyone who goes after a life dream. So many are either caught up in day to day

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-35888191188448050022009-04-15T10:26:00.004-04:002009-04-15T11:01:04.786-04:00

A while back, a fellow blogger, Svasti, sent me a link that told a story of an amazing woman, Jane Elliott. Jane was an elementary school teacher at a school in Riceville, Iowa when Martin Luther King was assassinated. She was struggling to explain the concept of racism to her all white classroom and came up with an exercise that is now famous. She segregated her students into two groups for a

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-39534906492505612542009-04-08T11:40:00.006-04:002009-04-08T20:31:21.485-04:00

And that's OK.So you are probably thinking: What??If you haven't read this blog from the beginning, here is a condensed version.Grew up in a racist atmosphere. Moved to leave "the blacks" during the 60's. Heard every racial slur and ugly joke that was popular in the 60's and 70's from the comfort of my parents living room. Fast forward, fell in love eight years after the termination of a sixteen

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-34473932138363384442009-04-02T19:12:00.001-04:002011-02-24T09:07:29.541-05:00

In many of my posts I have used the words hate and anger.Beginning with my first post about growing up in a home where racial comments were thrown around on a regular basis, and the subsequent posts describing my life until the conclusion of my little autobiography, where my family disowned both me and my son.Hate and anger.I speak of it often in almost all of my posts when discussing things

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-90672023597852823582009-03-29T12:21:00.001-04:002011-02-24T09:08:07.467-05:00

You heard me.My husband, a black man, talks white.And gets a lot of grief for it.From black people....and white people.His white talkin' got him held for hours in Mississippi, originally for driving while black by a DOT Scale House employee. Then once the DOT employee engaged in conversation with him, the fact he didn't "talk right" became the ammunition for an afternoon of harassment.He

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-31836568682146932182009-03-27T20:08:00.003-04:002009-03-27T20:52:23.583-04:00

The policeman's motto.They are not only there to catch those nasty bad guys. Their job is to protect us and serve us. Wow. I guess that doesn't pertain to one certain cop in Dallas. OK, and lot's of others, but I'm just talkin about him right now.If you haven't heard, Ryan Moats, a running back for the Houston Texans was on his way with his wife and other family members to say their last

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-31388558520998351342009-03-22T12:43:00.009-04:002009-03-22T13:21:38.644-04:00

Ernest over at No More Race posted an article written by Andrew Manis, a history professor at Macon State College, It's an excellent article written from a white man's perspective on race in America. It's a must read for all races.Andrew M. Manis: When Are WE Going to Get Over It?For much of the last forty years, ever since America "fixed" its race problem in the Civil Rights and Voting Rights

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-12463665956188839802009-03-21T13:18:00.010-04:002010-04-05T17:10:30.030-04:00

Bernard Monroe, a retired 73 year old cancer survivor hosted a barbecue at his Homer, LA home on February 20th. Amid the commotion of family and friends enjoying their day, two police officers pulled up looking for Monroe's son, Shawn, who had previous run in's with the law, however nothing current, and no outstanding warrants. Shawn, it appears, panicked and ran into the house. One of the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-54201660689733671712009-03-19T08:45:00.003-04:002009-03-19T20:38:58.453-04:00

Love them or hate them, those eHarmony commercials always seem to be on TV.Last night I saw one of their warm fuzzy ads featuring a interracial couple; she is black and he is white.Either this is a new venture for eHarmony or I don't watch enough TV to have caught this before now. I went on their website that features success stories and TV couples, but was unable to find this couple to share

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-38219332395968809032009-03-09T08:00:00.003-04:002009-03-09T08:13:47.117-04:00

When recently reading a post on another blog about a biracial child's introduction to racism at the hand of another child, it brought to mind, again, a situation I recently experienced.My oldest daughter came home from school in a panic because her sister was not on the bus with her. Her panic became my panic. We jumped in the car and were driving to school when I received a phone call from the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-76559961511288423662009-02-28T16:25:00.004-05:002011-02-24T09:10:05.924-05:00

"U" over at Any way I have to awarded me the Life Is Grand Award.The "U" recently paid his first visit here, so this made receiving this award extra special. Meeting and developing friendships with so many people who have important messages to share is part of what gives me motivation and inspiration! The "U"'s blog is a very interesting read, so please pay him a visit soon!In keeping with the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-28292812709965131192009-02-23T20:22:00.002-05:002010-04-05T17:08:25.719-04:00

In a speech on February 18th marking Black History month Attorney General Eric Holder said:“Though this nation has proudly thought of itself as an ethnic melting pot, in things racial we have always been and continue to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of cowards. Though race related issues continue to occupy a significant portion of our political discussion, and though there remain

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-48241904744785216042009-02-21T00:54:00.006-05:002011-02-24T09:04:47.539-05:00

When I offer an apology, either personally or business related, I always put the word "sincere" in front of the word "apology". That way the recipient knows it's real, assuming I sound sincere of course.When my children must apologize for some misdeed, they are required to make it sincere even if it means apologizing until they get it right. For the youngest one that can be quite a few times, but

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-87549231152788563072009-02-18T20:54:00.007-05:002009-02-18T21:35:39.561-05:00

Did you hear the one about the monkey and the stimulus package?It appears in the New York Post, drawn by cartoonist Sean Delonas:It seems Mr. Delonas has a history of racially motivated cartoons and has been called the "Picasso of prejudice". Additionally he has drawn criticism from the Gay & Lesbian community for his portrayal of gays. His recent antics have launched an attack on the New York

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-27544800543484470152009-02-14T17:40:00.001-05:002011-02-24T09:10:27.589-05:00

One of the blogs I follow, Socialhearts, written by William Greene, covers a plethora of social issues but focuses primarily on relationships. He and his wife also have a dating/relationship website, also called Socialhearts that covers literally every angle of dating and relationships, offering a variety of articles, information and links to just about every dating website imaginable.Recently

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-25842878797115046952009-02-11T14:30:00.001-05:002009-02-11T14:31:37.774-05:00

Hair is part of our identity, in some ways it sheds light as to who we are, giving those who see us a glimpse of our personalities.My daughters are biracial and have the hair to prove it. Not black, not white, but both at the same time. It's two for one hair.Like myself at one time, if you have never had experience with biracial hair, you'll have no idea what I'm talking about, but I'll try to

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-19330297143457166862009-02-07T20:35:00.007-05:002009-02-07T20:58:56.352-05:00

"It's never too late" is one of those cliche's that I love to say and believe is true.Here is a story that drives this cliche home.48 Years ago on May 9, 1961, in Rock Hill, South Carolina a KKK member, Elwin Wilson severely beat a MLK Freedom Rider, John Lewis, now a congressman out of Georgia, when he and other civil rights activists attempted to enter a "white" waiting room at a bus station in

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-14474737922115387572009-02-05T21:21:00.008-05:002011-02-24T09:03:34.914-05:00

I don't know if you noticed, but on the right side of the blog there is a link to Alpha Inventions.The most difficult challenge for any website, blog or otherwise is to drive traffic to it. You could literally spend your life savings trying to get yourself noticed on the Internet. If you are like me and your life savings totals about $10.98 and shrinking fast, even though it is your life

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-70424776993405963312009-01-31T20:21:00.008-05:002009-02-02T07:31:54.944-05:00

A while back, I'm embarrassed to admit how long of a while back, let's just say it's been a minute. Anyway, Carole over at Inspired Journey honored me with the Friends are the Flowers in the Garden of Life Award.Once again, thank you so much Carole. You have always been a great support to me and your positive and enthusiastic blog is an inspiration to everyone. Please don't mistake my delay in

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-69491505474342094832009-01-28T07:44:00.010-05:002009-01-28T12:52:30.147-05:00

January 9th was the last time I posted.Three shootings, all appearing to be racially motivated introduced 2009 that has been dubbed a new beginning. A time for hope. I couldn't help but think what an ironic beginning for a year of hope. Back to back, racially motivated shootings, two of them resulting in death, kicking off the Year of Hope.I created this blog to tell my story, to talk about

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-39556088256591922742009-01-09T10:02:00.021-05:002009-01-09T10:42:51.154-05:00

I was thinking today I would sit down and write a "feel good" post. Seems I'm always talking about that latest hate filled behavior, memory, shooting, killing and on and on. It was beginning to get to me. Don't I have anything good to say?I do. Not today though. If you haven't watched the video yet, watch it now. You will see why I don't have anything good to say today.

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-80644516638398227642009-01-06T16:00:00.004-05:002009-01-15T15:51:30.005-05:00

While visiting All About Race I discovered yet another story about yet another senseless murder. Why are these stories so craftily hidden from main stream media?Twenty two year old Oscar Grant was detained to be questioned about an alleged fight. The video shows him cooperating with officers. The video also shows Oscar wrestled to the ground, with a knee in his back. Him laying there not

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-54986500843422455722009-01-01T19:07:00.012-05:002009-01-01T21:18:31.331-05:00

He was hot and tired. He had started his day early, waking up in Memphis and continuing on to Charlotte. It was May and hotter than usual for a spring day. Felt more like July, sticky and thick. Kind of rubbed off on your mood and made you feel slow, but anxious at the same time. As usual he was pulling two trailers, heading east through Mississippi on US78 past small town after small town,

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-61058166621489419422008-12-21T19:46:00.007-05:002008-12-21T20:39:38.531-05:00

If this is your first visit to Shades of Black and White, this post will mean more if you read the first few entries. If you are pressed for time, go to November 3rd, "This Man I Love" for a condensed version of this blog's full story. Thank you for reading...........Dear Mom & Dad:I hope when you read this you are both well and happy. I know it's been a while and for that I am truly sorry.

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-76438245786574296092008-12-19T20:23:00.006-05:002011-02-24T09:10:52.233-05:00

There is a heartbreaking story that has been in the news recently. Perhaps you have heard or read about it.Billy Joe Johnson was a star running back for George County High, Lucedale, Mississippi. Billy Joe was being considered by several universities for a full ride scholarship. Billy Joe was even looking forward to an award being presented to him on December 8th honoring his athletic

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-16707061186737037102008-12-11T15:30:00.004-05:002008-12-11T15:36:11.719-05:00

I had a discussion recently about when and how to talk to your kids regarding racial issues.This person, a parent, believes no discussion should take place unless a situation presents itself. In other words discuss what happens after the fact, after the damage is done. The argument I pose is what if your child is put into a situation and isn't prepared to handle it. Now your child is coming to

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-5382269565834839042008-12-05T10:44:00.001-05:002008-12-05T10:44:50.981-05:00

I live in a small town in the South. Yesterday was our annual Christmas Parade. The Christmas Parade is a huge deal in our town. School releases early, traffic that is never a problem is tremendous on this day.My youngest and I attend, the teenager thinks he is too cool and Dad is working. My middle child is in the parade on her schools float.For more than an hour before the parade began people

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-81345110205559219942008-12-01T11:50:00.014-05:002011-02-24T09:08:42.962-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day and Bloggers Unite is coming together once again to bring awareness to yet another topic the world needs to know more about.But wait. I thought HIV and AIDS, while still a menace to our society was somewhat contained. Perhaps it's growth rate had even slowed as we don't hear about it every day in the media any longer. All the attention seems to be focused on politics, the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-23884962552341936602008-11-24T10:50:00.002-05:002008-11-24T19:53:37.790-05:00

Giving thanks, expressing what I am thankful for is quite a new concept for me. Painfully sad, but entirely true.Growing up, the Thanksgiving holiday involved grown ups arguing over where dinner would be, what time it would be and who was or was not invited. The meal never involved prayer or any words spoken that resembled being thankful for anything at all. As a child I remember Thanksgiving to

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-84181677569301708472008-11-20T21:10:00.001-05:002008-11-20T21:13:03.333-05:00

I have two daughters. Not my biological daughters, didn't push them out, but definitely my daughters. Their birth mother is white and in case you are reading for the first time, their father is black.Are they black?No, they are not. They are a combination of black and white. Mixed. Mulatto. Multiracial. Biracial. Red Bone. High Yellow. Golden. Brown.Have heard it all. Can you tell?Geez, their dad

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-63250454361721917532008-11-15T15:15:00.002-05:002008-11-17T19:20:11.824-05:00

I am an idealist.I want everything to be fair, split somewhere down the middle when two sides conflict, and all endings to be happily ever after.Now I'm intelligent enough to realize it doesn't happen that way often.But I still hope.I hope that one day racism will be a non-issue. Within my family and within our culture. My optimism has been re nourished of late because of the outcome of the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-72869670726355976352008-11-10T00:01:00.005-05:002011-02-24T09:09:01.269-05:00

Sometimes I look at my daughters, whose birth mother decided there was more to life than raising four and five year old daughters and decided one day to leave for greener pastures.Then I turn and look at my son, who's birth father is so wrapped up in his own life and useless material possessions that he is rapidly losing any meaningful relationship he has with his teenage son.These three kids

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-48661442964725121612008-11-07T14:58:00.001-05:002008-11-07T15:03:45.467-05:00

Carol at Inspired Journey just last week bestowed the Brillante Weblog Award to me. Just as the dust settled, Tricia over at Papercages has now honored me with the Uber Amazing Blog Award.Thank you, Tricia for this recognition. Please visit Papercages where Tricia will entertain you with her very original style of humor. Her posts help me start each day with a smile.Now the rules of this

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-85879232918929403682008-11-03T13:15:00.000-05:002008-11-03T13:17:39.409-05:00

So I've told you some of my story. If you are reading for the first time, it is in fact a story taking place over time, so beginning with the oldest post first is the way to get up to speed.Or, if you wish, the condensed version:I was raised in the Midwest among views that were blatantly racist and with love that was always conditional. I spent much of my adult life expelled from my family due

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-46644970470442040822008-10-29T14:57:00.008-04:002008-10-29T20:16:31.604-04:00

Carol King, author of the blog Inspired Journey awarded Shades of Black And White The Brilliante Weblog Award. Thank you Carol for this recognition. Please pay her blog a visit, you'll be glad you did.Blog awards typically come with a few rules and one of the rules is to nominate at least seven blogs to pass the award on to. There are a couple of you who might not know me, but I have been

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-46206103846489598062008-10-28T20:21:00.005-04:002008-10-28T20:50:24.293-04:00

I just can't help it. I vowed never, ever to write about anything political. And now I have to. Kind of. Not because the Big Day is breathing down our necks at seven days and counting. Not because I feel I need to jump on the political bandwagon. Only because I'm a mom.My son had a civics project. To make a two minute campaign ad. This is what he produced unknown to me until I saw the

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-46324157393086778112008-10-25T10:15:00.018-04:002008-10-27T17:17:02.254-04:00

Life's little ironies are a source of fascination to me. Ironies will twist and turn and often have a surprise ending. Ironies often cause me to contemplate their cause and also the end result. Usually however, in the end they make sense and possess a degree of fairness.Double standards, now they make me angry, frustrated and confused. Double standards openly speak of an accepted injustice.

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7270608086495594826.post-28633706645820728862008-10-24T20:01:00.001-04:002011-06-08T08:49:33.697-04:00

I write this post about you. About you and all of your comments and reactions to my story.Typically, I would respond to each and every comment to acknowledge your support and point of view.Your beautiful words, support and views leave me, quite honestly, speechless. When beginning to write on this particular subject, you ask yourself what type of reaction you might expect. I never anticipated

Shirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01467710065322526541noreply@blogger.com3