How Should History be taught in US Schools? (excerpt from Oral Presentation)

The topic of my presentation is "How Should History be Taught in U.S. Schools”? The
National History Standards was ironically funded partly by one the people who opposed
changes to Amendments that were made. That very person is Lynne Cheney, the wife of our
Vice President. The debate was a heated debate at that. The opposition ran along political
lines. While both sides agreed that history education should be more inclusive, it is how
those inclusions should be taught is what they differ. Those who favor the liberal view favor
a more politically correct view while those who favor a more conservative view favor a more
itraditional view of how history should be taught. What is interesting to note that alongside
the political views, the real reason behind the controversy is diversity. With a more diverse
population, how will schools catch up with ever-changing diversity of our nation? What
should also be noted are the alternative ways of teaching history and who are the influences
of how history is being viewed before our very eyes and how it has been taught to our
children?

Excerpt from "Grandma Esther"

I will be writing a few more short stories soon.  I will love to hear about you reading those short stories soon.  Over a decade ago, I have written a series of short stories about how Christianity in general has played a role in the lives of those who were saved, delivered, and needed guidance in their lives.

Here is an excerpt of one of the short stories that I have written a decade ago.  It is called, "Grandma Esther". :

In those moments, I think of my Grandma Raines with her melodies, her  laughter, and her stories.  I remember when my brothers and I were children she would tell us stories of Jesus and how He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed five loaves of bread and some fish to thousands with a lot left over.  There were times when I wish Jesus would do a 
miracle right then and there.  But whenever we would ask a question, Grandma Esther would say, "God is an all-time God.  Wait on Him. Don'tgive up.  Keep on believing and He will come through."

I am one of three children, triplets to be exact.  My brothers, Alden and Allen, were born just after I was.  I would make fun of how I was the big sister and that I should be just.  But it all in fun, just brother and sister stuff.  We were as close as siblings can be.  As I am telling my story, I think about Grandma Raines directing us to the living room every Christmas.  

Alden, Allen, and I would gather around Grandma Raines sitting on the rug of our hardwood floor as Grandma Raines would open up her Bible to Matthew Chapters 1 and 2.  She would tell us of the Birth of My Lord and  Savior Jesus Christ.  She would tell us of Jesus being born in a manger surrounded by animals because there was no room in the inn.  She would also tell us of the Magi following the star to see the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes; they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  I remember once Allen asked her what does it have to do with Christmas. 

"Enferma de Amor" por Jeans

Ni dormida ni despierta
se me va de la cabeza
pienso en el, porque sera?

En la calle y en la escuela
peor que un dolor de muelas
siempre esta, no me deja en paz

Hasta entre los pliegues de la almohada
cada noche me viene a buscar

Esta obsesion, que no comprendo
me pone mal
estoy simplemente enferma de amor
Esta obsesion, que me quita el sueño
es la señal de que estoy ya
enferma de amor

Con las yemas de los dedos
pongo su nombre en el viento y despues
me siento bien

Nadie sabe mi secreto
todo me lo quedo dentro aunque se
que asi no es

Como se le comen los sentidos
a los chicos ya no se que hacer

Esta obsesion, que no comprendo
me pone mal
estoy simplemente enferma de amor
Esta obsesion, que me quita el sueño
es la señal de que estoy ya
enferma de amor

Esta obsesion, que no comprendo
me pone mal
estoy simplemente enferma de amor

Esta obsesion, que no comprendo
me pone mal
estoy simplemente enferma de amor
Esta obsesion, que me quita el sueño
es la señal de que estoy ya
enferma de amor

Dear Black Men

My opinion about black women and size.

Whether one is identified as plus sized, overweight, large, overweight, or fat, why are black women who fit those labels defined as loud, not attractive enough, or crass?  I have noticed memes, online comments, videos, and even commercials and movies which show those various stereotypes.  This is a sad state of affairs where it seems to be in an age where yes, being larger can carry some health risks, but that is all some people see.  If we were to be inclusive and diverse, how come is it that women of color, who are larger, are not always included or respected, but derided.  I myself can relate to those pictures, because the women look more like me than many models, singers, dancers, and actresses.  It saddens me that large people, especially black women, are defined as unattractive and not put together.  I can relate because I as a large black woman, am not loud, crass, or any of the negative or demeaning stereotypes often associated with larger black women.  The women above are quite attractive, and they may even nice people, but I personally don't know a larger black woman who is not seen as unattractive, loud, or crass in reality, so why do they show this stereotype in movies and on television?  I just don't get it.

"High School Dance" by The Sylvers

Remember back in high school
When you couldn't wait
For the very first dance
You lay your homework was the rule

And just thinkin' 'bout the music
Puts you in a trance
You never have to worry
If you save your lunch money

So you'll have the chance
To get your ticket in a hurry
For the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

It only costs a dollar
To dance to the music
With the one you love best, uh, huh
It makes you wanna holler, ooh

The music sounds good
You just don't want to rest
And then they turn the lights down
So you can slow dance

Or sneak a little romance
All the baddest sit around
Talkin' 'bout the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance at the high school dance

It only costs a dollar
To dance to the music
With the one you love best, yeah
It makes you wanna holler, ooh

The music sounds good
You just don't want to rest, yeah
And then they turn the lights down
So you can slow dance

Or sneak a little romance, yeah yeah
All the baddest sit around
Talkin' 'bout the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance to the beat of the band
We're gonna dance at the high school dance
Boogie to the beat of the band, ooh
Boogie to the high school dance

Dance at the high school dance
Ooh, dance at the high school dance

"Thy Will be Done " by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

I'm so confused

I know I heard you loud and clear

So, I followed through

Somehow I ended up here

I don't wanna think

I may never understand

That my broken heart is a part of your plan

When I try to pray

All I've got is hurt and these four words

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

I know you're good

But this don't feel good right now

And I know you think

Of things I could never think about

It's hard to count it all joy

Distracted by the noise

Just trying to make sense

Of all your promises

Sometimes I gotta stop

Remember that you're God

And I am not

So

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will

I know you see me

I know you hear me, Lord

Your plans are for me

Goodness you have in store

I know you hear me

I know you see me, Lord

Your plans are for me

Good news you have in store

So, thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

I know you see me

I know you hear me, Lord

Read more: Hillary Scott - Thy Will Lyrics | MetroLyrics