Letters To The Editor

Ebony, April, 2001

TEACH YOUR CHILD BLACK HISTORY

I was totally stimulated with "How To Teach Your Child Black History" (Feb. 2001). I was very interested in this focus because, as a young mother striving for excellence, I have a child whom I will like to teach more about our history.

Unfortunately, I did not have a mentor to teach me the theory of my life; therefore, I want to start early with my son so that when he enters school, either an integrated school or a segregated one, he will be known as an educated Black child. Growing up in a rural community, Union-town, Ala., I want my son to see that there are other parts of the world in which he must experience to see the true meaning of life that started from his past and heritage. By making the sacrifices and commitments to ensure my son a quality education as he grows, I will continue to accept all the past and present historical insights from lectures, magazines (such as yours) and other documentations focusing on Black history.

I thank you, EBONY, for a head start in teaching me how to begin teaching my son about our history.

EMEFA BUTLER Montgomery, Ada.

Hats off to you for your suggestions to parents on "How To Teach Your Child Black History." I felt a sense of confirmation after reading your article.

Our children must have self-pride, self-dignity and self-worth instilled in them at a very early age because there are so many people waiting to rob them of their pride, their dignity, and their worth. If we parents practice what we preach about our heritage and our roots, our example will become a way of life for our children.

I always tell my children that they are beautiful, that they can be anything they want to be, and that there is no one better than they are when they are being the best they can be--morally, socially and academically.

I thank you, EBONY, for this much-needed article. Not only should the thought be shared during the month of February, but throughout the entire year. I know I will use the suggested teaching strategies with my children daily.

FREDIA FOUNTAIN Ft. Deposit, Ala.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

"Martin Luther King Jr. Speaks To The 21st Century" (Jan. 2001) represents sound instruction for this new generation. It was instructive then, and it still is now. If you train a child right, when he is old he will not depart from it?"

HEATHER STREETE Jamaica, West Indies

BISHOP T.D. JAKES

I am writing in response to the article, "Why People, Especially Black Women, Are Talking About Bishop T.D. Jakes" (Jan. 2001). I think the article is something that is truly needed in this day and age. We as African-Americans really need to see and know that there are people in the clergy who are truly sincere about what they do; people who understand completely that they are making major differences in the lives of a lot of people. I listen to Bishop Jakes as often as I can and am disappointed when I miss his television broadcast.

What I like most about the Bishop is his ability to relate to people and to interpret the Bible into modern-day life. There is never a time when I'm watching that he has not touched on something going on in my life. He breaks down issues to where it's on your level and doesn't seem so unsolvable.

Lastly, I'd like to say that even though the title of the piece is "Why People, Especially Black Women, Are Talking About Bishop T.D. Jakes," it should be known that many Black men are listening and talking about him too. I thank God for Bishop Jakes. He truly is a blessing.

B.K. FRANCE Memphis, Tenn.

HOW TO GET A MAN (IF YOU WANT ONE)

I really liked the article, "How To Get A Man (If You Want One) In Four Weeks Or Less" (Feb. 2001). It really made some good points that were good for men and women (as far as what to really expect from a potential mate, and to make sure you look at your expectation and determine if you are equivalent to it). I thought the title should be a little different, but overall the article was really good. I'm glad that someone out there feels the same way that I do about there being good Black men and Black females out there.

KERVIN JEAN-BAPTISTE Miami, Fla.

SELF-DEFENSE FOR SISTERS

Thank you for the article, "Self-Defense For Sisters" (March 2001). We all need to know how to be prepared to protect ourselves.

The story was very informative, but there was no identification of the instructor in the photograph with the children. Who is he?

EMILY JACKSON Chicago, Ill.

Editor's Note: The instructor is Preston Baker, a master of the Shorei Ryu Japanese style of martial arts. He is one of the most highly respected instructors in the world, and he has won several world titles in competition.

DATE WITH A DISH

I am a dedicated reader of the "Date With A Dish" feature and noticed that in "Delightful Desserts With A Southern Touch" (March 2001), the egg pastry recipe for the fried peach pies was not included. Will you please let me know what ingredients that recipe calls for?

SARAH JOHNSON New York, N.Y.

Editor's Note: The recipe calls for 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt (optional), 1 cup shortening, 1 egg (beaten), 4 tablespoons cold water, I teaspoon vinegar.