AboveTheRayne

John Ware………………American/Canadian

Let me tell you a little bit about a man I’m very proud of. This is a Black man who truly showed a great picture of the Black man, not your stereotypical usual picture so many like to think of.

His name is “John Ware” a Black Cowboy, that’s right, so many have not heard of this unique and marvellous man. Well John Ware was born into slavery in South Carolina. Wearing such a label did not slow John down in life as you will soon see. After the “American Civil War” John Ware was old enough to venture out on his own and he moved to Texas. There he became a Cowboy and learned the skills of ranching.

John Ware was a cattle man and he herded cattle from Texas, through Montana and up into Alberta as we know it now. John worked right here in Calgary at a ranch for a time and subsequently bought his own ranch near “The Red Deer River”

John had married to a wonderful and supportive woman, named “Mildred Lewis”, they had five children. They moved from Calgary to the Village of Duchess in Alberta. John and family did endure some tough times as their first home was destroyed by a Spring flood in 1902 and John had to rebuild. He did so on higher ground.

Mildred died also in the spring of pneumonia. John unfortunately was killed in the fall after being crushed with a broken neck, when his horse had tripped in a badger hole. His funeral was one of the largest for that time in the early days.

John Ware goes down in history and is known for being the creator of the very popular “steer wrestling”. We all know, it is still very popular at the Calgary Stampede. We must remember that John Ware was known for helping to lay the down the foundation of the ranching industry in Western Canada. People did not consider John as a stereotype, he was well respected as a hard worker and very well liked individual. He did not dwell on his color, instead he acted on what he knew and loved.

There is much to learn about John Ware and often you can see and learn of him right here in Alberta, at the Glen Bow Museum. Or you can visit area’s named in honour of John Ware. John Ware Ridge…formerly…Nigger John Ridge. Mount Ware and or Ware Creek. Perhaps check out “John Ware High School” in South West Calgary. How about “The John Ware Building” at Sait, Ploytechnic undergraduate college and also “The John Ware 4-H Beef Club in Duchess, Alberta. Oh John Ware was not forgotten by our horse people, here in Alberta.

Take note that John & Mildred’s log Cabin was relocated in 1958 from the Prairie Setting near Millicent, Alberta to “The Red Deer River Valley” in Dinosaur Provincial Park which is about 20 k’s to the East. It’s restoration and redecoration took place in 2002.

A song was written by “Diamond Joe White” an Albertan Musician and he has since released a song with the title…”High River…The John Ware Story”. A sad note also to mention is none of John and Mildred’s children had any offspring and the last surviving daughter, “Nettie” died on her 96th birthday in March, 1989 in Vulcan, Alberta. Their last son, “Arthur” died in Burnaby, B.C. in May, 1989. Also note Mildred had family that still reside in New Jersey and also in British Columbia.

In 2012, two African American’s were placed on a Commemorative, Canadian Stamp, one was John Ware and the other was Viola Desmond from Nova Scotia. That was to celebrate “Black History”.

Check out the book…John Ware’s Cow Country…by J.W. Grant MacEwan…Also don’t forget to go forth and learn about “Viola Desmond”…..

WORDS BY: BILL COSBY

Bill Cosby always says it like it REALLY IS !!!!!!!

Bill Cosby “I’m 83 and Tired”

I’m 83. Except for brief period in the 50’s when I was doing my National
Service, I’ve worked hard since I was 17. Except for some serious
health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn’t call in sick in nearly
40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn’t inherit my job or my
income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as
though retirement was a bad idea, and I’m tired. Very tired.

I’m tired of being told that I have to “spread the wealth” to people who
don’t have my work ethic. I’m tired of being told the government will take
the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy
to earn it.

I’m tired of being told that Islam is a “Religion of Peace,” when every day I
can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and
daughters for their family “honor”; of Muslims rioting over some slight
offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren’t
“believers”; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning
teenage rape victims to death for “adultery”; of Muslims mutilating the
genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur’an and
Shari’a law tells them to.

I’m tired of being told that out of “tolerance for other cultures” we must let
Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques
and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia , New Zealand ,
UK , America and Canada , while no one from these countries are allowed to
fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other
Arab country to teach love and tolerance..

I’m tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global
warming, which no one is allowed to debate.
I’m tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help
support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ
rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses
or stick a needle in their arm while they
tried to fight it off?

I’m tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties
talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when
we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I’m tired of people
with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

I’m really tired of people who don’t take responsibility for their lives and
actions. I’m tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination
or big-whatever for their problems.I’m also tired and fed up with seeing young
men and women in their teens and early 20’s be-deck them selves in tattoos and
face studs, thereby making themselves un-employable and claiming money from
the Government.

Yes, I’m damn tired. But I’m also glad to be 83.. Because, mostly, I’m not
going to have to see the world these people are making. I’m just sorry for
my granddaughter and their children. Thank God I’m on the way out and not
on the way in.

There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on!
This is your chance to make a difference.

” I’m 83 and I’m tired. If you don’t forward this you are part of the problem”.

Written by: Bill Cosby

DUKE ELLINGTON

2009, The United States Mint launched a new coin featuring Duke Ellington, making him the first African American to appear by himself on a circulating U.S. coin

NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela…A human presence on this earth that most will never forget. he personified greatness in his love for humanity and his quest for peace. He endured a devastation in his life that took 27 years of freedom way. He served that particular time like a king (in mind) and used it to have faith in the belief of his freedom. At no time did Mandela compromise is principles. However it was not the same ont he outside as the ANC (African National Congress was broken.

For Nelson Mandela, freedom raised its head in Feb. 11/1990 when he was released from Victor Verster Prison on Robben Island at the ripe age of 72. He then became known all over the world being a dominant influence creating peace within his country. Mandela became so respected and loved that both Blacks and Whites were inculcated by him. Subsequently they stood firm by his side, supporting him in his Presidency in April 1994.

Mandela was a unique and creative man and became the heart of his country. He was known as a radical…telling it like it is…and stnding up for the rights of himself and others. Unafraid to speak granted him a suspension from college for his political interference. Mandela had many attributes, he was charismatic, extremely ambitious, a lovely ballroom dancer and keen on boxing. Like Jesus his radical behavior came forth as he spoke to the masses.

Mandela studies law for a time and articled to a white attorney “lasar Sidelsky”, they became friends. He studied at the University of Wilwatersrand. Soon his political career approached and he was drawn into militant politics through the ANC (African National Congress). Mandela was diligent nd joined with an energetic Zulu intellectual (Anton Lembede) who together with (Sisulu Tambo, together the three set up a congress yuth league in 1944 to push the ANC toward protest.

More to come about a great man “Nelson Mandela)

ALBERT EINSTEIN

Born…March 14/1879 Died 1055

– Educated all across Europe
– Was considered a Genius
– Professor Theoretical Physics in the U.S.
– Received a Nobel Prize for Theoretical Physics
– A fine Musician…Played both the Piano & Violin
– Music was his mode of relaxation
– Supporter of Peace
– Stood at teh front of many Anti War Protests
– Refused Presidency of Israel
– Chastised for his race by Students
– The world considers Albert Einstein a Scientific
Genius.

THOMAS SANKARA

I’m here to tell you about a man, named Thomas Sankara.
A man many seemed to have forgotten and many who
never knew of his name. This man, was a great man, just
the same.

An upright man was he, not living a life of corruption, or
falling in the fields of roaring greed, baited with its seduction.
No this man was a man of quality, compassionate through to
the core, a man ready to defend “good” even if need be by war.

With great respect he viewed the world, and treated the weak
with gentle hands. But for the wicked, corrupt and sinister, he
had another plan. Rid the pain, rip away the veil of captivity,
for his people were frail and poor, with no concrete stability.

We’ve heard of many leaders and those who have attained fortune
and fame. This great man lived among a people seeking freedom
from corrupted games. His name was not seen in Neon lights.
Newspaper articles wrote little of him as he began the journey
seeking freedom and rights for his people. .

A revolutionary man was he, standing for the betterment of his
African country. To no avail, he appealed to the French to lift
the blanket of Imperialism. This upright man, was facing a
battle he would never win, though his struggle did begin.

Thomas Sankara, died one of the poorest Presidents whoever
lived. Prior to his death, so much of himself he wanted to give.
His meager possessions as such were: a fridge, a broken
Freezer, three guitars, four bikes and a car, a salary of $450.00
a month. He was not a rich man by far. Though he was the world’s
poorest President, he was its richest revolutionary. A legacy the
world should carry.

A friend thee painted mask unveiled, O Blaise thou fire doth burn
corrupt. Evil giants dines blood curdling rage and the fiery beast.
Shall ne’er stand tall. Linens, diamonds, gold and silk. Greed and
envy shall bear you tainted milk. False love drained such eyes of
deceit,while stand up men fell to their death in the land of the meek.

Twenty six years since Sankara’s assassination, he and twelve of
his aids were victims of a calculation. Gunned down with no
reservation. This great man and his aids were killed before a
nation and very few knew, of this silent news. In October 1987,
the world lost another great man. He joins great leaders in the
sky of Heaven and watches over his Father’s land.

O hail ye not, ne’re forget thy heavy hand, you’ve robbed my
people of their land. The book is open, in patience I wait beyond
the glory of God’s gate. With Him, I rest in eternal peace and
await the day, hells gates release, when the choice is no longer
yours to cease.

This poem to be continued and continued and continued.

Written by: Melvina Germain

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Ludwick Marishane (1991-Present)

What He Invented: DryBath
Why It’s Important: At age 21 Ludwick Marishane developed a formula that people use to bathe without water. DryBath is a lotion that cleanses cheaply and easily — especially important for the 2.5 billion people worldwide who lack proper access to water and sanitation.
DryBath has the same effect as an antibacterial cleanser, but it’s odorless and creates a biodegradable film that cleans and moisturizes the skin. Five years later, it’s now available on the market. Marishane has since enrolled at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and was named the Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011.