On the Eve of 2009 The Age of Change is Upon Us

                                                      





I sit here on New Years Eve contemplating the many Changes coming in 2009.  In retrospection, I am also meditating on the recent election of Barack Obama.  (excuse me for not including Hussein) I am also struggling with the changes that have led to this event.  While many celebrate and are filled with great expectations, I am personally seeking validation of my own racial and cultural identity.  Like the President, (can I say that before his Inauguration?)  I am mixed.  But not mixed up, much less a mutt.  I have lived in the Grey Area of this societies racial categorization process and have carved out my own identity between black and white.  Perhaps this is why I have been radicalized in my views and commitment to Social Change.  I feel close to Obama, yet so distanced in background and experience. 

 What I do share with President Obama is a shield from the neurosis of internalized inferiority and internalized superiority and the hope that this Country will come together to create the Change that must come.  

The conflicts around the globe are becoming to long to list.  The troubles in the world seem too 

far gone to fix.  Yet if I were to pick,  it would be peace first and then the rest of the mix of the worst...If only the world could pause for a moment and realize our common humanity. 

Please come join me and Be Cultural............

                                                                                

Sitting here on Williams Island I sense the spirits in the calm of the wind. Today I decided to continue this effort to log thoughts about the Historic Site, Idlewild. The sounds of birds are loud here by the beach. Somedays you can remain alone for hours here. During the Summer however the Island becomes alive with movements and sounds of water, wind, birds and the humming of motors from cars and boats. But in those moments of still silence, and magical moment occurs when silence is breached by the coo and songs of the birds...
I sit here and wonder what will become of this place. I was well into adulthood before I understood that the footsteps before me on these paths and roads, were made by many of significance. Worthy to be remembered and understood. Gotta Go, will start delving deeper soon...

The Black Eden

Yesterday I decided to write and share the stories and insight into Idlewild, Michigan. http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=&city=Idlewild&state=MI&zipcode=&country=US&cid=lfmaplink#a/maps/l:::Idlewild:MI::US:43.886902:-85.802498:city:Lake+County/m:hyb:14:43.887186:-85.799082:0::/io:0:::::f:EN:M:/e

Yesterday I turned 50 years of age. Most of those years I have been connected in some shape or form with Idlewild. Recently returned from New York I feel compelled to speak on the subject of Idlewild. I will intermix the historical then, with the present day remnant and prayers of a future shared...

Most recently there was a big screen media production called Idlewild. Of course this incensed the local folks of Idlewild, Michigan because many elements of the movie Idlewild were gleaned from the Historical site the Black Eden, Idlewild Michigan. While today a remnant of memories and blood kin remain.

Most notable for published stories of historical facts:

Ronald J. Stephens, Idlewild: The Black Eden of Michigan. Chicago, Illinois: Arcadia Publishing, 2001.

Lewis Walker and Ben C. Wilson, The Idlewild Community: Black Eden. East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University Press, 2002.

Ted Talbert, Idlewild: A Place in the Sun, WDIV-TV (Channel 4), Detroit, Michigan.

Idlewild is many things to many people. Some carry the historical sentiment while others claim a form of entitlement based on having generations of family ties to the area. There are year round inhabitants and there are the Lot Owners and Vacation Homeowners. (those who reside elsewhere) There is a local government made up of year-round residents. I wish to describe the background to present day problems concerning my home, Idlewild Michigan.