Tag: history

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Ebony Queen PanAfrican Liberation Coalition Queendom Entertainment

The Final Frost, Part 1

The last time it snowed in Tampa, it was 1977. Fast forward, January 2026, and the entire U.S. is under ice storm warning/ freezing weather watch. Although the time frame of the storms are aligned with normal Winter month behavior, this year things were different… It was unusually hot throughout the holidays everywhere. That all ended in January when this Arctic blast shook the nation, collapsing full power grids almost simultaneously as the government power structure in our society seemed to collapse.

Chronologically, this year has quite a few significant anniversaries that are more than befitting for the times. Coincidental, even. America will reach its 250th birthday this year. If you aren’t aware, there is a theory derived from John Glubb’s The Fate of Empires, which explores “analyzing history from Assyria to modern times, Glubb identified a common life cycle: Age of Pioneers, Conquest, Commerce, Affluence, Intellect, and Decadence. Decadence is characterized by economic inequality, materialism, and societal apathy.”

Based on Glubb’s theory, “America appears to have reached the age of decadence, which Glubb defines as marked by “defensiveness, pessimism, materialism, frivolity, an influx of foreigners, the welfare state, (and) a weakening of religion.” (Thomas, 2015) Per Roz Savage’s layout, these different ages span over a number of years each, with Decadence being one of the final ages;

  • The Age of Pioneers: expansion of territory
  • The Age of Conquests: more expansion, not always peaceably
  • The Age of Commerce: wealth is created through trade and innovation
  • The Age of Affluence: all appears to be well, but the seeds of destruction are being sown
  • The Age of Intellect: the acquired affluence enables people to pursue the life of the mind. Academic institutions may produce sceptical intellectuals who start to question the dominant narratives of the empire, undermining its authority
  • The Age of Decadence: people indulge in excessive consumption in the pursuit of happiness, while in actuality becoming less happy. The civilisation creates diversions for the populace, from gladiator fights to Facebook and Instagram, while people indulge in addiction and debauchery. The values and discipline that enabled the creation of the empire are eroded
  • The Age of Decline and Collapse: inequality grows, increasing numbers are excluded from meaningful work and the means to fulfil their potential. Discontent leads to disruption and the empire collapses.

(Savage, 2019)

Furthermore, in coincidental alignments, February 2026 is the 100th anniversary of the federally recognized celebration of Black History Month. In the 1920’s, the prominent Dr. Carter G Woodson created Negro History Week and architected the annual celebration of Black American accomplishments known as, Black History Month. “As the son of formerly enslaved parents, Dr. Woodson understood that denying people of their history denies them of their humanity. “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history,” he wrote.” (Melville, 2026)

I could continue on for days with coincidentally aligned dates and times but these two are the most prominent and eerily befitting human events that are echoing their sentiments in this new year. Most Americans, for the first time in decades, are entering the territory of an authoritarian government which, most of us working age and below, have never had to deal with personally on an immediately direct level. The most powerful person in our government is a rouge decoy for all the ultra-rich, powerful people pulling the corruption strings behind the scenes. But for the first time in a very long time, people are fed up and more riled up than ever. Not just politically and financially, but socially and professionally. For years, every single person in America has felt the bubbling up or been directly impacted by a society that is rapidly declining.

January 2026’s Final Frost highlighted the immeasurable depth of corruption that is being inflicted on Americans and negatively impacting our every day lives. The ice storm exposed the weakness of our power sources from the root to the shoot. Power grids across the country failed due to overload. People reeled over the funds they lost preparing for a storm that wasn’t nearly as bad as was predicted. In defense of the meteorologists, we were warned that Trump’s gutting of NOAA & NWS would directly correlate to discrepancies in reporting. “The Trump administration’s 2026 budget appears to be actively working to eliminate the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) along with all NOAA weather laboratories and cooperative institutes and laboratories, which provide weather forecasting data and research from 80 universities and work to improve NOAA’s warning and forecast capabilities. Without continued funding, long-term datasets would be disrupted and the NWS’ ability to inform disaster preparation and provide accurate and timely weather tracking would be at risk. Moreover, the president just signed into law the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which, among other dangerous provisions, repealed all unobligated funds that the Biden administration had designated for improving research, forecasting, monitoring, and public communication of hazardous weather.” (“Lasting Threat of Trump’s Cuts to NOAA and NWS on American Communities,” n.d.) 

While Americans faced the physical impacts of cutting crucial funding for weather reporting, Trump’s DOJ released over 3 million files on January 30th 2026 about the case surrounding notorious child sex offender, serial rapist, and human trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. This file drop cemented the publicly known notion that not only is the sitting president directly involved in the Epstein scandal, so is a large number of mostly prominent ultra-wealthy men whose crooked business dealings benefited off the backs of hardworking, law abiding citizens. Everyone from politicians to celebrities were exposed sending the western world into a frenzy. What now? How can a country where citizens are subjected to torturous policing, corrupted government officials, and invasive surveillance, suddenly be so lenient on the western world’s most powerful figures using money and connections to inflict world changing, immeasurable pain on a mass scale? How can a world that has normalized the rich eating the meek truly be sustainable? Truth is, it can’t and it won’t.

John Glubb told us, with evidence, in 1977 that America may have been on the brink of its collapse. “Glubb says the 250-year average of empires has not varied in 3,000 years, but we don’t learn from history because “our studies are brief and prejudiced.” He means they are mostly about one’s own country.” (Thomas, 2015) Although, it may not be 250 years to date, it’s safe to say that there is no American right now who is absolutely sure about what life beyond Trump and his corruption looks like. We’re in the thick of it and January’s final frost may have been the frigid, sharp wake up that American’s who believe in the Constitution needed. As Dr. Woodson wrote, ““Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history,”(Woodson, 1993,) 

References

The Lasting Threat of Trump’s Cuts to NOAA and NWS on American Communities. (n.d.). Center for American Progress. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-lasting-threat-of-trumps-cuts-to-noaa-and-nws-on-american-communities/

Melville, D. (2026, January 5). 2026 Marks The 100th Anniversary Of Black History Month — A Brief History. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/dougmelville/2026/01/05/2026-marks-the-100th-anniversary-of-black-history-month—a-brief-history/

Savage, R. (2019, October 17). The rise and fall of the human empire. Roz Savage | MP|Ocean Rower|Speaker|Author. https://www.rozsavage.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-human-empire/

Thomas, C. (2015, January 4). Thomas: Will decadent America reach empires’ average age of 250 years? https://www.lubbockonline.com/. https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2015/01/04/thomas-will-decadent-america-reach-empires-average-age-250-years/15000869007/

Woodson, C. G. (1993). The mis-education of the Negro. 

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Ebony Queen PanAfrican Liberation Coalition Queendom Entertainment Uncategorized

“The Problem We All Live With” -1963

Ebony Martin 

ENC 1101  

 

                                           
                                              

(Rockwell) 


                “The Problem We All Live With.” 1963 
 
  Norman Rockwell captured the woes of attending public education as a Black American back in 1963 with “The Problem We All Live With”. Although Ruby Bridges’ experience is incomparable, is it still painstakingly obvious that our schools are still segregated by classism, under-protected, and unsafe for our society’s children. Norman’s painting paid extremely well attention to detail. The anonymity of the men walking her into school for protection, the tomatoes splattered against the wall, and Ruby Bridges carrying her head and her book high at 6. This image is painfully still a reality today in a sense. With AP African American studies under attack, specifically in our state, it is imperative we have this conversation as a society. Have things changed much since Ruby Bridges? Was it Norman Rockwell‘s intention to capture such an everlasting situation? 
  

 Ruby Bridges was a child, aged 6, who was subjected to the ill feelings of adult people without restraint. These people despised the thought of a young black child pursuing education. Norman captures that reality within the painting by clearly sending the message the Ruby was not welcome. Adults who could not look beyond her physical attributes and recognize the genius in all minds? We all deserve a chance! Starting with a quality and whole education, free of bias. Where would be as a society if all these barriers did not exist? The breakdown of the artistic values of the photo gives a more in-depth look at how meticulous every detail in this painting was.  
 
Color is one of the most important aspects of this photo. What would the cultural significance be if race were not the focal point of the picture? In plain words, it gives the photo depth. Ruby is obviously a black child and, given the history of racism in American, race was an important aspect in 1963 and to this photo. For other example, the pale colors of the bodyguards’ suits give an “official” feeling. This points to the fact that Ruby is likely being escorted by people designated to be there for her protection. If this picture did not highlight the tones of skin or the color of what each person is wearing, would its significance still be recognizable?

 

(Rockwell) 
 
Lines are the most inquisitive visual aspect of the photo to me. There could be lines anywhere in a picture. This photo reflects lines that not only build the atmosphere but give significance to the clothing/genders of the subject and were used to form the “N” word in the background that really gave the photo its great significance. Without lines, a lot of photos would lose their significance and even sense of reality. The lines in “The Problem We All Live With” are mostly rigid and firm. This gives a sense of firm realism and coldness that makes the photo real and extremely sad, for most. Could THAT word be written without lines? Can you draw people accurately without them?  
 
Unfortunately, in a society where race precedes all, education is impacted the most. Norman Rockwell’s painting “The Problem We All Live With” cemented that into truth, visually. Segregation in education in America was amplified by this photo and sparked a generationally conversation that is still happening today. African American AP studies was just recently banned in Florida because of ONE politician’s personal view about Critical Race Theory. Is it just for a human to deny the existence and quality of life of an entire people because of subjective opinions? From 1963 to this day, race and inequality still corrode our educational system and many other aspects of our society from the inside out. While uncomfortable, it is important that this topic continues to be at the forefront of our generation’s history. If not for our survival, at least for the generations of the future.  

                   Works Cited  

Rockwell, Norman. “”The Problem We All Live With” – Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) – Google Arts & Culture.” Google Arts & Culture, artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-problem-we-all-live-with-norman-rockwell-1894-1978/qwGpXUCsX0RPAQ. ReplyForward

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Ebony Queen PanAfrican Liberation Coalition

The Ancient Kingdom of Benin

Ebony M

Honors Humanities 

Cultural Experience and Critical Analysis Essay 

February 18th, 2024 

The Ancient Kingdom of Benin 

( “Benin Heads” ) 

 Nestled in the southern region of the modern-day country known as Nigeria is a city known as Benin. In history, it was known as The Benin Kingdom aka the Edo Kingdom. Benin came to be established by way of Edo people seeking liberation from their rulers, The Ogisos. The remnants of this culture are approx. 5,246 ancient artifacts housed in museums across the world, on display for admiration by the very cultures that looted the items from their land of origination. (“Benin Bronzes Online Database Goes Live with Details of Thousands of Looted Artefacts”). The most cumulative significant artifacts of this culture are “a group of sculptures which include elaborately decorated cast plaques, commemorative heads, animal and human figures, items of royal regalia, and personal ornaments” known as the “Benin Bronzes.” (“Benin Bronzes”) 

 The Benin Bronze casters began creating the figures before the 13th century but were not acquired for distribution to the museums until The Benin Expedition of 1897 by a British force, also known as “The Benin Massacre”. Per the British Royal Collection Trust, “The Oba (king) of Benin held great influence and prevented the Company from forming a monopoly in the region. In 1896, the Company decided to mount an expedition to depose the Oba and replace him with a council appointed by British officials.” (“Alan Boisragon (1860-1922) – The Benin Massacre / by Captain Alan Boisragon”) In February of 1897, the “Raid of Benin” commenced, resulting in the burning destruction of the Oba’s palace and ultimately, his exile from the land. The monarchs most precious artifacts were looted to destabilize the power of the King, thus, resulting in foreign museums being full of stolen ancient African artifacts. The exhibit selected holds most of these artifacts, in addition to the looted ones of many other cultures. They are put on display, in no specific order on the online exhibit, for admiration by those who are interested in seeing the cultures of the African people.  

 The Benin Bronzes boast a plethora of distinct artifacts. However, the most frequently discovered were known as the Benin Heads. These busts were created from carved elephant tusks, brass, and bronze. They were perched upon Benin Altars to symbolize the transference of power from late kings to the new king. The material used to create the bust was directly dependent upon the stature of the King it was created for. This ranged from the previously mentioned brass and bronze, to wood, and terracotta. (“11 Facts You Need to Know About Benin Art”) The Oba was tasked with forming and commissioning bronze casters and ivory carvers to create the art for the royal court.  

 Within the exhibit the masks are amongst other artwork that represent different things within the Benin culture. It also includes the artifacts of other African cultures which gives the artwork distinct significance and puts the differences between each culture and its artwork on display. As previously mentioned, other distinct notable artwork exclusive to the Benin culture are cast plaques with elaborate scenes of how the Benin perceived their trade partners, the Portuguese. According to the “Khan Academy,” the plaques depicted them with “their pointed noses, thin faces and beards and strange clothes.” (“Benin Plaques at the British Museum”) The artwork from the Benin culture tells specific stories, depending on which art you are ingesting. Seeing the the artwork in its entirety in an exhibit brings the Benin history to life and provides tangible evidence to support the vast, factual cultural significance of the Benin Empire.  

Works Cited 

“11 Facts You Need to Know About Benin Art.” Google Arts & Culture, artsandculture.google.com/story/11-facts-you-need-to-know-about-benin-art-yemisi-shyllon-museum-of-art/iAXxMDvz38PV8Q?hl=en. 

“Alan Boisragon (1860-1922) – The Benin Massacre / by Captain Alan Boisragon.” Royal Collection Trust, http://www.rct.uk/collection/1121484/the-benin-massacre-by-captain-alan-boisragon. 

“Benin Bronzes Online Database Goes Live with Details of Thousands of Looted Artefacts.” The Art Newspaper – International Art News and Events, 8 Nov. 2022, http://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/11/07/benin-bronzes-online-database-goes-live-with-details-of-thousands-of-looted-artefacts. 

“Benin Bronzes.” The British Museum, http://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/contested-objects-collection/benin-bronzes. 

Benin Heads. Photograph. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. https://www.randafricanart.com/images/Metropolitan_Museum_of_art_African_collection111.jpg, 

“Benin Plaques at the British Museum.” Khan Academy, http://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-africa/west-africa/nigeria/a/benin-plaques. 

“Metropolitan Museum of Art – African Art Collection – Virtual Tour Page 4.” RAND AFRICAN ART, http://www.randafricanart.com/Met_Museum_virtual_tour_4.html.