In the 1980’s African-Americans moved from the projects of Chicago’s Good Times to the Brooklyn brownstones of the Huxtables. The enterprising Russell Simmons turned the Hip-Hop music of the Bronx into a lucrative music phenomenon through Def Jam Recordings. Spike Lee introduced the world to the culture of historically black college institutions through his big screen production of School Daze. In politics, L. Douglas Wilder was elected the governor of Virginia making him the first elected African-American to lead a U. S. state. While African-Americans were being positively portrayed on screen and making firsts in politics, a new caste-system was being founded based on the mass incarceration of black and brown people in a so-called “War on Drugs”. The New Jim Crow developed massive prison industrial complexes that reaped significant economic gains for its developers. In the 1980’s, FBI anti drug spending to fight the influx of drugs in neighborhoods of black and brown families increased from $8 million to $95 million while spending on things like education decreased. The main tool for controlling the spread of drugs was to jail both users and dealers. It was in this era that Faith’s next two models were born. These young women were born around the time that I graduated from high school and headed to Florida A & M University. I have classmates with children their ages. These are the young women that are shaping the future of our community. Angelique Johnson earned a doctorate in electrical engineering before the age of 30. She is the founder and CEO of MEMStem, an early stage startup that produces “implantable electrode leads capable of providing targeted electrical stimulation to highly dense and small nerve fiber groups” (I took that straight from the website). Angelique’s research led to the microfabrication of these devices that can be used to restore hearing, control Parkison’s tremors, and reduce chronic pain. Her devise can be completely manufactured through an automated process making her technology 1/10th the cost of similar technology created by hand. Thanks to her development this technology which was once only available to the affluent can now reach the greater population. Angelique is extremely intelligent, but what really impresses me about her is her passion for empowering young people through entrepreneurship. She understands the importance of education is not simply to be obtained but harnessed as a tool to transform lives. She is not educated to simply generate income for someone else, but to create a lasting legacy for herself and community. Even though she is probably one of the smartest women I have ever met, she is one of the most humble, approachable, and down to earth women I have ever encountered. Minda Reeves is a freelance writer whose byline reads as Minda Honey. I first met Minda after a talk I gave at Creative Mornings. During the talk, I mentioned that KMAC Museum’s education department, where I served as Director of Education, was looking to partner with artists to use our space to build community. Minda approached me immediately afterwards to discuss a partnership where people used memoir to respond to our exhibits. Minda was confident, assertive, and self-assured. We met later at the museum. Before our meeting I found one of her articles from the LEO Weekly, where she is the relationship advice columnist. I followed that article with an excerpt from something she penned while studying and teaching writing in Southern California. I realized Minda is a transparent spirit who embraces her joys, sorrows, mistakes and triumphs. In her writing I saw a raw honesty. Her writing screamed, “This is me and I have something to say. I might make you uncomfortable, but that’s not my issue!” I see Minda’s non-conforming spirit in my own daughter. Minda and Angelique are both young women who I want to support with my time, energy, and resources. I truly believe there is strength in intergenerational relationships. Older generations have experiences and insights that are often not found in youth, while younger generations bring a fresh perspective. We need each other. It is my desire that these two young women keep me in their lives and bring some of their peers along for the ride.
4 Comments
11/6/2018 02:43:42 pm
I absolutely love this article. Your timeline through media was a perfect segue into writing about these two women. The juxtaposition between our on-screen progress and our real life struggles was concise, yet so deep.
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Vendis Shipley
11/9/2018 03:34:54 pm
I enjoyed reading this article very much. I know Angelique, from several meetings in the past. Soft spoken powerhouse with purpose and passion. A true leader for all especially women. Minda is a woman after my own heart as I love to write also. My poem are very diverse, some funny, sad, violent, spiritual, etc. I look forward to reading her work, as I think it will inspire me more.
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Vendis T Shipley
11/9/2018 03:43:51 pm
I meant to compliment the writer of the above subject. This young lady has talent and took the time to include, great past references leading up to her great article that would be informative for where the background have been apart of these two fantastic ladies lives. Blessings to you
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Shoshana Levy
11/9/2018 10:12:10 pm
Dr. Johnson is an inspiration to all. She's a bright shinning star. Great article. Keep it going Dr. Johnson!
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AuthorRamona Dallum Lindsey is an artist, speaker and curious citizen who finds strength in the wisdom of her elders. Archives
February 2019
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