:Vocalo.org

Like most Mexicans the term "mestizo" adequately defines Sindy's family; a mixture of Spanish and Indigenous ancestry. But she starts to re-examine her roots, specially on her father's side of the family, upon visiting the exhibit "The African Presence in Mexico". Her father's reaction is uncomfortable, "I'm not, how would you say, flattered that I may have African ancestry, but I can't deny my race." His comment hits home on the unusual position of the forgotten "third-root" of the Mexican people. The suppression of an African identity might have at first been progressive but it also came at the cost of denying the contributions of African-descended people.

As a Washington Post article commented on one of the pictures exhibited, "would this young woman have defined herself as black? And if she didn't, who are we to "rediscover" it in her?"

Wut's Good Radio took a call from a charmingly sincere white lady who wanted help with a grad-school assignment on cultural diversity.  She's supposed to go spend time with people who are different from her-- and she plans to meet some black folks.  But what's she supposed to say?

TJ, Toussaint, and Boogz give her some tips and some practice. And, yeah, they laugh at her a little.  But in a nice way.

  They also suggest some places to go...

In a time somewhere around two weeks ago, in a galaxy far, far, away known as Gary, IN, two unsuspecting co-workers embark on a Vocalo quest to win t-shirts.  The result was an epic conversation about race, racism, Black History Month, and white-womanhood that was recorded for posterity for future generations to enjoy.

LorrellK and Jennifer discuss the race issue, as they see it.  Look, listen, watch, and learn...ok, just listen and learn and hopefully laugh as much as they did.  :-) 

Dr. Joanne Roberts is the Education Manager of the Chicago Public Schools. She stopped in to Vocalo to talk about Black History Month. Apparently, it wasn't even in the History books until recently. Also, Even though its Black History Month, most schools don't use it to teach Black History.